Woke ideology is seeping into the medical system and few are willing to question it. The resulting “science by consensus” shapes diagnoses, treatments, and ultimately patient safety. When political narratives dictate what doctors can say, what studies can be cited, or which questions are allowed, patients lose.
The Texas Medical Association has become increasingly politicized, especially after recent bylaw changes empowered it to advocate for so-called gender-affirming care. The shift created tension between evidence-based medicine and ideological activism. Between 2022 and 2023, multiple TMA members warned leadership that this activism did not reflect the priorities of most physicians and could violate the board members’ fiduciary duties, but the board failed to act. This isn’t just an internal political fight within a professional association. These policies shape what lawmakers hear, what courts rely on, and ultimately how doctors treat patients.
Former TMA trustee Dr. Lisa Ehrlich and Manhattan Institute policy analyst Joseph Filiolia discussed how institutional capture happens inside medical organizations on TPPF’s The Right Idea podcast.