Member of the Month: Terrance Hines, MD

Terrance Hines, MD, of Austin, was installed as TAFP president last month and plans on spending his presidential year as an advocate for the specialty of family medicine. Check out his inaugural address on his plans for the upcoming year.

After completing medical school at Texas A&M and residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, Hines worked for a decade in a Baylor Scott & White primary care clinic, where he gained significant leadership and administrative experience. In 2019, he became the Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer for University Health Services at The University of Texas at Austin, where he oversees a large, multi-specialty clinic that provides care to UT Austin students.

Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?
My inspiration to become a family physician came from a combination of personal experiences and a desire to make a broad impact on my community. I witnessed the importance of having a dedicated family doctor who could provide continuity of care and foster long-term relationships with patients. This, along with my passion for preventive medicine and holistic patient care, motivated me to choose family medicine as my specialty.

What unique challenges are represented in your patient community?
My patient community faces a variety of unique challenges. It's a diverse population with a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, cultural differences, and health care needs. Some of the challenges include managing chronic conditions, addressing social determinants of health, and ensuring access to care for all. Many of these students are navigating health care on their own for the first time, which gives us a great opportunity to foster their health literacy. I also work with many students who are under or uninsured, which adds an extra layer of complexity to my practice.

What made you want to get started on the TAFP officer track?
I decided to get started on the TAFP officer track because I believe in the importance of advocacy and leadership in family medicine. I want to be part of the organization's efforts to shape health care policies and ensure that the needs of family physicians and their patients are well represented. Serving in leadership roles within TAFP allows me to make a more significant impact on the field of family medicine in Texas.

Why do you choose to be a TAFP member?
I choose to be a TAFP member because it provides me with a network of like-minded colleagues who share my passion for family medicine. TAFP offers valuable resources, educational opportunities, and a platform to stay updated on the latest developments in the field. Being a member allows me to stay connected with my peers and stay informed about the issues and policies affecting family physicians and patients in Texas

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I believe in the importance of work-life balance and enjoy travelling and watching Aggie football. I love to explore different cuisines by trying out new recipes or dining at unique restaurants. These activities help me relax and recharge, allowing me to be a more effective and compassionate family physician for my patients.

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.