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This past week (September 8, 2017) I reviewed past editions of The Mission, the magazine published by the UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine. I found this memoriam to Fitzhugh Carter Pannill Jr. M.D. I published this on my Face Book page where it will remain but wanted a copy of it for my files.
Dr. Pannill signed my letter of acceptance to medical school in November, 1968. He became my friend and mentor and is still my image of what a physician should be. The first comment to this post is a link which explains my relationship to Dr. Pannill. The second and third comments give additional comments about Dr. Pannill including the text of his letter to me. Subsequently, I have added other links relevant to Dr. Pannill from my experience. This link is to an interview with Dr. Pannill for a series on Founding Faculty: https://archive.org/details/UTHSC010.
The following is his memoriam and following that is a review of my Face Book post which are articles and histories I have written about Dr. Pannill and UT Health San Antonio.
Mission September 12, 2012 April 1, 2016 -- In Memoriam: Fitzhugh Carter Pannill Jr., M.D.
Fitzhugh Carter Pannill Jr., M.D., former dean of The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, died June 30 in New Braunfels. Dr. Pannill is remembered as a pioneer and champion of education. From 1965 to 1972 he served as dean of what was, at that time, the new and emerging medical school for San Antonio and South Texas. Dr. Pannill was the central figure in appointing key faculty and administrators and building valuable relationships with health care partners across the state.
His legacy thrives today through the more than 12,000 medical students who have graduated from what is now the world-renowned School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In the last year, the school’s name has been changed to UT Health San Antonio, The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine. Despite his demanding schedule while dean, Dr. Pannill always made time for his greatest passions – teaching medical students and residents – and was admired as a consummate role model. One honor he was most proud of, according to his family, was being recognized by the San Antonio medical students as “the foundation of their medical careers.” To make a donation to the Fitzhugh Carter Pannill Scholarship Fund, visit MakeLivesBetter.uthscsa.edu. For a video history interview with Dr. Pannill, click here.
The followng are links to materials which I attached to my Face Book post of the above Memorium
UT Health San Antonio, The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine 1968 - 2018, Caring for People By James L. Holly, MD
(Author’s Note -- Selective History -- This is not an exhaustive history of UT Health and it is not told in order to exaggerate my role in that history. It is “a” history of the school told from the perspective of my experience. There are many founding faculty, students, alumni, administrators and staff whose stories are not acknowledged, not as a diminution of their role in UT Health’s history. In an exhaustive history of UT Heath San Antonio, it may be judged that the events related here in are not worthy of inclusion. That will be for others to judge. This document is intended to tell “a” story of UT Health as I experienced and as I remember it. It is selective because my memory is long and it is deep.)
These files are from the June, 1972 San Antonio Express News. They are of the events surrounding Dr. Pannill's dismissal as Dean of the School of Medicine. Bob Dale was a nationally known editorial cartoonist. One day, I went to the News after they published my letter to the Regents of the University of Texas Board about Dr. Pannill’s dismissal. I expected a letter to the editor; they published it as 40-point type, front page, above the fold.
I saw the original pen and ink editorial cartoons on Bob's desk and asked him what he was going to do with them. He said, "Throw them away." I asked if I could have them; I still do. I have taken the originals out of the frames and had very high resolution, digitized versions made. I had two sets printed and framed. One for Fittz, Dr. Pannill’s son, and the other for the Long School of Medicine. The following is one of those drawings.
This is a copy of my address to the American Association of Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Organization of Student Representatives (OSR)followed by Dr. Bill Henrich’s response upon reading that address in 2016, forty-five years after the original was delivered.
April 22, 2016
Larry, I read the attachment (OSR Address December 2, 1971, Addenda Election, Auditorium, Distinguished Alumnus), and enjoyed every word. It is clear your compass has been set on truth from the start, and that, in the end, it is the wisest path to follow. I admire the courage it took to stand up for Dr. Pannill to the Chancellor, and I appreciated hearing how meaningful your defense of him was to him.
Your devotion to our School of Medicine and to the highest standards of professionalism began early in your career, and continues today. The approach you have informs the actions you have taken with your practice. SETMA reflects your values, your tireless efforts to avoid “bad medicine”.
Your example is meaningful to everyone touched by your approach: your patients, their families, your partners, your family, and, your alma mater. I count myself among most fortunate to have had our paths cross. You are an inspiration to me and to us.
With great respect, admiration and devotion, Bill -- William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP
“The context of my visit with the Lamar University Pre-Professional students included my discussion of the OSR and the AAMC. My relationship with the Founding Dean of the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio is part of that context.
