• Texas Tech announces new dean
• Don Jackson, Longtime TAFP Executive Director dies
• TAFP members selected for AAFP posts
• Tarrant County Chapter news

Texas Tech announces new dean
Family Physician chosen to head TTUHSC School of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
by Suzanna Cisneros Martinez

LUBBOCK—Richard Van Ness Homan, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, has been named the new dean for the Texas Tech School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

David R. Smith, M.D., interim chancellor for the Texas Tech University System and president of TTUHSC, says Homan’s vision and strong background will keep the momentum going strong for the school of medicine. “Dr. Homan is an outstanding physician and administrator,” Smith says. “He has proven experience in a medical school system and his reputation among his peers is excellent.”

Ronald Rapini, M.D., chairman of the Department of Dermatology, served as the chairman of the committee that advised Dr. Smith and says Homan has made the Family and Community Medi-cine department a successful and a highly ranked program. “This committee looked at Dr. Homan’s clinical expertise and administrative endeavors, which are legendary at TTUHSC,” Rapini says. “He has been instrumental in bringing a great amount of grant money to the institution, and we feel he will take us into the next era with his leadership.”

Homan says he looks forward to the challenges ahead. “Many initiatives have been started which we will continue to build upon, and there are many other projects that need to be started,” Homan says. “I am excited to serve the university in this capacity, and along with my colleagues on each of the four campuses, we will continue the excellence in medical education, clinical service and research for which this school is known.”

Homan has served as the associate dean for clinical practice at TTUHSC, chief of staff at University Medical Center, medical and executive director of Student Health Services, medical director of the Institute of Healthy Aging, co-fellowship director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship at TTUHSC, co-medical director for the Primary Care Center at UMC, and residency director for the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Homan earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University in Providence, R.I., in 1978 and his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1982. He completed his residency as well as served as chief resident at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of Pennsylvania State University. He also served as clinical assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine before coming to TTUHSC in 1989.

Longtime TAFP Executive Director dies

Donald C. Jackson, 85, died Jan. 3, 2002. Mr. Jackson was the first TAFP Executive Director and served with distinction in that position for 29 years. A memorial service was held Jan. 4 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas.

The Honorable Jake Pickle eulogized Jackson at the service, describing him as loveable and wise. Pickle recalled his former room-mate’s humor, loyalty and zest for living.

Mr. Jackson devoted his career to the medical specialty of Family Practice. He was actively involved in the transformation of “general practice” into the specialty of Family Practice. He worked to establish the Family Practice Advisory Committee to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a committee that monitors family practice residency programs in Texas. He also worked to establish family practice clerkships for medical students and the TAFP Physician of the Day program, which provides volunteer family physicians to give medical services in the Texas Capitol during Legislative sessions. He was instrumental in the establishment and development of the TAFP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the academy.

Although retired for almost 20 years, Don Jackson is still loved and remembered by family physicians throughout Texas.

TAFP members selected for AAFP posts

Linda Siy, M.D., president of the Tarrant County Chapter and vice chair of the TAFP Section on Special Constituencies, was appointed to the AAFP Committee on Special Constituencies. Erica Swegler, M.D., of Keller, TAFP Vice President, was appointed to the AAFP Commission on Health Care Services. TAFP Past President and Alternate Delegate, Roland Goertz, M.D., of Waco was appointed to the AAFP Commission on Legislation and Governmental Affairs. Former AAFP Women’s Delegate, Mary Helen Morrow, M.D., of College Station was appointed to the AAFP Commission on Resident and Student Issues. Kevin Oeffinger, M.D., of Dallas was appointed to the AAFP Commission on Clinical Policies and Research. These appointments are for three-year terms. These members join the six TAFP active members already serving terms on AAFP commissions and committees.

TAFP students will also be well represented at the national level. Chair of the TAFP Student Section, Leanna M. Mosher of Texas A&M was appointed to a second term on the Committee on Communica-tions. Lisa Stigler, also of Texas A&M was appointed to the AAFP Committee on Scientific Programs. John Redman of UTMB Galveston was appointed to the AAFP Commission on Legislation and Governmental Affairs. Debra Bell of Texas A&M was named the Region II Family Medicine Interest Groups Coordinator.

by Linda Siy, M.D.
Tarrant County Chapter President

The Tarrant County Chapter presented Sen. Mike Moncrief of Tarrant County with the TAFP Patient Advocacy Award at its October meeting, held Oct. 9 at the Ashton Hotel in Fort Worth. A lecture on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was then given by David Ostransky, D.O., a local pulmonologist.

From left: Linda Siy, M.D., Sen. Mike Moncrief and TAFP Presiden, Justin Bartos, M.D.

The Tarrant County Chapter sponsored a three-hour seminar on organized medicine and legislative affairs for John Peter Smith family practice residents on Oct. 10, 2001. Speakers includ-ed Sen. Moncrief, TAFP President Justin Bartos, M.D., Tarrant County Chapter President Linda Siy, M.D., TAFP Legislative Director Tom Banning, TMA President Tom Hancher, M.D., Tarrant County Medical Society President James L. Norman, M.D., and TCMS Executive Director Robin Sloane. The presentations introduced the residents to the professional organizations and constituent chapters of the AAFP and AMA, and encouraged resident participation. The importance of continued involvement in organized medicine and the positive influence we have in the legislative arena were discussed. Sen. Moncrief spoke highly of physician advocacy and encouraged residents to get involved in the legislative process.

The Tarrant County Chapter’s Annual Fall Seminar was held in conjunction with Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth on Saturday, Oct. 13. Lectures were given on a variety of pediatric topics, from childhood anemia to assessing spirituality in our patients. This is the third time that the local chapter has partnered with the continuing education department of Cook Children’s Medical Center to bring quality CME to area physicians.

The Tarrant County Chapter held its November meeting on Nov. 13 at the Fort Worth Club. Dr. Gary Donovitz spoke about herpes simplex virus management.

The Tarrant County Chapter meets every second Tuesday of the month, from September through May. Our Annual Inaugural Ball will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 in Arlington. Our current officers are:

Linda Siy, M.D., president; Erica Swegler, M.D., president-elect; Steven Cole, M.D., secretary/treasurer; James Harvey, M.D., program chair. Our Executive Secretary is Beth Fischer.