The decision to be a doctor was an easy one for tenth-grade Donald Niño, MD. He knew he wanted to help people so after earning a biomedical engineering degree from Rice University, Niño got his medical degree from UT Houston and completed a family medicine residency with Memorial Medical Center in Corpus Christi.
“I chose family medicine during medical school so I could care for all ages and problems and would not have to lose my pediatric patients when they turned 18 years old,” Niño says.
In 1986 he settled in Channelview, an eastern suburb of Houston, as a solo family physician. In 2014 he sold his practice to HCA Houston Healthcare and is enjoying being an employed physician, as it allows him to focus solely on patient care instead of the business side.
Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?
I had it pretty easy in school and always made good grades. I wanted a career that would be interesting and exciting and I remember my original family doctor, Frank W. McIndoe. He delivered me and my parents and took care of all of the families around us. I felt being a family doctor would be a good way to help my family and others to stay happy and healthy.
What are your practice passions?
I really like getting to know my patients and their families. I want to know what they like to do and how they feel about issues important to them. Listening to them tell me their story of the problem or trouble they are having makes it easier to figure out what is going on and what we need to do about it. I enjoy teaching the patients all about their diagnoses. I feel that patients having more information about their condition and treatment will make them a part of the solution and bring about long-term changes for the better.
What brings you joy in your work?
Every day, several patients just thank me for taking care of them or finding out what their problem was and fixing whatever was wrong with them. Many of them tell me how far they still travel to see me after moving across town or to another city. Seeing entire families for years has made many of them see me as a part of their family and I have been to birthday parties, weddings, and graduations. Being included like that and receiving patients’ gratitude every day is a blessing and a joy that not many other professionals get to experience.
Why did you choose to be a TAFP member?
I have been a member of TAFP since medical school and am still active today by being on the board of directors and also on the board of directors of the TAFP Foundation. I see how TAFP advocates for its members and our patients to help deliver the best care and help physicians navigate the always-changing conditions in family medicine in Texas. I see how every member can have an impact on the Academy. I have brought several ideas to the board that were accepted and implemented to change the delegate structure and bring outreach to the medical schools. I want to continue at TAFP and hopefully one day get to serve as president. Every member has the same opportunity to serve, as long as they are willing and have a passion to step up.
What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
I enjoy doing so many things, especially with my wife Danna. It is a long list but here goes. I love to volunteer with my rotary club and am a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I love going on motorcycle rides on my Harley. I enjoy teaching medical students. I like tennis, bowling, golf, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, and traveling. I enjoy gardening, raising bonsai trees, restoring old aircooled Volkswagens, doing home repairs, woodworking, metalworking, arts and crafts, 3D printing, and photography. I have several collections of Volkswagen toys and models and all things Star Wars and Star Trek. I like dancing, singing, and cooking and I also age tequila in a barrel at home. I enjoy finding new craft beers and tasting fine bourbon and Scotch whiskey. If it seems interesting and fun, I want to try it.
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.