Brianna Griswold, MD, MPH, is a resident at Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Residency in Spartanburg, SC. She is a 2025 recipient of a STFM Foundation Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship.

Dr Griswold's Family Medicine Story

Why are you interested in teaching family medicine?

Dr Griswold: Growing up in Iowa, I spent many days in my parents’ bowling alley. Whether working the check-in counter, fixing a pin jam, or teaching to count arrows on the lane, I found joy in interacting with others in the heart of the community. This foundation of deep community engagement inspired me to pursue a career in family medicine, as primary care profoundly impacts communities. My interest in becoming an educator within the field is driven by several key factors that reflect my commitment to both teaching and the values of family medicine. 

Most importantly, family medicine emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing not just on the disease but on the individual as a whole. My most memorable patients are not memorable because of the clinical symptoms they had, but rather because of the emotional and environmental factors that affected their care. I cannot think of the diabetic patient without thinking of the refrigerator they must have to store their insulin, just like I cannot think of an obese child without thinking of the crime-ridden neighborhood that prevents them from playing outside. By teaching others through a lens of comprehensive care, I hope to instill in them the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with patients. These relationships are foundational to effective health care, fostering open communication and enabling more personalized treatment plans. 

Additionally, the role of a family physician extends beyond individual patient care to encompass community health. As an MD/MPH, I deeply resonate with the vision of being a primary care provider who can adapt to the needs of my community. I plan to teach in a way that encourages practical clinical skills while also highlighting the importance of engaging with community resources, public health initiatives, and preventive care. A specific interest of mine is women’s health, and it excites me to envision education that teaches obstetric care in the context of maternal mortality and reproductive justice to promote health equity and address health disparities. 

Finally, teaching family medicine offers a unique opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of physicians. I believe mentorship is crucial in shaping not only competent clinicians but also compassionate caregivers. Adaptability and lifelong learning are qualities essential to growth and development within primary care, and by stepping into the role of educator, you have the unique opportunity to be both a teacher and a learner. I hope to cultivate a sense of responsibility in learners to advocate for their patients and communities centered within a growth mindset and open curiosity. As a woman in medicine, I feel strongly about uplifting other women and underrepresented groups in the field to ensure that patients can see themselves reflected in their doctors. 

In summary, my interest in teaching family medicine is driven by a commitment to community, collaboration, and mentorship. My early experiences working at our family-owned bowling alley instilled these values, and I hope to continue that legacy both inside the walls of community spaces as well as the walls of my family medicine clinic.

How do you think you can make a difference in the future of family medicine? 

Dr Griswold: I envision making a meaningful difference in the future of family medicine by focusing my efforts within rural communities. My commitment to this area stems from the understanding that rural populations face unique challenges requiring multifaceted approaches, and I feel my background equips me to focus on both medicine and public health initiatives. 

One of the primary ways I plan to contribute is by providing a blend of inpatient, outpatient, and obstetric care. In rural settings, family physicians often serve as the first point of contact for a wide range of health issues, including acute illnesses, chronic disease management, and maternity care. I resonate deeply with the full-spectrum care model and love the idea of being able to take care of a mother, her child, and their family. By practicing in this diverse capacity, I can meet the varied needs of patients and ensure continuity of care, which is crucial for building trust and fostering long-term health outcomes. 

In addition to providing direct patient care, I aspire to be an advocate for improving health care infrastructure in rural areas. This includes collaborating with local organizations and health departments to enhance resources, such as telehealth services and preventive care programs. I am also passionate about emergency preparedness and ensuring communities are adequately prepared for natural disasters. By promoting access to these services, I hope to reduce barriers to care and empower patients to take charge of their health. 

Furthermore, I believe in the importance of community engagement and education. As a family physician, I want to actively involve patients and their families in their care processes. Whether it be working local fun runs, raising money for community partners, or sitting in on support groups for breastfeeding moms or diabetic adults, I plan to help raise awareness about available resources and promote wellness within the community. Community engagement also extends into advocacy. I am committed to advocating for policies that address health care disparities in rural areas. By collaborating with local leaders and organizations, systemic changes can be made to improve access to care and increase funding for rural health initiatives. This advocacy is essential in ensuring that rural communities receive the attention and resources they deserve. 

In summary, I believe I can significantly contribute to the future of family medicine through work in rural communities. I look forward to practicing full-spectrum care while also engaging in advocacy and public health in collaboration with local community partners.

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Transforming the future of family medicine would not be possible without the generosity of countless STFM members and supporters. Through both member and departmental donations, the STFM Foundation is able to support the pipeline for academic family medicine. 

Help transform the future of academic family medicine by donating to the STFM Foundation. If you have questions about the STFM Foundation, contact Mindy Householder at (800) 274-7928 or mhouseholder@stfm.org.