May 4, 1942 - January 15, 2025
San Antonio, TX
Dr. Donald Joseph Gordon, 82, passed away on January 15, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Don had a distinguished life of service, blending his dedication to education, medicine, and community. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Physical Chemistry from Howard University and earned his PhD in the same field at Oregon State University as a NASA fellow. A Vietnam War veteran, he served with the First Cavalry, receiving numerous medals, including the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. After his military service, Don had a notable career in medicine, earning his M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completing his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, having served 20 years in the Army.
Don was a dedicated educator and leader, teaching at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later at UT Health Science Center, where he retired as a full professor. He was also the Medical Director for San Antonio and Bexar County’s EMS for 22 years and served as President of the American Red Cross in San Antonio.
In addition to his medical and military career, Don was an accomplished musician, craftsman, and community volunteer. He played multiple instruments with the National Symphony, crafted and collected stained-glass lamps, exotic pens and chess sets. He was an active member of local organizations, serving as President of the Bexar County Medical Society, the Northwest Rotary Club, and the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
Don’s legacy includes contributions to numerous causes, including the American Heart Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and his lifelong commitment to improving emergency medical care. He leaves behind a lasting impact on both his community and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Veronica Greer, MD
February 7, 1962 - May 26, 2024
El Paso, TX
Dr. Veronica Greer, a leader in emergency medicine education, passed away suddenly on June 26, 2024. Dr Greer is an alumnus of McGovern Medical School at UT Houston, trained in Family Medicine at John Peter Smith in Fort Worth, then in EM at Texas Tech Health Science Center in El Paso. Dr Greer went on to serve as the Texas Tech EM Residency Director for many years. She then served as chief of staff at the institution from 2016-2018, ensuring that the University Medical Center's medical staff was always compliant and ethical while providing patients with the highest quality of care. Most recently she served the institution as physician advisor of the Clinical Documentation Integrity Department since 2020. Dr. Greer was renowned for her unwavering commitment to education, excellence, compassion, and quality.
Under her guidance, countless aspiring emergency physicians flourished, equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with empathy and integrity. Dr. Greer’s impact extended far beyond the confines of the residency program, she was helpful and kind to rotating residents, students, hospital staff and patients.
Her legacy of humility and dedication will forever endure in the hearts of her colleagues, friends, and the emergency medicine community. Though she may be gone, Dr. Greer's legacy will live on as a friend, a mentor, and a role model.
