TCOM receives a $1 million donation to establish Clay W. Gilbert, D.O. Scholarship Fund in Family Practice

Dr. GilbertThe Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine has received a very generous donation of $1 million for the creation of the Clay W. Gilbert, D.O. Scholarship Fund in Family Practice. Dr. Gilbert, a long-time practitioner of family medicine and anesthesiology, passed away in 2021 and named TCOM as a beneficiary in his will to establish this scholarship.  

 “We are so grateful to Dr. Gilbert and his family for establishing this scholarship with TCOM,” said TCOM Dean and Everett Endowed Professor Dr. Frank Filipetto. “He was a dedicated osteopathic physician and beloved by his community. This scholarship will ensure that his legacy will live on for generations.” 

In 2009, when Gilbert needed medical treatment, he visited a TCOM alum, Dr. Robert Irvin, for help. Irvin took great care of Gilbert for years, which left a lasting impression on him.  

Gilbert was a 1963 graduate of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating, he interned at Stevens Park Hospital, Dallas from 1963 to 1964. On June 1, 1964, he entered into the practice of family medicine with two other doctors in Athens, Texas. 

During his years of practice in Athens, Gilbert became interested in anesthesiology. He applied to Dallas Osteopathic Hospital for a residency in anesthesiology and was accepted. His residency began on February 1, 1967, and he continued there until July 1, 1967.  

That was the beginning of a nearly 20-year career in anesthesiology until Gilbert returned to family medicine in 1986, and he continued to practice until his retirement from the profession in 1989.  

Gilbert was an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, the Texas Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists.  

The scholarship represents a family legacy by honoring the many years of service by Dr. Gilbert, as well as his father and grandfather who were both DOs, dedicated to the practice of osteopathic medicine.  

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