Each year, Austin Monthly recognizes outstanding physicians in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties in their magazine and on Austin Monthly. Through an online survey, physicians were asked who they would trust with medical care for themselves or their family members, and whose work they have personally witnessed. After tallying the results, the top 10 to 15 percent of vote recipients in each practice area are selected and the final list is submitted for fact-checking, which includes a review of good standing among medical boards.