Grace Community Healthcare Ministry in Mineola held an anniversary party Friday, Oct. 2, for Dr. Mark Race and his 20 years as medical director. Family, friends and community members gathered at the ministry's North Pacific Street location. Race has served as medical director since July 2006.
Race was raised in Dallas, where both of his parents were physicians. He attended the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. He later helped establish the Rehabilitation Hospital at what was then East Texas Medical Center in Tyler and became the first physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in the city. He has also taken medical mission trips to Belize, Pakistan, China and other countries. Race is now semi-retired.
Race said he is thankful for the volunteers who have helped the ministry over the years. "I've loved going to work and loved being able to help people," Dr. Race said. At the event, he recognized board members, founder Barbara Prather, staff members, and local churches that have supported the ministry. The ministry serves adults 18 and older who have no insurance or are underinsured.