State Representative Suleman Lalani, MD, received the Patient Advocacy Award from the Texas Academy of Family Physicians on November 30, 2023, at the Memorial Hermann Family Medicine Residency Center in Sugar Land, Texas. The award is given to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to protecting and advancing the welfare of patients in Texas.
“As a state representative for the Sugar Land area, Dr. Lalani works to close the gap in access to health care in Texas,” said Daniel Gonzalez, a member of TAFP’s advocacy team as he presented the award. “He brings a unique medical background to the Legislature, and his voice is widely heard.”
Rep. Lalani is in his first term in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represents Texas House District 76, which encompasses parts of Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land.
“This past session, the Legislature’s investment in primary care recruitment and training programs were directly linked to Representative Lalani’s efforts to invigorate Texas’ family physician workforce, which will mean greater access to preventive, comprehensive primary care, and a healthier future for Texas communities,” Gonzalez said.
“You all are a powerhouse. Utilize that. This award really belongs to you all, because you are the hope for the future of health care.”
In the 88th Texas Legislature, Rep. Lalani advocated for significant increases in funding to a raft of programs designed to recruit and train primary care physicians, nurses, dentists, mental health providers, and other important health care workers. Because of his efforts and those of TAFP and other medical organizations, state funding for family medicine residency programs was raised by more than 73%. Also, the Physician Education Loan Repayment Program received a 20% increase, the Texas Primary Care Preceptorship Program received a 70% increase, and the new Rural Resident Physician Grant Program received $3 million in funding for its initial biennium.
Rep. Lalani thanked the residents, faculty, and guests gathered for the award ceremony, and encouraged them to engage in advocacy for their patients. “You all are a powerhouse. Utilize that. This award really belongs to you all, because you are the hope for the future of health care.”