News Celebrating More than 75 Years of Graduate Medical Education in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - (June 12, 2007) - The Seton Family of Hospitals, Travis County Medical Society, University of Texas Medical Branch - Austin Programs, and physicians recently gathered to celebrate graduate medical education in Austin and shine the spotlight on some of the true pioneers of medicine.

"Graduate medical education has always been a big part of the Austin medical community-since the 30's graduate medical education training has changed Austin and has been on the forefront in making the necessary changes," said Dr.Tom Coopwood, retired general and trauma surgeon and VP of the Travis County Healthcare District Board of Managers. "These physicians are just a sample of the outstanding physicians who took part in the programs since the beginning-they are the builders, and planners, shapers and visionaries."

Those true pioneers included 12 people who have made graduate medical education what it is today. In fact, they are the first inductees into what will be the Central Texas Academic Hall of Fame.

Those who were honored include:

"I am honored to be part of such a stellar group physicians recognized for helping pave the way for academic medicine in Central Texas," said Dr. James Lindsey, honoree and SVP and chief medical officer for Seton Family of Hospitals. The key to our past and future success is collaboration. It started with TCMS and the city, it continues today with UTMB, Seton, UT-Austin and UT system. Together, we envision exciting opportunities to develop new and enhance current academic programs, develop research, and achieve our ultimate goal of better health care for folks in Central Texas."

The Central Texas Academic Hall of Fame will be located at the Clinical Education Center (CEC) at Brackenridge Hospital in the former Children's medical office building and soon-to-be-vacant Children's Hospital.

The CEC will focus on community health needs while educating new doctors, nurses and medical professionals.

The Center will provide interdisciplinary, team-based educational experiences for students and graduate trainees in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health as well as health-related educational opportunities in bioengineering, informatics, social work, law, psychology and public policy.