Grass Roots Campaign for Texas

[Michael10101]

Here are a list of 29 of the 31 senators in TX. I have no clue how to run a campaign, but my suggestion is to find the senator in you city, or the city you're closest to, and right them a letter saying they need to change their policy on FMGs. Any further hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Senator Kenneth Armbrister
District Address: 3205 E. Mockingbird
Victoria, TX 77904

Senator Kip Averitt
District Address: River Square Center, 215 Mary, Suite 303
Waco, TX 76701

Senator Gonzalo Barrientos
District Address: P.O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711

Senator Kim Brimer
District Address: 1600 W. 7th St., Ste. 650
Ft. Worth, TX 76102

Senator John Carona
District Address: 8080 N. Central Expy., Suite1440, LB 44
Dallas, TX 75206

Senator Bob Deuell
District Address: 18601 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 400
Mesquite, TX 75150

Senator Robert Duncan
District Address: 1500 Broadway, Suite 902
Lubbock, TX 79401

Senator Rodney Ellis
District Address: 440 Louisiana, Suite 575
Houston, TX 77002

Senator Kevin Eltife
District Address: P. O. Box 12068, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711

Senator Craig Estes
District Address: Bank One Tower, 4245 Kemp Blvd., Suite 306
Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Senator Troy Fraser
District Address: P. O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711

Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr
District Address: P.O. Box 41
Galena Park, TX 77547

Senator Chris Harris
District Address: 4108 Amon Carter Blvd., Ste. 210
Fort Worth, TX 76155

Senator Juan Hinojosa
District Address: 612 Nolana, Suite 410 B
McAllen, TX 78504

Senator Mike Jackson
District Address: 1109 Fairmont Parkway
Pasadena, TX 77504

Senator Kyle Janek
District Address: 7777 Southwest Freeway, Suite 102
Houston, TX 77074

Senator Jon Lindsay
District Address: 15531 Kuykendahl, Suite 251
Houston, TX 77090

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr
District Address: 7 North Park Plaza
Brownsville, TX 78521

Senator Frank Madla
District Address: 1313 Southeast Military Dr., Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78214

Senator Jane Nelson
District Address: 1235 S. Main St., Suite 280
Grapevine, TX 76051

Senator Steve Ogden
District Address: 7607 East Mark Dr., Ste. 241
College Station, TX 77840

Senator Kel Seliger
District Address: P.O. Box 9155
Amarillo, TX 79105

Senator Kel Seliger
District Address: P.O. Box 9155
Amarillo, TX 79105

Senator Florence Shapiro
District Address: 5005 Addison Circle
Addison, TX 75001

Senator Eliot Shapleigh
District Address: 800 Wyoming, Suite A
El Paso, TX 79902

Senator Todd Staples
District Address: 504 E. Hodges St.
Palestine, TX 75801

Senator Leticia Van de Putte
District Address: 3718 Blanco Rd., Suite 2
San Antonio, TX 78212

Senator Jeff Wentworth
District Address: 1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 720
San Antonio, TX 78209

Senator Royce West
District Address: 5787 S. Hampton Rd., Suite 385
Dallas, TX 75232

Senator John Whitmire
District Address: 803 Yale Street
Houston, TX 77007

Senator Tommy Williams
District Address: P. O. Box 8069
The Woodlands, TX 77387

Senator ****** Zaffirini
District Address: P.O. Box 627
Laredo, TX 78042

[bevo]

would be nice if someone could draft a letter to write/email them.

[spatel0434]

individual letters to respective congressman/woman OR

a "Ross Students for Texas Licensure" organization letter to ALL the congressmen/women with everyones name and signature (like a petition)

Any thoughts?

Either way, I wouldn't mind writing some type of draft letter for either cause (of course after the mini though).

[Michael10101]

I'm not touching the subject till after the mini. But come monday, I'll start writting a letter. Maybe we can all meet up and discuss the topic as a group? Two heads are better then one, mine of which may or my not work after the mini :roll:

[MitchDC]

Great job guys - this is exciting to watch. You might contact Dr. Perri's office to find out how best to approach this issue. They may even have somebody draft a letter for you.

-MitchDC

[wolfvgang22]

count me in
8)

[BunnyLove]

I am definitely in!

[MitchDC]

Possibly even more important than current students, our HUGE group of Texas alumni, living and practicing there need to make their voices heard.

