[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. ROGER BOYKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
man whose commitment and dedication in the areas of health and 
community service warrant our utmost commendation. On Friday, Dr. Roger 
Boykin will be honored for his many years of community service in the 
City of New York at a celebration entitled ``A Salute to Our Very 
Own.''
  I feel privileged to have known and worked along side Dr. Boykin, a 
long time resident of Jamaica, New York. On a first hand basis, I can 
attest to the fact that the quality of life in communities across the 
great State of New York has been enriched by the diligence and 
compassionate commitment of Dr. Boykin. Very early in his life, career 
and residency, Dr. Boykin demonstrated his singular purpose as care and 
concern for others. With patience and compassion, Dr. Boykin served his 
community and his state in fine form.
  Dr. Boykin was born the son of Richard Boykin, Sr. and Thelma Boykin. 
He attended Brooklyn Technical High School. He went on to receive his 
Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (cum laude) from 
Columbia University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Following his 
life long passion to become an M.D. and a servant in the community, 
young Roger successfully completed his Doctor of Medicine degree (cum 
laude) from State University of New York-Downstate in June of 1973.
  After completing his residency and internship at State University of 
New York Downstate Medical Center/Kings County Hospital Center and 
Brooklyn Veteran's Administration Medical Center respectively, in 
Internal Medicine, he received a Fellowship and served at Albert 
Einstein Hospital, Bronx Municipal Hospital and VanEtten in Pulmonary 
Medicine.
  His unique talent for giving to the community and his expertise in 
his profession were not lost on his peers and colleagues. Among his 
many achievements include certification as a Diplomate of The National 
Board of Medical Examiners; Diplomate of The American Board of 
Pulmonary Medicine; Diplomate of the American Board of Critical Care 
Medicine; Diplomate of the American Board of Geriatric Medicine; and, 
he is a Member in good standing of the American Lung Association of 
Queens.
  Dr. Boykin practiced his unique brand of compassionate medical care 
and considerate patient relations as a staff physician at Brooklyn 
Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Catholic Medical Center of New 
York, Mary Immaculate Hospital, and The Jamaica Hospital. In 1982, he 
began his career as an instructor in Clinical Medicine at State 
University of New York Downstate Medical Center and in 1992, Dr. Boykin 
became an Assistant Professor. Currently, Dr. Boykin is the Associate 
Chief of Staff for Primary and Extended Care for Veterans Affairs, New 
York Harbor Healthcare System; Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine 
at state University of New York Health Sciences at Brooklyn; Assistant 
Professor of Clinical Medicine at Touro College and an Instructor for 
the American Heart Association.
  Throughout his career, Dr. Boykin has served his patients with 
compassion and care. Through his many years of service to the 
community, he has contributed to the improvement and enrichment of his 
neighborhood family. Dr. Boykin may have single handedly changed the 
standard of behavior for community physicians involved in public 
service. He has for many many years worked with and perpetuated the 
highest professional standards, unwavering commitment, and 
irreplaceable knowledge and expertise. He has put much more than a dent 
in the quest for quality health care for all and we in the State of New 
York are most grateful to be the recipient of his personal largess and 
generosity.
  ``A Salute to Our Very Own'' is a fitting title for honoring Dr. 
Boykin. He is our very own. He has made a nation and a neighborhood a 
much better place to live. He has given without reserve and we can only 
hope to thank and commemorate him adequately.
  I wish him well in all his future endeavors and join with my Queens 
family, friends, colleagues and fellow elected officials in 
commemorating his years of service.

                          ____________________