Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP James L. Holly, M.D. Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP


In The News - Dr. Holly's initial response to the NSU Commencement
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Subject: Dr. Holly's initial response to the NSU Commencement.

Northwestern State University

May 6, 2016, the 2016 NSU Graduation ceremonies took place. There were two sessions, the Commencement addresses were given by, 10 AM, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards; 3 PM, James L. Holly, M.D. 1965 Alumnus. Both speakers were introduced by graduating senior, Jalan D. West. In addition to being a very fine young man and an outstanding athlete, Jalan is African American. The significance of that fact will be addressed below. (Carolyn and the University video taped the addresses. Soon, both should be available and will be posted on Face Book and on SETMA's website.)

Before the afternoon Commencement, I visited with . She addressed the challenges nurses are facing in scope of practice and we discussed the roles of Nurse Practitioners. I shared with her the following:

  1. My 2010 letter to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board supporting the adding of the Doctor of Nurse Practitioner Program to the curriculum of two Texas Health Science Centers -- http://jameslhollymd.com/…/Coordinating-Board-Texas-Highter-Edu…

  2. My 2013 letter to the Texas Nursing Board advocating for the expansion of Bachelor degrees Registered Nurses Scope of Practice: http://jameslhollymd.com/…/registered-nurse-texas-board-of-nurs…

She commented that if I shared some of my comments with the graduating nurse practitioners they would cheer. The following events took place at the beginning of my commencement addressed.

  1. As I sat and listened to Jana introduced me, I was stunned by the visual of the moment When he finished, I approached the podium and embraced Jana. I then said, "Jana, when I was a student here, you could not enter NSU. I am so proud to be introduced by you. In public commencement ceremonies this is the greatest moment of my life." I look forward to publishing the video of that introduction so that I cal relive it again and again.

  2. I then said that I would momentarily abandon my prepared remarks and address the 40+ NPs receiving their Masters Degrees. I said at SETMA we don't address you as Physician Extenders or other patronizing names, we call you "colleagues." You have a license to practice medicine within certain parameters as do I. I told the story about our first NP at SETMA which you can here on the tape and that without you we do not have the manpower to deliver excellent healthcare to everyone.

  3. I then commented I first came to the NSC (it became NSU in 1970) 66 years ago in 1950 as a six year old second grader. Twelve years later. At 18, in 1962, I became a sophomore at NSC. In that year I met my future wife.

I then gave the following address: http://jameslhollymd.com/…/northwestern-state-university-commen…. At the Commence 500 copies of the Natchitoches Times of May 5, 2016 with the complete text of the commencement address, which can be revised at:

On page 12 A of the Natchitoches Times, May 5, 2016 edition, the full text of the 3 PM May 6, 2016 Commencement Address at NSU is published. There will be 500 copies of the Natchitoches Times at the Coliseum for the graduation ceremony for each of the graduates and guest to have a copy. The following link is the Natchitoches Times for May 5, 2016.

For me, it was a great day. Thank you, for letting me participate.

James (Larry) Holly, M.D.
C.E.O. SETMA
www.jameslhollymd.com

Adjunct Professor
Family & Community Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center
San Antonio School of Medicine 

Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
School of Medicine
Texas A&M Health Science Center 

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