Tuesday, October 1, 2024
For more than four decades, Russell Gamber DO, MPH, was one of the backbones of the
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, helping to advance osteopathic medicine in Texas and grow the school into the national
presence it has become today. He spent 42 years at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, and he will be honored as the 2024 Beyer, Everett and Luibel Memorial Medal recipient
at TCOM’s Founder’s Day celebration on Oct. 19.
The Beyer, Everett and Luibel Memorial Medal is awarded each year by TCOM to an individual who has advanced the tenets of the osteopathic profession and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine through achievements in teaching, research, or service.
“As an academic physician, there was never a dull day with the responsibilities of teaching, mentoring, research, patient care, advising, and service to the college as well as the profession,” Dr. Gamber said. “I enjoyed every day (well, most days) and found myself on a continuous learning curve which I would note has barely lessened in retirement. The bright students, supportive staff, administration, and colleagues allowed me to thrive in such an enriching atmosphere. I appreciate and thank them all.”
He arrived in Fort Worth in 1976 as an associate professor and TCOM’s new vice chairman of the Department of General and Family Practice, a role he would hold for 10 years. He became the director of the Center of Osteopathic Research and Education in 1986. In 1988 he became the course director for the OMM Core Clerkship for third-year students.
As a professor in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Gamber consistently advanced the tenets of the osteopathic profession through his unwavering dedication to teaching, research, and service.
His expertise in instructing first-year OMM courses and serving as the course director for the OMM Core Clerkship for third-year students profoundly impacted the education and development of future osteopathic physicians. Gamber also mentored pre-doctoral fellows and OMM residents in research, teaching, and clinical settings.
His scholastic and research interests included manipulative medicine applied to acute and chronic conditions in the adult population, public health and health policy. In 2003 Gamber was appointed as the assistant dean for admissions at TCOM to formally serve as the faculty leadership in admissions.
In 2011 with the creation of the TCOM Advisory Colleges, Gamber immediately became involved as he was the leader of the Everett Advisory College.
Gamber was named “Top Doc” by Fort Worth Texas magazine, and a Health Care Hero by Fort Worth Business Press. He has been recognized by the American Osteopathic Association for his medical education contributions and was awarded the JAOA “Best Article of the Year.”
Gamber graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1969 and holds a Master’s in Public Health from HSC’s College of Public Health. His son, Dr. Mark Gamber, is a 2002 graduate of TCOM. Although he retired from TCOM in 2018, he has continued to support the school through the Gamber Family Scholarship, awarded each year to an incoming TCOM student.
Gamber is the second recipient of the Beyer, Everett and Luibel Memorial Medal, joining the inaugural winner from last year, Dr. Michael Clearfield. He will be honored at TCOM’s Founders Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Reata Fort Worth.
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Steven Bartolotta