Medical News Today, May 21, 2008 Houston family physician Dr. Max C. Butler, who has spent nearly 50 years treating patients, is the recipient of the Texas Medical Association's 2008 Distinguished Service Award. Butler received his medical degree from UTMB. "The day I got my acceptance to UTMB and the day I graduated are also two of my most exciting memories," he said. He received UTMB's Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1992.