August 2000 Newsletter
The official newsletter of the HOUSE STAFF COUNCIL August 2000
President Dr. James Williams
Vice-President Dr. Sandra Parker
Secretary Dr. Maurice Sholas
E-mail address HouseStaff@uthscsa.edu
The next meeting of the HSC is Tuesday, September 12th at 5:30 pm in the OPTIMIST ROOM (UH Cafeteria.) EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND! FREE FOOD! REWARDS FOR ATTENDANCE! If unable to attend the meetings, contact one of the officers with suggestions or problems regarding the HSC.
CURRENT ISSUES: HSC is DESPARATELY in need of INTERESTED individuals who want to participate on a committee dedicated to improving the call room situation. The UHS administration has agreed to some of the HSC's suggestions (keyless entry locks) and would like to meet with individuals who can guide them in their future efforts and help plan changes. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CALL ROOMS - THIS COMMITTEE IS FOR YOU! CONTACT JAMES WILLIAMS FOR DETAILS!
If you are interested in serving on/leading any of the other HSC committees, contact an HSC officer or come to the next meeting.
HSC continues to gather information and opinions regarding the unionization of house staff. And on the same note, the next TMA Interim Conference and accompanying Resident-Fellow Section meeting is September 15-16, 2000 in Austin, Texas at the Renaissance Hotel in the Arboretum. Scheduled to present is PRN, Physicians for Responsible Negotiation, a committee whose purpose is to promote and assist in effective negotiation with "outside forces" without sacrificing patient care. For a complete schedule of the Interim meeting, come to the next HSC meeting or e-mail parkers@uthscsa.edu and request one. Resident/Fellow attendees are reimbursed up to $125 for travel expenses.
If weren't lucky enough to "GET MUGGED" recently - Don't Worry, Be Happy! Plans are in the works for an upcoming, repeat performance - so watch your paystubs for the dates! The cost of the mug is $5 and purchase of the mug entitles one to unlimited free refills on all fountain beverages for the remainder of their residency.
HSC is planning a social event for residents and their families to be held within the next two months. Stay tuned for more information... IT WILL BE GREAT FUNI
In regard to the HSC's proposal to the UHS administration concerning the creation of a physician dining room, talk with your faculty about publicly supporting this IMPORTANT issue.
Beginning July 1st all residents are eligible to receive an UT Health Science Center at San Antonio ID badge that will allow them access to the sports facilities and special offers on computer programs at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio bookstore. Residents can complete the paperwork during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Police Department located across from the Dental School Cafeteria. Most departments of covering the cost of the badge, which is $10. If you have to pay for the badge yourself, the cost is refundable when it is returned at the end of your residency. Once you have your badge, be sure to wear it on your coat!
"NEWS YOU CAN USE"
Grievance Committee - The HSC has established this committee to assist residents that have concerns regarding faculty or other personnel with ethical issues such as discrimination, sexual harassment or abusive/inappropriate behavior. Residents can call Dr. James Williams, President of the HSC and Grievance Committee, at pager # 756-5697. ALL CALLS ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL!
Useful reference materials like PubMed and Harrison's are available on-line through the VA PC terminals. Access codes (other than DHCP codes) are needed and are available at Information Services on the 1st floor. For more information or to request additional on-line services, call VA 5109 (Educational Resources).
NUMBERS AND WEBSITES:
Free Counseling Hotline: 614 CARE
TMA loan information: 1-800-880-2828
SMA loan information: 1-800-423-4992
AMA website: http://ama-assn.org
AAMC website: http://www.aamc.org
ACGME website: http://www.acgme.org
BCMS website: http://www.bcms.org
TMA website: http://www.virtual.texmed.org
"Some people march to a different drummer...and some people polka." - LA Times Syndicate