Missouri State Medical Association Alliance

08/29/2026

Happy Physician Family Day!
Celebrate the families of medicine.

💙 Physician Family Day 💙
Today, we celebrate not only our physicians — but the families who walk beside them.
Behind every physician is often a family that understands the missed dinners, interrupted celebrations, changed plans, late nights, and moments when a community's needs must come first.
Physician families give, too. They encourage. They understand. They wait. And through it all, they help make it possible for physicians to care for the communities we call home.
Today is a day to simply be together—to laugh, share a meal, make memories, and enjoy the company of others who understand this unique life.
To our physicians and their families: thank you for all you give to your communities—and to one another. 💙

08/29/2026

Did YOU receive your eConnect?
Lots happening all around Missouri!
COLUMBIA - Physician Family Day, SUNDAY, Aug. 30; Cosmo - Bethel Park Ficklin Shelter (2p - 4p)

ST. LOUIS - PFD, SATURDAY, Aug. 29; Shaw Park (3p to 5p)

SPRINGFIELD - PFD at the Zoo, SATURDAY, Aug. 29; Dickerson Park Zoo (6p - 9p)

08/28/2026

Planting Seeds for the Future:
The Dr. Larry Wellman Legacy Fundraiser
by ALLIANCE HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVE
AHEI is honored to dedicate this fundraiser to the loving memory of Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Wellman. Spouse of Grace, AHEI committee member, and longtime supporter.
Dr. Wellman devoted his life to the exceptional care of children and the education of future physicians. He received accolades for his expertise, calming comfort, and the hope he gave to families during challenging times.
He was honored with the Department of Pediatrics Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to the next generation of pediatricians.
This legacy fundraiser celebrates his remarkable life and will continue the work he cared so deeply about.
Proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit pediatric and medical student health projects.

You can contribute to his legacy at the link below:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/alliance-health-education-initiative-inc/planting-seeds-for-the-future-the-dr-larry-wellman-legacy-fundraiser
OR you could text to donate:
LARRYWELLMAN (all caps) to 44321

08/15/2026

August 2026 Primary Elections:
🌿Medicine Wins & Losses🌿

Missouri voters delivered clear results in last night’s elections. Amendments 1 and 2 were approved, while Amendments 4 and 5 were rejected by wide margins. Amendment 4, which would have changed the initiative petition process, failed 80%–20%. Amendment 5, a proposed tax overhaul, was defeated 83%–17%.

Among the four physicians running for the Missouri Senate, two earned victories in their primary races. We extend our congratulations to Sam Alexander, MD, and Jon Patterson, MD, on their successful campaigns. Dr. Alexander will not face a general election opponent and is expected to join the Senate in January. Dr. Patterson now heads into a highly competitive general election this November, and we are hopeful he will emerge the victor. George Hruza, MD, will face a challenger in November for his House seat as well.

We also offer heartfelt condolences to Ellen Nichols, MD, and Lisa Thomas, MD. Their hard‑fought campaigns reflected deep commitment to their communities and to the future of physician‑led care. While these outcomes were not what we hoped for, we remain proud of their leadership, courage, and willingness to serve.

MSMA stands firmly with our physicians—in victory, in challenge, and in every effort they make to strengthen the health and well‑being of the patients and communities they serve.

07/23/2026

Have you met Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD, NBC-HWC?

Nearly 3 decades married to medicine. A PhD in what that does to a family. And a mission to make sure no one has to go through it alone.

Are you "burned-out" on your physician spouse being burned out?

Physician contracts are usually treated as private employment documents. Medical families experience them as household policy.
https://www.themedlifematrix.com/podcast

Visit Dr. Muehlenbein as she guides you through the journey.

07/18/2026

💙We’d love for you to join us.

There is a place for you in the Missouri State Medical Association Alliance.

Whether you are looking for friendship, connection, meaningful service—or simply the opportunity to be part of something worthwhile—we would be so happy to welcome you.

We hope you’ll join us and see where this new connection may lead.🐦

🔗www.msma.org/Alliance-Membership

07/16/2026

Missouri State Medical Association Alliance mourns the recent loss of Karen Swarens, wife of former MSMA EVP Cork Swarens. She was 86 years old and passed away on Sunday, July 12. Karen was living in Peoria, Arizona, near her son, Jeff Swarens and their family. This was following the death of her husband, Cork, in January 2026, after 68 years of marriage and living in Jefferson City. Another son, Greg Swarens, lives with his family in Leawood, Kansas. Karen was a huge supporter of the MSMA and Alliance, traveling to meetings with Cork and hosting Alliance events. Memorial service provided in the link below.

View Karen Kay Swarens's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/05/2026

Wonderful advocacy, Abby!

07/04/2026

🗽🧨Happy Independence Day🧨🗽
Have a wonderful and safe holiday!