James P Ryan, V, MD, FASGE, FASMBS

Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

I have always enjoyed fixing things, which led me initially to a career in electrical and computer engineering. I was a volunteer firefighter and EMT during that time, which led me back to medical school. I thought I wanted to do emergency medicine, but all the interesting cases that come into the emergency department got taken away by the surgeons. I also enjoyed the can-do attitude of surgeons. I joined as an attending in 2014 and became medical director of metabolic and bariatric surgery in 2020.

What I want my patients to know about me:

I have seven kids, three dogs, two cats, two turtles and, well, there are some wild bunnies in the back yard (if those count).

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

Enjoying my family and trying to keep up with my kids. I still find some time for video games (PC!) in the evenings. I used to enjoy rock climbing, soccer, fencing, and hiking, but never get the chance to do those anymore.