[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 26 (Tuesday, March 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF DR. DONALD ARTHUR BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Dr. Donald 
Arthur Brooks, from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his 
lifelong contributions to his community and to his fellow citizens. Dr. 
Brooks was the first African-American general surgeon in Ft. Worth and 
the first to be a board-certified surgeon in Texas. Dr. Brooks died on 
March 4th at the age of 83.
  I would like to recognize and celebrate Dr. Brooks' life today. Dr. 
Brooks set high standard by which all American citizens should strive. 
Born into a financially disadvantaged family, Dr. Brooks proved himself 
as an exceptional student graduating near the top of his class. After 
receiving his Bachelor of Science at Prairie View A&M in 1941, he then 
served two years in the United States Army. Upon returning from active 
duty, Dr. Brooks saved his money and went back to school to receive his 
Medical Degree at Howard College of Medicine.
  Dr. Brooks returned to Ft. Worth in 1957 to become the first African-
American to practice general surgery. He and his brother worked side-
by-side and quickly became among the best-known health care providers 
for the African-American community. Later, Dr. Brooks would be named 
Chief of Surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital. He continued to practice and 
was distinguished as a pioneer of his community.
  When he retired from surgery in 1993, Dr. Brooks continued to provide 
medical service to the community by becoming a staff physician at 
Tarrant County Jail. Dr. Brooks became the patriarch of medical dynasty 
which resulted in a family tree of six doctors.
  It was my honor to represent Dr. Brooks. My extend sympathies to his 
family and friends. May the example of this ``Southern Gentleman'' be a 
lesson to us all, that our deeds should represent us well.

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