NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The American Medical Association (AMA) honored Beaumont, Texas, anesthesiologist G. Ray Callas, M.D., with the AMA Medal of Valor for his work on behalf of patients and his community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas as a Category 4 storm in 2017. The award recognizes physicians who demonstrate courage under extraordinary circumstances in non-wartime situations. 

“It is an honor to present Dr. Callas with the Medal of Valor for his heroic efforts to serve his community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey,” said AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D. “Dr. Callas selflessly put the safety and comfort of his patients and neighbors before all else, working with hospitals and emergency response teams to secure transportation to functioning hospitals for struggling patients. But his tireless work extended beyond medicine and logistics as he also spent days cooking and serving food at a local restaurant while homes were evacuated for flooding.”

In addition to his work in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Dr. Callas competed in Dancing with the Stars Beaumont to raise funds for community charities.

Dr. Callas is a clinical anesthesiologist and is currently serving as the President of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. He also is a member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Board of Trustees. He previously served two years as chair of TMA’s Council on Legislation, which deals directly with Texas legislators on bill proposals relevant to medicine.

The AMA presented the award to Dr. Callas during the 2018 AMA Interim Meeting.