State Representative Vicki Truitt has been named the recipient of the 2012 Patient Advocacy Award by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. She accepted the award at the organization’s 63rd Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in Austin on July 14. The award honors an individual who demonstrates a commitment to protecting and advancing the welfare of patients in Texas.
Rep. Truitt has represented northeast Tarrant County, House District 98, in the Texas House of Representatives for almost 14 years. Long preceding her time in the Legislature, she and her husband, Jim, have been involved in health care, lending to her sharp understanding of the specialty’s concerns. Last session, she passed a bill to remove licensure barriers for international medical graduates, allowing these qualified physicians to start caring for patients as quickly as graduates of U.S. medical schools.
She chairs of Texas House Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services, and is a member of the House Calendars Committee and the House Committee on Public Health. Previously, she was chair of Budget and Oversight for the House Committee on Public Health, vice chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission, and a member of the Appropriations Committee.
“It’s been my distinct privilege and honor to serve the people of the 98th Texas House district in northeast Tarrant County as well as all Texans,” Rep. Truitt told attendees of the program. “I’ve known many of you in this room since you were residents, so the history goes back, the understanding is deep, the concern is deep, and shall continue. Best wishes to you all as you face the challenges of health care before you and I look forward to continuing our friendship.”
“Rep. Truitt has been an unwavering advocate for the patients of Texas,” said TAFP President I. L. Balkcom IV, M.D. “During her time as state representative, she has worked to ensure Texas’ most vulnerable patients are cared for while ensuring our health care dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.”
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians is the premier membership organization dedicated to uniting the family doctors of Texas through advocacy, education and member services, and empowering them to provide a medical home for patients of all ages. TAFP has 33 local chapters and is a chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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