TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Saturday evening, Bethesda Health Clinic honored Doctor Rick Rogers and Doctor Jerry Putman.

The two men are this year’s “Doctor Luke” honorees, a society inspired by the Apostle Paul referring to Saint Luke as “the beloved physician.”

Putman was an OBGYN in Tyler for many years, while Rogers practiced as a pediatrician and will retire this May.

“I don’t know if I should say this, but several people called me and said, ‘Gosh, I didn’t even know you work at Bethesda.’ I go, ‘I don’t work there; I hope to in May,’” Rogers said. “It really is a special honor when I realized that they think that I embrace the values of who they give the award for Dr. Luke. I know there’s 50 other people that could be here tonight, so I’m honored, but it’s also humbling.”

Putman spoke about the strong health care community around Tyler.

“Well, I represent many, many physicians in East Texas who all really represent what Dr. Luke stands for, people that provide excellent compassionate care,” said Putman. “There are many here in the Smith County community.”

Bethesda Health Clinic started honoring East Texas physicians through the “Doctor Luke” Soceity back in 2004.

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