September 2000 Newsletter

Newsletter of the HOUSE STAFF COUNCIL September 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, October 10th 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 in need of INTERESTED individuals who want to serve on a committee dedicated to improving the call room situation. The UHS administration has agreed to some of the HSC's suggestions (e.g. 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 at 756-5697 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. Drs. Parker and Hill of HSC attended the TMA Interim Conference and accompanying Resident-Fellow Section Meeting on September 15-16, 2000 in Austin, Texas. They spoke with a representative of Physicians for Responsible Negotiation or "PRN", a committee whose purpose is to promote and assist in effective negotiation with "outside forces" without sacrificing patient care. PRN is interested in coming to San Antonio and speaking to members of HSC as well as interested residents and fellows…stay tuned for details.

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 planning for a social event for residents and their families has been put on hold. If you have any suggestions for an event, please contact any HSC officer or e-mail us at housestaff@uthscsa.edu.

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.

"NEWS YOU CAN USE"

Grievance Committee - Last year, HSC 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. HSC HAS LEARNED THAT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF STATEMENTS MADE TO HSC OFFICERS REGARDING THE ABOVE ISSUES IS NOT PROTECTED IN A COURT OF LAW. We are currently attempting to incorporate our by-laws into either UHS or UT Health Science Center at San Antonio by-laws in order to create such protection. Residents can call Dr. James Williams, President of the HSC and Grievance Committee, at pager # 756-5697 for details and updates.

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