Why I Chose Family Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Del Carter
October 10, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, TMH Physician Partners, Residency Program
For Del Carter, MD, the journey to becoming a family medicine physician began in a small Midwestern town, shaped by powerful experiences with both patients and mentors.
Currently a resident physician in his final year at the FSU College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), Dr. Carter shared what inspired him to enter the medical field and how his residency experience continues to validate that choice.
Pursuing a Career in Medicine
Dr. Carter grew up in Bloomfield, Indiana, a close-knit community that influenced his views on healthcare. His earliest exposure to medicine was when his grandmother was hospitalized during his childhood.
“I really admired the physicians who cared for my grandmother,” he recalls. “The compassion they showed made a lasting impact, and I knew I wanted to provide that same care to others.”
From that moment, medicine became part of his life calling, and he set out to make entering the healthcare field a career goal.
Why Family Medicine
In Bloomfield, the only doctor in town was a family medicine physician, and Dr. Carter witnessed the wide range of care this physician provided. From newborns to seniors, he offered comprehensive preventive care, managed acute and chronic illnesses, and conducted ongoing wellness visits for the community.
“That experience shaped my view of medicine from the beginning,” he explains. “I was drawn to the variety of care he provided and how he could meet the needs of the entire community.”
Mentorship also played a crucial role in his development. He spent time shadowing his hometown physician, Dr. Batterton, whose ability to connect deeply with patients the standard Dr. Carter strives to emulate today.
What he loves most about family medicine is the holistic approach to patient care. “We don’t just focus on one organ system or one problem; we consider the person’s overall health. It’s immensely rewarding to meet patients where they are and help them reach their goals together.”
This philosophy aligns with Dr. Carter’s passion for health policy and advocacy. With the comprehensive training he is receiving in family medicine, he aims to support patients at a clinical level while also considering the broader impact he can have on public health policies.
Choosing Residency at TMH
When selecting residency programs, Dr. Carter sought a community-based program that emphasizes comprehensive training and procedures, which he found at TMH.
“At the end of the day, I felt our program would mold me into the best physician I could be,” he says.
So far, the most rewarding aspect has been the privilege of caring for patients every day. He recalls one memorable day that highlights the essence of family medicine: seeing a newborn in the morning and then having end-of-life discussions with an elderly patient in the afternoon.
“That breadth and variety of clinical work has been very affirming. It reminds me why I chose this specialty.”
Advice for Young Physicians
Like many residents, Dr. Carter was surprised by how much ownership he was given early on in patient relationships. “As an intern, I was amazed by the level of autonomy and trust we had. It’s gratifying to build those connections with patients who rely on your advice.”
He describes his intern year in three words: hard but rewarding.
If he could give advice to his pre-med self, he would keep it simple: “Stay the course and keep working hard. You’re in the right place and everything will work out. And of course, find ways to relax outside work.”
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Carter enjoys drinking coffee, listening to playlists and unwinding with movies – a passion that began with his first job at a movie theater.
Looking ahead, he is most excited about continuing to grow into the role of an attending physician, guided by the mentorship of the faculty around him. Dr. Carter shares, “As an attending, I will be working as a nocturnist (nighttime hospitalist) as my civilian career while also serving part-time in the US Army Reserve as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps.” He also plans on continuing to be involved in health policy and advocacy, meeting with legislators and working with organizations to effect positive change for patients and clinicians in the healthcare field. Dr. Carter’s biggest goal is to continue fighting for medicine-friendly health policies that benefit all patients.
If you’d like to learn more about the residency program or would like to schedule an appointment for family care, visit TMH.ORG/FamilyMedicine.
