Name: Michelle Berger, MD
Specialty: Ophthalmology
City: Austin
County Medical Society: Travis CMS
Michelle Berger, MD, joined the Texas Medical Association Board of Trustees in 2014 when she was first elected secretary/treasurer. She serves her final term in the role in 2023.
“I view my time in organized medicine as just as important as direct patient care,” said Dr. Berger, an Austin ophthalmologist. She loves her profession and believes there is “nothing better” than improving the lives of others.
To future physician leaders, she has this advice: “Know that you will be able to rest your head on your pillow each evening knowing what you do makes the world a better place.”
If physicians aren’t involved in medicine outside of the exam room, she fears patients will suffer. “I got involved in organized medicine to help keep physicians’ voice heard in solving the problems that impede patient care, and to help health care policy be the best for our patients,” she said.
Her concern for the future of medicine is “the trend toward corporatization.” She worries this trend will harm both patients and physicians. She hopes the future of medicine will focus on simple, cost-effective ways to improve health through wellness and prevention. One example is advocating for a 30-minute walk after eating.
Dr. Berger has led TMA in several ways throughout her decades of membership. She served on TMA’s Council on Socioeconomics and as a delegate to both the TMA and the American Medical Association House of Delegates. She also serves on the new TMA Ad Hoc Committee on Independent Physician Practice.
She is a former president of the Texas Ophthalmological Association and the Travis County Medical Society.
Last Updated On
March 10, 2023
Originally Published On
March 10, 2023