Bailey named Red Duke physician of the year

By Roman Petrowski, McGovern Communications
A man in surgical scrubs and a black Memorial Hermann vest holds a glass award while speaking with a man in a blue suit who is reading from a sheet of paper. A woman in navy scrubs stands nearby listening during the presentation in a conference room.

Marshall Bailey, MD, was named the Memorial Hermann Health System physician of the year. (Photo courtesy of James McCarthy, MD, MHA)

Memorial Hermann Health System has named Marshall Bailey, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, as the winner of the Dr. James “Red” Duke Jr. System Physician of the Year Award.

Named in honor of the legendary trauma surgeon and educator, the award recognizes physicians who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to patient care across the hospital system.

Duke’s influence helped shape trauma care in Texas and beyond. A founding member of the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Duke also created Memorial Hermann Life Flight, the nation’s first hospital-based air ambulance service. He later became the voice of the nationally syndicated “Texas Health Reports” news segments, where he helped educate the public on health and medicine.

“To have an award that bears the name of Dr. Duke, a giant in medicine, is a tremendous honor,” Bailey said. “To be named physician of the year means more than I can put into words. But I will continue to put my all into patient care and the advancement of medicine, hopefully living up to a fraction of the award’s namesake.”

Bailey earned the recognition for exemplifying Memorial Hermann’s mission of improving health while fostering a culture built on deep trust and high expectations. Colleagues describe him as a physician leader who consistently demonstrates respect, inclusivity, and compassion while ensuring patients, families, and team members feel heard, valued, and supported.

Peers also recognized Bailey for advocating for best practices that improve patient care and workplace culture. He was described as a collaborative leader committed to continuous improvement, mentorship, and clinical excellence.

The award was presented during a surprise ceremony at Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital on May 11 by Jamie McCarthy, MD, MHA, executive vice president and chief physician executive at Memorial Hermann Health System.

“In every aspect of his work, Dr. Bailey exemplifies the qualities of a physician leader who advances the vision and mission of Memorial Hermann,” McCarthy said. “His dedication to clinical excellence, collaborative governance, and compassionate care makes him truly deserving of being named System Physician of the Year.”

Bailey earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in 2014. He completed his residency in 2017 at The University of Texas Medical Branch and a fellowship at UTHealth Houston in 2020.

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