Member of the Month: Brian C. Hull, DO, FAAFP

The path to family medicine taken by Brian C. Hull, DO, was anything but linear, but the winding journey helped shape him into the physician he is today. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with degrees in biology and chemistry, he set his sights on a master’s degree in environmental toxicology. While he found the academic world intellectually stimulating, it was direct patient care as a part-time phlebotomist that steered him into medicine.

Hull went to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school on a United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship, then completed a family medicine residency at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth. His career began by serving as chief of family medicine and in the physicians’ assistants training program at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. After then serving in the Gulf War, Hull left the military and joined a small private practice as a family doc. He has since practiced family medicine in a variety of ways, including in palliative care and transitional care, which he calls the most rewarding experience of his career.

Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?
My inspiration to study medicine ultimately came from my father, Dr. Wayland Hull, who was a pioneer in aerospace physiology. Following an academic career at Duke University teaching physiology, he was invited to join NASA and contribute to the space program. He was a brilliant scientist and a student for life. He instilled in me the importance of compassion, courage, and scientific curiosity that I carry with me every day.

What are your practice passions?
My current passion, as my career winds down, is palliative care. Shortly after retirement, I was asked to take on the role of director of palliative care for Hospice of Wichita Falls. I am so blessed to be involved with this organization. With our team of dedicated staff, we provide care to a population with multiple comorbidities and high social needs. We are a nonprofit organization and we fill many gaps in care. I continue to learn every day. There is such a natural bridge to palliative care for a physician trained in family medicine. I use my skills with every encounter to hopefully meet the needs of our patients.

Why do you choose to be a TAFP member?
I have been a member of TAFP my entire career. It is so important to have an organization at the state level to be our advocate for change. TAFP is a voice for all family physicians and in the current chaos of health care delivery, we need to be involved and informed. I strongly urge physicians to take the time to be involved in their local and state government. I firmly believe that family medicine is the backbone of community health care and without a backbone the body cannot stand. TAFP has been a great resource for advocacy and education.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy life with my wife and three adult children and my four grandchildren. I have had a lifelong passion for music and study mandolin and guitar. Recently renewed my involvement in competitive clay target shooting and hope to compete again.

All in all, I am the luckiest guy in the world. I never dreamed I would have had the exciting and fulfilling career that medicine has provided me. I am so very proud of the family medicine community and know in my heart we will continue to grow and provide the care our communities need and deserve. My best advice for the next generation of physicians is simple. Always be an advocate and when you walk into that exam room, place the needs of your patient at the center of your thought process. You will both be rewarded.

TAFP’s Member of the Month program highlights Texas family physicians in TAFP News Now and on the TAFP website. We feature a biography and a Q&A with a different TAFP member each month and his or her unique approach to family medicine. If you know an outstanding family physician colleague who you think should be featured as a Member of the Month or if you’d like to tell your own story, nominate yourself or your colleague by contacting TAFP by email at tafp@tafp.org or by phone at (512) 329-8666.