MitchDC

[medtekboy]

my homies in H-town needs me.... nome sayin?!?!?!

[DR]

We need a class action suit. I understand that St.Georges' is preparing for a lawsuit and Ross will probably do the same. I have spoken with TX board and they are simply prejudiced to US citizens who went abroad to study medicine. A lawsuit is our best option. You cannot believe the views of Dr.Anderson and D.Meyer. It is ridiculous that we have to even to do this!

[Cade]

Is Texas still licensing doctors from India and Pakistan?

Or is it just SGU and Ross students being discriminated against?

[MitchDC]

Yes, Ross and SGU are working closely on this project.

-MitchDC

We need a class action suit. I understand that St.Georges' is preparing for a lawsuit and Ross will probably do the same. I have spoken with TX board and they are simply prejudiced to US citizens who went abroad to study medicine. A lawsuit is our best option. You cannot believe the views of Dr.Anderson and D.Meyer. It is ridiculous that we have to even to do this!

[Cade]

Is Texas still licensing Indian and Pakistani doctors?

[spatel0434]

Is Texas still licensing Indian and Pakistani doctors?

Yes.


To get licensed in Texas, ANY school outside of Texas (including schools in the US such as Harvard, Yale, etc..) must be "equivalent" to the medical schools within Texas. Certain schools have been declared as "SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT HAVE TO PROVE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE." Included in this list are schools from the US and all over the world that do NOT have to provide substantial equivalance. However, you will notice that Dominica is not on the list (well neither is St. George, AUC, etc). However, the schools from India and Pakistan are on the list.

You can see for yourself. Click on this link:
http://www.tsbme.state.tx.us/professionals/docinfo/STDNHPSE.rtf

[Cade]

Shame on you Texas!!! Licensing foreignors but not Americans? What a bunch of liberal **. A class-action suit is needed.

[spatel0434]

Shame on you Texas!!! Licensing foreignors but not Americans?


I really don't think that's the issue. If someone, American or foriegnor, goes to ANY school on that list, then they should have no problem getting licensed. So the issue here lies with the school, not citizenship. Texas only wants to license those physicians that have had legitimate medical training (from a legitimate medical school), which in my opinion is a great thing. You don't want quacks out there practicing when all they have is a piece of paper from a diploma mill.

Hopefully after listening to Ross' presentation and doing some research, Texas will see that Ross, in fact, is a legitimate medical school. Who knows...they might eventually put Ross on that "schools that do not have to provide substantial equivalence" list. Perhaps that is why they still have not taken any action yet.

[stephew]

Is Texas still licensing doctors from India and Pakistan?

Or is it just SGU and Ross students being discriminated against?
actually sgu is licensed in texas. But they dont make it easy.

[spatel0434]

But they dont make it easy.

I think that's the key phrase. In that case, Ross is licensed in Texas also, but you have to jump through some extra hoops. In fact, I know that Ross graduates are licensed in Texas.

I believe the main purpose for Ross meeting with Texas was to make it easier for Ross graduates to get licensed, so they don't have to jump through those extra hoops.

[stephew]

But they dont make it easy.

I think that's the key phrase. In that case, Ross is licensed in Texas also, but you have to jump through some extra hoops. In fact, I know that Ross graduates are licensed in Texas.

I believe the main purpose for Ross meeting with Texas was to make it easier for Ross graduates to get licensed, so they don't have to jump through those extra hoops.
if you hear anything do update. I know a lot of folks are interested in the issue.

[teratos]

I think this is a big issue for all of us. It isn't good to see even one state start to make it hard for USIMGs. I think letter writing is a good thing. The best thing, IMHO, would be to get docs from Caribbean schools who are practicing in TX to write letters. They could get their patients to write letters.

We have done a similar thing with malpractice reform here in our office. Docs can reach a lot of people. Most tend to have several thousand in their practice.

We are (most of us) citizens, and should not be treated unfairly in our own country. Even non-citizens shouldn't be treated unfairly for that matter. G

[wolfvgang22]

The trick to that of course, is tracking Texas IMGs down. Can the schools help with this?

A form letter would be great. It could be sent to every Texas legislator. I'd send mine to my representatives here in Texas, and get all my friends and family to do the same.

[Michael10101]

Hey, there were a couple of Ross grads that got residency in 2004. 2 in pediatrics and one in surgery... that I found. What's the deal, I thought we couldn't get residencies in TX?