“(Author’s Note: This letter was sent to Dr. Pannill, the Founding Dean of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio School of Medicine upon the occasion of the Dedication February 17th of the Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Auditorium).” This link also contains, Dr. Pannill’s letter to me and my response.
“(Author’s Note: In the Spring of 1970, at the Student American Medical Association (SAMA - renamed American Medical Student Association, AMSA, in 1975), I was elected the first Chairman of the OSR. The first national meeting of the OSR was held in December, 1971. This is the address I delivered at this meeting followed by an addendum that explains the history of my involvement with the AAMC, the OSR and the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio (UTMSSA).
The following is the complete text of my Opening Address to the First OSR Meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Organization of Student Representatives (OSR), December 2, 1971.”
This link details the efforts to dismiss Dr. Pannill as Dean of the School of Medicine. It also gives the details of my being elected the Founding Chairperson of the AAMC’s OSR.
A note written on July 4, 2012 states:
Dr. F. C. Pannill died on June 30, 2012. He was 92 and had been ill for some time. Dr. Pannill was my dean at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Medicine. He meant a great deal to the school, to the nation and to me. The following are some of my thoughts about him.
What Dr. Pannill Meant to Me
The was written upon the occasion of Dr. Pannill being honored by the school of medicine with a distinguished professorship in medicine to which my wife and I contributed:
“First in line of those who continue to influence my practice of medicine will always be Fitzhugh Carter Pannill. My memories of him are vivid and many. His formal and informal, his professional and his personal input to my formation as a physician was and is pivotal. I remember his voice and his manner. H e is the consummate gentleman and he always acted fearlessly, driven by principle and purpose rather than popularity or even professional advantage.
“I wish to have been present for this evening’s festivities. Dr. Pannill, while the honor bestowed upon you tonight is significant and worthy, it is meager in contrast to the debt I and hundreds like me, owe you. This honor pales in the face of the debt every alumnus, student, professor, resident and employee of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s School of Medicine owe to your vision, passion and commitment, which founded this institution upon character, integrity, h9onor, excellence and passion.
The following note was written in 2004 when Dr. Pannill was honored by the Long School of Medicine:
“May God bless you, your dear wife, your children and grandchildren, as blessings to all of who stand tonight in honor of a great man, a great physicians and a great contributor to the future of medical science, medical education and medical practice in American.”
“Dr. Pannill, your distinguished career should have concluded in San Antonio, but the foundation you laid has been built upon with integrity and excellence by your successors. I thought I would never meet another Dean who would be held in as high esteem by me as I hold you. Bill Henrich proved me wrong. When I met him, I thought that it was deja vu (all over again, smile) I know you have met but he shares your vision, passion, excellence and drive. I am pleased that he became the President of the Health Science Center. (emphasis added)
“I still stand in awe of having the privilege of being a physician. As I watched and re-watch the movie Secretariat, I am moved almost to tears at the portrayal of his running of the Belmont Stakes. After a brief moment, he is no longer running to beat other horses. He is running for the sheer joy of running. His owner shouts to the jockey, “let him run, Tommy; let him run!!” The jockey was holding on for dear life. Secretariat is competing only with himself and his achievement was breathtaking.
“Dr. Pannill, our school, your school, the School of Medicine, like Secretariat is running toward a goal, not before imagined possible in South Texas. You started us; Dr. Henrich and many others carry the torch, and many of us in communities around the country run this race with the abandon and joy of a Medical-Practice Secretariat. When I stand tomorrow night in the auditorium paid for by my dear friend, Wayne Reaud, with my family, friends, professors, fellow students and colleagues, these are the thoughts I will have. You are central to them all.
“God bless you, my mentor and hero. Thank you for your love and care. It places wind under my wings. Remember what the trainer of Secretariat said the night before the Belmont Stakes, “Tomorrow, he is going to take wings and fly.” Dr. Pannill, our tomorrow has come and many of us, having taken wings, which you helped fashioned, are flying! Amazing.”
James L. Holly,M.D.
February 23, 2012
Your Life Your Health - The Examiner
(Author’s Note: This letter was sent to the Founding Dean of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio School of Medicine upon the occasion of the Dedication February 17th of the Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Auditorium)
This note is being send over-night-special delivery because I want you to receive it before the ceremony Friday night. It will not bear my signature as I am at my office at 4 AM writing it before we leave for San Antonio. Both Carolyn and I read your note. I repeat its content here for the benefit of my children with whom I am sharing my note to you. You said:
“Dear Larry and Carolyn:
This is written in the hope you see it before the auditorium’s dedication as I want you to know that I truly will miss seeing you on the 17th. It is my turn to be incapacitated by a rebellious hip, and I can barely make it to the table for meals.
