Member of the Month: Jessica Gray, MD

The breadth of family medicine as a specialty is as evident as ever in a career like that of Jessica Gray, MD. The Lubbock physician has a clinical practice with an emphasis on women’s and adolescent health, practices sports medicine as the team doc for the Texas Tech Lady Raider basketball team, precepts medical students, and is a medical pillar in her community. But that’s not all – Gray has also built an online following of over 20,000 people through her social media channels and podcast, The Med Edit Podcast. Gray is also a first-generation college student who completed her entire education with Texas Tech, including their Family Medicine Accelerated Program for medical school then her family medicine residency.

Who or what inspired you to become a family physician?
I was drawn to family medicine because of its constantly evolving, deeply relational nature. No two days—or two patients—are ever the same, and the continuity of care allows for meaningful, long-standing relationships that are truly unique to our specialty.

What advice would you give to your students or residents about finding their place in family medicine?
Family medicine is uniquely flexible, allowing you to shape your career around your passions. For me, incorporating preventive and lifestyle medicine has been incredibly fulfilling, and opportunities in sports medicine emerged in ways I never imagined when I began my training.

If you are considering family medicine, explore the full range of paths available—from hospital medicine and emergency care to obstetrics, academic medicine, leadership, and more. The possibilities truly are extraordinary.

You've amassed quite the following online. What made you want to create content as a family physician?
I began creating content shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to introduce myself and my practice interests to the community. When the pandemic hit and misinformation surged, social media became a tool to share lighthearted, evidence-based medical education.

My goal as a content creator is simple: to bring some light back into medicine—both for fellow health care professionals and for patients—through connection, clarity, and compassion.

You are also the co-chair of the new Physician Well-Being Task Force, which was born out of TAFP's Council on Workforce and Member Engagement. Why do you think the task force needed to be created, and what do you hope to accomplish regarding physician well-being?
Burnout is pervasive in medicine—I’ve felt it myself. And we know that mandatory online modules or free pizza aren’t real solutions. Improving the quality of life for physicians is essential.

I’ve lost a co-resident to suicide and witnessed colleagues struggle under the weight of mistrust, misinformation, and increasing administrative and insurance barriers. Our task force is committed to identifying meaningful, actionable steps that truly support TAFP members and help restore joy and sustainability in the practice of medicine.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
I love to travel—it’s my love language—and I treasure every opportunity to create new adventures with my family. I also enjoy playing tennis and staying active. I’m blessed with two young boys, a wonderful husband, and a sweet dog who keeps us all entertained.

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.