Masashi Kawasaki, MD
I was invited to write about Asian physicians for the Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) centennial celebration in 2004. As the writing progressed, the meaning of "Asia" grew to include the area from the Pacific Islands to the Indian Ocean. That is as it should be. The research, interviews, conversations, and review of the doctors' written memoirs changed the challenging assignment from a task to a pleasure. This article reviews the stories of 14 Asian doctors. Twelve of these physicians trained at BUMC, and eight became members of its medical staff. Two doctors received their medical training at other institutions before their appointment to the BUMC medical staff:
Dr. Rolando Solis emigrated from the Philippines and became a Fellow in Cardiology at BUMC in 1968. He joined the medical staff in 1971. The first cardiologist at BUMC to perform percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and transvenous permanent pacemaker implantation, he also established the coronary angioplasty program in his home country.
Dr. Evangeline Cayton, a native of the Philippines, graduated from medical school in Manila. After medical training at US Naval and Air Force hospitals in the Philippines, she immigrated to the USA for an internship in Chicago. She came to BUMC for a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. At the completion of her training in 1980, she was asked to join the BUMC medical staff.
Dr. Kinya Tsukahara was one of the first Japanese immigrants in Texas . He graduated from the University of Dallas Medical Department (later Baylor University College of Medicine) in 1906 and interned at the Texas Baptist Memorial Sanitarium (later BUMC). In 1908, he opened a medical practice in an area that is now southeast Dallas.
Dr. William Tsukahara, a son of Kinya Tsukahara, was born in Dallas and graduated from Baylor University College of Medicine in 1934. Like his father, he interned at Baylor Hospital. He provided medical care to Dallas citizens for more than 45 of his 68 years.
Dr. Julian Mardock completed his internship and training in chest surgery at Baylor University Hospital in the early 1950s. Dr. Mardock's father arrived in the USA from China when he was 13 years old, came to Tyler, Texas, and opened a restaurant there in 1890. While in the US Air Force in World War II, Dr. Mardock became a decorated pilot. He attended medical school under the GI Bill.
Dr. Kaoru Dyo experienced internment camp during World War II. He served a rotating internship at Baylor University Hospital in 1954-1955. Before his internship, he married Alice Kitamura, an employee in Baylor's hematology laboratory. He later became an Austin pediatrician.
Dr. Masashi Kawasaki became a member of BUMC's medical staff in 1969-the first Asian doctor granted the privilege. He completed medical school and internship in Canada before postgraduate surgical studies and otorhinolaryngology specialty training in the USA. Dr. Kawasaki held leadership positions in Dallas that included a diplomatic appointment as Honorary Consul General of Japan.
Dr. Hasmukh
Shah and Dr. Indira Shah, husband and wife, emigrated
from India to pursue postgraduate medical training in
the USA . Hasmukh, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon,
joined BUMC's medical staff in 1970 and was a member
of Baylor's heart-lung transplant team. He is active
in the Texas Indo-American Physicians Society. Indira
established a practice in obstetrics and gynecology
and became a member of BUMC's medical staff in 1974.
Dr. David Pita was born in Thailand
to Chinese parents. After graduating from medical school
in Thailand, he came to the USA for an internship and
remained to complete postgraduate surgical studies and
training in colon and rectal surgery. He joined BUMC's
medical staff in 1972.
Dr. Hassan Bukhari joined BUMC's medical staff in 1972. A peripheral and vascular surgeon, he came to the USA in 1964 for postgraduate training. Periodically, he returns to his homeland to perform volunteer medical work and to teach. He is active in interfaith relationships and assumes a leadership role in the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America.
Dr. Cary Tanamachi was born and raised in Texas' Rio Grande Valley. An orthopaedist, he completed an internship at BUMC. After postgraduate studies and specialty training outside of Texas, he returned to Dallas and became a member of the BUMC medical staff in 1976. Involved in community efforts, he is proud of 18 years of service on the board of Mesquite Independent School District.
Dr. Paitoon Tulanon was born in Thailand and received his medical school education and internship there. He came to the USA for his residency and became a US citizen. His citizenship led to service in the US military. After his military discharge, he sought specialty training in colorectal surgery at BUMC and joined BUMC's medical staff in 1985.
Dr. Edson Cheung, a cardiothoracic surgeon, joined BUMC's staff in 1991. Born in Hong Kong but now a US citizen, he entered the USA for undergraduate studies at the University of Houston . After graduating from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, he received his general surgery training at its affiliated hospitals and then spent 5 years at Emory University to train in cardiothoracic surgery.
The personal stories of these doctors are often tied into the history of their homelands and US history. They came from different countries and served BUMC at different times. Their backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and benevolence are contributions the Baylor community treasures.
