Our Story
The Texas Society of Addiction Medicine (TXSAM) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals and advocates dedicated to treating patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Our mission is to advocate for patients and improve access to care by educating healthcare providers, the general public and any other stakeholders on the disease of Addiction. TXSAM is the official state chapter in Texas for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Founded in 1954, ASAM is a professional medical society representing over 6,000 physicians, clinicians, and other addiction medicine professionals. ASAM is committed to supporting research, prevention efforts, and expanding access to high-quality treatment. ASAM provides education to healthcare professionals, the public, and promotes the essential role of providers in Addiction care.
Leadership
Meet Our Board
Our board consists of doctors with a passion for addiction medicine and a commitment to patient care. Get to know the individuals driving our mission forward.
PRESIDENT
Kathryn Rutland, M.D. FASAM
PRESIDENT- ELECT
Aldo Andino, M.D. FASAM
Dr. Aldo Andino is double board-certified in Emergency and Addiction Medicine, and an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Andino manages acutely ill patients with substance use disorders and is also the physician lead for Naloxone distribution from the Parkland Emergency Department. He assists in the management of pregnant and postpartum patients with substance use disorders with the Perinatal Intervention Program.
SECRETARY
Daniel Handayan, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Handayan is a dedicated faculty physician at Texas A&M University with expertise in both Family and Addiction Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Medicine before pursuing a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Baptist Memorial Healthcare System in Memphis, Tennessee. At Texas A&M, Dr. Handayan mentors Family Medicine residents, guiding them to become compassionate and knowledgeable physicians.
TREASURER
Joshua Kern, M.D. FASAM
Dr. Joshua Kern is an Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kern is double board-certified in Emergency and Addiction Medicine. He is an Attending Physician in the Emergency Department at Parkland Hospital. As an Addiction Medicine Physician, Dr. Kern assists in the management of acute care patients in the Emergency Department with substance use disorder. He is also inpatient faculty for the Perinatal Intervention Program at Parkland as a consultant for pregnant patients with substance use disorder.