TAFP loses longtime Wichita Falls doctor

TAFP life member D. Clifford Burross, M.D., of Wichita Falls died Sept. 30, 2009. A graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Burross served in the U.S. Army for three years and received postgraduate training in surgery at Parkland Hospital. In 1957, he opened a private practice in Wichita Falls and practiced there until 1990. From 1983 to 2002, he served as program director of the Wichita Falls Family Practice Residency Program.

Burross was active with organized medicine over the years, particularly with the Texas Medical Association where he served as vice speaker, speaker and president. He also served as president of the TMF Health Quality Institute. In 2007, TMA awarded him the TMA Distinguished Service award, the organization’s highest honor. He joined AAFP and TAFP in 1958, and also served as a member or leader within other medical organizations: the American Medical Association, Wichita County Medical Society, the American Health Quality Association, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and National Board of Medical Examiners. Within his community, Burross served on the Wichita Falls City Council and as president of the Texas Municipal League.

Burross is survived by his wife, Delia Carolyn Thompson Burross; daughter, Vivian Carol Kirkpatrick and husband Ronnie; son, Kenneth Alan Burross and wife Caroline; and daughter, Margaret Leigh Humphreys; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.