The Texas Medical Association building in downtown Austin has been renamed in honor of Louis J. Goodman, PhD, who has served as TMA executive vice president and CEO for the past 22 years.
In a renaming ceremony that took place during yesterday’s First Tuesdays at the Capitol advocacy event, several hundred physicians from across Texas joined state and federal lawmakers in recognizing Dr. Goodman, who announced his retirement in February.
“I never expected this,” Dr. Goodman told the crowd. “These 32 years I’ve worked with and for doctors have been really special.”
The ceremony included remarks from several lawmakers and physician leaders, including Diana Fite, MD, chair of TMA’s Board of Trustees; TMA President Doug Curran, MD; U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Lewisville); and State Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound).
Dr. Fite said naming the building for Dr. Goodman is a symbol of the professionalism, intelligence, and passion Texas physicians share.
“It says we are strategic and insightful. It says we’re innovative and original. It says we are true to our word. It says we are highly respected,” Dr. Fite said. “Mostly it says we care about everyone around us. We have a huge heart. And that’s what being a physician is really all about.”
Senator Nelson praised Dr. Goodman for his dedication to championing medicine’s priorities to state lawmakers, including the historic medical liability reforms passed in 2003.
“We wouldn’t have that success without Lou Goodman,” Senator Nelson said. “He has led the way for so many successes that we’ve had — not just for doctors, not just for medicine, but for the patients in this state that you and I care about.”
Dr. Goodman grew up in New Jersey, earned a doctorate in public affairs and medical economics at New York University, and took the reins of the TMA in 1997 after a stint at the American Medical Association in Chicago and then 10 years leading TMA’s Division of Medical Economics.
“This is a great organization, and I can’t think of a better career than working with the healers, who save lives, who take care of people,” Dr. Goodman said. “It’s truly an honor. I’m greatly humbled by this dedication.”