Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Tiffany Skaggs
By: McKensie Le Fevre
Were there any specific professors, mentors, or courses that had a lasting impact on you?
In the early 1990s, I took Chordate Anatomy with Dr. Greenbaum. It was an incredibly challenging class—I felt like my head was going to explode! If I recall correctly, I barely managed to earn a B, and I have never been so relieved to pass a course. Despite its difficulty, the experience gave me immense confidence, reinforcing the belief that ‘if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.”
I attended Texas A&M College of Medicine and completed a residency in Family Medicine at the (then) Scott and White Texas A&M Health Science Center Family Medicine Residency in Temple, TX . I am a board-certified family physician and lifestyle medicine physician.
Can you describe your current role and how your education from Texas A&M Biology prepared you for it?
As the Senior Director of Primary and Specialty Medical Care at TAMU HS (Beutel Student Health), I believe the broad scope of my Biology degree has been instrumental in helping me understand various disciplines and their interconnections. During my studies, I took two semesters of French, which proved invaluable in grasping the Latin-based medical terminology in medical school. The diverse perspectives gained from both STEM and the arts have been crucial in fostering healthy relationships with multiple departments across campus.
What achievements or milestones are you most proud of since graduating from Texas A&M?
I have been fortunate to spend 25 years (and counting) as a physician. Over the past 8 years at Texas A&M, I have had the privilege of caring for many remarkable Aggies on their healthcare journeys. I also collaborate with a wonderful team of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, business and patient services staff, counselors, and administrative personnel.
What advice would you give to current biology students at Texas A&M?
My advice is to stick with it! This is a difficult major, but will open up doors that you can not imagine.
How do you stay connected to the Aggie community?
I am honored to work for the Texas A&M University Health Services in collaboration with many other departments on campus.
What are your goals or aspirations for the future in your field?
Medical care is at a crossroads. With healthcare spending accounting for 17.6% of GDP last year, it is crucial for future generations to prioritize good health. Adopting a whole food, plant-predominant eating pattern, engaging in regular exercise, ensuring restorative sleep, avoiding risky substances, fostering healthy social connections, and managing stress can significantly benefit individuals and the community as a whole. I am hopeful that my work at Student Health in collaboration with campus and community partners will make a positive impact to the health of Aggies!
