Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erica Sails.
Dr. Sails, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The vision to become a physician started many years ago at the age of five. I purposed in my heart to excel in my studies and take the necessary steps to enter my chosen field of study. By God’s grace, I was able to achieve my goal. I persevered through rigorous undergraduate training at Northwestern University, where I was a pre-med chemistry major. While there, I prepared for the MCAT—the entrance exam for medical school and was accepted into the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where I studied medicine. This was not easy, but with hard work and determination, I graduated with my medical doctorate and entered the final leg of my training at Hinsdale Family Medicine in Illinois. My desire has always been to meet people where they are on their healthcare journey and assist them in reaching optimal health. I was a medical director in urgent care for many years. Two years ago, I was granted the opportunity to open Sails Family Medicine in partnership with Texas Health Mansfield Hospital. It has been a dream come true to serve my community in Mansfield and surrounding areas with excellent healthcare.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey to becoming a physician was long and at times, very strenuous. Certainly, the long nights studying; spending nights in the hospital to care for patients away from my family; facing difficult patient cases and making tough decisions had its challenges. However, the greatest challenge for me was when my mom was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer. I was a family medicine resident when her diagnosis was discovered. I was devastated. My mom was my best friend. I had cared for patients with this cancer. They died within 2-3 months of their diagnosis. We were grateful that my mom was granted about eight months to live after her diagnosis. It was truly a blessing to have that time with her. She pushed me to continue with my residency and to not worry about her. She said, “It is well with my soul. You press onward and become the family physician God called you to be.
Stand up, share your knowledge and God’s love with all those you meet. Take care of my son-in-law and granddaughters, let them see God in you.” These were powerful words that have stayed with me and helped to shape me into who I am today. I found a strength and a faith I did not know I had. I learned as I watched the last months of my mom’s journey on earth—that perspective is everything. She spent her time encouraging those around her. Providing hope and laughter to those who visited her. She taught me not only how to live but how to die. So many times in this life, we are dealt an unexpected —it’s how you play your cards and who you trust with your future that matters most. This experience has given me the ability to see beyond the surface of things and see the real need—the matters of the heart and has helped me have a unique experience and perspective with my patients. It has helped me relate to them in ways I could not have imagined.
All along this journey, I learned valuable lessons even beyond perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work. I learned that what makes life worth living is giving—giving of yourself – time, knowledge, resources and empathy. My mom left behind quite the legacy. I am grateful that she introduced me to God and, through her life, taught me valuable lessons, one of which is to not let my living be in vain.
Please tell us about Sails Family Medicine.
I am a Family Physician at Sails Family Medicine in Mansfield. I enjoy caring for the entire family, from the young to the seniors and everyone in between. I have a patient-centered approach and focus on people not disease. I love partnering with my patients to help them achieve their health goals and am passionate about educating and empowering them to prevent and in some cases, even reverse the progression of lifestyle disease. This, combined with a holistic approach to health, sets me apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Both my mom and dad were role models in my life. I also had mentors in medicine- Dr. Ellis in high school and Dr. Nchekwube in medical school. These influencers helped me to see it is possible to achieve my goals and dreams with prayer, perseverance, and humility. They illustrated through their lives how to make a positive difference in the community and the lives of others. Last but not least, my husband Russell Sails has played a pivotal role in encouraging me to branch out into private solo practice and open Sails Family Medicine. He has helped with our business and marketing plan and our social media presence. He has been there as continued support professionally and spiritually.
Contact Info:
- Address: Sails Family Medicine
1757 Broad Park Circle N.
Suite 201 Mansfield, TX 76063 - Website: www.sailsfamilymedicine.com
- Phone: P: 817-806-1130 F: 817-806-1133
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sailsfm
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SailsFM
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fm_sails
Image Credit:
THH
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