Alumni

By Darla Brown

Hale named 2008 Distinguished Alumnus

Daniel Hale, M.D., ’77, a nationally known pediatric endocrinologist at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, has been named the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Established in 1987, the purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding contributions in the areas of medical science and education, or the prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as continued interests in the Medical School and its students.

Dr. Hale has devoted nearly 30 years to the studies and clinical treatment of pediatric diabetes, pediatric obesity, and pediatric endocrinology disorders. A professor and division chief of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio since 2002, he also has served as interim division chief of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Disorders since 2004 there.

“He has provided outstanding service to the state of Texas in delivery of pediatric diabetes and obesity health services and community relations by working with the public in many settings, including schools and community programs,” wrote his nominator.

Dr. Hale says his first reaction to hearing the news of the award was to think of four people.

“Thanks Dad, Mom, Dr. Willingham, and Dr. Baker. My father was a tenant farmer in rural East Texas and did not complete the ninth grade. Knowing how tough life had been for my mother and him, they always preached ‘education, education, education.’ Dr. Willingham was my childhood physician, who also paid my way through medical school. Dr. Baker was my mentor and friend at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I worked for many years. And due to these four people (all now deceased), a great education at Texas A&M and at the UT Medical School at Houston, and many lucky circumstances, I have been successful,” he says.

He says he also was thankful for Jan Patterson, M.D., ’82, for nominating him, and could not wait to tell Betty Murphy, the Medical School’s first registrar. “She was by far and away the person at UTMSH who made medical school ‘welcoming’ (especially the first year) – and the first person I always think of, when I think of UTMSH,” he says.

The Medical School was a “wonderful training environment” for Dr. Hale, who says that connections to people made it worthwhile.

“Thanks to Dr. Gil Castro for my first research project; great role models like Dr. Allan Katz and Dr. Patti Jayne Ross for making clinical medicine appealing – although I still do not dress as well as they do; fabulous medical facilities (yes even in the 70s); great friends – I still think of Ray Mussett and Barbara Felkins just about every day; and connections to other people – Dr. Arlyn Hartsfeld regularly refers patients to me; and institutions – I have active collaborations with physicians at both UTMSH and Baylor,” he says.

Following medical school, Dr. Hale completed a residency in pediatrics at Medical University of South Carolina and a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He presently holds five National Institutes of Health grants in addition to several grants from foundations and pharmaceutical companies.

Alumni association announces fundraising campaign

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Alumni Association Board of Trustees has created a new campaign to raise funds for scholarships to continue attracting the best medical students.

The association is encouraging all alumni and friends to donate $500 to the 1000 x 500 Campaign for Scholarships.

“Our goal is 1,000 alumni donating $500 each,” says Victoria Regan, ’87, M.D., president of the alumni association. “Your contribution will help students better afford the best medical education possible and also enhance our national ranking.”

To make a gift, contact Claire Lindsay, assistant director of annual giving, 713.500.5181, or Claire.Lindsay@uth.tmc.edu.