Your Partner in Health — For Every Season of Life
Think about the one person you can call whether your child has a fever at 2 a.m., you need a wellness check before starting a new job, or you’re caring for an aging parent. That’s your family physician. They’re the medical professionals who know you by name, remember your history, and understand more than just your symptoms.
In 2025, family physicians remain the steady heart of healthcare, even as medicine and technology advance, and our daily lives evolve. At UTMB Health, family physicians blend traditional hands-on care with telehealth convenience, preventive strategies, and integrative medicine approaches to help you live your healthiest life, no matter your age or stage.
The Full Spectrum of Care
There’s a reason family physicians are often described as caring for patients “from crib to coffin” or “womb to tomb.” They provide comprehensive, continuous care, including:
- Prenatal and obstetric services — supporting expectant parents through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.
- Pediatric and adolescent medicine — guiding children and teens through growth milestones, sports physicals, vaccinations, and emotional well-being.
- Adult and senior care — managing preventive screenings, chronic conditions, and healthy aging.
- Acute and urgent care — treating common illnesses, injuries, and sudden health concerns.
- End-of-life care — ensuring compassionate, dignified support for patients and families.
Integrative Medicine: Treating the Whole Person
Today’s UTMB family physicians also embrace integrative approaches — combining evidence-based traditional medicine with complementary therapies that address body, mind, and spirit. At UTMB, integrative medicine services may include:
- Acupuncture for pain, stress, and certain chronic conditions
- Nutritional counseling tailored to your health goals and cultural preferences
- Mind–body medicine such as guided imagery, meditation, and breathing techniques
- Herbal and supplement guidance with safety and efficacy in mind
- Lifestyle medicine to address sleep, physical activity, and stress management
“We approach patient care using an integrative style that looks at the whole picture. Our mission is to help people achieve their health goals without always resorting to a pill,” said Samuel Mathis, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at UTMB.
Telehealth: Care Wherever You Are
Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling, UTMB Health’s telehealth options connect you directly with your family physician. Through secure video visits, you can discuss symptoms, review test results, adjust medications, and receive preventive counseling all without leaving your location. Telehealth expands access for busy schedules, mobility challenges, and rural communities while keeping the same personal connection.
Prevention at the Core
Family physicians are experts in preventive medicine. At an annual visit, they provide:
- Routine checkups and screenings
- Immunizations for all ages
- Health-risk assessments and personalized wellness plans
- Counseling on nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction
- Early management of risk factors before they become chronic conditions
“Annual visits create better doctor-patient relationships, early disease detections, and more. That’s why we still recommend annual visits, even when you feel healthy,” said Mathis.
Your Health Advocate for Life
Family physicians don’t just treat illnesses, they build lifelong relationships. They understand your personal and family medical history, help you navigate specialist referrals, and coordinate care so nothing falls through the cracks.
Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, managing a chronic condition, or simply aiming to stay well, your UTMB family physician is there — in person, online, and always on your side.
Learn more about Family Medicine at UTMB Health.