Dr. Jessica Lopez

Jessica Lopez, D.O.

University of North Texas Health Science Center COM

I was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, and grew up doing Colorado-y things like hiking, camping, and playing in the snow. But undergraduate studies in Hawaii made me realize I’m really more of a warm-weather person, and I’m thrilled to be here in Corpus Christi for residency. 

It took me a while to decide I wanted to be a doctor. I studied psychology and international cultural studies in college before going back for my prerequisites. I also took a long break to volunteer in Tonga, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Rwanda, and France, and I became increasingly interested in rural and international medicine. I joined the rural scholars track at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and spent my 3rd and 4th year rotating through small towns all over the state. 

After a trauma elective, I realized emergency medicine is the place to be and was lucky enough to rotate here last November. It was my last audition rotation, and I immediately noticed this program was different from everywhere else I had been. The residents and faculty were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and even after a long day of work I always left in a good mood. It also provided an incredible amount of autonomy and procedural training. I knew coming here for residency would help me become the kind of physician I want to be.

My husband Chris and I love living so close to the beach. We spend most of our free-time walking our dog Bane and researching which tropical flowers and fruits to plant in our new yard. We’re saving up for a four-wheel drive so we can take full advantage of the beach camping opportunities at Padre Island National Seashore. This is the kind of program that needs to be seen firsthand to be fully appreciated, so come join one of our get-togethers on the beach or rotate through the department and see why this is such a great place to train. 



© Kimberly & Ben Leeson 2024