When Alexis Myers sees a patient, she’s not just concerned with what’s impacting them medically that day. She wants to know they have the strongest foundation possible for future success in all areas of their lives.

“My role is to answer questions and empower them with knowledge,” says Myers. “To be able to see my patients feel more clinically competent and more in charge of their health is really rewarding.”

Myers, who offers gender and mental health care in addition to primary care, often talks to her young patients about their plans for the future and all of the possibilities they are capable of pursuing. Some who take a particular interest in their own health would make ideal future doctors and nurses, she says.

“I’m all about trying to help people feel as good as they can and take care of themselves, because when you’re feeling good mentally, that gives you the best chance to take care of yourself physically as well.”

Myers fosters her unique connection with the community through her work at pop-up clinics in Homewood, Mount Oliver and Penn Hills and with the Ronald McDonald House Care Mobile, providing medical resources to underserved communities. Come spring, she will take all she’s learned from the Pittsburgh community back to her home state of Arizona, where she’s accepted a position as Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s first transgender coordinator.

“It’s going to be exciting to take my experience here and apply it to my hometown,” she says.