Dr. Kevin J. Franklin

Dr. Kevin J. Franklin

He completed his undergraduate work at Colorado State University. He then went on to earn his Doctorate from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Growing up, Dr. Franklin wanted to care for animals. “I wanted to be a veterinarian, he says. “But, when I joined the military, I ended up working in the hospital, shadowing physicians.” He then says, “I soon became fascinated with the whole process of treating and diagnosing patients, working with people, and making people feel better.”

When it was time to choose, Dr. Franklin took a Fellowship in Gastro at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, he was drawn in by the challenges. He says, “[Gastro] comprises a combination of interaction and procedures. I get to be involved in each patient’s care.”

Looking back, Dr. Franklin remembers his days in the military. He served as a consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General. He was also involved with policy changes in Air Force gastro medicine. As a Colonel in the Air Force, he also served as Program Director for the SAUSHEC Fellowship Program. He recalls his days in Iraq as the most rewarding experience of his career. He then says, “Though my whole experience in the Air Force was inspiring—in Iraq I got to see medicine at its best. It was essential that we work as a team to care for wounded soldiers and civilians. The execution of those efforts was great to witness.”

Dr. Franklin is still providing care to his patients at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates. Here, he delivers complete care to each patient. He says, “I try not to just give patients medical treatment. I try to help them transform their lives, helping them focus on changes that will truly impact their wellbeing.”