Third-year resident Jennifer Archer, DO, is currently training in full-scope family medicine with the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine's Family Medicine Residency in Athens, Texas. She attended University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school, where she was part of the Rural Osteopathic Medical Education Program. After she completes residency this June, she’ll be doing an obstetrics fellowship in Salinas, California.
Who or what inspired you to choose family medicine?
I was inspired during the summer after my first year of medical school when I participated in the TAFP preceptorship program where I went to work in the small town of Olney, Texas with my preceptor, Dr. Jeremy Johnson, who showed me the magic of what it is like to be a rural family medicine doctor. It was amazing to see what all he did in his practice in just one day, from delivering babies to educating about diabetes to performing colonoscopies. I was inspired to be able to serve as a pillar in the community in the future.
You’ve served as a TAFP resident officer all throughout your residency. What made you want to be involved in TAFP and what advice would you give to other students and residents who want to serve?
I think advocacy is very important, and it was something I wanted to be exposed to early on in my career. TAFP was a way to be involved in advocacy so I can better serve our specialty as primary care physicians, which in turn, will ultimately lead to ways to better serve our communities. Being able to serve as residency officer and meet so many other people that have the same passion for family medicine has been such a great experience! My advice for other medical students and residents who are interested would be to reach out to faculty or preceptors who are involved and attend TAFP conferences. Everyone who I have met through TAFP has offered so much guidance on how to get more involved in the organization.
What has surprised you most about family medicine?
I was surprised with how many different hats that we wear when taking care of patients. There are days where I am not only the physician but also the social worker along with being a guidance counselor. I also serve as tour guide for some of my patients who have a variety of health issues that require a hand in navigating the complex health care system.
I have patients who see multiple specialists and sometimes it takes just one person to be able to explain all the moving pieces of their health care for them to be able to be successful when achieving a healthier lifestyle and really grasp the reins on their own health.
What advice do you have for current medical students? What about family medicine residents?
My advice for current medical students is to really explore your passions for what brought you to medicine. Medical school is the time to join different organizations and really enjoy your time on your rotations because there will be life experiences that may change your whole perspective of what kind of physician you want to be in the future.
For family medicine residents, my advice would be that there are challenging days in residency, but those are the days to reflect on the most to help you grow into the physician you want to be. Also, really utilize the knowledge of not only your attendings but also the other staff in the hospital such as nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and many more who all play a part in the journey of helping our patients lead healthier lives.
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.