It pleases be beyond words that the auditorium is to be named in your honor, as you deserve this and so much more in recognition of what you have done for our medical school. That has always been my favorite of all of the building as it represents new thought and new loyalties more than any other. You will be pleased to know that Harry Ransom said as much in the Commencement Address in 1970. I’ll think of you in that context but wish I could be there to join you. Send me a picture please.
I still have my piece of the foundation of the school that you and 1973 gave me and I’m glad that you will receive the honor of the name of the building. All my love and best wishes to you and yours.
Carter”
My letter to Dr. Pannill
Dr. Pannill, in my belief system the most valued commendation that one may receive at the end of life is to hear from the Creator the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” that and the love and devotion of my wife, Carolyn, and of my family are the pinnacles of life. But in this life, there is no commendation or affirmation which I would rather receive that the one which you have given above and the one that my beloved School of Medicine will give me, my wife and truly my family on Friday night. Your person, personality, professionalism and example as a physician/professor remain my professional “north star,” which provides an unwavering guide to me every day as I press toward the transformation of healthcare in my little part of the world. I have your November, 1968 letter of acceptance to the School of Medicine Class of 1969, which Carolyn had framed for me. It is one of my proudest possessions and I shall carry it with me to the ceremony tomorrow. I still read it from time-to-time, and particularly value your signature on it.
I remember the day that I received the letter. A classmate in a class at Baylor approached me and said, “I understand you are going to be a doctor.” I had received no notification and he added, “The Pre-Med Advisor told me he received notification of your acceptance to San Antonio.” Immediately, I knew where the letter was. It was in the mailbox of our previous residence. I left school and drove to Bosque Avenue in Waco, Texas. No one was home and I approached the mail box with some trepidation because I had already decided that I would commit a Federal crime, i.e., I was going to look inside the mail box which belonged to someone else. I did and there it was. It was a wonderful day.
I don’t know if you remember where we first had close contact. I was leaving the school one afternoon and your secretary rushed out and said, “Larry, you have to go downstairs. The Dean is there for a meeting with students who are interesting a forming a health-careers program for Hispanic children. I said, “I have to go home.” She implored me and I went. You and I, and the other student with me, were the meeting. As a result of that meeting, I ran the Health Careers Program for two years. It was that work which led you to send me with the School’s official representative to the Student AMA meeting in Los Angeles.
At that meeting, a discussion was held about the AAMC planning to organize the Organization of Student Representatives (OSR) which still exists today. When the students were going to elect a Founding Chair of the OSR, I asked the student who was the official School of Medicine representative if he was interested in the job. He was not and I asked him if he minded if I volunteer. He did not. I spoke to the group and was elected the Founding Chair of the OSR. As a result, I was the Chair for two years, one during the organization of the group and the second during its first year of existence. The following appears on the AAMD website currently:
“History
“In 1968, the AAMC passed a resolution calling for the development of mechanisms for student participation in the affairs of the AAMC. Two years later, the Assembly adopted an addition to the bylaws, creating the OSR. At the 1971 AAMC Annual Meeting, the OSR was created with the following intentions: to facilitate the expression of students' ideas and views, to incorporate students into the governance of the AAMC, to foster the exchange of ideas among students and other concerned groups, and to facilitate students' action on health care issues -- From AAMC website: Past Chairs 1971-1972 Larry Holly University of TX-San Antonio
You will remember that as a result of this, I:
- Attended the AAMC’s 1970 Strategic Planning session at Earlyhouse in Virginia
- Attended the AAMC/AMA Annual Education Meetings in Chicago
- Served on the Executive Committee of the AAMC for two years, as voting member
- Was the first medical student to be a voting member of an accreditation site visit which was at Cornell Medical College in New York City.
- Voted on the accreditation of our School of Medicine twice while I was a student.
It was a Chicago Education meeting that I led a meeting of all of the Deans of Schools of Medicine. You and I sat on the podium. The oldest dean of a school of Medicine was dominating a discussion session. I leaned over and asked you what I should do. You said, “Tell him to sit down!” With consternation, I struck the gavel and said, “Sir, we must move on, will you yield the microphone.” You said, “My goodness, Larry, I didn’t expect you to do that!” The audience applauded. I shall never forget that. Your sense of humor and propriety were parts of what I so admired about you.
