Sometimes stories just write themselves — the subjects seem larger than life, and their experiences are rich with inspiration and wisdom to share. So it seems with Dr. Justin Fox, a second year family medicine resident at Lexington Medical Center. He attended the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and now lives with his wife Raven in Columbia. He brings to his patients a wealth of knowledge about medicine and a deep understanding about life.
Somehow Fox manages to serve as a knowledgeable clinician, entrepreneur, mentor, community advocate, and a devoted husband and soon-to-be father, all while working about 70 hours a week in residency.
Fox’s skill at balancing responsibilities and interests has developed throughout his life. During college he explored quite a few fields of study (computer science, biomedical engineering, and education) all while playing football and singing baritone in an a capella group.
After completing his undergraduate degree at Harvard, he embraced his return to his hometown of Spartanburg.
He used part of a two-year gap period before medical school to participate in the Criminal Justice Youth Institute at the Spartanburg County courthouse, where as a bailiff, he saw the inner workings of the criminal justice system firsthand. He also worked at the Boys & Girls Club teaching math and science.
“All these varied activities make me a more well-rounded doctor,” he explained. “I first learned to make informed decisions in a non-clinical setting.”
When Fox decided to pursue a master’s in biomedical science prior to medical school, he held a number of part-time jobs that had nothing to do with medicine. Including salsa dance instructor, barista, and bouncer at a bar. Staying busy actually helped him study. “As I sat by the door of the bar admitting customers, I was also flipping through flashcards and preparing for upcoming exams,” he remembered.
The decision to practice family medicine came naturally to Fox. Most of his mentors in medical school were family medicine physicians and it felt like a great fit. “We are the first line of defense, looking out for all aspects of a patient’s life,” he explained. “We have to hold an incredible breadth of knowledge as we help patients bridge the gap between the community and the broader healthcare system.”
Fox’s entrepreneurial spirit is perhaps best showcased through Elwood Prison Wine, the winery he and his wife built and manage, inspired by the events surrounding the controversial incarceration of his father Jesse Elwood Watkins. According to the Elwood Prison Winery website, the Foxes intentionally make every bottle in the hope they can further push his father’s story to the forefront and fund legal help for this case and others like his.
With an idea that began to take root in 2020, the winery has grown tremendously in a short period of time. “The winery recently relocated to a 2,500 square-foot-facility where we produce about 30,000 bottles of wine a year and our wines are sold in a growing number of stores,” Fox said.
The winery gifts ten percent of the company’s profits to organizations focused on providing aid to underserved youth. “We remain true to our roots and true to our message,” Fox said.
Even with his jam-packed schedule, Fox also remains committed to giving back to his community. He continues to mentor youth through the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence organization.
Once a year, he goes with a group of students to a BRSE national conference in Disney World where they connect with other kids and develop leadership skills. “I participated in this same conference when I was their age, so I see a lot of myself in these young kids,” he said. “I learned that the world is bigger than just my circumstances and crazy magical things can happen.”
Fox admits that his demanding schedule limits his ability to take time for himself to go to the gym or to jump into some social activities with his coworkers that he would enjoy. It also impacts how he plans business obligations with the winery. “It’s impossible to predict my hours and so can be difficult to schedule meetings,” he explained.
However, Fox never wavers in his commitment to medicine. “I believe that my career in family medicine is the culmination of exploring my talents and interests and choosing a career that allows me to employ all of them in a way that is helpful to others,” he said. “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do, I’ve still got a long way to go.
At-A-Glance
EDUCATION:
Medical School:
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate School:
Bluefield University
M.S. in Biomedical Science
Undergraduate:
Harvard University
B.A. in Environmental Science
and Public Policy
Business
Elwood Prison Wine
Co-founded and managed with his wife, Raven, the winery gifts 10% of the company’s profits to organizations focused on providing aid to underserved youth. The winery was inspired by the events surrounding the controversial incarceration of his father, Jesse Elwood Watkins; it helps fund legal fees for his case and others like his.
Community Involvement
Criminal Justice Youth Institute at the Spartanburg County Courthouse
Boys & Girls Club
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
