Although nearly two decades had passed since his last competition, Mike Middleton set out for San Antonio last summer determined to bring home a title. He faced an international group of challengers of varying ages and experience. It didn't matter. For that day, Middleton was clearly the best accordion player on stage and thus named Texas Folk Music Champion.

The event was sponsored by the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, Int’l., and the Texas Accordion Association. One of his prizes included an official web site (www.accordions.com/mikemiddleton).

"Yeah, I've heard all the accordion jokes," he says. "I also play the tuba, so between the two, I've caught my share of ribbing over the years."

Middleton has played the accordion since he was eight years old. He played competitively while in high school and college. In fact, by playing at parties, contests and events like Wurstfest in New Braunfels, the accordion helped pay his way through Southwestern. "It is a very versatile instrument and it's making a comeback. They are selling more accordions now than ever before."

After he was named to the All-State Band in tuba his senior year at McCallum High School in Austin, Middleton was offered a partial band scholarship by Southwestern. And, while he did play in the SU Symphonic Band for four years, his true passion was science.

"Growing up, I got to know many physicians in my community whom I respected a great deal. I loved science and working with people, so being a doctor seemed the perfect fit for me."

He majored in both chemistry and biology at Southwestern and served as president of the science society and Phi Delta Theta. He then attended Texas A&M College of Medicine, where he was president of his class. "I became active in the politics of medicine and served as president of the Texas Medical Association Student Section while I was a senior." That year he married a fellow medical student, Darla Lowe.

When he moved to New York for his residency training the following year, Darla had to stay and finish school. Eventually she joined him at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, where they spent the next five years. A little more than seven years ago, both were recruited back to Texas to Scott & White Hospital in Temple, where he works in nuclear radiology and she works in internal medicine.

Nuclear medicine is a specialty that involves diagnosis and treatment of disease using radioisotopes. "We detect early heart disease and the spread of cancer and treat cancer and hyperthyroidism." Middleton was named division director two years ago. Since he first arrived, he's taught radiology residents, cardiology fellows and medical students from Texas A&M. "I've always felt that is the most rewarding part of my work. It keeps me honest because I'm constantly having to answer their questions."

He and Darla have three children: Meredith, 10; Lance, 8; and Mitch, 3. Other than music, Middleton's artist outlet is woodturning. A former Eagle Scout, he now leads his son's Cub Scout pack. And every Valentine's Day, Cinco de Mayo and Octoberfest, he hauls his accordion into work and plays for patients and staff at the hospital. "It's a fun instrument that makes people happy. What more could you ask for?"

I am an amateur accordionist and my main musical interests are Midi Enhanced Accordion music from all genres. I perform mainly for charity events and local festivals. I have performed the last few years at the Texas Accordionist Association in Plano, Texas, where I have also presented and demonstrated basic "Midi for Accordion" techniques.

In addition, I perform several times per year in the Scott & White Clinic Cafeteria for Octoberfest, Valentines Day, and Cinco de Mayo. Currently, I live in Central Texas with my wife Darla, and three children (Meredith, Lance, and Mitch).

• Former student of Tony Rozance, Hanni Strahl, and Helmi Harrington, Ph.D. from 1970-1982 from San Antonio and Austin, Texas, respectively.
• Southwestern University, BS, Biology and Chemistry Magna Cum Laude, 1985
• Texas A&M College of Medicine, 1985-1989
• Nuclear Medicine Combined Residency- Hospitals of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 1989-1993
• Currently employed as Director of Nuclear Medicine and Associate Professor of Radiology, at the Scott & White Clinic/Texas A&M Health Science Center.

• 2001 ATG/TAA Texas Folk Music Competition, San Antonio, Texas - First Place
• 1982 AAA Duet Category 3rd Place (with Helmi Harrington, PhD)
• Performer at Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas 1982-1984
• 1981 and 1982 Texas State Accordion Champion- Grande Days/El Campo, TX
• 1981 Shiner, Texas - Polka Champion
• McCallum High School Band- Outstanding Musician Award, Class of 1981
• Texas All-State Band, Tuba 1981
• Former member of the award winning Strahl Music Ensemble- 1978-1982