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.