May 20, 2024
Two clinics that provide health care to underserved and uninsured communities In Galveston and Austin received the Texas Medical Association Foundation’s (TMAF’s) John P. McGovern Champion of Health Awards for 2024. The foundation presented the awards to the honorees during TexMed, TMA’s annual conference held in Dallas this year.
St. Vincent’s Student-Run Free Clinic in Galveston was the first-place recipient, receiving a grant of $7,500. Lirios Pediatrics in Austin, the second-place honoree, received a $3,000 grant.
“These champions of health are filling urgent needs faced by Texans in their community. We are impressed with their work and excited to honor them with these awards to further their efforts,” said Carla Ortique, MD, president of the TMA Foundation.
TMAF Champion of Health Top Award: St. Vincent’s Student-Run Free Clinic
For more than five decades, St. Vincent’s Student-Run Free Clinic has provided health care services to uninsured and underinsured people in Galveston who face difficulties accessing routine health care. The clinic addresses patients’ acute, chronic, and mental health needs. This ongoing work earned the top recognition as TMA Foundation’s Champion of Health for 2024.
“We are deeply honored to receive the TMAF John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award for recognition of our commitment to healthcare accessibility,” said Alexandra Teoh, director of quality improvement, research and development at St. Vincent’s Student-Run Free Clinic.
“This award underscores the importance of our mission and the vital role we play in serving those in need within the Galveston community.”
While providing much-needed care for area residents, the clinic provides hands-on learning experience for students and medical residents (physicians in training) from UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine at Galveston, under the supervision of experienced physicians. The clinic served more than 1,300 patients last year.
“With the support of the TMAF, we will continue to expand our reach and enhance our services to ensure that everyone has access to quality health care,” said Ms. Teoh.
Second Place Award: Lirios Pediatrics
Lirios pediatrics serves uninsured children from low-income families in Austin and the surrounding areas. Since 2022, Lirios has helped more than 1,000 children by providing physical and mental health care. The clinic received the TMA Foundation’s second place award.
“First and foremost, Lirios exists to address health disparities among uninsured children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to care. Every service provided, including exams, vaccinations, medications, counseling, and lab work, is completely free for our patients,” said Claire Hebner, MD, Lirios Pediatrics’ medical director.
TMA Foundation supports TMA’s outreach initiatives and named its Champion of Health award after the late John P. McGovern, MD, a philanthropist, scholar, and allergist who founded the John P. McGovern Foundation in Houston. Dr. McGovern established a permanent endowment at TMAF, which supports this award.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 57,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
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TMA Contacts: Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear@texmed.org
Swathi Narayanan (512) 370-1382; cell: (408) 987-1318; email: swathi.narayanan@texmed.org
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TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 57,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.