HOUSTON (Nov. 19, 2007) —Kelsey-Seybold Clinic leadership recently named five of the Clinic’s physicians as honorees at its bi-annual Clinical Excellence Awards Ceremony held November 3.

Michael E. Newmark, M.D., was confirmed a “Fellow of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic” for service, loyalty and dedication, in grateful recognition of his service and leadership as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Medical Director of the Kelsey Research Foundation, clinical investigator, senior statesman and extraordinary neurologist.

The distinction of “Fellow” is the highest honor bestowed by Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and is reserved for those rare individuals who serve at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic with distinction and leave a lasting legacy of excellence. In the Clinic’s 57-year history, there have only been thirteen other Fellows named before this year; including Mavis Kelsey, Jim Kemper, Stan Fischer, Jim Smith, Don Owens, Earl Beard, Carlos Taboada, Vicki Buxton, Breaux Castleman, David Mouton, Jim Boland, Enoch Freeman and Jim Hoyle. “Dr. Newmark has combined his acclaimed clinical excellence with compassion to preserve the lives of many patients with epilepsy and other neurological conditions,” said Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., Board chairman, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “His wisdom, seasoned with good humor, has guided the Board of Directors through many difficult decisions to successful conclusions. He is a trusted consultant, a revered statesman, and an effective leader.

“Each of these attributes is extraordinary, but Dr. Newmark’s defining characteristic is what endears him most to the patients under his care ─ his humanity. The Clinic, its physicians and employees shall be forever indebted to Dr. Newmark,” Dr. Berthelsen added.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Medical Staff Development Committee awarded Dr. Nancy Webb the “Community Service Award” for her volunteerism in the community and for making a difference in many lives. Among her good deeds, Dr. Webb has been actively involved with Benevolent Missions International (BMI) for the past 10 years, and is president of its board of directors. BMI sends teams of eye care professionals to Belize, El Salvador, Bolivia, Fiji and American Samoa to provide a wide variety of medical and surgical services to needy populations in these countries. Dr. Webb has also been a board member of the Lighthouse of Houston for the past 13 years. Lighthouse of Houston provides assistance, training and rehabilitation to the visually impaired. Dr. Webb was honored in absencia, as she was away on a mission trip to Fiji with BMI.

Michael E. Newmark, M.D., was named a “Fellow of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic” for service, loyalty and dedication, in grateful recognition of his service and leadership as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Medical Director of the Kelsey Research Foundation, clinical investigator, senior statesman and extraordinary neurologist. The distinction of “Fellow” is the highest honor bestowed by Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and is reserved for those rare individuals who serve at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic with distinction and leave a lasting legacy of excellence. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physicians pictured: Michael Newmark, M.D., Neurology Department, and Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., Board Chairman.

Melanie Mouzoon, M.D., managing physician of Immunization Practices and Travel Medicine, was recognized with the “Impact Award” for her achievements and positive impact on the Clinic. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physicians pictured: Melanie Mouzoon, M.D., managing physician of Immunization Practices and Travel Medicine, and Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., Board Chairman.

Joyce Holz, M.D., was recognized for her influence and guidance in teaching others and received the “Mentor Award.” Dr. Holz is an expert laparoscopist with the obstetrics and gynecology department at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. An astute surgeon, she improves every year and is regarded as an excellent role model to her peers, inspiring them to continuously reach for higher technical and clinical standards. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physicians pictured: James C. Hoyle, Jr., M.D., medical director, Joyce Holz, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, and Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., Board Chairman.

Colleagues recognized Nicholas Solomos, M.D., for his clinical judgment, teaching ability and research achievements, and awarded him the F. James Boland Award. Dr. Solomos heads Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Family Medicine Residency program at Kelsey-Seybold and is known for his knowledge, diagnostic skills and tireless work ethic. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physicians pictured: James C. Hoyle, Jr., M.D., medical director, Nick Solomos, M.D., Family Medicine Residency Program director, and Spencer Berthelsen, M.D., Board Chairman.

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About Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is Houston’s largest community-based physician group, founded in 1949 by Dr. Mavis Kelsey in Houston’s famous Texas Medical Center. Kelsey-Seybold offers the services of more than 300 physicians in over 40 medical specialties. The Clinic’s 18 Houston-area locations offer convenience to patients close to home and work. Kelsey-Seybold has proudly served the National Aeronautics and Space Administration since 1966 and today provides medical services on-site at both Johnson Space Center and Moscow. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is part of the St. Luke's Episcopal Health System.