Austin City Council Reappoints Dr. Thomas Coopwood Sr. to the Healthcare District Board of Managers

Dr. Thomas Coopwood Sr. was reappointed for a second term to the Travis County Healthcare District Board of Managers unanimously by the Austin City Council on Thursday Dec. 6, 2007. His service will continue through December of 2011.  

Thomas B. Coopwood Sr., M.D., F.A.C.S., now a semi-retired surgeon, has served the Austin community with distinction for more than 30 years. During his career, Dr. Coopwood served as Chief of Surgery at Brackenridge Hospital from 1980 to 1985, Chief of Staff at Brackenridge Hospital in 1986 and Chief of Surgery at St. David's Hospital from 1988 to 1990. Additionally, he was a member of the following societies: Travis County Medical Society (President 1995), Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, Texas Surgical Society, and Surgical Society of Austin (President 1992).  Currently Dr. Coopwood practices in the surgery clinic at Brackenridge Hospital supervising medical students one afternoon a week.

In learning of the reappointment, Dr. Coopwood said, "I am excited about my continued service toward increasing access for those members of our community unable to afford healthcare services.  While we are making steady progress in the areas of primary, specialty and mental health services, our access problems have not been solved.  I am hopeful that during the next fours years of my term we will be able to make quantum leaps in solving those access problems.  It has been a pleasure to serve with my fellow board members and our collegial working relationships have resulted in sound decisions to respond more effectively to the healthcare needs of this community.  The staff of the District has enabled the board to have the information necessary to guide the District in a creative strategic direction.  I appreciate the confidence that the City Council members have bestowed upon me in performing these duties."

The Travis County Healthcare District is governed by a nine-member volunteer Board of Managers. Four of the members are appointed by the Austin City Council and four are appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court. Both governmental bodies jointly appoint the ninth member. The initial terms of the Managers were staggered so that, as near as possible, one-fourth of the members’ terms expire each year. Reappointments and new appointments to the Board serve four-year terms.

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