Asthma exacerbations, panic attacks, rashes, and colds may make up an average clinic day for a Family Medicine physician. However, it’s not every day the patient population includes state senators and representatives, their staff members, and other visitors to the Texas State Capitol.
Three UTMB physicians recently had the opportunity to serve as Physician of the Day for the Texas State Legislature. This program allows Family Medicine Physicians to spend a day in Austin at the Capitol Health Clinic tending to any medical needs that arise.
“It’s a day of service, and it's a way to advocate for the Family Physician’s role in the care of patients,” says Namita Bhardwaj, MD, MS, MPH.
Coordinated through the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, the program is open to any member who is in good standing. An eligible member may serve as Physician of the Day one or more days in a legislative session, which run on odd-number years on weekdays January through May.
This year’s session marked Dr. Bhardwaj’s third time as a Physician of the Day; previously, she was the only UTMB physician to serve in each of those sessions. With Samuel Mathis, MD, and Ernst Nicanord, MD, both participating for the first time this year, this legislative session has been the first with this much UTMB representation.
Dr. Mathis had known of the program since he was a student at UTMB, and it was a longtime goal of his to participate. Dr. Nicanord learned about the opportunity through a leadership program and viewed it as a good way to become involved in advocacy.
“When I was introduced to the Senate floor, everybody that was present came in, they shook my hand,” he says. “They said, ‘I really appreciate what you guys are doing in the community,’ which was good to hear.”
After introductions and photos, it was time to begin seeing patients.
“It was a general Family Medicine day,” Dr. Mathis says. “We saw all ages and all sorts of different medical complaints when I was there, which is fantastic because you have that chance to practice your full craft.”
The physicians are given the opportunity to bring a Family Medicine resident along with them. Dr. Bhardwaj was accompanied by Dr. Amy Jones this year, while Dr. Mathis was joined by Dr. Benjamin Pilgrim. For one of her previous service days, Dr. Bhardwaj brought Dr. Stacy Leung, now a physician in UTMB’s Community-Based Clinics.
“We want to impart how important (the legislature) is for the growth of medical education, and it helps the residents see what it's like advocating for your community,” Dr. Bhardwaj says.
The experience also provides an opportunity not only to deliver care, but to share information that might help legislators better understand the needs of their constituents.
“A lot of legislators don't understand the medical decision-making process, so you can also explain a little bit of what you do and your role in the community. A lot of the decisions that they make impact us, but they might not be fully aware of the ramifications for their constituents,” Dr. Bhardwaj says.
Dr. Mathis adds that when legislators are voting on issues that affect Galveston patients and Galveston physicians, knowing three UTMB physicians and learning about the work they do can help them make more informed decisions.
“We are three of their constituents who are playing an active role in healthcare and paying attention to what's going on at the Capitol,” he says. “It really helps to also put that face and name together and help them recognize that UTMB is providing good quality work in our community, but also outside the Galveston community and beyond.”
All three physicians felt it was a positive experience and would encourage their colleagues in Family Medicine to consider participating in a future opportunity.
“I'm looking forward to doing it again,” Dr. Nicanord says. “It's a great opportunity for family physicians, and if you're into politics, it’s great to see how they do things out there.”
 |  |  | Namita Bhardwaj, MD; Samuel Mathis, MD; and Ernst Nicanord, MD, are physicians in the Department of Family Medicine. Learn about Family Medicine services at UTMB. |