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A much-loved Austin doctor for whom a longtime family clinic is named died Tuesday of melanoma that had spread. Dr. Mathis Blackstock was 87.
Until about two weeks ago, he remained involved with former patients, doctors and residents (physicians-in-training) at the Blackstock Family Health Center and was planning to lecture residents on facing a terminal illness. He died before he could.
"He was the type of doctor that patients would gravitate to. He knew medicine very, very well, but at the same time, he was interested in what you were going through and what you needed. And it wasn't just you as an individual; he took care of your whole family," said Dr. David Wright, who knew Blackstock for nearly 40 years and practiced with him for about 30.
"He, more than anybody else that has been associated with the training programs, taught all of us ... how to be doctors."
Residents this year who completed a family practice training program that Blackstock developed at University Medical Center Brackenridge, where his namesake clinic is located, gave him a plaque expressing their gratitude, said Blackstock's widow, Mary.
The plaque lauds "his many years as our dedicated teacher, mentor and role model who has shown us all what it means to share wisdom, kindness and compassion."
Patients over the years would call Blackstock at home asking for help, Mary Blackstock said.
Many of them were poor and minority - the kind of patients Blackstock set out to serve back in the 1970s, when he helped found a clinic at the San Jose Catholic Church in South Austin, Wright said.
Blackstock also was intensely interested in geriatric health care and played a key role in creating the Austin Groups for Elderly programs.
"We had a hell of a lot of fun, too," his wife added.
Dr. Dana Sprute, director of the UT Southwestern Austin Family Medicine Residency Program, said Blackstock's long devotion to physician education is a "tremendous legacy."
"The faculty, residents and graduates of our program hope to continue to honor his memory through our practice of medicine and in our reflection of the values Dr. Blackstock practiced every day: those of compassion, empathy and advocacy, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our community," Sprute said in a statement.
A graduate of the University of Texas and the UT Medical Branch at Galveston, Blackstock was honored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians in 2007 and was named Physician of the Year at what is now UMC Brackenridge in 1981, according to the Seton Healthcare Family, the hospital's operator.
He was among the physician educators who helped pave the way for others to "dream about having a free-standing medical school at the University of Texas," Wright said.
Such a proposal is being championed today by state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin.
"Every day I've been to work for 30 years or so, he's been around," Wright said. "And now I'm dealing with the fact he's not going to be here anymore."
The funeral for Blackstock, who had three children with his wife of 63 years, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave.
Contact Mary Ann Roser? at 445-3619
25 Entries
Dr Blackstock was the Dr who delivered me. He was our family Dr for many years and I always liked him. I always enjoyed going to my Dr visits because he was always so kind hearted and genuinely interested in my well being. I miss him very much.
Linda Erlanson Szymanski
Friend
August 6, 2020
Dr. Blackstock was my moms doctor so of course became the family physician for my sisters and I. I can remember as a child I felt he really cared about what I was saying and feeling. I was never afraid to go to the Doctor and I have never forgotten him.
Judy Gilbert
June 23, 2019
He delivered me in 1956 and was my doctor for many years. I always liked him because he was easy to talk to and was very compassionate. I feel honored to have known him and have him as my doctor for many years.
Linda Szymanski
February 20, 2015
Truly an amazing man...true friend and the doctor we all want as our own.
Condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us
shelia innmon
July 26, 2012
Dr. Blackstock was compassionate, caring, and kind. I can well remember him coming to our home, carrying his black bag to assess a family member's health. That was in the 50's and today, following Dr. Blackstock's example, I too provide home health care to those too ill to go see the doctor. I am honored and blessed to have known him.
Emma Berkoff-Hoyt
July 22, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Blackstock's family. Dr. Blackstock was our family physician for many years. As a matter of fact, he delivered me at Seton in 1965. He was a wonderful and compassionate physician and I'm honored to have known him.
