Kathy Nguyen, MD, completed an undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences, even doing a study abroad program in Sicily focused on the Mediterranean diet, to further her interest in a preventive and proactive lifestyle. After completing her residency at the Memorial Family Medicine Residency program in Sugar Land, she did a sports medicine fellowship then returned to Memorial as their director of sports medicine. She now serves as the team physician for multiple sports teams and schools in the Houston area, in addition to her clinical practice.
Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?
Family medicine allows the physician to treat and inspire patients to live their best lives. As a family and sports medicine physician, I can help patients when they’re acutely ill, manage their chronic conditions, but more importantly, coach them to live a healthy and active lifestyle. I always knew this was the type of physician I wanted to be.
What are your practice passions?
Promoting a balanced and realistic lifestyle, emphasizing movement as medicine along with best nutritional practices. I love working with my athletes to help them overcome obstacles, but also my general patients to help them live a healthy lifestyle. My passion is to be proactive instead of reactive in medicine, helping maintain a healthy lifestyle for my patients.
What has surprised you most about family medicine throughout your career?
As a medical student, I didn’t realize the impact family medicine has on all aspects of health and community. We’re an integral part of patient lives, community initiatives, and hospital medicine. We truly bring the medical community together. Being a family medicine physician is truly an honor because we are important at all levels of health and medicine.
Why do you choose to be a TAFP member?
TAFP is a supportive and collaborate organization that highlights and values the work of family physicians in Texas. TAFP empowers us to be leaders in the community and I am grateful to be part of this phenomenal organization.
What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
I enjoy traveling all over the world with my husband and two daughters. We love trying new food and restaurants everywhere we go. Outside of medicine, I volunteer for several nonprofits in town. On a quiet day, you can find me with my favorite book and a nice cup of coffee.
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.