Event honors the legacy of a beloved East Texas surgeon whose life of compassion and excellence continues to inspire future generations of physicians.

TYLER, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 12, 2025 / Smith County Medical Society is honored to announce the inaugural Duane N. Andrews, MD, Compassion in Medicine Memorial Lecture & Grand Rounds.

This event will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12:00PM at the Ornelas Academic Amphitheater at the UT Tyler Health Science Center (11937 U.S. Hwy. 271 in Tyler) in honor of Dr. Duane Neil Andrews, who passed away on June 1, 2024, at the age of 86. Dr. Andrews was a brilliant surgeon who was heralded as one of the best Whipple and kidney transplant surgeons, among many other specialties. He was passionate beyond borders, working 100 hours per week on average and donating much of his money to others in need.

Dr. Andrews deeply cared for his patients, making rounds at times when other physicians wouldn't and keeping his OR team small to ensure quality. He trained countless others and helped to establish Hospice of East Texas, the only non profit hospice in the region, and co-financed the expansion of a local church after-school program to include a medical clinic, dental clinic, pantry, clothes, two parks, and more. Dr. Andrews, who was known to be bashful about recognition, was indeed recognized by his peers during his lifetime and continues to be recognized after his death.

"Dr. Andrews exemplified the highest ideals of medicine: skill, humility, and deep humanity," said Dr. Douglas Coltman, longtime colleague and personal friend. "He treated every patient as family and believed that compassion was as essential to healing as any surgical technique. This memorial lecture honors not just his accomplishments, but the heart behind his work."

The annual Duane N. Andrews, MD, Compassion in Medicine Memorial Lecture will serve to honor Dr. Andrews and help continue his legacy of compassion, while educating physicians. In its inaugural year, this event will be part of this year's UT Tyler School of Medicine Grand Rounds lecture series.

Smith County Medical Society is pleased to honor this incredible physician while helping to educate young medical leaders of our community. Learn more by visiting https://www.smithcomed.org/.

ABOUT SMITH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

The Smith County Medical Society promotes the highest standards of ethical medical practice for the benefit of the community. The Smith County Medical Society is part of the Texas Medical Association, which represents more than 59,000 actively practicing physicians in the state of Texas.

CONTACT

Smith County Medical Society
Phone: 903-593-7058
E-mail: smithcms@smithcomed.org
Website: https://www.smithcomed.org/

SOURCE: Smith County Medical Society