It was my work with the AAMC and particularly in voting on the accreditation of our school which is the capstone of our relationship. I and all of the students were shocked when you were removed as Dean. We wanted your name on our diplomas and we raised a ruckus, but alone among the students I knew that the reasons given by the Chancellor for removing you were false. He quoted the accreditation report about deficiencies of the School, when the actual reason was you would not fire Leon Cander, Chairman of Medicine. I knew he was not telling the truth because I had a copy of the accreditation report. I wrote a letter to the Chancellor and to all of the Regents, one of which was Lady Bird Johnson. I sent a copy to the San Antonio Express News expecting them to publish it as a letter €“to-the-editor. They did not. It was front page, 40-point type, “Senior Medical Student Challenges Truthfulness of Chancellor.” I still have the original pin and ink original editorial cartoons created by Bob Dale for the paper.
There was some discussion, I understand, of the Chancellor taking steps to boot me out of school. You offered to bring me to SUNY where you were going as Dean and to graduate me. The Chancellor gave up his plans when apparently his lawyers told him that I had the document which proved that what I was saying was the truth. The wonderful thing is that the truth is always the best defense.
Dr. Pannill, your distinguished career should have concluded in San Antonio, but the foundation you laid has been built upon with integrity and excellence by your successors. I thought I would never meet another Dean who would be held in as high esteem by me as I hold you. Bill Henrich proved me wrong. When I met him, I thought that it was deja vu (all over again, smile) I know you have met but he shares your vision, passion, excellence and drive. I am pleased that he became the President of the Health Science Center.
I apologize for this long discourse, but I wanted to write these memories down. They are a rich part of my life and I want to thank you for them. It was in your honor that Carolyn and I gave our first contribution to our School. It will be our honor to continue to support the Distinguished Carter Pannill Professorship and to continue to enjoy the history we share.
I still stand in awe of having the privilege of being a physician. As I watched and re-watch the movie Secretariat, I am moved almost to tears at the portrayal of his running of the Belmont Stakes. After a brief moment, he is no longer running to beat other horses. He is running for the sheer joy of running. His owner shouts to the jockey, “let him run, Tommy; let him run!!” The jockey was holding on for dear life. Secretariat is competing only with himself and his achievement was breathtaking.
Dr. Pannill, our school, your school, the School of Medicine, like Secretariat is running toward a goal, not before imagined possible in South Texas. You started us; Dr. Henrich and many others carry the torch, and many of us in communities around the country run this race with the abandon and joy of a Medical-Practice Secretariat.
When I stand tomorrow night in the auditorium paid for by my dear friend, Wayne Reaud, with my family, friends, professors, fellow students and colleagues, these are the thoughts I will have. You are central to them all.
God bless you, my mentor and hero. Thank you for your love and care. It places wind under my wings. Remember what the trainer of Secretariat said the night before the Belmont Stakes, “Tomorrow, he is going to take wings and fly.” Dr. Pannill, our tomorrow has come and many of us, having taken wings, which you helped fashioned, are flying! Amazing.
James (Larry) Holly, MD
CEO, SETMA, LLP
www.jameslhollymd.com
PS: Along with the Pannill Distinguished Professorship, Carolyn and I have made the following a part of our School of Medicine:
- Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair in Patient-Centered Medical home
- Writ E.Bellue and William Richmond Holly Endowed Memorial Lecture in Patient-Centered Medical Home
- Holly Primary Care Institute Endowment
- Dr. Danny G. Duke Memorial Endowment for Music and Medicine
- Dr. F. Carter Pannill Endowed Distinguished Professorship
- Dr. James L. Holly Red Society Endowment for Student Academic Excellence
- William Randolph Hearst Endowed Chair in Congenital Heart Disease
- SOM Student Education Enhancement Fund
- Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship
- Class of 2010 Endowed Scholarship
- President’s Council
- President’s Gala
- 2008 – The Honorable Dolph Briscoe Family Legacy Fund
- 2009 - Presidential Celebration
- 2013 - The Greehey Family Fund for the Future of Health
- CMHE Operating Funds
- Center support
- Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics to offset printing costs for Dr. Danny Duke chapbook
- Chromosome 18 Research Activity
- Richard W. Powell, M.D. Scholarship
- J. B. Aust, MD, PhD, Chair in Surgery
- Frank Bryant, Jr., M.D. Memorial Lecture Series
- Musical Interludes – Peveto Chapel
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