Sheila J. Goodnight MD

Sheila J. Goodnight, M.D., of Houston, Texas, 56, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, died on the 26th of October 2011, after a very brief but courageous battle with cancer.

She grew up in Bartlett, Texas and received her B.A.S. degree in chemistry, biology, and education from Southern Methodist University. After receiving her undergraduate medical training at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Dr. Goodnight completed her post-graduate training at Baylor College of Medicine, and was appointed to the faculty in 1990. She devoted the next 21 years of her medical career to Baylor and the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center. She was certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine.

As a physician-scientist, she had a special interest in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep disorders, and was a leader and participant in multiple clinical studies which led to the improved care of patients with these illnesses.

She was a highly regarded administrator, having directed the pulmonary disease outpatient clinics, the pulmonary function lab, and the pulmonary sleep apnea lab. Her dedication and skill as a leader was recognized by numerous awards from the VA Medical Center including the Directors Award for Professionalism and a Special Contribution Award. She directed or participated in multiple committees and task forces which led to significant improvements to the care of veterans. At the national level, she was a member of the VISN 16 Capital Asset Management Board, and served as the chair of the Women’s Health Network and member of the Council of Networks for the American College of Chest Physicians.

Her passion for medical education was exhibited as an exceptional teacher in the undergraduate medical curriculum, and was particularly respected and loved as a clinical mentor of medical students, medical residents, and subspecialty fellows. She was the recipient of many teaching awards (cited as the “Outstanding Faculty in Basic Sciences” and “Outstanding Faculty” on at least eleven occasions) culminating in her induction in the Outstanding Faculty Hall of Fame in 2000. She served in numerous leadership roles in medical education including Vice Chair (Department of Medicine) for Undergraduate Education and Chair of the Curriculum Committee (Baylor College of Medicine), to name but a few.

Dr. Goodnight was predeceased by her father, Edward Goodnight of Bartlett, Texas. She is survived by her son, Jackson Wesley White of Houston, Texas; her mother, Mary Helen Goodnight of Bartlett, Texas; her sisters, Linda Wright of San Antonio, Texas; and Marsha Soper, of Houston, Texas.

The graveside and interment service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 30th of October, at Holland Cemetery in Holland, Texas, where the Rev. Michael Swink, of St. John Lutheran Church of Bartlett, Texas, is to officiate.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 1st of November, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Laurens A. Hall, Rector, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Dr. Goodnight’s memory may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.