HOUSTON – (Mar. 4, 2010) – For over half a century, two generations of Rosenthal physicians have treated the aches and pains of children in the West Houston community at Ashford Pediatric Associates, one of the longest standing practices in the Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates network. Today, the family is celebrating an important milestone --- Dr. Morris Rosenthal will retire exactly 55 years to the day from when he established the practice. Appropriately, his final appointment was 2-year-old Nicholas Laughman, a third-generation patient who was accompanied by his mother, Brittney Laughman, and his grandmother, Allison Crowson, who were also treated by Dr. Morris as children.

“Dr. Morris Rosenthal and his family have set a wonderful example for passion and commitment to pediatric care,” said Kay Tittle, president, Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates. “We wish Dr. Morris well in his retirement. He will truly be missed but leaves a wonderful legacy of quality pediatric care that will be continued by his family.”

	Dr. Morris Rosenthal’s last appointment before officially retiring on March 1, 2010 -- exactly 55 years to the day from when he established TCPA - Ashford Pediatric Associates – was with third-generation-patient Nicholas Laughman who was accompanied by his mother (L-R), Brittney Laughman, and grandmother, Allison Crowson, who were also treated by Dr. Morris as children.

Rosenthal, otherwise known as “Dr. Morris” by his patients, practices with his brothers, Dr. Harry Rosenthal and Dr. Ben Rosenthal, and his niece, Dr. Rachel Rosenthal Bray. Dr. Paul Rosenthal also practiced with his brothers at Ashford Pediatric Associates until his retirement in October 2004. Recently this family of doctors showed their support and dedication to Texas Children’s Hospital by making a generous $25,000 gift to support the hospital’s new West Campus, a symbol of their ongoing commitment to the West Houston community.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside my family and care for children who have become part of my extended family,” said Dr. Morris Rosenthal. “With our donation to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, we know that we have made a lasting contribution to the health and well being of the families here in our West Houston community.”

The Rosenthal family’s long history of dedication to Texas Children’s Hospital began in 1954 when Dr. Morris helped to open the doors of the hospital’s main campus. While developing his own career, Dr. Morris also mentored his three younger brothers through medical school and pediatric residency before each eventually joined him at Ashford Pediatric Associates.

The beloved Dr. Morris retired after seeing his last patients, many of whom are the children and grandchildren of some of his earliest patients. On his last day of work, Dr. Morris commemorated his retirement with an open house celebration at Ashford Pediatric Associates where current and former patients and their families stopped by to express their gratitude for his personal care and genuine concern over the years.

About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top ten best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with more than 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a comprehensive neurological research institute, the formation of a maternity center, and the development of the new West Campus, Texas Children’s first pediatric hospital in a suburban setting. For more information on Texas Children's Hospital, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news from Texas Children’s Hospital by visiting the online newsroom and on Twitter at twitter.com/tch_news.