Texas Children's Hospital neonatologist Dr. Michael E. Speer elected as 147th president of the Texas Medical Association

HOUSTON - (May 19, 2012) - Dr. Michael E. Speer, neonatologist at Texas Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics and ethics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), was elected as the Texas Medical Association's (TMA) 147^th president after serving as president-elect for a one-year term in 2011. The TMA's House of Delegates, the association's policymaking body, elected Speer leader of the nation's largest state medical society during its annual meeting this week in Dallas.

Among Speer's top priorities during his presidency is increasing TMA membership to better represent Texas physicians and patients and to have one voice for all physicians in legislative, public and business issues.

"I am honored to be elected to this position and I hope my year of presidency will further the vision of the continued growth of the Texas Medical Association to encompass more physicians than ever before," said Speer.

A member of the Harris County Medical Society (HCMS) delegation to the TMA since 1988, Speer previously served on the TMA's Board of Trustees for six years including one year as chair. Additionally, he chaired both the TMA Patient Safety Alliance and the TMA Council on Scientific Affairs. He also served as vice chair of the TMA's Ad Hoc Committee on Accountable Care Organizations. Speer has also served as president of several physician organizations including the Texas Perinatal Association, the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the HCMS.

In addition to his leadership in organized medicine, Speer dedicates his time to his patients at Texas Children's Newborn Center - which features the largest level III neonatal intensive care unit in the nation - and Texas Children's Pavilion for Women - which specializes in high risk pregnancies, births and multiples.

Speer earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Occidental College in Los Angeles and his medical degree from BCM in Houston. He completed his residency in pediatrics at BCM-affiliated hospitals and also completed fellowships in both infectious diseases and neonatology. He has been practicing medicine for 44 years and is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and by the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Sub-Board.

The TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 45,500 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. The TMA's key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.