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Dr. Mercedes Giles, MD — Healing with Intention, Leading with Purpose
In a world where medicine often feels rushed, impersonal, and reactive, Dr. Mercedes Giles is quietly leading a revolution—one rooted in compassion, innovation, and deeply personal care. As the founder of Thrive Family Clinic in Pearland, Texas, Dr. Giles is redefining what it means to be a physician, an entrepreneur, and a trusted voice in her community.
A proud alumna of Spelman College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and UTMB, Dr. Giles brings her full self to the work: trained healer, fearless advocate, grounded businesswoman, and thoughtful creator. From the exam room to the YouTube screen, her approach is holistic, rooted in lived experience and shaped by a powerful sense of purpose.
In this Sol-Legacy conversation, Dr. Giles shares how her early encounters with systemic gaps in healthcare shaped the intentional design of her clinic; why she integrates emotional wellness into every treatment plan; and how being a Black woman in medicine has challenged—but never deterred—her from building something greater than herself. Her story is a reminder that true healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about mission.
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You’ve practiced medicine across multiple states and underserved communities. How did those early experiences shape the vision for Thrive Family Clinic? |
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In those early experiences, I witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of corporate medicine. Patients’ concerns were often dismissed, their conditions left unaddressed—or worse, exacerbated. Many felt unheard and dissatisfied with the care they received. I also saw physicians burned out and midlevels overwhelmed and unsupported. I knew there had to be a better way.
Even then, I chose a different approach. I advocated for not overfilling my schedule and collaborated with midlevels to ensure they were seeing patients they felt confident managing, while I took on more complex cases. My patients improved, and many expressed how much they appreciated being truly listened to. These lessons became the foundation of Thrive Family Clinic. Every element of our practice is intentionally designed around those early insights.
You launched Thrive Family Clinic in Pearland as “a new kind of primary care clinic.” What makes it different—and why was that so important to you?
I call it “new,” but in many ways, it’s a return to the roots of Family Medicine—when doctors were accessible, involved, and capable of treating a wide range of conditions. Thrive embraces that foundational care model while integrating modern tools and technology. We hold space for urgencies, diverse pathologies, and meaningful availability, but we also leverage innovations like secure texting and AI. It’s a blend of the old and the new—intention meets innovation.
| | Family medicine often requires you to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. How do you incorporate mental and emotional wellness into your approach? | | |
In medical school, we were taught that you don’t treat hypertension or diabetes—you treat a person. That philosophy has always stuck with me. I take time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, barriers to care, and how realistic it is for them to follow a traditional versus customized treatment plan. I recommend annual mental health screenings and integrate behavioral and mental health services when needed. When we address both emotional and physical health, patients don’t just manage their conditions better—they live fuller, healthier lives.
You've received awards for professionalism and teamwork in community medicine. What does it mean to you to be recognized by your peers for how you serve—not just what you do?
It’s incredibly meaningful. I genuinely care—not just about my patients, but also about the teams I work with. To know that my peers see and appreciate that care, and to be recognized for the way I show up, is both humbling and motivating.
Your academic path—from Spelman to Morehouse School of Medicine to UTMB—is impressive. What role did each institution play in shaping your purpose and perspective?
There’s not enough space to capture it all, but here’s a snapshot:
Spelman taught me to embrace the fullness of who I am as a Black woman. It gave me the confidence to stop carrying the weight of generational trauma in silence and instead harness our collective resilience to shape the world around me.
Morehouse School of Medicine deepened my understanding of medicine as a practice rooted in listening. We were taught to always ask, “Tell me more, please?”—a simple question that gives patients the space to truly be heard.
At UTMB, everything came together. I was able to put theory into practice, shaped by incredible mentors who continue to guide me today.
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You’re not just a physician—you’re also a content creator. What inspired you to start your YouTube channel, and how does it help you connect with your community outside the clinic?
Honestly, my personal healthcare journey inspired it. Starting my own practice pulled me into social media marketing, but my experiences pushed me to show up more authentically. I realized that sharing my story could help others feel seen and informed, especially those who have faced similar challenges navigating the healthcare system.
As a Black woman in medicine and business, what challenges have you faced—and how have you learned to navigate and rise above them?
I’ve been fortunate to have a strong support network that cushions some of the blows, but I still face the same challenges—navigating funding, learning the business side of medicine, and staying resilient. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stay grounded in my values, and never stop seeking growth.
Being part of organizations like the Texas Medical Association and Greater Businesses of Pearland reflects both your medical and entrepreneurial commitments. How do you balance those two worlds?
The Texas Medical Association plays a vital role in advocating for private practice physicians and shaping policy at every level. It’s structured to allow members to engage as much—or as little—as they want, which helps me stay active without feeling stretched. Similarly, the Greater Businesses of Pearland is a minority-led group that celebrates diversity and supports small business owners. Both organizations give me a flexible way to stay connected and make an impact.
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What advice would you give to young women of color who are considering a career in medicine—but feel intimidated by the path ahead?
If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough. But don’t get overwhelmed. Just focus on the next step. What do you need to do today to get closer to your goal? Also, surround yourself with kind, generous mentors—people who want to see you win and are willing to share their knowledge.
Outside of the white coat, who is Dr. Giles? What brings you joy, centers your spirit, and keeps you grounded in this work?
That’s an ever-evolving question. I’m a partner, mother, friend, sister, mentor—and just a good person doing her best. I love my home yoga practice, sleeping in on Sundays, experiencing the world through my daughter’s eyes, and spending quality time with the people I love. I stay grounded by remembering my why. It may sound cliché, but it’s true. I reflect on why I became a doctor and a practice owner in the first place. And honestly, mental health care is a huge part of staying centered. Healing from the past is what allows me to keep moving forward.
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