Galveston Island, Texas – From November 9 to 12, 2017, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) hosted its 2017 Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Galveston for the first time since the summer of 1997.
On the Thursday evening, the UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine hosted a reception for both alumni of School of Medicine (SOM) and alumni of UTMB Health Family Medicine Residency Program (R) attending the conference. The department also welcomed former faculty members and staff attending the conference.
On the Saturday, TAFP recognized this year’s award winners and installed their new officers at a Business & Awards Luncheon. Tricia C. Elliott, MD (SOM 1996), the 2016-2017 President of TAFP, hosted the ceremony. Dr. Elliott presented the Presidential Award of Merit for Exemplary Service to the Specialty of Family Medicine in Texas to Barbara Thompson, MD (SOM 1971, R 1974), Chair of the UTMB Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Elliott also recognized Jorge Duchicela, MD (R 1988) as Physician of the Year. Dr. Duchicela is a Clinical Associate Professor for UTMB, teaching UTMB medical students and residents in his practice. Dr. Duchicela is partner in the Youens & Duchicela Clinic in Weimar.
Other honorees included Philanthropist of the Year Seth Cowan, MD (SOM 1953), Foundation Scholarship recipient Jennifer Espinales, a third-year SOM student, and American Academy of Family Physician’s (AAFP) Humanitarian Award winner H. Kyle Sheets, MD (SOM 1997).
Thank you to all UTMB students, physicians, and alumni who participated in this year’s conference, and who contribute to the specialty of family medicine through membership in TAFP.
TAFP from Family Medicine on Vimeo.