By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Texas Medical Association (TMA) President Austin I. King, MD, honored four Hidalgo County recipients for their dedication to improving the health of their community, and who came to the rescue of thousands of Central American immigrants who entered Texas last year and continue to do so today.
Four prominent individuals and organizations received the Texas Medical Association’s Presidential Award. This is the first year TMA presents the service award.
The honorees that were recognized this morning are: Martin Garza, MD, Edinburg pediatrician; Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society; Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley; and Eduardo Olivarez, chief administrative officer, Hidalgo County Health Department.
For many weeks, these honorees worked together to meet the various health and personal needs of children and families who entered the United States. Supported by Catholic Charities, the Hidalgo County Medical Society, and the Hidalgo County Health Department, physicians offered health screenings, medical care, and comfort to each person in need.
This is a very important because it was done by TMA, which is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 48,000 physician and medical student members. It is based in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. Organized in 1853, TMA’s key objective is to improve the health of all Texans.
The event was held at the office of Dr. Martin Garza located at 3521 W. Freddy Gonzalez, Ste. B, in Edinburg, Texas.
