About AIDS
By Sandy Bartlett, Fri., Aug. 9, 2002
Austin's David Wright, M.D., one of our most accomplished HIV-treating doctors, has been honored as the 2002 Family Physician of the Year by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. A graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Wright has practiced for 19 years and was one of the first M.D.s in Central Texas who would treat AIDS patients.
Dr. Russell Thomas, director of the Austin Medical Education Program, observed that David Wright takes care of those patients whom other doctors do not want to treat. That has certainly been true in his caring for HIV/AIDS patients, and in 1994, AIDS Services of Austin selected Dr. Wright as Health Care Provider of the Year.
"Dr. Wright is not only a good listener and caregiver, but he truly is concerned about his patients' well-being and becomes active in their lives," said one of his longtime patients. He is willing to take the time necessary to be sure patients have -- and understand -- the information they need. Dr. Wright himself is diligent about staying abreast of the latest developments, a challenge in an area where knowledge is so rapidly expanding.
He also has conducted extensive treatment research and clinical trials. His participation in the earliest trials of protease inhibitors provided
many patients in Central Texas with access to these drugs years before they were commercially available, saving many lives. Dr. Wright is also committed to sharing his expertise with other physicians.
David Wright fulfills TAFP's award criteria admirably -- compassionately dedicated to his patients and an invaluable role model for other doctors -- and exemplifies the very best in medical practice. We're grateful for his unwavering service and delighted that his peers have chosen him for this honor.
