July 2000 Newsletter
The official newsletter of the HOUSE STAFF COUNCIL July 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, August 8th 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:
The UHS administration has ACCEPTED the HSC's proposal concerning the equitable distribution of on-call meal tickets.
CONGRATULATIONS to the winning team of the 1st annual Wyeth-Ayerst Resident and Faculty Golf Challenge held at Canyon Springs Golf Course on 722-00. The winning team members are Drs. Fester, Hester, Jacobs and Topp from Orthopaedics. Dr. Phil Jacobs won the Longest Drive contest, Dr. David Hester won the Closest to the Hole contest and Dr Feinstein from Ob/Gyn won the Longest Putt contest. Although some came close, no one was able to make a hole in one for any of the special prizes - Better luck (and aim) next year! SPECIAL THANKS to Dr. Lloyd Stegemann in the Department of Surgery for organizing the event. Thanks to the corporate sponsors - Wyeth-Ayerst, Otsuka, Aventis, Merck and Bayer.
Beginning July 1st all residents will receive an UT Health Science Center at San Antonio ID badge that will allow them access to the sports and weight room 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!
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.
A compilation of the suggestions regarding the basic necessities required in a call room are being submitted to the UHS administration and the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio GME as a "Resident's Call Room Bill of Rights."
'The 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 promote and assist in effective negotiation with "outside forces" without sacrificing patient care. Resident/Fellow attendees are reimbursed up to $125 for travel expenses.
If you are interested in serving on/leading any of the HSC committees, contact an HSC officer.
"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!
The Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS) has an "Auto Purchase Program" that offers its members substantial discounts on the purchase of new or used car at selected dealerships, as well as competitive financing/leasing rates. Anyone interested in more information or an application should visit the website listed below or call 734-6691 extension 109.
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
"You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough." - Joe E. Lewis