Jogging Doctor Identified as Victim in Towson Minivan Accident

Baltimore County police have identified the man who was struck by a minivan in Towson Thursday morning as Dr. Ted Houk, a well-known fixture on York Road and Charles Street.

Houk, 50, a former Hampden resident, was airlifted to Maryland Shock Trauma after suffering serious injuries near N. Charles Street and Chestnut Avenue, police said. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene at 8:12 a.m.

Police said he is listed in critical condition.

Houk has an internal medicine practice in Towson, but also sees patients at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He is locally recognized for his daily runs to and from work, which is approximately a total of six miles when he goes to his practice and 11 when he heads to the Towson hospital.

The doctor also raises eyebrows with his unusual get-up during his treks. He typically runs shirtless while toting a briefcase-style bag filled with his scrubs, stethoscope, phone and at least a pound each of fruits and vegetables.

"Some of [my wife's] friends have said they felt lucky when they not only saw me, but they saw me switch hands," said Houk, who has four children with his wife Pamela Jenkins, in a 2011 Patch interview.

In what is now a chilling statement, Houk told the Towson Times in 2008 that he switched from bicycling to running when he moved to Lutherville from Hampden—where he lived for six years—in 1995 because it was safer.

Alyce Farrar, an employee at Houk's office, said she was shocked when she learned of his accident.

"I was devastated by the news," she said.

Greater Baltimore Medical Center released a statement from Chaplain J. Joseph Hart, director of spiritual support, regarding the accident.

"I ask you to keep Dr. Houk, his wife and children in your prayers...While we are of many spiritual traditions within our GBMC family, we share a common thread of prayer for the sick. Thank you ahead of time for your ongoing support," Hart wrote.

Joanna Bell contributed to this report.