William Henrich, M.D., MACP, dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for Medical Affairs, presents a plaque to William Hadnott II, M.D., and Dr. Hadnott’s wife, Janis Hadnott.
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William Hadnott II, M.D., the first graduate of the UT Health Science Center San Antonio’s anesthesiology residency program and one of the state’s early African American physicians, was recently honored at a dinner for his more than 40 years of outstanding service as a faculty member of the Health Science Center. The event also celebrated the establishment of The William H. Hadnott, II Endowed Chair in Anesthesiology.

Dr. Hadnott received education during segregation
With both of his parents being teachers, Dr. Hadnott was guided to direct his life’s path with formal education. The same year that Dr. Hadnott’s father died and four years after his mother passed away, he enrolled in Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. He began his medical school education living in a dormitory by himself, still segregated by the Jim Crow laws. He pursued, and in 1949, earned his medical degree at the UT Medical Branch in Galveston.

Dr. Hadnott educated HSC anesthesiology residents
After nine years of operating a successful practice in Bay City, he enrolled in the anesthesiology residency program at the UT Health Science Center. Afterward, he educated generations of anesthesiologists at the Health Science Center until his retirement in 2007.

Dr. Hadnott a pioneer in his field
“His expertise and contribution to anesthesiology and his dedication to resident education are just a few of the legacies that he leaves the field of anesthesiology,” said Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president of the UT Health Science Center. “His contributions are so compelling because he has educated generations of anesthesiologists, attracted many distinguished faculty to Texas and mentored many more. He truly is a pioneer in the field of anesthesiology.”

William Hadnott II, M.D., (front row, right) celebrates the establishment of the endowment in his honor with his family members including his daughter, Marjorie Hadnott (front row, holding flowers).

House of Representatives recognized ontributions
Among the many awards Dr. Hadnott received throughout his career was a recognition he received in 1997 from the Texas House of Representatives, House Resolution No. 417, that praised his extraordinary vision and leadership.

Received statewide award
He was also awarded the prestigious Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus Award at UTMB in June 2005. In the fall of 2008, Dr. Hadnott will receive the Recognition of Distinguished Service award from the Texas Society of Anesthesiology.

“We have a vision of creating a School of Medicine which will assume its place among the elite in the country,” said William Henrich, M.D., MACP, dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for Medical Affairs. “The high platform that Dr. Hadnott has erected for the Department of Anesthesiology will allow it to achieve even greater heights.”