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Tricia Benoist, MD officially signed a four-year contract with Texas County Memorial Hospital on August 28, 2018. Benoist will officially be employed by the hospital and begin seeing patients at the TCMH Medical Complex in Houston on November 15, 2018.
Benoist has been employed by Mercy since she completed her residency in 2008. Mercy Clinic in Houston will be closing their doors effective November 14, 2018.
Benoist’s serious consideration of the medical field and her journey through medical training started out as a simple conversation between her and a friend. Benoist knew when she was in middle school that she wanted to become a doctor. That desire then grew into a desire to practice family medicine, and eventually a desire to work in a small town.
“I liked science; I liked learning—I still do like learning,” said Benoist. She added, “That’s one of the reasons I knew the medical field was where I wanted to be.”
“As I went through my training, I realized that I loved everything I was doing, and I wanted to keep doing everything after I finished my training,” Benoist said. She further explained, “I enjoy the challenge of family medicine; there are a lot of things you have to keep up with to keep your patients healthy.”
Benoist is a family medicine doctor who also practices full obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout her residency, Benoist had multiple opportunities to practice obstetrics and gynecology giving her the training to do OB/GYN work today.
“I really enjoy taking care of the moms and the babies before, during, and after pregnancy, so I knew when I was training that I needed to do more than just obstetrics and gynecology,” Benoist said. “Additionally, I like taking care of my adult patients as well. I see a lot of elderly people in the community, and I like getting to know them and help them stay on top of their health.”
Benoist explained that her patients range widely in age, and her oldest patient is 99 years old. She beamed with excitement when she described how much she enjoys taking care of her older patient population.
Benoist shared that continuing education is important to her and that she enjoys going to conferences and learning new things. Her goal is to help keep her patients happy and healthy.
“I try to stay up to date on all of the literature out there so my patients know they will always have the current standard of care,” Benoist explained. “With me, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you need a certain shot or an exam, I will remind you of what you need, so you don’t fall behind on your health.”
While Benoist likes learning herself, she also enjoys helping her patients learn more about their health.
“Patient education is a passion of mine, but I also enjoy problem-solving and helping my patients determine the best course of action for their health needs.”
For Benoist, connecting with her patients and offering the best care possible is her number one priority.
“I know every single one of my patients,” she said. “I take the time to chat with them and get to know them each visit. I am honored to be in the position I am in and be able to be a part of my patients’ lives.”
“We as a community and hospital are very blessed to keep Dr. Benoist here,” Wes Murray, TCMH chief executive officer said. He added, “Adding her full-time to our team of doctors will allow her patients to stay in the community with a doctor they know and trust.”
Once graduating from high school in St. Louis, Benoist attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for her undergraduate degree. Immediately upon completion, she attended medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.
Benoist completed her family medicine residency program at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana.
It was during medical school that Benoist met Larry, her husband of 12 years.
Together they have five children ages two, four, six, nine, and 11. Larry stays home with the youngest while the other four are in school.
Benoist explained that she loves working in Houston because she can still go to all of her family events and be at the hospital in a matter of minutes if necessary.
Benoist and her family enjoy coaching and playing soccer through Houston Parks and Recreation, as well as watching movies, swimming, and spending time with family.
“I was walking through the hall at the hospital the other day, and I just thought to myself how proud I am to be here and I cannot wait to actually be employed by this hospital,” Benoist said.
Benoist mentioned that the process to become employed by TCMH was very smooth and not only is she excited, but her patients and the entire community are as well.
Benoist will be available at the Mercy Clinic in Houston at (417) 967-4445 through November 14. Beginning November 15, she will be available at the TCMH Medical Complex in Houston at (417) 967-5435.