How Grace English, turned pain into purpose
By PAULA JIMENEZ
From exam rooms to prayer circles, mission fields to podcast mics, Dr. Grace English's calling has been consistent: to bring healing, hope, and truth to those in need. Now, newly retired from private practice and stepping into a new season as a future grandmother, podcaster, and ministry leader, Dr. English speaks about her personal and career journey and her battle with breast cancer. Dr. English references Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who [a] have been called according to his purpose."
Dr. English was born in Taiwan to parents Margie and Joe Soo. She moved to Michigan at the age of three, where she spent her childhood, and later moved to Houston, Texas. She was raised in an environment that emphasized hard work and perseverance. Her father, a retired interventional radiologist, and her mother, who initially dedicated her time as a stayat-home mom, later earned her accounting degree and worked for the state government. Her sister Ann, who is one year
younger than her, was an internal medicine physician before retiring. And her brother Peter, two years her junior, pursued a career in psychiatry.
These formative experiences would shape her approach to medicine and life. In 1989, she met her husband, John English, in medical school, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership after she asked him to be her laboratory partner. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Texas in Austin and completed her professional doctoral degree, Doctor of Medicine, at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She and John graduated from medical school in 1993, got married in 1994, and both completed their residencies in 1996.
Dr. John English was born in Longview, Texas. Hence, they knew they wanted to make East Texas their permanent home and chose to build their next chapter in Tyler, Texas. Dr. English says the greatest and most important job she has had is raising their three children, Sarah, Daniel, and Matthew. Their daughter, Sarah, is a physician and is in her second year of Family Residency Training
at the UT at Athens program. Their son, Daniel, is in his second year of medical school at the UT San Antonio School of Medicine, and their youngest son, Matthew, is a mechanical engineer in Shreveport.
Raising her children during their toddler years was not the picture of maternal love that Dr. English had envisioned. Instead, she found herself grappling with unresolved anger and a lack of connection with her children, feeling emotionally distant from them. The roots of her struggle were intertwined with a secret from her past— one she had tucked away for twelve long years—that resurfaced as she embarked on her journey of motherhood.
During her transition from high school to college, Dr. English ventured into dark waters in search of love. At eighteen, she became sexually active with her first boyfriend and got pregnant. Facing a difficult decision, she chose to have an abortion. In the aftermath, she spiraled into a lifestyle marked by substance abuse, excessive partying, and promiscuity, eventually leading to an eating disorder.
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Drs. Grace and John English with their children.
It was during her first year of medical school that despair consumed her, where she no longer wanted to live. This prompted her towards a heartfelt plea to Jesus for salvation. In that pivotal moment, she began to develop a new community of friends who shared her faith, helping her start a transformative journey. It was also during this time that she met her husband, Dr. John English. She says, “God gave me one of his greatest gifts on this earth through giving me John to be my husband, my best friend, and confidant.”
Years later, as she navigated the complexities of motherhood, Dr. English struggled to understand the negative feelings she harbored toward her children. It was a close friend, Beverly Kline, founder of Living Alternatives, who invited her to attend an abortion recovery bible study. What started as a confrontation with guilt and shame evolved into sharing her own abortion testimony in a healing environment. Her personal experience ignited her passion for helping others confront the emotional challenges that often accompany similar choices. In her quest to provide support, Dr. English went on to found two nonprofits—Christcentered Abortion Recovery Education (CARE) and Deep in the Heart Ministries. She also launched her podcast, “Getting Real to Heal with Dr. Grace,” where she continues to
advocate for healing and hope through Christ.
After graduating from medical school, her career began with the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Trinity Health System in Tyler, Texas. However, her true calling soon beckoned her and Dr. John English to co-find the Bethesda Health Clinic, which serves the working uninsured population in the
area. What began as a humble initiative to provide medical care in a gutted warehouse with makeshift rooms, using shower curtains as walls to divide “patient rooms,” quickly grew into vital resources and a pressing need for the community. In 2004, Dr. John English accepted the position of the first paid director at Bethesda Clinic. Over the next 10 years,
Dr. English would volunteer, seeing patients one day a week, and continued to do so until returning to paid medicine as a hospice physician at Hospice of East Texas.
The mission to establish and expand the Bethesda clinic resonates deeply with Dr. Grace and Dr. John English, reflecting their long-standing commitment to medical missions. Throughout their medical school years, they participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico. In 1996, they spent three transformative months at the Baptist Missionary Hospital in Sanyati, Zimbabwe, where they not only gained invaluable experience. They have both been able to mentor medical students in patient care during their careers. So, when the opportunity arose to join the initial planning group for Bethesda Health Clinic, it was a natural fit for the couple. Now, they are excited to embark on a new chapter in the clinic's journey with the Greater Works Campaign. The campaign aims to renovate the historic Hollywood Theatre building, providing expanded service in the Rose City.
Tragedy Strikes
In March 2023, devastating news struck the English household when Dr. Grace English received an unexpected diagnosis: breast cancer. Despite her diligence in keeping up with mammograms and having no
known family history of breast cancer, she learned that a 3 cm mass had been discovered in her right breast.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. English shares that the Lord took her on a challenging yet insightful path over the following two years, teaching her vital lessons about resting and trusting in Him while navigating months of chemotherapy, biological infusions, radiation, bilateral mastectomy, and breast reconstruction. The profound insights she gained during her cancer journey have forever altered her perspective on life. She says, “Our life is brief on this earth. We don’t know what is up ahead, but God knows. He has a purpose for our days and wants us to use our days wisely.” Dr. English recalls moments of vulnerability, such as lying on the couch completely drained by chemotherapy, before eventually re-engaging with life—working, ministering, and sharing laughter and tears with those around her.
