By Cook H.R. No. 722 75R12872 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond Thomas of Eagle Lake will be named the 1-2 Family Physician of the Year by the Texas Academy of Family 1-3 Physicians in August 1997, and this singular honor is truly worthy 1-4 of special praise and recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Lone Star State, Dr. 1-6 Thomas received his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas 1-7 at Austin before earning his medical degree from The University of 1-8 Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; after completing his internship 1-9 in 1954, he returned to his hometown of Eagle Lake, where he has 1-10 maintained a continuous practice since that time; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Through the years "Dr. Raymond" has established 1-12 himself as a well-known and much-loved figure in Eagle Lake, and 1-13 his immeasurable impact on his hometown is perhaps best illustrated 1-14 by the fact that during his career there he has delivered more than 1-15 2,000 babies; a physician of great skill and compassion, his 1-16 medical abilities are aptly matched by his warmth and genuine 1-17 concern for his patients; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas's dedication to the art of medicine is 1-19 reflected in his many professional achievements, and over the years 1-20 he has held a number of notable posts; a past vice president and 1-21 board member of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, he has also 1-22 served as president of the Colorado-Fayette Medical Society, as a 1-23 Texas Medical Association delegate, and as the medical director of 1-24 Heritage House nursing home and the Eagle Lake Volunteer Ambulance, 2-1 of which he was a founder; he is also a charter diplomat of the 2-2 American Board of Family Practice and a charter fellow of the 2-3 American Academy of Family Physicians; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A talented mentor, Dr. Thomas has shared his wisdom 2-5 and experience with more than 100 students and residents, and in 2-6 1996 he was recognized for his outstanding involvement in the 2-7 Statewide Preceptorship Program; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas's many contributions to the community 2-9 extend far beyond his professional life, and he has given freely of 2-10 his time and energy as choir director at the United Methodist 2-11 Church and as the director of the community theater group the 2-12 Prairie Edge Players, and he regularly volunteers his renowned 2-13 culinary skills for a number of worthy causes; and 2-14 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Dr. Thomas has drawn strength 2-15 and inspiration from his close-knit and loving family, and he and 2-16 his wife Elfe-Luise take great pride in their children, Russell, 2-17 Kurt, Griff, and Julia; and 2-18 WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond Thomas has distinguished himself as a 2-19 gifted healer and distinguished humanitarian, and it is indeed 2-20 fitting that his many accomplishments be recognized at this time; 2-21 now, therefore, be it 2-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-23 Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Raymond Thomas on his selection 2-24 as the 1997 Family Physician of the Year and extend to him sincere 2-25 best wishes for continued success and happiness in the future; and, 2-26 be it further 2-27 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-1 prepared for Dr. Thomas as an expression of high regard by the 3-2 Texas House of Representatives.