Vivek Rao, MD: Preserving Medicine for Future Physicians

Vivek Rao, MD: Preserving Medicine for Future Physicians

After completing medical school and residency, Vivek Rao, MD, did something he thought he’d never do – he returned to his hometown of Odessa, to start his own medical practice. “As I got older, I realized how much the community has to offer. This is a good place to raise a family, and it's a place where you can really give back,” he said in a conversation with TMA’s Immediate Past President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, in the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast. An allergist and immunologist, Dr. Rao comes from a multi-generational family of physicians. He followed in his father’s footsteps not only by choosing medicine as his profession, but by becoming involved in organized medicine. He serves on TMA’s Council on Legislation and the Texas Delegation to the American Medical Association. He said his goal is to preserve the practice of medicine for young people like his son, who might also become a doctor one day. “I want them to grow up and be able to see an environment where if they decide they want to go into medicine that they'll be able to treat patients the way they want to treat them, with respect … be able to practice without interference from companies, from hospitals, from insurance plans,” said Dr. Rao.   Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org [pam.udall@texmed.org] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Bernard Harris, MD: A Physician’s Expedition to Space

Bernard Harris Jr., MD,’s professional journey took an unconventional turn. After becoming a physician, he set his eyes on the skies to pursue his childhood dream of being an astronaut. On a spacewalk during a 1995 mission, he became the first African American to do so. In a new episode of the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast with TMA’s Immediate Past President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, Dr. Harris talks about his journey and what he learned from his missions to space. “Space is an opportunity for us to really see the earth the way that God wanted to: the people of the earth as one people working together,” he said. He also spoke about how advances in space technology help patients. “As we have more opportunities in earth’s orbit, the moon, and beyond that … out of all the fields, I believe that medicine is going to reap the most benefit,” said Dr. Harris. He provides an example in the podcast. “The imaging center systems that we use for looking at the surface of planets are now used to look inside the human body,” said Dr. Harris. Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org [pam.udall@texmed.org] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Myphuong Theresa Phan, MD: Power of Persistence

For Myphuong Theresa Phan, MD, the journey to medical school was a testament to perseverance. The Houston family and sports medicine physician said it took her six attempts to get accepted into medical school, but she never gave up. “I knew I wanted to be a doctor, so that dream never wavered, even if it got cloudy at times because of how difficult it was,” said Dr. Phan in a conversation with TMA’s Immediate Past President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, in the latest episode of the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast. While she dealt with the rejections in her professional journey, Dr. Phan also suffered a devastating personal loss – her best friend passed away in an accident. “It's a marker in my life in the same way, like 9/11 is a marker in our society,” she said. As she reflects on her professional challenges and personal loss, Dr. Phan said those experiences have made her a better physician today because she is able to empathize with her patients’ struggles and grief.   Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org [pam.udall@texmed.org] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Bradford Holland, MD: Prioritizing the Patient-Physician Relationship

Bradford Holland, MD, installed as the Texas Medical Association’s new president in April 2026, is focused on ensuring physicians are prominently involved in finding solutions to Texans’ health care needs. “The public expects if we're going to have a health care solution, it should come from physicians. It shouldn't come from the government … [nor] from executives or bankers or insurers,” said Dr. Holland in a conversation with TMA’s Immediate Past-President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, in the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast. Dr. Holland said his priority for his presidency is restoring the patient-physician relationship so there are no “third parties under the exam room.”   Listen to the podcast for more on Dr. Holland’s focus for his TMA presidency, his passion for organized medicine, and his thoughts on important challenges facing physicians like scope-of-practice expansion. Missed Part 1 of this series with Dr.  Holland? Listen here [https://letdoctorsbedoctorswithjayshah.podbean.com/e/meet-tma-s-new-president-bradford-holland-md/]. Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org [pam.udall@texmed.org] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Meet TMA’s New President: Bradford Holland, MD

Bradford Holland, MD, was installed as the 161st president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) in April 2026. The Waco otolaryngologist grew up in Colorado but made Texas home after relocating for medical school. Dr. Holland brings a unique perspective to his medical practice – as both a physician and patient. Years ago he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy for several years before he was able to beat it. “I've spent many, many hours in waiting rooms. I know what it's like to have a test and not get the results for an excruciatingly long time,” said Dr. Holland in a new episode of the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast with TMA’s Immediate Past President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD. Dr. Holland said his time as a patient gave him a new perspective of what it means to be a physician. For example, it influences how he breaks the news of difficult diagnoses like cancer to his own patients. Listen to the podcast to get to know Dr. Holland, his journey to medical school, his battle with cancer, and how he got involved in advocacy. Interested in Part 2 of the series with Dr. Holland? Listen here.  [https://Letdoctorsbedoctorswithjayshah.podbean.com/e/bradford-holland-md-prioritizing-patient-physician-relationship/] Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org [pam.udall@texmed.org] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.