Page 16 - 2022-November-December-Journal-Final

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

James McMichael, MD

eloved by his patients and McMichael was also active within
esteemed by his colleagues, his specialty societies, the American
Banesthesiologist Dr. James Society of Anesthesiologists
McMichael is one of those rare (ASA) and the Texas Society of

persons who can stand up for what Anesthesiologists (TSA). A long-time
is right without alienating either side. delegate from the TSA to the ASA, heart transplant in Austin, at Seton
“A good leader reads the environment he also served on the Committee of Hospital. Dell Seton Medical

and understands the dynamics Governmental Affairs, the Committee Center has a plaque commemorating
of the situation—coming to an on Economics, and the Committee on the event. Drs. Chip Oswalt, Emery

understanding from that aspect Expert Witness Testimony Review. Dilling and Jim Calhoon performed

can usually be successful,” he says, He was the president of the TSA the surgery. “I really enjoyed working
explaining his longtime success in 2000 among other roles. Locally, with cardiac surgeons. It made me a
working with hospital administration. he has been a TMA TEXPAC better doctor and prepared me for
“The goals of administration do supporter for many years and served different challenges,” he explains.
not always align with the goals of on the Board of Ethics for the “Actually, I think I learned something

the medical staff, so conflicts occur. Travis County Medical Society every day of my practice, from
I weighed in patient safety first, then (TCMS), chairing the committee in patients, my partners, CAA nurses,
the medical staff concerns and went 1993. Dr. McMichael has also been and even about myself.”

from there.” Proving that he was a regular volunteer for the annual He received the first Dr. Thomas
respected by both sides, he was asked TCMS athletic physicals for AISD B. Coopwood Service Award for
to serve as Seton’s interim VP of underprivileged children. “I have to Excellence in Surgery and
Medical Affairs and Chief Medical emphasize my thanks to my family Perioperative Care from the
Officer in 2015. In addition, he and my partners—they were so University of Texas Dell Medical

has held positions on many hospital generous in allowing me the time School, which came as a surprise (for
committees and served as secretary, to dedicate to important medical which he did not ask for a recount).
vice chief, chief of staff, and affairs,” he says with feeling. Dr. McMichael and his wife,

president of the Seton network. For What were some of the highlights Dr. Melinda McMichael (internal
many years he was active on the Seton of his practice? “Everyday in labor medicine), moved to Austin from
Bylaws Committee, of which he was and delivery was gratifying San Antonio in 1982. Together they
chair in 1989. administering epidurals, helping have three children, all with graduate
That’s a lot of hospital activity, women have a comfortable delivery, degrees. “We are really proud and
right? But it’s only one of the helping them enjoy (without pain) happy; I guess we’ve done OK,” he

organizations he was involved with a glorious day in their life.” And, chuckles. He retired from practice in
while being a full time, practicing in 1986, Dr. McMichael and his 2018 and is enjoying his time reading,

anesthesiologist with Capitol partner Dr. Bill Rush served as exercising, travelling, and, especially,
Anesthesia Association (CAA). the anesthesiologists for the first not setting his alarm for 0500.

TCMS Auto Program
Don’t spin your wheels looking for a car! Let the TCMS Auto Program do all the
work for free. Just provide the make and model of the car you want, and we’ll find it
for the lowest price available. Financing assistance is also available. We’ll even deliver
it to your office for a test drive at no cost.
This program is open to TCMS physicians, their families and their staff.

Contact Phil Hornbeak: 210-896-4191 | phornbeak@tcms.com

16 2022 November • December TCMS