Hendrick Health awards scholarship in honor of Abilene’s first black physician

Registered nurse Tamatha Brown at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood is so passionate about education that she wants to earn an advanced degree to train future nurses. To help with that goal, Hendrick Health recently awarded Brown the Dr. William H. Butler Sr. Scholarship for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Healthcare.

Dr. Butler (1875 -1947) was Abilene’s first practicing black physician, starting his practice in 1914 out of his home. He served primarily Abilene’s African-American community and anyone who could not get equal or adequate healthcare, including whites and Hispanics.

The scholarship was created in 2021 as part of the health system’s commitment to promote an ethnically diverse and racially inclusive workforce. Employees and community members have contributed to the fund, and Hendrick Health pledged a $20,000 matching grant.

“The scholarship is vital because education is an important aspect of healthcare,” said Brad Holland, president and CEO for Hendrick Health. “Equally important is fostering a diverse healthcare team that enriches our efforts of expanding access and exceling in patient engagement.”

The scholarship is open to any Hendrick Health employee of color who wishes to pursue specific goals for professional improvement. The first scholarship was awarded in 2022 to Alexia Sanders, a Hendrick Medical Center patient care tech pursuing a degree in nursing.

Brown credits wonderful teachers who prepared her for the work she does in the medical-telemetry unit. She wants to create that same passion and skill in the next generation of nurses.

To learn how to support the financial growth of the scholarship, visit hendrickhealth.org/butlerscholarship or call 325-670-2628.

(Photo: Tamatha Brown, RN, left, recently received the Dr. William H. Butler Sr. Scholarship for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Healthcare this year. She is pictured with Krista Baty, BSN, MHA, RN, chief administrative officer at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.)