Contacts:
Leni Kirkman or Julie Wiley - 210-358-2335
UHS doctor dedicated to serving the poor in San Antonio retires
Dr. Benavides placed patients before a paycheck
(SAN ANTONIO - January 26, 2006) Dr. Jose M. Benavides spent most of his career caring for the less fortunate in the community. Benavides served as a part-time Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Out-patient Clinic at University Health Center - Downtown for 12 years.
He also provided free health care to needy patients on a regular basis in the out-patient Medicine Diabetes and Cardiology clinics at the start of his career. "I began without salary and came regularly to the out-patient clinics. The majority of my patients represents the most unfortunate members of the community and are often those who are underserved and have the most medical problems."
The 74-year old physician has always placed his patients at the top of his list. His caring and compassionate heart for the patients will be missed by colleagues and friends. "I am happy I have earned the highest trust and confidence of my patients, many of whom have been with me since 1994."
Benavides, a native of Mexico, started his medical career in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where he earned a degree in medicine at the Universidad de Nuevo Leon.
He traveled to the United States where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine. He served as a Professor of Medicine, owned his private practice, worked as an Associate Medical Director at Family Hospice/Vista Care and was employed as a Clinical Professor at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio before joining the University Health System.
"My life has been deeply enriched on both the personal and the professional levels. I have so many people to thank including my Creator for this beautiful part of my life," he said.
