About Us
We're Not Just Another Medical Practice - We're a Calling
Founded on faith, fueled by compassion, and dedicated to serving those who need care the most.
Garcia Family Medicine
Who We Are
Garcia Family Medicine was born from a simple but profound belief: healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Our practice exists at the intersection of medicine and mission, where clinical expertise meets deep cultural understanding, and where every patient is treated like family.
We’re different because we’ve walked in your shoes. Dr. Tess has personally experienced the struggle of weight loss. Gigi has faced cancer and its aftermath. We’ve both known what it means to feel unheard by the healthcare system. And we’ve dedicated our lives to making sure no one else has to feel that way.
This is our story.
Our Mission
Combat obesity and disease in our families, friends, neighbors, and community—one person at a time, with compassion and evidence-based care.
Garcia Family Medicine provides Direct Primary Care that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship above all else. We eliminate the insurance middleman to give you the time, attention, and personalized care you deserve. We are honored to serve our veterans and their families, recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to our nation.
Our Vision
To be Blue Springs’ most trusted healthcare partner—where every person, regardless of their ability to pay, receives compassionate, comprehensive care that treats not just symptoms, but the whole person: Spirit, Body, and Soul.
We envision a community where financial barriers never stand between someone and quality healthcare. Through our Direct Primary Care model and our gigiSafeHOUSE nonprofit, we’re making this vision a reality one patient at a time.
Our Core Values
Faith-Based Compassion
Our practice is rooted in the belief that healing is sacred. Dr. Tess, a Native American Sun Dancer, views medicine as a healing ceremony. Gigi’s cancer survival (2011) and covenant with God to “work for Him by serving His children” drives our nonprofit mission. We treat every patient encounter as an opportunity to serve.
Patient-First, Always
Your needs come first—not insurance requirements, not productivity quotas, not administrative convenience. Our Direct Primary Care model allows us to spend 30-60 minutes with you, not 10 rushed minutes. We’re available 24/7 by text, call, or email because your health doesn’t follow office hours.
Cultural Understanding
As a Mexican American, Native American, and Filipina American team, we understand the importance of culturally competent care. We speak your language (literally—Se Habla Español), respect your traditions, and honor your values.
Service & Sacrifice
In honor of COL John L. Garcia (U.S. Army, Vietnam), we have a special dedication to veterans and military families. Those who served our nation deserve healthcare that serves them with the same honor and commitment they showed.
Walking Our Talk
We don’t just prescribe lifestyle changes—we’ve lived them. Dr. Tess and Gigi both lost 70 pounds through the same program we offer patients. We understand the struggle, the setbacks, and the victories because we’ve experienced them ourselves.
No Judgment, Only Healing
Whether you’re struggling with weight, mental health, addiction, chronic illness, or life challenges—you’ll find no shame here, only acceptance, support, and a path forward. We meet you where you are, not where we think you should be.
Removing Barriers
Through gigiSafeHOUSE, we actively work to remove financial barriers to healthcare. If you can’t afford care, we find a way. This is Gigi’s testimony, her worship, and our shared mission.
Continuous Excellence
Board certifications in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Ongoing education. Evidence-based treatments. We combine clinical expertise with cutting-edge therapies like CoreLift EMSELLA and Tirzepatide weight management.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
COL John L. Garcia
April 9, 1931 – February 25, 2024
United States Army (Retired)
23 Years of Distinguished Service
Garcia Family Medicine is named in honor of Dr. Tess’s father, Colonel John L. Garcia, whose 23-year military career embodied the values of discipline, excellence, and selfless service that define our practice today.
Born in Española, New Mexico, the eldest of ten children, COL Garcia became the first in his family to graduate from college—a Distinguished Military Graduate from New Mexico Military Institute. He went on to earn two master’s degrees (Engineering from Purdue, Science from George Washington University) while serving his country with distinction.
Distinguished Military Service
Bronze Star (Vietnam)
Legion of Merit (2x)
Outstanding leadership in U.S. Army Alaska and critical work in the Ballistic Missile Defense Program, where he monitored systems presented before Congress during the Cold War.
U.S. Army Commendation Medal
Exceptional work developing the Army’s industrial base support system.
A Legacy That Lives On
After retiring from military service, Colonel Garcia and his wife of 70 years embarked on second careers dedicated to advocacy, substance abuse treatment, and education. Even after their second retirements, they continued serving their community through church work, focusing on supporting immigrant families. Their lifelong commitment to service exemplifies the values that continue to guide Garcia Family Medicine and gigiSafeHOUSE today.
He passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, at age 92, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, intellect, and unwavering devotion to family and country.
We honor his memory by:
- Serving veterans and military families with respect and quality care
- Pursuing continuous excellence in medicine
- Maintaining integrity in all we do
- Treating every patient encounter as an opportunity to serve with honor
“To all veterans and active-duty military: Thank you for your service. We are honored to serve those who served.“
gigiSafeHOUSE: Healthcare Access for All
What is gigiSafeHOUSE?
gigiSafeHOUSE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Gigi after surviving ovarian cancer in 2011.
Mission: Remove financial barriers to quality healthcare.
How It Works: Through fundraising, grants, and community donations, gigiSafeHOUSE provides financial assistance to help people who can’t afford medical care access the comprehensive services at Garcia Family Medicine.
How gigiSafeHOUSE Works with Garcia Family Medicine
- Patient comes to Garcia Family Medicine needing care but unable to afford it
- Team connects patient with gigiSafeHOUSE for financial assessment
- gigiSafeHOUSE provides funding to cover medical services
- Patient receives quality care at Garcia Family Medicine
- No one goes without healthcare due to cost
It’s a beautiful circle of service—the practice provides the care, gigiSafeHOUSE removes the financial barriers, and the patient receives healing.
How You Can Help
Donate
gigiSafeHOUSE relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners to directly support healthcare access.
Volunteer
We need community advocates, fundraising support, and people willing to spread the word about our mission.
Partner
If you’re a business or organization that shares our values, let’s work together to make healthcare accessible to all.
Share
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is tell others about gigiSafeHOUSE so people who need help can find us.
Learn More: www.gigisafehouse.com
Beyond gigiSafeHOUSE: Community Partnerships
Garcia Family Medicine is actively involved in:
- Local veteran organizations - Supporting military families and connecting veterans with care
- Hispanic community groups - Providing culturally competent care and health education
- Faith-based organizations - Partnering with churches to serve their congregations
- Senior centers - Education on Medicare, chronic disease management, and aging well
- Small businesses - Affordable employee health solutions through DPC memberships
We’re not just in Blue Springs—we’re OF Blue Springs.
Ready to Experience Healthcare That's Different?
Become a Member Today
For those ready to join
$99/month for comprehensive Direct Primary Care. First visit: $200 (includes first month + comprehensive assessment)
Schedule a Consultation
For those wanting to learn more
Meet our team, tour our facility, and learn about Direct Primary Care with no obligation
Contact Us with Questions
- Call: (816) 330-7575
- Email: info@garciafamilymedicine.care
- Visit: 801 NW Saint Mary's Drive, Suite 209, Blue Springs, MO 64014