Butler receives TMA Distinguished Service Award

A Houston family physician who has spent nearly 50 years treating patients has received the Texas Medical Association’s highest honor. TAFP life member Max Butler, M.D., was awarded the TMA Distinguished Service Award at the TexMed 2008 conference in May.

“The most gratifying part of my life has been my long-standing relationship with my patients,” Butler said in a TMA press release. “In some families I have cared for five generations. There is a closeness that is rewarding to me, 10 times over.”

According to the release, Butler began practicing medicine in Giddings in 1959 and is known for dedicating his career to serving his patients. He is also known for his role in the physician licensure process. Butler was appointed to positions within the Texas Medical Board by three governors, served as TMB president, and served on committees of the Federation of State Medical Boards and the United States Medical Licensure Examination, the test physicians must pass to receive a medical license.

Butler was nominated for the award by the Harris County Medical Society and chosen by the TMA Board of Councilors. In the board report, the councilors said of the physician: “He has provided outstanding leadership to the medical profession and exemplifies the meritorious achievement in medical science, public service and service to the medical profession recognized by the Distinguished Service Award.”

Besides serving as TMA president, he also served in leadership roles in TAFP and AAFP. He has been a member of TAFP since 1962.