Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

I remember my first-grade teacher asking me a very similar question. We received an assignment and had to create an album and present our chosen future profession. With pictures cut out of newspaper and using a first-grader's understanding of what medical professionals do, I made it clear that being a physician is my choice. After more than 30 years of practicing medicine I feel genuinely privileged to be able to bring new life to this world, help with newborn delivery, take care of the most vulnerable and critically ill patients. As I near the end of my career, I now serve a new palliative care role in helping patients and their families make the right treatment choices as those patients near the ends of their lives.

What I want my patients to know about me:

I consider the medical profession to be a lifelong dedication to nothing less than excellent patient care, courage, humanity, compassion, and eagerness to learn more and serve my patients better.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

I am an insatiable learner. I like listening to audiobooks on my commute to work and reading new journal articles during my breaks at work. I grew up in a family of passionate musicians and listen to music all the time. I also love cold weather and snow. I still enjoy going downhill with my sons (while being careful not to re-injure my ACL from a previous downhill experience).