Mancias, Burgess named 2023 Distinguished Alumni
McGovern Medical School has named Pedro Mancias, MD ‘87, and Congressman Michael Burgess, MD ’77, as its 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors alumni of McGovern Medical School who have made significant contributions in the areas of medical science and education or the prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as those who demonstrate a continued interest in the Medical School and its students. The Distinguished Alumnus Award has been presented by the Alumni Association since 1987.
Pedro Mancias, MD ‘87
Pedro Mancias, MD ’87, is professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics and is a Distinguished Teaching Professor after having earned the 2011 Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award and the 2008 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. He also served as the assistant dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.
Mancias recalled that McGovern Medical School was always a warm and welcoming place that allowed him to be the best he could to help his patients, students, and the community.
“It’s a great honor knowing that I follow in the footsteps of other prominent alumni at our school and that my efforts have had a positive impact in making our school a place to obtain all the tools needed to help our community and beyond,” Mancias said.
For all of his accomplishments, however, Mancias said that being named as a Distinguished Alumni ranks at the top.
“Far too often, we forget the opportunity and privilege we have to train our future doctors and impact our community,” he said.
Mancias graduated from McGovern Medical School in 1988. He moved on to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock for residency, which he completed in 1990, before returning to McGovern Medical School to complete his fellowship in 1993.
“(I would like to thank) our creator, my family, teachers, colleagues, mentors, especially Drs. Patricia and Ian Butler, and all the patients and families that allowed me to care for their most prized gift, their children,” Mancias said.
Michael Burgess, MD ‘77
Michael Burgess, MD ’77, is an elected member of the US House of Representatives. He was elected in 2002 and has served the 26th District of Texas since 2003.
“Dr. Burgess has achieved tremendous success in both the medical field and public service arena, making him an outstanding candidate for receipt of the Distinguished Alumnus Award at McGovern Medical School,” said Margaret McNeese, MD, vice dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, and Burgess’ nominator for the award.
Burgess is a founding member of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Associate of Lewisville and was an attending physician at the Columbia Medical Center of Lewisville until 2003 when he transitioned to an emeritus member following his election to the US House of Representatives. He has served on the board of trustees from Columbia Medical Center of Lewisville since 1991 and on the board of the First Texas Medical Center from 1989-2003.
Following graduation from the Medical School, Burgess completed an internship in 1978 at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where he would stay to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 1981. At McGovern, he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, and holds a pair of master of science degrees in physiology (North Texas State University, 1971) and in medical management (University of Texas-Dallas, 2000).
“Congressman Burgess’ leadership, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence have set a shining example for current and future generations of medical professionals,” McNeese said. “His impact has extended far beyond the walls of McGovern Medical School, and we take immense pride in calling him one of our esteemed alumni.”