The Austin Business Journal has recognized Dr. Thomas Coopwood, chairperson of the Central Health Board of Managers, with its prestigious Health Care Heroes Special Achievement Award.
Dr. Coopwood received the honor at the annual Health Care Heroes Awards ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 11, which recognizes “individuals, organizations and companies for their contributions to improving health care in Central Texas.” The Special Achievement Award, previously called the Lifetime Achievement Award, is awarded to the individual in the Austin community who best exemplifies a passion for health care and who does the most to advance health care in Central Texas. A panel of judges, all previous winners of the award, selected Dr. Coopwood as this year’s recipient.
“All I can say is that it’s a real honor and a humbling experience to be recognized by other people who have won this award. I think as much as anything I’ve ever personally done, it reflects the work we’re all doing at Central Health for the health of our community. Many thanks to those who voted to give me this award, and we will carry on with our mission of creating access to healthcare for those who need it most,” Dr. Coopwood said.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving with Tom for more than seven years on the board of Central Health and I have never met anyone more dedicated to the health and well being of others, or more deserving of this award,“ Central Health Board Member Clarke Heidrick said.
Dr. Coopwood’s career as a physician in Austin spans several decades. He 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. He has served as a member of the Central Health Board of Managers since the organization’s creation in 2004. He also received a 2010 Health Care Hero Award for volunteerism. His full biography can be found online.
