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Byron E. Wilkenfeld, MD, PhD

Byron E. Wilkenfeld, MD, PhD, was known for being a good listener, for his keen intellect
80, passed away peacefully in Austin and insight, and for his kindness and sense of humor, all
on March 1, surrounded by the love fully on display in his later years as a valued member of
of his life, wife Carla, and family. He the TCMS Physician Health and Rehabilitation
was just a few weeks shy of his 81st Committee, where his insights and compassion will be
birthday. Dr. Wilkenfeld was born greatly missed. In that work, he had a knack for
in Goose Creek, Texas. He earned a skillfully cutting to the heart of issues surrounding
doctorate in pharmacology from The University of recovery, always in a kind and lighthearted manner, asking
Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, later his medical questions that often gave our colleagues in recovery
degree at The University of Texas Medical School at (as well as committee members) something to ponder as
Houston, then did his residency in psychiatry at Medical they left the meeting.
University of South Carolina. His wife Carla shared a message she received after
Dr. Wilkenfeld was a respected and accomplished his passing:
psychiatrist and psychotherapist who believed “Byron was an extraordinary person. He had this
passionately in group therapy. He spent the last decade constant joy in his heart and loved his life… My days
in practice serving patients in Austin and Travis County, were always just a bit better when I got to see him. He
where he specialized in medication group therapy. had that rare combination of brilliance and humility, and
Before that, he served as a psychiatrist in Palestine, I will miss him. He will live on in the hearts of all of us
Texas; Pampa, Texas; Charlotte, NC; and Houston. He as an example of the best of humankind.”

TCMS 2023 May • June 21