When we first met Kendall and Kyle Lewis, MD, in 2023, they had just matched into the Family Medicine Residency program at JPS Health Network, excited to begin training as physicians and to embed themselves in the community so they could be role models for young people who might not see themselves in medicine.
Originally from New Orleans and both graduates of Louisiana State University, the brothers didn’t always plan to be physicians. Early experiences working together in a medically underserved urgent care helped ignite their passion for patient care and community engagement, and led them to pursue medicine together, eventually matching at JPS so they could train side by side while serving community-based patient populations.
Now, Drs. Kendall and Kyle Lewis are navigating their third year of residency at JPS, a period that has tested their skills, resilience, and ability to balance life’s demands.
“If we can help others build that foundation by giving them the tools they need, so that they can execute their dreams, that is all we want. That’s what matters to us.”
“Third year has been great so far," said Dr. Kyle Lewis. “But one of my biggest challenges has been managing residency while being apart from my wife, who’s an Emergency Medicine resident in Florida. We’ve had to figure out travel schedules and balance everything. It’s had its ups and downs, but overall, it’s been exciting and fulfilling.”
While residency demands full attention, life outside of it continues to proceed at the same time. For the Lewis twins, that has meant experiencing many special milestones alongside the demands of their training, and they share that having each other’s support has been helpful during challenging times.
“Life doesn’t stop during residency,” said Dr. Kendall Lewis. “We’ve both experienced major milestones together: weddings, engagements, and ICU rotations. Being able to decompress, learn from each other, and grow professionally has made this journey even more meaningful.”
As they progressed through their residency, their approach to patient care changed significantly. Initially, they understood that learning medicine was an essential part of providing care. However, after experiencing various cases firsthand, they realized that understanding the healthcare system and recognizing patient barriers are equally important.
“When you start, you’re focused on learning medicine,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said. “But now I’m paying attention to the system itself, the barriers patients face, navigating insurance, referrals, and access to care. I want to make sure my patients get what they need efficiently without disrupting their care.”
At JPS, their understanding of their role has deepened through their experience in the communities they serve during their rotation. They are currently at Stop Six-Walter B. Barbour Health Center. Throughout their time there, the brothers have realized that being present is just as important to their work as their expertise.
“I learned rotating at Stop Six Clinic that being present matters,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said. “Patients recognize you, and just being there outside the exam room builds trust. That presence, inside and outside the clinic, is something I’ll continue to work on even after training.”
The brothers share that in the fast-paced environment of the hospital, the pressure of making quick decisions can be overwhelming when you’re a new doctor, but as time went on, their confidence grew with experience.
“Intern year, the focus was on learning and building a foundation,” Dr. Kendall Lewis said. “Then the second year was tough. You suddenly become an upper-level resident with interns looking to you for answers. The third year is when it becomes “the norm.” You’re making decisions, teaching others, handling late-night calls, and you’re equipped to take care of patients independently. That builds confidence quickly.”
In medicine, every physician strives to provide the best care for their patients. The doctors share that the most rewarding aspect of their work is witnessing the growth and recovery of the patients they treat. The interactions with patients continuously reaffirm their commitment to providing care.
“One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing patients improve over time,” Dr. Kendall Lewis said. “Like when a patient with an A1Cof 14 works hard and gets it down to seven. Their excitement is a reminder of why we do this. Other special moments are when patients choose to keep seeing me because I explain things in a way they can understand. Being able to empower patients with knowledge is incredibly meaningful.”
The hard work and commitment they have invested in becoming exceptional physicians for their patients have paid off. They are now continuing their healthcare journey at JPS after being accepted into the JPS Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. They said they decided to stay at JPS for the fellowship because of the environment, the relationships they've built, and the community.
“The training is excellent, the patients are incredible, and the co-residents and faculty truly care,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said. “Staying another year felt like the right decision, even though it meant being apart from family a little longer.”
“Once I arrived, it was the people and the supportive environment that made me stay,” Dr. Kendall Lewis adds. “I feel like I’m a better doctor because of JPS.”
Looking ahead, both hope to combine primary care with sports medicine while continuing to inspire future physicians.
“Ideally, I’d like to split my time between primary care and sports medicine, maybe covering a high school or college team while maintaining a primary care practice,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said.
“I’m interested in sports medicine and primary care, too,” Dr. Kendall Lewis said. “But I also want to explore leadership and administrative roles. Outpatient care will always be central to me.”
They hope their story shows young people, especially children of color, what’s possible.
“I want kids to know that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to succeed,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said. “I want them to know that ‘Hey, I’m not a professional or collegiate athlete, but I’m taking care of them on the sidelines and it’s pretty cool.’ I’d like them to know that this is an option as well.”
In the clinic and in the community, the brothers are dedicated to their mission of consistently showing up, being visible, and helping patients and others see possibilities they may not have considered before.
“If we can help others build that foundation by giving them the tools they need, so that they can execute their dreams, that is all we want. That’s what matters to us,” Dr. Kyle Lewis said.
As they prepare for the next stage of their careers, the Lewis twins are ready to continue making an impact, both in medicine and in the communities they serve.