[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF DR. GEORGE A. HURST, M.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 1999

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great American, who has dedicated his life to those less fortunate--Dr. 
George A. Hurst, M.D., of Tyler, Texas. In honor of his tireless 
sacrifices and endless contributions to the medical community, Dr. 
Hurst will be named as Director Emeritus at the University of Texas 
Health Center at Tyler on March 31, 1999.
  The son of American missionaries, Dr. Hurst was born in Brazil, 
attended high school in Georgia and graduated from Austin College. He 
earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern 
Medical School in Dallas and interned at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
  In 1964, he came to Tyler as the Clinical Director of the East Texas 
Chest Hospital. In 1970, he was named Director and worked in that 
capacity until January of 1998. In 1977, the hospital became a part of 
the University of Texas System and was renamed the University of Texas 
Health Center at Tyler (UTHCT).
  Working with the leadership of the UT System, he has guided the 
institution through a remarkable period of growth in its facilities 
including: the Patient Tower in 1980, the Biomedical Research Building 
in 1987, the Medical Resident Center in 1987 and the Ambulatory Clinic 
Building in 1996. More importantly, UTHCT evolved from a chest hospital 
to an acute care facility with a multiple mission of patient care, 
medical education and biomedical research. To help fulfill this 
mission, The Family Practice and Occupational Medicined Residency 
Programs were begun during his tenure.
  A dedicated servant, he has served his institution, community, family 
and church with humility and insightful leadership. A godly man, 
placing others before self, he dedicated his life to caring for those 
in need and in so doing achieved a high level of respect from his 
peers, as signified by the many honors bestowed upon him.
  The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler is honored to 
recognize, Dr. George A. Hurst, Director Emeritus, for his exemplary 
service to mankind as its Director from 1970-1998.
  Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in honor and respect 
for this great American--Dr. George A. Hurst, M.D.

                          ____________________