Austin Tidwell, DO ’14, faced trial after trial on his journey to medical school, but through grit, tenacity and relentless hard work, he ultimately saw the fruits of his labor flourish. Now a full partner at Vituity, a physician staffing company based out of Emeryville, CA, an internal medicine physician at Adventist Health, and a senior military advisor for the Army, Dr. Tidwell is committed to passing on his knowledge and wisdom to prepare the next generation.
His perseverance was shaped by the values instilled in him by his family—qualities that would later fuel his success. “I always learned from my grandfather to just keep pushing. Don’t let life knock you down,” he shared. From experiencing homelessness at a young age to navigating the demanding medical school application process, adversity became part of his inheritance, strengthening his resolve rather than deterring it.
While many medical students focus solely on their studies, Dr. Tidwell did not have that luxury. He had to work to support himself during his time at PCOM Philadelphia. “I didn’t have anyone paying my way through school, so if I wanted an apartment, groceries, or any kind of social life, I had to work,” he explained. By day, he immersed himself in textbooks and lectures; by night, he worked as a waiter at Outback Steakhouse. “I worked Thursday through Sunday, but the moment my shift ended Sunday night, I was locked back in to being a medical student,” he said.
His determination paid off. After graduating from PCOM, Dr. Tidwell pursued his residency in Binghamton, NY, while continuing his service in the National Guard. His training took him across the country, but one place stood out: Ukiah, CA. “I connected with people from the military who were practicing in California,” he said. “There, I discovered a small group of physicians at a staffing agency who were deeply focused on health, wellness, and community, and it really aligned with me.”
Dr. Tidwell continued practicing in California where he held the combined role of medical director and chief medical officer at Adventist Health until 2025. During this time, he felt called back to his roots and he returned to PCOM—this time to serve. He applied to become a DO admissions committee member and now plays an active role in reviewing and selecting applicants. “I get to be hands on, reviewing medical school applicants and assist in the selection process for the next generation of physicians,” he shared.
His work on the admissions committee reflects the lessons he has learned throughout his career. For Dr. Tidwell, evaluating applicants goes beyond academic achievement; he looks for individuals who demonstrate empathy and the ability to build meaningful patient relationships. “No matter the specialty, it’s essential to maintain a strong patient-physician relationship.”
As he continues to practice and aid the discovery of the next generation of physicians, Dr. Tidwell encourages aspiring and practicing physicians alike to live the values they promote. “It’s imperative as physicians to practice what we preach,” he said. “Strive to embody a well-rounded, holistic approach to caring for yourself—that commitment will naturally reflect in the care you provide to your patients.”