She passionately believes that it is crucial to give God the glory in all circumstances, even during difficult times. With this faith, she finds comfort in knowing there is nothing to fear, as He goes before us, is with us, and dwells within us.
Dr. English has discovered her strength to face the challenges of cancer: the grueling treatments, and the uncertainty of not knowing if the cancer will
return. “I have learned I can do the hard things,” she says, as she continues to lean on God and the support of the community that surrounds her. She emphasizes the importance of accepting help from others, recognizing that laying down her pride not only benefits her but also serves as a blessing to those who offer their support.
Dr. English says, “Today I am cancer free and so very grateful.”
From Survivor to Thriver
As she emerged from her battle with cancer, she continued to grow her nonprofits and podcast. She loves to hit the hot-button and raw topics in today’s culture. Through her podcast, "Getting Real to Heal with Dr. Grace," she connects with guests from diverse backgrounds, illustrating the profound impact of faith in overcoming life's adversities such as addiction to drugs, alcohol, and pornography.
Through Deep in the Heart Ministries, multiple women’s conferences have been held, and they are hosting their first men’s conference in February 2026. You will hear powerful stories of men who have broken free from addictions through the power of Christ, and how to navigate loss from suicide, and more.
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Drs. Grace and John English.
Through her weekly podcast, examples of topics have included healing from the loss of a spouse, healing from an abortion, and how to set up boundaries and limitations. You can find her podcast on multiple platforms, including YouTube and Spotify.
In addition, she has authored a chapter in the book, 40-day devotional “Spiritual Warrior Woman: Pray” by Dr. Angela Ruark and other authors. A compilation
of true stories written by women of East Texas. She has also spoken at women’s conferences, churches, and events, sharing her abortion and breast cancer testimonials and what God has taught her.
She stays active in the community and has been a part of several organizations, such as the Women’s Fund of Tyler, the Women’s Symphony Board, and the Robert E. Lee Band Program Volunteer.
Furthermore, she has received multiple accolades:
Resident of the Year Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.
Bethesda Health Clinic Dr. Luke Society Award.
Shepherd’s Heart Order of the Towel Award.
Reflecting on her medical career, she finds it has been profoundly rewarding. She has a deep love for her patients and their families, making the decision to retire from private practice a challenging one. However, over the years, she has learned that life brings different seasons, each with its own set of possibilities and excitement.
For those considering a path in medicine, she offers this advice: "Be sure this is what you really want, as you will spend many years in school and countless nights training to be a physician," she says. “It definitely has to be your first ‘love’ and not the second ‘option.’” She eagerly anticipates her new role as a grandmother. "I am so grateful to the Lord for extending my life to see the birth of our grandchildren," Grace says.
In a community filled with prominent leaders and devoted citizens, Dr. Grace English stands out as a testament to the power of love, faith, and service. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also a profound narrative of personal transformation and dedication to God’s will.
Breast cancer is a formidable disease that affects millions of individuals each year. The impact of breast cancer goes beyond those diagnosed with the disease, affecting friends, family members, professional colleagues, and others as well.
What is breast cancer?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. The breast is made up of three main parts known as the lobules, ducts and connective tissue, and which type of breast cancer a person has depends on which cells in
the breast turn into cancer.
Is there a typical breast cancer?
No two individuals diagnosed with breast cancer will have the same experience after being diagnosed. However, the CDC notes that most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.
What are some common risk factors for breast cancer?
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. notes gender is the foremost risk factor for breast cancer, as the WHO reports that 99 percent of breast cancers occur in women. The NBCF also notes that women who have dense breast tissue may be at greater risk for
breast cancer because such tissue can make it harder to detect lumps.
What causes breast cancer?
The NBCF notes that most women who have breast cancer will never be able to identify an exact cause behind their disease.
How important is early detection?
The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for breast cancers discovered in the localized stage is 99 percent. That underscores the significance of early detection. The NBCF notes monthly breast self-exams and routine clinical exams increase the likelihood of early detection.
The basics of breast cancer Exercise is key to weight loss
Anyone aspiring to lose weight is likely aware that there are no shortage of approaches promising to bust belly fat and slim waistlines.
Weight loss fads come and go, but daily physical activity remains a reliable and effective approach to shedding extra pounds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that physical activity provides both short- and long-term benefits. Among the more long-term benefits of regular exercise is the link between physical activity and how it facilitates an individual's ability to maintain a healthy weight.
The CDC notes that more physical activity increases the number
of calories a body uses for energy.
If individuals looking to turn over a healthier leaf couple a commitment to exercise with a healthier diet that includes consuming fewer calories, they can create a calorie deficit that ultimately contributes to weight loss.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, being overweight or obese increases a person's risk for a host of diseases and conditions, including:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Fatty liver diseases; certain
types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, liver, kidney, pancreas, and ovaries, among others;
• Gout
• Fertility problems
• Sexual function problems
• Mental health problems
Routine physical activity is a great way to help people shed extra pounds so they can reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Grace English.