Kathy C. Flanagan, MD

Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts. – Proverbs 4:23.

This scripture inspired Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan to pursue a career in medicine, more specifically, psychiatry at the age of 8 years old. A 1981 University of Texas at Austin graduate, Dr. Flanagan received her medical degree from McGovern Medical School in 1985 and in 1989, completed her general adult psychiatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine.

Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Flanagan, a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, accepted a BCM Department of Psychiatry assistant professorship. Prompted by the demand for psychiatrists, she transitioned to private practice in the Upper Kirby area in 1990, specializing in mood disorders.

Dr. Flanagan is a National Football League consultant and a former National Basketball Players Association consultant. She was a national speaker for a major pharmaceutical company for over 25 years.

Dr. Flanagan has received several gubernatorial and mayoral appointments. Both President George W. Bush and Governor Rick Perry appointed her to serve on a state level. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed her to chair his Health Equity Response Task Force – Medical Care Subcommittee and in June 2020 to his Policing Reform Task Force.

Dr. Flanagan is a member of several professional organizations. She is the immediate past president of the Houston Medical Forum and past chair of the Harris County Medical Society Council of International and Affiliated Medical Societies. She also served on the Houston Academy of Medicine Board of Trustees.

Born to serve, Dr. Flanagan has a passion for community service. She currently serves on the boards of Menninger Clinic, Justice Forward and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (chair). She is a member of the Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Community service awards Dr. Flanagan has received include: the Houston Medical Forum 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, 100 Black Men, Metropolitan Houston Chapter, Inc. 2021 Woman of the Year, and A Woman Who Inspires – Houston Style Magazine. The Houston Chronicle called her the “Well-Heeled Doctor” and “Oscar Worthy” because of her commitment to the community and because of her style, grace, and love for stilettos.

Dr. Flanagan enjoys traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Her bucket list includes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.