They rode out a hurricane on a cruise
ship in the Tasman Sea, faced a SARS
outbreak in China, endured political
unrest in parts of Africa, not to mention
the frustration of delayed flights and lost
luggage, but nothing has deterred
Edward ’62 and Patti Hurwitz from pursuing
one of their greatest loves—travel.
The couple lives in Houston, where Ed
enjoys a scaled-back work schedule as one
of the state’s leading dermatologists.
“Patti and I have enjoyed traveling
over the years, both on land and sea, and
have visited six continents,” the biology
major shared. “We have traveled extensively
both pre- and post-9/11 and recognize
the need to be cautious because of
instability in the world.”
Upon graduation from Lamar,
Hurwitz continued his medical education
at the University of Texas Medical Branch
in Galveston, graduating with a medical
degree in 1966. From there, he performed
his internship in internal medicine
and surgery at Georgetown University
Hospital in Washington, D.C. It was
during this time that he met his future
wife, who was working as a registered nurse and
director of the emergency room and outpatient
department and who was also his supervisor at
the hospital. She recalls that she fell in love with
his Texas mannerisms and dimples.
“We were accustomed to working with new
doctors from all over the country, and this was
back in the sixties,” Patti said when asked to
explain. “The groups from Texas were so gentlemanly,
and they just ma’am-ed you to death.
They were a little more laid back and not as selfabsorbed
as doctors from other parts of the
country.”
The Hurwitz family migrated to Houston
in 1890 from Pennsylvania, becoming some of
the city’s earliest residents. His father graduated
from Rice University as a chemical engineer
and moved the family to Port Arthur, where he
spent his career working for Texaco. Born in
Port Arthur, Hurwitz graduated from Thomas
Jefferson High School and shared classes with
an as-yet undiscovered Janis Joplin. He recalls
participating in the Math Slide Rule Club
with the future rock star, a precursor to the
computer club.
“I recall aspiring to become a physician as
early as the seventh grade since I enjoyed science,
math and interacting with people,” Hurwitz
explained. “Dermatology has allowed me to pursue
two particular areas of interest, internal medicine
and surgery. It also allows me to participate
in non-medical activities including volunteer work
and contributing to my community.”
Hurwitz believes the individual attention he
received at Lamar University could not have been found at most
other universities. The caliber of faculty and curriculum at
Lamar were great influences and positive factors for his career
success. He credits Edwin S. Hayes, who served as dean of the
School of Arts and Sciences at the time, for mentoring not only
him, but also most of the pre-dental and pre-medical students.
The current Hayes Biology Building was named in honor of
Hayes for his contributions to Lamar University and its students.
Upon completing his internship, Hurwitz served as a
surgeon for the United States Public Health Service in
Washington, D.C, before performing his residency in dermatology
at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
He earned board certification from the American Board of
Dermatology in 1973 and served as a clinical instructor of
dermatology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston from
1973 to 1981 where he continues to serve as a clinical assistant
professor in dermatology. He began his private practice in
dermatology in 1972.
The Port Arthur native maintained a private practice until
2000 when he allowed two colleagues to assume responsibility
for the management of his practice. There are currently eight
dermatologists practicing at the clinic, which is the largest in
Houston. While still officially with the clinic, a self-prescribed
abbreviated work week allows him the opportunity to travel and
pursue other interests.
Aside from travel, Hurwitz enjoys sports and served for several
years as the dermatologist for the Houston Rockets basketball
team. Hurwitz supports the mission of Lamar University by
having established the Edward and Patricia Hurwitz Scholarship
in 2004 for pre-medical and nursing students. Contributions to
Lamar also include gifts of his time and talent as a trustee of the
Lamar University Foundation, and the couple enjoys attending
Lamar events such as the annual La Dolce Vita. Hurwitz has
served as the vice president of Congregation Beth Israel in
Houston and has been active with the Houston Symphony and
Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
The Houston couple has three children, all living in Texas.
Their seven-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, has brought additional
enjoyment to their lives, whether having lunch at McDonald’s
or playing on the beach in Galveston.
When asked about their favorite travel destination, the couple
replies that all the trips they’ve taken over the years have been
memorable. Ports-of-call have included China, Russia, South
Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. They
agree that their last trip in November, to India, is their favorite,
but they also confess that it is mainly because the trip still so fresh
in their minds. They have a cruise planned for the summer along
the coast of Norway to view the spectacular fjords of that region.
When asked about other future travel plans, Hurwitz hesitates a
moment and then says he’d like to travel to Antarctica, the only
continent they haven’t visited.
