DENISON, TX - Texoma Medical Center announced Thursday the impending retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, W. Mackey Watkins, M.D. at the end of the year.

Watkins initially began his service as interim CEO in May 2002 and formally accepted the permanent position in August of that same year. Here's a statement from Watkins sent out by Texoma Medical Center:

“After my medical training, my entire professional career has been spent here at TMC. So the decision to retire from here is an emotional one. I am deeply thankful for the support and hard work of each and every employee, physician, nurse, volunteer and board member that I have worked with over the years. Initially when I accepted the position as CEO, I told the Board of Directors that I expected it to be a 3-5 year tenure; however as the dynamics of the hospital changed and we underwent the acquisition by Universal Health Services, Inc, I wanted to stay so that I could experience the exciting changes that were ahead of us. It was important to me to be here through the construction and opening of our new hospital.” Watkins says he has chosen to make this announcement now so that UHS will have adequate time to find his successor and to assure a smooth transition. “Through the recent expansion and enhancement of services, Texoma Medical Center has a bright future and its new CEO will have the pleasure of leading the hospital through its next phase.”

According to TMC Board Chairman Jerdy Gary, “As my dear friend and colleague announces his upcoming retirement today, on behalf of the TMC Board of Directors I want to express our sincere thanks for the many years of service he’s given to our hospital. He is so well respected as both an administrator and as a physician. While he will be greatly missed, we are proud to reflect on the many accomplishments we’ve made under his leadership and wish him the best as he retires from the role as CEO.”

While Dr. Watkins administrative service at TMC is coming to an end, he still plans to practice medicine in a limited capacity in the role as a primary care physician. He also plans to spend more time with family in Horseshoe Bay, TX.

Watkins has served as medical director for Total Renal Care and was previously active on the Texoma Medical Center board serving from February 1985 until he became CEO in 2002. While on the Board of Directors his roles included serving as Secretary, Vice Chairman and Chairman. He was the first physician to hold these leadership positions at TMC.