Member News

Billings wins AAFP Exemplary Teaching Award
Adrian Billings, MD, PhD, of Alpine, was awarded the Exemplary Teaching Award by the American Academy Family Physicians. This award honors individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to family medicine through teaching.

Billings is an associate professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Chief Medical Officer of Presidio County Health Services. His notable work with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Family Medicine Residency to establish the first rural training program on the United States-Mexico border has brought medical access to the underserved area. A long-time preceptor in the Texas Family Medicine Preceptorship Program, who has mentored over 100 medical students, Billings became the program director in 2015.

Originally from Del Rio, Texas, Billings received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, obtained his Doctorate in Philosophy in Experimental Pathology and Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and earned his medical doctorate from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Billings completed a post doctorate program at the Center for Disease Control. He completed his family medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital where he was also Chief Resident.

While reflecting on his work with medical students, Billings stated, “I feel that my most important work in my everyday professional life is precepting these medical students and residents because I hope they will find an undiscovered passion for the care of vulnerable, underserved rural patients.”

Members tapped for national positions
Ike Okwuwa, MD, FAAFP, of Odessa, was recently appointed to AAFP’s Commission on Membership and Member Services. Okwuwa is currently the assistant dean for clinical affairs at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, serves on the board of the Permian Basin Healthcare Network, and is co-medical director at the Northeast Volunteer Fire Department. He serves on the TAFP Board of Directors and he is a member of the Commission on Continuing Professional Development and the Commission on Academic Affairs.

Samuel Mathis, MD, of Stafford, was named AAFP Resident Delegate to the American Medical Association’s Resident and Fellow Section. Mathis is currently serving as Resident Physician on TAFP’s Board of Directors and as TAFP’s Alternate Delegate to AAFP’s Resident Assembly.

Hard Hats for Little Heads closes 2016 with a bang
2016 was a great year for Hard Hats for Little Heads. Not only did the number of family doctors participating in the program increase, more than 3,000 kids were fitted for brand-new bike helmets, and they got to spend time with their local family docs.

Our continued partnership with the Texas Medical Association facilitates opportunities for doctors to interact with children all over Texas by teaching them the importance of keeping themselves safe.
As we head into the new year, we hope you’ll be inspired to hold a Hard Hats for Little Heads event in your town. There are still counties who have not sponsored an event. Our goal is to see every nook and cranny of Texas holding events to show their community that family docs care for kids.