With several million followers on social media, Dr. Tommy Martin is a well-known alumnus of the UAMS internal medicine and pediatrics residency. When he’s not caring for pediatric and adult patients in the hospital or training for a marathon or Ironman world championship, he uses his social media platform to provide evidence-based fitness and health information and to motivate and inspire his followers.
Tell us how you ended up at UAMS for your internal medicine and pediatrics residency.
Dr. Martin: My wife, Dr. Phoebe Martin, and I participated in the couples’ match, and after participating in seventeen interviews, we were both drawn to the vibrant atmosphere and the people at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. During our visit, we felt an immediate connection and knew that we wanted to complete our training at these hospitals. We were fortunate that the match process aligned with our preferences, and we both secured positions there.
Please describe your work since graduating from residency.
Dr. Martin: Since graduating from residency, I have been working as a combined internal medicine and pediatric hospitalist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital. This year, I will be focusing most of my academic time at Boston Children’s Hospital while continuing to provide adult care at Beth Israel Deaconess.
What clinical, academic, research, or mentoring projects are you currently involved with?
Dr. Martin: Currently, I serve as the Residency Rotation Director at Boston Children’s Hospital for the Pediatric Intermediate Care Program and as a resident coach through their coaching program. I am also involved in the Boston Children’s Hospital Teaching Certificate Program. Last year, I was the Associate Clinical Clerkship Director at Beth Israel Deaconess–Plymouth for Boston University Medical School.
How did your education and training at UAMS prepare you for your current work?
Dr. Martin: The training I received at UAMS was instrumental in preparing me for my roles as an internal medicine and pediatric hospitalist. My experiences in both the medical and pediatric intensive care units, as well as the general wards, were crucial in developing my skills and confidence. The complex cases and high-stress environment of the UAMS medical intensive care unit prepared me well for similar challenges in my current practice. Additionally, my experience in the pediatric intensive care unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital has been directly applicable to my work in the pediatric intermediate care unit at Boston Children’s Hospital. The academic rigor in residency also equipped me for leadership and academic roles at my current institutions, for which I am deeply grateful.
We know sports and athletics are a passion of yours. Tell us about your biggest athletic achievements and any competitions you’re currently training for.
Dr. Martin: My notable athletic achievements include breaking the 10:00 mark in an Ironman, hitting an 1100-pound powerlifting total in a single day, qualifying for the Ironman World Championship, and running a 2:52 marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Currently, I am training for two marathons this fall and preparing for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in New Zealand this December.
Many people know you from social media. How would you describe your content, and how did you become a social media influencer?
Dr. Martin: Social media has played a significant role in my life over the past decade. Encouraged by my then-girlfriend (now wife), Phoebe, I began sharing content to reach a broader audience with advice on medical school and fitness. Starting with a YouTube channel on an iPad mini, I committed to creating content that would help others. My content has evolved from personal vlogs to fitness, family life, and medical education. In 2019, my social media presence grew with the launch of my TikTok channel, where I focused on providing evidence-based information amidst the pandemic’s misinformation. This work led to collaborations with the World Health Organization to combat misinformation globally. I continue to produce content that is motivational and educational, aiming to inspire and inform my audience while providing reliable, evidence-based information.
Do your patients ever recognize you from social media?
Dr. Martin: Yes, it is quite common for patients or their families to recognize me from social media when I’m on service. It has been a rewarding way to build connections and trust with the community.
What advice do you have for current residents?
Dr. Martin: My advice to current residents is to always remember your purpose and appreciate the profound privilege of being a physician. It’s easy to focus on the challenges of residency, but it’s important to recognize the rewarding aspects of our profession. Often, the most impactful care we provide isn’t medical but rather the time we spend with patients. This personal connection is where we can rediscover our passion for medicine and find fulfillment in our work.
Are there faculty and staff at UAMS or the VA who were impactful in your training that you would like to recognize?
Dr. Martin: There are countless individuals who made a significant impact during my time at UAMS, and it truly felt like one big family. A few notable mentors include Dr. Alexander, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. McKee, Drs. David and Debra Becton, and Dr. Achanta.