Brownwood, Texas — AccelHealth celebrates the remarkable career and legacy of Dr. Tom Byrd as he retires after more than 40 years of devoted service to the healthcare field and the Brown County community.
A native of Brown County, Dr. Byrd attended public school in Killeen, Texas, before studying at the University of Texas at Austin for three years. He was then accepted into the Physician Assistant (PA) program at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, graduating in 1983. Dr. Byrd worked as a PA for five years, including four years in Brownwood, before pursuing his Doctoral Degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
Since returning to Brownwood in 1995, Dr. Byrd has been a pillar of the community, serving in both private practice and as a hospitalist, where he held the position of Director of Hospital Medicine at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Dr. Byrd has held leadership positions for the BRMC Medical Staff including Chief of Staff 1998 and the Credentials Committee Chairman in 2000 and 2013. For the past 5 years, he has been a valued provider at AccelHealth. Dr. Byrd has served as the Director of the Brownwood Health Department and Medical Director for local Home Health and Hospice agencies. He and his wife Sue are members of St. John Anglican Church and have supported local nonprofits such as Salvation Army and the Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key Program.
Dr. Byrd’s commitment to serving others extends far beyond his medical practice. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 41 years and raised three children, all of whom have followed in his footsteps by pursuing careers in healthcare: Dr. Roy Byrd, Shelby Byrd Arbogast, RN, and Sara Byrd, MHA. Together, the Byrd family has been instrumental in supporting numerous local and global initiatives, including the medical missions in Burundi, Africa. Through “The Cries of a Child” ministry, Dr. Byrd has demonstrated an unwavering passion for improving global healthcare. Holding a Master’s Certificate in Global Health, he has been key in developing clinics in Burundi and serves as a clinical consultant for the Cornerstone Clinic there.
Over his illustrious career, Dr. Byrd has not only provided exceptional care to his patients but also mentored and trained hundreds of young physicians and medical staff, leaving an indelible mark on the future of medicine. His leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to healing have advanced the quality of care at AccelHealth and throughout the surrounding communities.
“Dr. Byrd’s calm and professional demeanor, impeccable character, and pioneering contributions to healthcare have been an inspiration to us all,” said Esther Taylor, CEO of AccelHealth. “While we celebrate his retirement, we know his influence will continue to be felt in the lives of the patients, colleagues, and communities he has touched.”
As Dr. Byrd embarks on this next chapter, AccelHealth extends its deepest gratitude for his decades of service and wishes him all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Dr. Byrd—you will be deeply missed!
The community is invited to send congratulation cards and words of appreciation to: AccelHealth Attention: Dr. Tom Byrd Retirement 1100 West Reynosa Ave, De Leon, TX 76444
Dr. Tom Byrd’s greatest legacy is a life lived for Christ. In honor of his continued service to others, donations can also be made to The Cries of a Child ministry. For more information or to contribute, please visit www.thecriesofachild.org.
Photos provided by AccelHealth
-Jill Evans, AccelHealth Marketing Director