[MitchDC]

The issue is not residency, its a full unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state (I think).

Somebody from Texas should spearhead the effort. Contact graduateaffairs@rossmed.edu and find out how to go about contacting the alumni in Texas.

MitchDC

Hey, there were a couple of Ross grads that got residency in 2004. 2 in pediatrics and one in surgery... that I found. What's the deal, I thought we couldn't get residencies in TX?

[azskeptic]

The issue is not residency, its a full unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state (I think).

Somebody from Texas should spearhead the effort. Contact graduateaffairs@rossmed.edu and find out how to go about contacting the alumni in Texas.

MitchDC

Hey, there were a couple of Ross grads that got residency in 2004. 2 in pediatrics and one in surgery... that I found. What's the deal, I thought we couldn't get residencies in TX?

actually what I think one should do is be sure you know what exactly has been said to Ross by the Texas Board. Inquire of your school. See if the requests are for things that your school SHOULD do. Gathering a group to petition the state assumes that the schools problems are political...are you sure of that? Whenever one is approaching a problem they should gon in fully iinformed. The only ones who know exactly what is happening are the school and the Texas Board...I'd ask both of them if I was a student and see what I learned.

[MitchDC]

You are correct azskeptic, its important that whoever champions this issue knows what issue they have to champion.

MitchDC

[wolfvgang22]

it all fizzles down to nothing...

[azskeptic]

it all fizzles down to nothing...

actually it should sizzle at this point. find out what your school says is the problem and how they are resolving it. tell all of the students and alumni.

anything else would be premature.

[Doc Holiday]

I have to say that this list is quite humorous. I've never even heard of some of the countries listed on this website let alone the med schools. Funny thing too. They still list the USSR. Must be this list isn't too up to date.



Is Texas still licensing Indian and Pakistani doctors?

Yes.


To get licensed in Texas, ANY school outside of Texas (including schools in the US such as Harvard, Yale, etc..) must be "equivalent" to the medical schools within Texas. Certain schools have been declared as "SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT HAVE TO PROVE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE." Included in this list are schools from the US and all over the world that do NOT have to provide substantial equivalance. However, you will notice that Dominica is not on the list (well neither is St. George, AUC, etc). However, the schools from India and Pakistan are on the list.

You can see for yourself. Click on this link:
http://www.tsbme.state.tx.us/professionals/docinfo/STDNHPSE.rtf

[Michael10101]

This is what was talked about in April at the TXBME.

http://www.tsbme.state.tx.us/calendar/minutes/doc/2004/April04/Licensure.htm

[wolfvgang22]

Thanks for that link to the April 2004 agenda. It was very enlightening.

[DR]

If you want a Texas medical license consider transferring to med school in Iraq or Afghanistan. The board thinks they are "substantially equivalent" to TX med schools. There is a fabulous list of countries which they recognize on their website.

[wolfvgang22]

That's outrageous!
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/mad/1/mad66.gif

Wait a sec...Yes, post number 400!
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/4/character59.gif

[sanjuanico]

it is great that you are trying to get letters sent to the senators. BUT what really moves politics is MONEY, im sorry to say. What the students need to do is make a contribution and have the foreign medical schools come together with some funds. i've had experience in trying to fight a senate or assembly bill. what i've learned is that political contributiions to the senators or better yet the govenor will move a bill along more favorably. The letters do help and everyone should be writing them. AND IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND THINK THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PRACTICE IN ANOTHER STATE, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOUR STATE WONT PULL THE SAME BILL. AS DOCTORS OF MEDICINE WE SHOULD ALL PARTICIPATE FOR OUR PROFESSION.

[wolfvgang22]

It would be great if there could be an IMG lobby. I think the caribbean med schools could invite the house leadership out for a vacation!
:lol:

[witchdoctor]

Shame on you Texas!!! Licensing foreignors but not Americans? What a bunch of liberal **. A class-action suit is needed.

Liberal??? Texas is known as a lot of different things, liberal is certainly not one of them.

However, i do agree with the following statement.

it is great that you are trying to get letters sent to the senators. BUT what really moves politics is MONEY...

[Ganja Magic]

It would be great if there could be an IMG lobby.

