Michael grew up in Neenah/Menasha and followed his Father’s move to Tucson AZ and El Paso Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech Medical School in 1981. Michael did his residency at R.E. Thompson General Hospital in Emergency Medicine. As a senior medical student, he thought about going into Family Practice like his father. Michael heard Texas Tech was starting an Emergency Medicine Residency Program and joined the first class and his career began. After Residency, Michael joined the faculty of Texas Tech University from 1984-1989, teaching Emergency Medicine in El Paso, and serving as the Medical Director for El Paso EMS. He established a Trauma System, including designated Trauma Centers in El Paso. In 1989, Michael joined the faculty of UT Southwestern in Dallas. He was a major player on the team in the formation of the EM Residency Program in July 1997. In 1998, Michael took over as Program Director of the EM Residency Program at UT Southwestern and has held that position ever since. There are over 200 Emergency Medicine Doctors who have graduated from this program who are saving lives and changing lives every day.
Medicine was Michael’s driving force in life; his passion; it came from his soul. He always enjoyed clinical and practical teaching, patient care, administration of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program, and academic writing. Michael fulfilled a need to be actively involved in patient care and keeping his skills current by working night shifts in the Emergency Room on a regular basis.
The awesome memories of our wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, physician, teacher, educator, mentor, patient advocate, boss, and friend will continue forever in our hearts. Michael always had a smile on his face and a hug for all. He will be greatly missed and we will always remember his willingness to listen and his great sense of humor. Michael loved to present at seminars which was another opportunity to share his knowledge. He never missed a family reunion and sharing crazy times with his brothers.
Michael is survived by: children - Silvia, Jose, Ruben, Francisco; grandchildren Nethanye and Jasmyne; sister - Kathryn (Frank) Dieveney in Denver CO; brothers - John (Linda) in Salt Lake City UT, Thomas (Laura) in Olive Branch MS, Peter (Leslee) in Austin TX, Patrick in Henderson NV.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be at Holy Trinity Church – 3811 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, Texas on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 1:30PM. Burial will be at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas in a private ceremony.
In Michael’s honor, donations may be made to:
Community Hospice 1341 W. Mockingbird Lane Suite 210 East, Dallas, Texas 75247; or Vogel Alcove Childcare Center for the Homeless 7557 Rambler Rd Suite 262, Dallas, Texas 75231; or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul 3811 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, Texas 75219.
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