I first met Dr. Burks in 1978 as a medical student at UTMB Galveston where he served as an instructor and professor of medicine and the director of the medical intensive care unit before opening his private practice in Victoria in 1984. He was held in high regard for his extensive medical knowledge and clinical skill and excellent teaching.  After completing my training, I followed him to Victoria where we shared call until I left in 2000. I have never met a physician who worked any harder or took care of so many patients at any given time.