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DAVID N. HENKES, MD

David N. Henkes, MD,

2025 Recipient of Texas

Medical Association’s

Distinguished Service Award

In recognition of his 25 years of exceptional contributions to the medical
community, the Texas Medical Association is proud to honor David N.
Henkes, MD, with the 2025 TMA Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Henkes received TMA’s highest honor during the TexMed Opening
Session on Friday morning to celebrate his leadership within the Texas
Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA).
When Dr. Henkes joined the Texas Delegation in 2001, he could not
have foreseen the profound impact he would have over the next two decades.
He was elected as vice chair in 2012 and chair in 2014, a position he held
with great distinction until December 31, 2024.
Under his leadership, the Texas Delegation’s influence within the
AMA grew significantly. The number of Texas delegates increased and
Texans now hold positions in nearly every AMA committee and council.
Dr. Henkes’ ability to foster relationships and build coalitions, such as the
Big Five — a collaboration between Texas, California, Florida, New York
and Pennsylvania — has been instrumental in advocating for key issues like
Medicare payment reform.
Dr. Henkes’ leadership style, in which he prioritizes the needs of Texas
physicians and the medical community over personal ambition, has earned
him widespread admiration and appreciation from his colleagues.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Henkes championed many
key initiatives, including making Medicare payment reform a
priority, establishing telemedicine guidelines before COVID-
19, and advocating for internists facing certification challenges.
Outside of delegation work, Dr. Henkes is a practicing
pathologist in Bexar County, where he served as the 2005
BCMS President.
Dr. Henkes’ leadership and dedication will leave a lasting
legacy, ensuring that the voice of Texans continue to shape the
future of healthcare.

Dr. Jayesh Shah, TMA President, congratulates Dr. David Henkes, recipient of the Dr. John Shepherd, BCMS President, and Dr. David Henkes.
TMA Distinguished Service Award.

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