What is your specialty?
Pediatrics
Why did you choose your specialty?
I initially entered medical school with hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, during my third year medical school rotations, I realized that pediatrics was my calling. One night, when I was following the upper-level resident, a 9-month-old infant was admitted after presenting with severe dehydration and shock. I was amazed to see this same child the next morning smiling and hopping up and down in the hospital crib. I’ve enjoyed seeing smiling, happy faces since! If you can save the life of a child now, that child now could live decades longer—that’s satisfying and fulfilling!
What do you like most about being a doctor?
RELATIONSHIPS. I’ve been lucky to have been part of the lives of numerous families and watched their children grow. I am still blessed to be part of new families. Now, some of my former patients are becoming parents (I’m really not that old!).
If you weren’t a doctor, what would you do?
I would probably be a professor teaching at a university.
How do you ensure your patients feel heard during their visit?
Listening takes time. Mothers, especially, want to be heard, and that takes time and effort. Taking an appropriate history takes time. Providing that time during an office visit is crucial.
What is something that people may be surprised to know about you?
I truly love spending time with my wife, Melissa. She’s my best friend.
Why did you choose the Physician Group?
I chose Lourdes Physician Group because of its ministry. It is an organization based in Catholic faith and it shows this daily. As a physician, I have a voice. I also feel I still have some autonomy within my own office. All physicians in the group have opportunities to help shape the local and regional medical landscape and are encouraged to participate.
