Member of the Month: Tina Philip, DO

After completing her family medicine residency at JPS, Tina Philip, DO, was an employed physician in a small private practice for a decade. Once she realized she wanted more autonomy as a physician she started her own solo practice in March 2020. As a physician in solo practice, she found herself becoming more active in organized medicine. Philip currently serves as president of the Travis County Medical Society, chair of TAFP's Council on Medical Practice, and is a member of TMA's Council on Socioeconomics. Her practice participates in an accountable care organization of which she is a board member and the medical director.

Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?

I actually had no intention of going into family medicine when I entered medical school, but a last-minute rotation schedule change put me at John Peter Smith Hospital for my internal medicine rotation during my third year of medical school and I was amazed. I had no idea the depth and breadth of family medicine until I spent that month there.

What are your practice passions?

My favorite patient populations are my teenagers and my geriatric patients. There is a lot of fulfillment in helping these groups navigate both their physical and mental health during these times.

Why do you choose to be involved in organized medicine?

I love practicing in a small setting with the ability to really form connections with my patients. I feel that this way of practicing medicine is constantly being threatened and organized medicine is the way to help our profession not only survive but thrive. I also find that being part of the change is a great way to combat burnout.

Why do you choose to be a TAFP member?

There is a lot of value in being involved in bigger organizations that encompass all specialties, but at the end of the day, your fellow family physicians truly understand the issues that you face day to day. It is great to have an organization that is dedicated to the unique issues that we face in our specialty.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love spending time with my husband and my three boys. I also have played clarinet for 30+ years and still play in a local community band that performs around Austin.

---

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.