July Physician Spotlight: Kyle Adams, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I get this question a lot, especially from new patients who want to get to know me, just as I want to get to know them. Honestly, I can’t pinpoint a single moment where I thought, This is it. I’ve found my calling.

For me, it was an accumulation of experiences that kept pushing me in this direction. I started medical school later in life, in my thirties, so I had a lot of time to think about it and make sure it was something I truly wanted to do. That was advice I received from family members who are also doctors—make sure it’s something you love and enjoy.

I’ve always been intrigued by medicine. I love caring for people, and I’m fascinated by the science of how the body works, adapts, and changes. But I didn’t fully commit to becoming a physician until I was an undergrad. I worked as a medical office assistant for Dr. Nolan Shipman, an ENT in Bryan, Texas. Watching him interact with his patients was inspiring. His patients trusted him completely, even for issues outside his specialty, because they knew he’d guide them in the right direction.

Dr. Shipman taught me a lot about professionalism, work-life balance, and being present for both your patients and your staff. He had a huge impact on me, and I still look back on that experience as a turning point.

Later, I dabbled in medical research at Baylor College of Medicine, but I quickly realized that wasn’t for me. Around that time, I met my now-wife, who was also interested in medical school. She really encouraged me to take the next step and apply. Her support gave me the confidence to pursue this path, and I’ve never looked back.

Why did you choose family medicine?

Initially, I wanted to be a surgeon—specifically in orthopedics. I loved the idea of being hands-on and having an immediate impact through surgery. But during my clinical rotations, I found myself constantly checking the clock in the OR. I realized surgery wasn’t for me.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed my primary care rotations in pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. I loved spending time with patients, working with them on their health, and addressing their concerns. That’s when I knew family medicine was the right fit for me.

What I love most about family medicine is the variety. It allows me to do a little bit of everything. I’ve worked in small communities where there weren’t many specialists, so I had to rely on my training to handle a wide range of cases. I’ve worked in hospitals, ERs, and urgent care settings, and I’ve been fortunate to maintain a broad skill set.

Now, I’m in Colorado Springs, where there’s more access to specialists, but I still moonlight in urgent care to keep my skills sharp. I also enjoy helping practices grow. For example, when I worked in Georgia, we expanded a physician network from three doctors to 36. It was one of the largest growths that community had seen, and it was rewarding to be part of that effort.

Can you share a peak experience from your career?

One experience that stands out is from my time working in a small town during COVID. But the story I often share with my medical students is about a 6-year-old girl who came into the ER one evening.

It was a Saturday, and I was about 20 minutes away from finishing my shift. The girl’s dad brought her in because she’d been complaining of stomach pain for two days. She wasn’t throwing up, didn’t have a fever, and her vitals were stable. But something about her pale appearance and the way she was acting didn’t sit right with me.

Kids that age don’t fake things, and I’ve learned to trust my gut. I ordered an X-ray, and while waiting, I remembered a story my wife had told me about a child who swallowed a lithium battery. Sure enough, the radiology tech came running down the hall, saying, “Dr. Adams, there’s something in her stomach!” The X-ray showed she had swallowed a lithium battery.

I immediately called a pediatric hospital, arranged for a helicopter transfer, and got her into surgery. Thankfully, she recovered fully. But had we missed it, the outcome could have been tragic. That experience reinforced the importance of trusting your instincts and truly listening to your patients, even when the symptoms seem vague.

What motivates you to engage with the El Paso County Medical Society (EPCMS)?

I’ve always tried to be an advocate for others, whether it’s my patients or my colleagues. As a family physician, I often find myself in that role. Patients trust me to guide them, even after seeing specialists, because they know I’ll advocate for their best interests.

I learned the importance of advocacy from Dr. Shipman, who created a similar organization in his community. He was a voice for physicians, and I want to do the same. Doctors are so busy caring for patients and managing their personal lives that we sometimes forget to look out for ourselves. Having a strong, unified voice is crucial, especially with all the changes happening in healthcare.

What I love about EPCMS is the diversity and camaraderie among the physicians. It’s inspiring to see doctors supporting each other, and I want to contribute to that sense of community.

What advice would you give to a physician in training?

Ask questions. It’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s about patient care, finances, or career decisions. Find someone you trust and feel comfortable approaching.

Medicine is a field where we’re constantly learning, and sharing knowledge is one of the things I love most about being a doctor. Even if you’re confident in your decision, getting another perspective can be invaluable. Someone else might have a different approach you hadn’t considered.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love being a dad. I have two young kids who still think I’m the coolest person in the world, so I’m soaking that up while it lasts!

As soon as I’m done with work, I head home to spend time with them. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, biking, skiing, or just playing games, I’m all in. My son is into Minecraft and is trying to teach me how it works, while my daughter loves art and drawing, so we do a lot of that together.

Honestly, whatever they want to do, I’m happy to join. They love being outside, and so do I, so it’s a perfect match.