As a high school and college athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball, Dr. Andrew Baxley experienced more than his fair share of injuries and trips to the emergency room. His interest in the medical field grew, rubbing off on him enough that he decided to become a doctor. He looks forward to practicing family medicine, focusing on whole-patient care and building relationships.

Andrew Baxley, M.D.

What this award means: I believe that family physicians are some of the most important health care deliverers in our country who are uniquely equipped to meet the growing needs of our country’s people. This award connects me to so many like-minded physicians who share that vision, and their encouragement only spurs my drive to become the best physician I can be.

Mentor comment: During clerkship, Drew impressed all his precepting faculty and residents in that he connected well with his patients and excelled at the procedural aspects of patient care. Physicians commented that he was one of the best medical students they had ever worked with, being confident yet humble, and that he would do exceptionally well as a full-spectrum family physician. – Tamara McGregor, M.D., Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Internal Medicine

Background and family: I grew up mostly in Dallas with my amazingly supportive parents and my two much-larger-than-me brothers. I had the joy of attending St. Mark’s right here in town where I was encouraged to pursue diverse interests, to think critically, and to seek out ways to make a difference in the world. I played football, basketball, and baseball as a youth, although these days you will usually see me running at White Rock Lake or playing pickleball or disc golf in my spare time.

What led to your career path: Growing up, I had my fair share of ER visits (I can be a bit clumsy), and I was witness to substantial illness and medical need in my family. Despite the fact that no one in my family worked in health care, I was driven to pursue medicine. With my background in high school and college sports, I initially considered orthopedics. After encountering several amazing patients, however, it became clear to me that having a diverse skill set while practicing whole-patient care that entailed long-term relationships was essential for my career. Since my third year, I became set on family medicine.

College: I majored in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. I was a student manager for the varsity baseball team, a club baseball team member, and a researcher in a neuroscience addiction lab. I also was a student leader for Reformed University Fellowship and served as treasurer for Brothers Under Christ Fraternity.

UTSW activities: I had leadership roles in Southwestern Christian Fellowship, the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the Orthopedic Student Interest Group, and the Family Medicine Student Interest Group. I led medical mission trips to El Paso and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, I have been involved in orthopedics research investigating Legg-Calve-Perthes disease as well as in family medicine working to improve end-of-life care and advanced care planning.

Surprising fact: Some find it interesting that my mother was a chef while I was growing up, and as a result, very rarely am I able to cook a dish that I am satisfied with compared to how well I ate growing up.

Future plans: I have the unexplainable blessing of getting to marry my amazing fiancée three days after graduation! We look forward to embarking on the journey that is family medicine residency together. I hope to practice either in a rural setting, with an urban-underserved population, or internationally.

About the award: The TAFP (Texas Academy of Family Physicians) Outstanding Graduate Award is given by the Dallas Chapter to one student annually.