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CARMICHAEL -- Douglas Allison Carmichael passed away, on Thursday, May 7, 2009, in Austin, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Allison Carmichael. He is survived by his mother, Pat Carmichael, of Wheatland, Wyoming; his wife, Loise King Waller; and children, Cpl Hunter Allison Carmichael of the United States Marine Corps; Danielle Suzanne Carmichael of Llano, Alexis Faist Largent and husband William Largent, and Caroline Waller Faist of Austin; his sisters Beth Thompson and husband Thomas Thompson of Wheatland, Wyoming, Judy Colman and husband David Colman; niece Becky Thompson; and grandchildren Avery Simone Largent, Rhys William Largent, and Griffin John Largent. Doug was born on June 21, 1949 in Berkeley, California. He was drafted into the Army in 1969, and served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne Division. Doug became skilled as a medic, and received Airborne, Ranger, and Air Assault training. After leaving active duty in 1972, he received his bachelor's degree of science in biology from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. As a first year medical student, Doug joined the Army Reserves. He went on to receive advanced training in chemical and biological casualty care, and worked as an instructor in advanced trauma and cardiac life support with the Command and General Staff College-Medical Corps. From 1988 through 1991, he served as Commander of the 375th Medical Detachment. Doug was proud to return to active duty in the service of his country for Operation Just Cause in 1989, and again for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991. He retired from the Army Reserves after achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Doug loved his country and proudly offered his service, throughout his life, believing it was important to be part of a cause greater than he. In 1984, Doug was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine from The University of New Mexico. After completing his residency in general surgery and emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1987, he became a staff emergency medicine physician at Brownwood Regional Hospital in Brownwood, Texas. From 1991-1992, he worked as a staff emergency physician at Darnall Army Hospital, and served as Commander of the 375th Medical Detachment in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return, Doug worked as a staff emergency physician at Round Rock Hospital in Texas. In 2000, Doug retired from the full-time practice of emergency medicine. He subsequently underwent additional training and became a registered medical sonographer. Doug traveled to various venues, providing ultrasound instruction to emergency physicians. In 2003, he began working part-time at Austin area urgent care centers. Doug treated his patients with precision and care, and was genuinely interested in the well-being of every single one. In October 2008, Doug became a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and was awarded a Council Teamwork Award. He was always active in the professional organizations of which he was a member. From 1981-1984, he was elected a student member of the American Medical Association, and in1983, was a student delegate to the AMA House of Delegates. Beginning in 1987, Doug was a member of the Texas Medical Association and once served as Chair of the TMA Committee on Trauma and EMS. In 1992, he joined the TCEP Membership and Legislative Committees, and served as both counselor and alternate counselor from TCEP to ACEP Councils of Delegates. Doug loved the outdoors and was an avid distance runner and bicyclist. In 1995, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This hindered his ability to run, but intensified his desire to ride. He took part every year in two of the MS bike ride fundraisers, the springtime BPMS 150 from Houston to Austin, and the fall's Bike to the Beach, from San Antonio to Corpus Christi. Doug and his friends Karen Hudak and Dr. Jennifer Northrup dreamed of establishing a team comprised of riders who had multiple sclerosis themselves. Over the course of a couple of years, the Champions Against MS jersey was created, which ultimately incorporated the orange, black, and white colors of a tiger. The back of the jersey read, "I have MS That is Why I Ride." These fundraising events, the dedicated volunteers, and his interaction with the passionate members of the Lone Star Chapter of the MS Society became the highlight of his life. He felt fortunate to have a supportive team of friends and family, and wanted to include everyone in that circle. Doug greatly admired his hearty mother, who makes an annual trek deep into the Sierras each summer. He cared deeply for his dear sister Beth, who is also fighting the battle against MS. Judy, his younger sister, was his touchstone, and a source of great pride always. Becky, his niece, is following in her uncle's footsteps, and is currently working toward her degree in medicine. Doug's son, Hunter, was his best buddy, and is a part of him that will live on, keeping the Carmichael name alive. Danielle was the apple of her daddy's eye, and will always be his little "squirrel," as he liked to say. In the past few years, Doug married and became part of a larger, extended family who adored and loved him with all their hearts. His wife, Loise, will forever cherish their years together and never lose the happiness and fulfillment of their time together on this earth. Doug was a fortunate man who returned the blessings God bestowed upon him. He is deeply missed, and will never be forgotten. Visitation will be at the Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2009. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, at 3201 Windsor Road, in Austin. All are encouraged to attend to celebrate Doug's rich and bountiful life. A reception will be held after the service at our home, and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Doug's name to the Lone Star Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please visit Douglas's memorial at www.MeM.com where you can leave thoughts and memories with his family.
        Published on: Sun May 10, 2009