UNT Health Science Center Sealy Massingill believes that being a physician is more than the individual practice of medicine – it is a calling and a way of life. That way of life has motivated him to become actively involved with other physicians on numerous levels. As an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, he routinely works with medical students and medical residents, imparting not only knowledge and skills, but also his personal philosophies about engaging patients in care decisions and assuring that care is of the highest quality, according to nominator Dana Benton Russell, director of public relations at UNTHSC. “He is an asset to all of Tarrant County, as a leader in the medical community,” Russell says. Massingill is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and completed his internship/residency in obstetrics and gynecology at John Peter Smith Hospital. A longtime leader in the Continuous Quality Improvement efforts at both JPS and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Massingill served as a strong supporter and guide in the use of drills and simulation techniques to improve patient safety at both hospitals. He is the current president of the Tarrant County Medical Society. At JPS Health Network, he is the current chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and he is the past president of the JPS Medical Staff. He also has served at Texas Health Fort Worth as OB/GYN Division chair and vice chair, and currently as medical director for Midwifery Services and on THR Physician Leadership Counsel. On the state level, Massingill is vice president of the Texas Medical Association Foundation and a member of the TMA Committee for Maternal and Perinatal Health. “In all of these roles and activities, as well as in his day-to-day practice, he is a strong advocate for patients’ rights and for new and innovative approaches to care,” Russell says. “His role in bringing Nurse Midwifery to the labor and delivery services at both JPS and Harris has given women access to more options in their obstetrical care.” Massingill, a native of Fort Worth, is married to Deborah Massingill. The couple has three children, G. Sean, Patrick and Sarah. What drew you to the health care field? Hard to say what drew me to medicine. Who is your biggest inspiration? My inspirations were my high school science teachers. What is your advice for people getting into the health care field? My advice to those interested is to follow your passion. – Betty Dillard