| NAM Medical Student Awards | |
Congratulations to the Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Class of 2026!
Each year, the Nashville Academy of Medicine (NAM) presents two prestigious awards to honor exceptional graduating medical students:
The Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown Award recognizes outstanding
medical leadership, education, and civic involvement. The 2026
recipient, Kafayat Kareem, MD, has been an active leader within NAM for the past four years, she has demonstrated strong leadership through the Caduceus Council and participation in Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) events. Dr. Kareem recently matched in Dermatology at Vanderbilt University and is recognized for her commitment to innovation, advocacy, and equitable care.
The Dr. Tom Nesbitt Award acknowledges achievement in education, socio-economic, and legislative affairs. The 2026 recipient of the Dr. Tom Nesbitt Award is Maro Doce, MD, a dedicated leader in organized medicine. He served on NAM's Caduceus Council, represented medical students within the TMA, and contributed as a member of the TMA Board of Trustees. Dr. Doce's advocacy, leadership and commitment to healthcare improvement have made a lasting impact at both the local and state levels.
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| Thank You to Our NAM Members Serving on TMA Leadership! | |
The Nashville Academy of Medicine extends its appreciation to George "Trey" Lee, MD and Nicole Schlechter, MD for their continued leadership and service within the Tennessee Medical Association. Dr. Lee is currently serving as President-Elect and will begin his term as TMA President in April 2027, while Dr. Schlechter serves as Vice Chair of the TMA Board of Trustees. Their dedication to organized medicine and physician advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact across Tennessee.
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| New Laws Released After 2026 General Assembly | |
Several new state laws enacted by the 2026 General Assembly are now in effect and may require action by physicians. Others are for informational purposes only. These updates include:
Laws Effective Immediately
(Information Only, No Action Required)
Biomarker Testing – PC 929
A health insurer that issues, amends, delivers, or renews a contract or agreement for a health benefit plan on or after Jan. 1, 2026 to provide coverage for biomarker testing in specified circumstances. Review PC 929 for the circumstances.
Medical Necessity Determinations – PC 697
An individual working for a health plan or other corporate entity who makes determinations regarding the medical necessity of a service is practicing medicine in Tennessee and must have a Tennessee medical license and is subject to oversight by the licensing board.
Parent Access to Minor Children Records Summary – PC 883
This new law makes several important amendments relative to parental access to the medical records of unemancipated minors. Click here to access a detailed explanation.
Tort Liability for Gender Care – PC 794
A health care professional is subject to a civil cause of action if he/she coerces a patient into gender care or procedures. The law extends the statute of limitations for this tort.
Treatment of Self and Immediate Family – PC 935
A law addressing physician self-treatment and treatment of immediate family may conflict with licensing board policy. Before you find yourself in this situation, please closely review it.
Laws Effective July 1
(Action Required by Physicians)
Toxicology Testing & Kratom – PC 950
If a treating physician orders toxicology testing for a patient with a suspected drug overdose or suspected neonatal abstinence syndrome, it must include testing for the presence of Kratom.
(Information Only, No Action Required)
Vaccination Quality Measures – PC 797
Prohibits health insurance carriers from penalizing physicians for patients that opt out of vaccinations when calculating bonus payments.
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The Medical Foundation of Nashville (MFN) is proud to present its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of growth, collaboration, and positive change. From supporting the community through healthcare initiatives to advancing the mission of medical professionals in Nashville, MFN has made great strides in strengthening the future of medicine.
Thank you to the partners, volunteers, and donors for your unwavering support. Together, NAM and MFN continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
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| Thank you to
our sponsors:
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Board of Directors:
- Laura Lawson, MD
Board Chair
- Christin Giordano McAuliffe, MD
President - Parul Goyal, MD
President-Elect
- Tyler Barrett, MD
Secretary/Treasurer
- Ethel Cobbett, MD
- George "Trey" Lee, III, MD
- James McKenzie, DO
- Nicole Schlechter, MD
- M. Kevin Smith, MD
- Carl Willis, MD
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| TMA Strengthens Physician-Payer Accountability | |
This legislative session, the Tennessee Medical Association secured a landmark victory for physicians and patients statewide. New legislation, the first of its kind in the country, requires that medical necessity and prior authorization determinations for Tennessee patients be made by physicians who are licensed in Tennessee and practicing within the same or a similar specialty as the treating physician. Those reviewers are also held to the same standards of care as any practicing clinician in the state.
The law strengthens accountability in the utilization review process and takes direct aim at the practice of insurance companies making clinical decisions without appropriate physician oversight. The passage of this legislation represents a significant advocacy victory for organized medicine and reflects the continued importance of physician voices in shaping healthcare policy. For physicians navigating growing administrative burdens, this is a meaningful step toward protecting both the physician-patient relationship and timely access to care.
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This legislative session, the Tennessee Medical Association secured a landmark victory for physicians and patients statewide. New legislation, the first of its kind in the country, requires that medical necessity and prior authorization determinations for Tennessee patients be made by physicians who are licensed in Tennessee and practicing within the same or a similar specialty as the treating physician. Those reviewers are also held to the same standards of care as any practicing clinician in the state.
The law strengthens accountability in the utilization review process and takes direct aim at the practice of insurance companies making clinical decisions without appropriate physician oversight. The passage of this legislation represents a significant advocacy victory for organized medicine and reflects the continued importance of physician voices in shaping healthcare policy. For physicians navigating growing administrative burdens, this is a meaningful step toward protecting both the physician-patient relationship and timely access to care.
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