That's an idea that's been kicked around a bit, mostly between the bigger schools. A "Pan-IMG" lobby led by Ross, SGU, AUC will definitely have the deep pockets and the motivation to make sure the crooks in political office "sympathize with our concerns". sanjuanico was right on: Money makes it all work out well, no matter how many presentations Perri et al make in front of the Texas board. About three years ago, there were apparently discussions between the three schools for a collective organization, but I guess it didn't pan out... :|

Especially with DeVry on board, an IMG lobby should be one of Ross' priorities.

[wolfvgang22]

Liberal??? Texas is known as a lot of different things, liberal is certainly not one of them.
Hahahahahahhaha, Amen! Texas is the right wing of the right wing, lol.
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/4/character52.gif

I know, I know, I'm a Texan....me and G.W.
Matter of fact, a relative of mine got in trouble for accidently violating G.W.'s ranch airspace with his little cessna. He says he didn't get a body cavity search, though.http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/character/4/character39.gif

[MitchDC]

Ross and SGU actually have hired a lobbyist for this issue.

-M

It would be great if there could be an IMG lobby.

That's an idea that's been kicked around a bit, mostly between the bigger schools. A "Pan-IMG" lobby led by Ross, SGU, AUC will definitely have the deep pockets and the motivation to make sure the crooks in political office "sympathize with our concerns". sanjuanico was right on: Money makes it all work out well, no matter how many presentations Perri et al make in front of the Texas board. About three years ago, there were apparently discussions between the three schools for a collective organization, but I guess it didn't pan out... :|

Especially with DeVry on board, an IMG lobby should be one of Ross' priorities.

[Skip Intro]

The only way you're going to change this is if the Texas residency directors who currently have Ross grads in their programs complain to the state licensing board. These PDs need to go to bat for their residents. That will be the biggest motivator for change. It seems utterly ridiculous to me (and it should to everyone else) that, as a Ross, AUC, or SGU grad, you can get your provisional license and are allowed to do your training in Texas - i.e., you're good enough to go to get your residency education there - but you can't then get your full license in the same state you did your training. To me, what they are, in essence, saying is that their GME programs are, by simple logic, inadequate to produce fully qualified doctors.

So, another tactic would be to contact ACGME and make them aware of this double-standard. Perhaps a little federal pressure would make these Texas yokels on the licensing board rethink their xenophobic and incredible myopic position.

As for me, I personally say **** Texas! There are forty-nine other states that are happy to have us. I'm so sick of that state and what it produces... take that however you want. ;)

-Skip

[wolfvgang22]

Screw Texas. I mean, I was raised there, and love the state. But not their current government. I'll miss them, but if they don't want me, well, their loss.

Interestingly enough, they are being pain-in-the-gluteals to lots of other professions, too, like teachers and lawyers.

Gotta love that Governor Rick Perry. At least, the insurance companies do.
(Inside joke in Texas)

But it is important to challenge Texas' hypocritical and xenophobic laws, since Texas is such a large state and influences much of it's region.

[TXmd]

I think your idea is a good one. But how many Ross grads are/were in TX residency programs. I know of two. SGU has a suit against TXBME? Does anyone know if Ross is going to file a lawsuit as well?

[LSU1000]

I emailed Ms. Moody in New Jersey(Ross Attorney) and she replied with a great and lengthy response. After the presentation made back in May to the Texas Board, she said it now just a waiting game. She said there is no formal procedure that Texas has to say "ok now Ross students are accepted", instead it is on a student by student individual application basis. So she said if Texas continues to "do nothing" as they are now, then Ross will be forced to stop recommending students take residencies there. She said they have hired a well known law firm who is keeping up in Austin, and they continue to send the Texas board supplemental document as they request it. She said she is certain that Ross gave a great presentation, and hopeful they will have positive response "soon".

[shabnaam]

I tried to email Nancy Perri.. well you know how prompt they respond. YES, I would definitely sign the petition. I am in NY doing FP rotation at present, but please let me know what need to be done. We could write an official letter and send it to ALL senators in All city in TX. :P

[ravaldo]

I think my bush would make a better Pres then GW :lol:

[Texan2]

I tried to email Nancy Perri.. well you know how prompt they respond. YES, I would definitely sign the petition. I am in NY doing FP rotation at present, but please let me know what need to be done. We could write an official letter and send it to ALL senators in All city in TX. :P
Please keep me abreast as to whether or not an official letter will be written.