Dr. Craig Kopecky, MD

Dr. Kopecky started his medical career in the US Army, including going to the Uniformed Services University for medical school where he graduated in the top 5% of his class. Upon completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Dr. Kopecky received all 3 senior awards for his class including Best Teacher, Best Research, and Best Clinician. This was the only time in the history of the program for all 3 awards to be presented to one individual. He then took care of the troops, dependents, and retirees at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was the officer in charge of the Adult Chronic Care Clinic, and received the Army Surgeon General’s Excalibur award for Outstanding care of the diabetic population. He is also a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star for his service as a physician in Support of the deployed forces in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He returned to Brooke Army Medical Center to complete his service time as a Staff member in the Internal Medicine Clinic and to assist in the training of his younger counterparts in their Internal Medicine residency. After his discharge from the Army, Dr. Kopecky began practicing in a rural health clinic setting in South Texas where he cared for the underserved population for the better part of the last 10 years. He and his wife, Joanne, have been fans of, and frequent visitors to Austin and have finally realized their dream of settling down in their ‘forever home’ here in North Austin.Care Philosophy -"My patient care philosophy is simple – people not only want to be healthy and live a long life but to be able to enjoy their life as much as possible. In order for patients to achieve this life, they must be able to understand what is affecting their health now and what ‘pitfalls’ may lay ahead. I partner with my patients in a way that gives them the time and freedom to express all of their concerns, then we work together on diagnosing any problems and finding the best treatments that are available. I have learned that until I know what a patient is feeling and what their goals are for their health, any ‘medical advice’ I may give before that happens will fall on deaf ears.""I also understand that patients need to be able to afford their healthcare. Between co-pays, deductibles, medications, procedures, and all the other expenses that pop up at home; I need to be sensitive to my patient's needs in this area as well. Finally, I believe the days of paternalistic medicine are behind us as a society. Patients want answers and explanations for their conditions and treatments, what the risks and benefits are for those treatments, and if there are any alternatives. I strive to provide this for my patients and in doing so allows us to build a relationship that can address any current problems and just as importantly, prevent any future health risks from developing. I love what I do because I don’t treat diseases, I treat patients."Board Certifications:Internal MedicineAffiliations:American Medical AssociationTexas Medical AssociationAmerican College of PhysiciansBexar County Medical SocietyTravis County Medical Society