to main content

From Our Former Chairman on Dr. Kelsey's Passing

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Mavis P. Kelsey. Dr. Kelsey was a medical pioneer who brought the collaborative healthcare model to the Houston area almost 65 years ago when he founded Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, and he will be missed greatly by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Dr. Kelsey was a true visionary, creative thinker and brilliant physician. He founded Kelsey-Seybold Clinic because he strongly believed that coordinated, integrated care was the best model to deliver quality care to patients. In addition to founding Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Dr. Kelsey is also known for shaping medicine in Houston through his expertise in endocrinology. He was the first endocrinologist recruited by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the newly formed Texas Medical Center, consulting as an expert on thyroid cancer cases and helping to build M.D. Anderson’s Endocrinology department.

Through persistence, hard work, and a strong support network of family and friends, Dr. Kelsey established and developed our practice that is, without question, the premier medical group of the metropolitan Houston area and the nation’s first Accredited Accountable Care Organization.

Often, when asked what he enjoyed most, Dr. Kelsey would say, “I think the most enjoyable, the most gratifying part of my whole career was seeing patients.” At the end of the day, it was caring for people that mattered most to Dr. Kelsey. Patients, friends and colleagues who knew Dr. Kelsey would remark at his uncanny ability to remember the names of those he met and recall details about their lives.

Despite his extraordinary medical contributions and accomplishments, those of us who knew Dr. Kelsey and shared his friendship will remember him as an exceptional man whose greatest interest was the well-being of others and who always emphasized that ‘listening’ was a key skill deployed by master physicians. He was also a man who deeply cared about his wife and family, our Kelsey-Seybold family, his patients and his many, many friends. It is important to remember in this time of mourning to also celebrate Dr. Kelsey’s life and his many gifts to mankind. I know you will join me in supporting the Kelsey family during this time with your thoughts and prayers.

For information about his funeral service details or to read more about Dr. Kelsey’s legacy, visit Kelsey-Seybold.com/Mavis.

Sincerely,

Spencer Berthelsen Signature

Spencer R. Berthelsen, M.D. F.A.C.P.
Former Chairman, Board of Managers
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

We make scheduling easy for you

You can schedule appointments through our secure patient portal, MyKelseyOnline, or call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0427. Virtual Visit options are also available to all new and current patients.