Dr. Thomas J. Purgason graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. He then attended UTMB, where he obtained his Medical Degree in 1979. During his time at UTMB, he was a member of the Phi Chi Fraternity, an organization he continues to support today.
After graduation, Dr. Purgason completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Tulsa Medical College. While there, he was named Outstanding Senior Resident. In 1980, he married Michele, whom he met at UTMB while she was earning her nursing degree and clinical specialty certification in burn nursing.
Following his residency, Dr. Purgason moved to Arlington, Texas, where he immediately began his private practice. He became board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1982 and has been dedicated to patient care in Arlington for 43 years, maintaining an active practice to this day.
Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Medical Director for various organizations and as Chief of Staff at Medical City Arlington. He has been a member of the hospital’s Credentials Committee for over 20 years and served on its Board of Trustees for more than 15 years. He also served as President of the Arlington Branch of the Tarrant County Medical Society and worked as a medical consultant for The University of Texas at Arlington Athletic Department and the Mansfield Independent School District Athletic Department. In 2008, his peers honored him as Physician of the Year. Beyond his professional work, he has actively contributed to his community through philanthropy and volunteerism.
One of Dr. Purgason’s greatest passions is mentoring and training the next generation of medical professionals. Over the years, more than 80 students have rotated through his practice, and he takes great pride in seeing them thrive in their careers.
Dr. Purgason’s connection to UTMB runs deep—he was born at John Sealy Hospital in 1952 while his father was a medical student. After a 22-year hiatus, he returned as a medical student himself, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to the university. Since 2011, he has served as a member of the Development Board, chairing the Fort Worth regional committee and actively securing support for university initiatives. He has also generously contributed to UTMB, both personally and through the Michael Gilles Purgason Foundation, which honors his late son who passed away in 2012.
Dr. Purgason has been a dedicated member of the John Sealy School of Medicine Alumni Board of Trustees since 2013 and became a lifetime member early in his career. In 2019, he was elected board president, leading through the challenging COVID-19 years. For 18 months, he engaged virtually, participating in meetings, White Coat Ceremonies, and Graduation from behind a computer screen.
Dr. Purgason was instrumental in securing a $50,000 endowed presidential scholarship for the John Sealy School of Medicine Alumni Association. Additionally, he proposed awarding $25,000 per year as current-use scholarships, offering essential support to students annually.
Tonight, he is joined by his wife of nearly 45 years, Michele, his son Nicholas and his wife Rachel, and his daughter Ashley, a PhD graduate of UTMB, along with her husband Eamonn. He knows that Michael is here in spirit, proud of his father’s accomplishments. Dr. Purgason also extends his heartfelt gratitude to his beloved family and friends who are here to celebrate with him.
He is deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as an Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus and will be forever grateful for this recognition.