Rooted in Service. Inspired by Family. Driven by Listening.

I’ve wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. In fact, I’ve known since I was five years old—and I truly never wavered from that goal.

A big part of that came from my dad. He was a tropical medicine disease specialist—an infectious disease physician—and his work took our family all over the world. He served in the U.S. Navy, later worked for the Public Health Service, and eventually the World Health Organization. But what I remember most isn’t where we lived…it’s how he lived.

My father had a heart for people. He would put everything on hold if it meant helping someone else. I still think about times when he would go far out of his way—driving hours just to make sure someone received the medical care they needed. Watching him dedicate his life to others absolutely shaped me.

Even as a kid, I was deeply interested in medicine. I read medical books for fun. I got CPR certified even when people told me I was too young. I ordered books online and worked my way through medical algorithm guides—symptoms, decision paths, what you do next. It wasn’t just curiosity. It felt like purpose.

For a little while in junior high, I became fascinated by the space program and thought about becoming a mission specialist. That interest led me to earn an ROTC scholarship to Princeton University, and I joined the military. But over time, my heart pulled me toward pediatrics—and that’s where I landed.

The Moments That Stay With Me

When I think about the highlights of my career, it always comes back to my patients.

There’s nothing quite like the relationships you build over the years—especially when you get to see the long-term impact. One of my peak moments happened when a family I had followed for years returned after moving away. The kids had been through so much—there were difficult situations, a lot of mental health challenges, a lot of struggle. Years later, the mom brought her entire family back, including all the grown kids, just to give me a hug.

One of them was now a police officer with a young daughter. Another was in the military. Seeing them turn into such incredible, thriving adults after everything they faced…that was powerful. And the fact that they took time out of their lives to come back and say hello meant more than I can say.

Sometimes it’s not even a planned moment. I currently drive a car that I bought from one of my former patients. He was a kid I had cared for years ago, and it was completely random that I ran into him. He sold me a car he really loved, and I got the biggest kick out of it—because in that moment I realized just how much life had moved forward. I had watched him grow up. And somehow, here we were again.

Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

Why I Became Involved with El Paso County Medical Society

When I first moved to Colorado and opened my own practice, I wanted to get connected to the local medical community. I remember using the Society’s physician directory—your guide with pictures and contact information. It helped me know who was who, what specialties were available, and where to refer patients.

It also offered helpful programs and support—things like compliance resources and educational opportunities. Honestly, it made me feel like being part of the Society wasn’t just useful…it was the right thing to do. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Advice for Physicians Just Starting Out

If I could give one piece of advice to physicians in training, it would be this:

Take time to listen.

There’s an old saying that patients will tell you what’s wrong—and it’s so true. But they can only tell you if they feel heard. Never let someone feel like they’re a burden. Never let them feel like you’re rushing or that you don’t have time for them.

When you listen carefully, they will often reveal the deeper issue. And when patients feel heard, you’re less likely to miss something important. Listening isn’t just about bedside manner—it’s part of making the right diagnosis and doing the work well.

What I Enjoy Outside of Medicine

Outside of medicine, I love to read. I also love spending time outdoors—hiking, being in nature, and skiing with my family.

And then there’s one hobby that surprises people:

I love indoor skydiving.

I go to iFLY and play around in the wind tunnel whenever I get the chance—usually as a birthday gift because it’s not exactly a weekly hobby. But I absolutely love it. It’s exhilarating and fun and completely different from the routine of everyday life.

Closing

I feel incredibly grateful for the path I’ve been able to follow—from being a kid obsessed with medical books to building relationships with families over decades. The best parts of medicine aren’t the titles or the accolades. They’re the connections. They’re the moments when someone comes back years later and reminds you that you mattered in their story.

And that’s what keeps me going.