Michelle Berkoff
July 22, 2012
Dr. Blackstock was a true friend to my mother, Kathryn Turner, as well as a mentor to her and so many others. He will greatly missed.
Family of Kathry Turner, RN - Dave, Micheal, Carol Sue, and Jim.
July 11, 2012
Matt was one of my earliest heroes. He lived in our home as a preceptor with my father, J.M.Bauknight,M.D. He always would have time for me even though I was only 5 years old. Over the next 60 years I would see him from time to time, and the occasion would always bring back wonderful, warm memories. Thank You Matt and special thanks to you Mary for sharing him with so many people.
Bruce Bauknight,M.D.
Bruce and Vicki Bauknight
July 10, 2012
Dr. Blackstock was the first person to ever see me (he was he doctor that helped my mom deliver me and my sisters). I have very fond memories of him being our family doctor and I was NEVER afraid to walk into his office when I was a child.
Several years ago I was at Dillards in Highland Mall and I saw him walking to his car. I chased him down and told him who I was and who my mother was, and he remembered her (Doris Wolff Barron). I'm sure my mom met him at Heavens Gate, she was always fond of him.
May he RIP and God Bless His Family.
Judy Gilbert
July 9, 2012
I always looked forward to seeing Dr. Blackstock at the annual meeting of program directors in Austin...I valued his contributions and insight!
Jane Allison
July 8, 2012
Memories of family fun at Lake Travis and great meals Mary cooked. Matt had a wonderful sense of humor, but was the gentlest of souls and the most compassionate. He never met a dog he could not rescue too.
Linda Clark
July 7, 2012
He was the closest thing to a brother I have known. We grew up together. He was the best.
Barbara Clark
July 7, 2012
Mary, our hearts are with you.
Mary&Bill Finch
July 7, 2012
my sympathy and condolences go out to the Family. I will miss you Son of the Earth. Love Q
July 7, 2012
I didn't know Matt as a physician but as a dog and nature lover. One of my first encounters at our neighborhood dog walking site was when he pointed out a persimmon tree and ruminated on when the fruit would be ready. I knew he was a doctor and one of the more erudite and interesting dog walkers around. It's a testament to his humility that although he informed me of his professional life, I did not know the extent and breadth of his many contributions. Mary, I send my deepest sympathy to you.
Tracy Kuhn
July 6, 2012
Know that we are thinking of you and your family, Mary.
Kathy and Tom
July 6, 2012
Our sympathy and condolences to Mary and the family ... from the Texas Civil Rights Projecy
Jim Harrington
July 6, 2012
Prayers go out to the family of Dr. Mathis Blackstock. For truly God has called home to rest one of his best soldiers. Dr. Blackstock was my family physician for most of my life. He was well known for making house calls on a Saturday, knew every child by name and knew their personality. Even when my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, Dr. Blackstock who no longer practiced, made sure that his Sr. Resident Wendy took good care of her and gave him if not daily but weekly reports. He will truly be missed.
Robbie Reed
July 6, 2012
We have lost a great physician and one of the most humble and respected individuals that I have known. He has touched the life of many and will be very dearly missed ...
Robina Poonawala, MD
July 5, 2012
I feel so blessed to have known such a physician and man. He was the best. Go with God, Matt
Janice Wilson
July 5, 2012
Thank you, Matt, for your service to our country.
George O Lewis, MD
July 5, 2012
I will miss Matt's quiet, sly humor. He was a wonderful man with a lively mind that always sought out interesting questions to ponder. Many people are already missing him
Margaret Powis
July 5, 2012
My heart felt sympathy to all family & friends. Dr. Blackstock will be truly missed. Marie Murnan, Bastrop, TX
Marie Murnan
July 5, 2012
Matt, a fellow doctor and dear friend for over 50 years has passed. He will be so missed.
Robert Ellzey, MD
July 5, 2012
Austin was a better place because of this Man and Doctor. God Bless You!
Sondra Woods
July 5, 2012
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