June Physician Spotlight: Lisa Moore, DO

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired by my parents, who were both physicians. My father is a radiologist, and my mother practiced family medicine. Growing up, I listened to their conversations at the dinner table talking about caring for patients and serving their community, which sparked my early interest in medicine.

Can you describe a peak experience from your career?

During my residency, I had a patient whose case sparked my interest in headache medicine within neurology. He came to our resident clinic, which primarily served low-income patients, suffering from debilitating headaches, severe mood issues, and possible seizures. He had never really seen a doctor before and arrived alone, expressing how difficult his life had become. When he first came in, he wore sunglasses and had lidocaine patches all over his face—he truly looked unwell.

We decided to start him on a low dose of Depakote, and at his next visit, all three of his main issues had significantly improved. This time, he brought his wife, who gave me a big hug and thanked me, saying, “You brought me my husband back.” It was a powerful reminder that sometimes patients just need someone to listen and to try the right treatment. This experience was formative for me, as it showed how much of a difference we can make not only in a patient’s life, but also for their family. It was incredibly rewarding.

What interests you about engaging with the medical society?

As a relative newcomer to the medical community here, I am very interested in meeting my colleagues and becoming more involved. Having lived in Colorado Springs since 2006, my family and I feel deeply rooted in this community. It’s exciting to return as a member of the medical community and to further explore relationships with others. I particularly value communicating with fellow professionals about patient care and coordinating treatments, so I see this as a great opportunity to do just that.

What advice would you give to physicians in training?

That’s a great question. I believe there’s something in medicine for everyone, and it’s perfectly normal to change your mind along the way. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do or have your entire path mapped out from the start. Looking back, I wish my friends and I had tried to predict our future specialties in medical school—we all would have been completely wrong! Even after choosing a path, it’s okay to explore new directions. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say not to worry about having it all figured out. I never expected to end up where I am today, but I’m very happy with how things turned out.

What do you all enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two cats, as well as family and friends. We like playing board games, hiking, and trying new restaurants together.

For more information on Dr. Lisa Moore, please visit https://csneuro.com/dr-lisa-moore-do/

This month’s Physician Spotlight has an exciting new twist!

I had the pleasure of meeting with three physicians in our community for this month’s Physician Spotlight. The Kobayashi brothers exemplify many definitions of “community" Colorado natives, Air Force Academy graduates, and physicians. Each brother, practicing in a different specialty, articulated the privilege it is to be a physician. The brothers credit their humble beginnings in Sterling, CO (GoTigers!), to their international travels in medicine, and all experiences between as opportunity to serve the needs of humanity.

Natalie Myers, MBA

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From the left to right: Dayton Kobayashi, Ky Kobayashi, and Todd Kobayashi

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

I think I speak for all of us. Having mentors, especially our parents, was critical to our decisions in life. Both were school teachers, and our dad's love for science influenced us. Growing up in a farming community, we were always connected to nature. Initially, I didn’t go straight into medicine—I attended the Air Force Academy as a football recruit and thought I’d become a pilot. But life changes with injuries and experiences, which led me to medicine. It was the perfect blend of science and service to our nation. Mentors like Dr. (retired Brigadier General) Hans J. Mueh and Dr. (retired Brigadier General) Orwyn "O" Sampson at the Academy were our inspiration and showed us how science applies to the real world. Medicine became a way to “pay it forward.” I know Todd and Dayton feel the same.

What's the story for all three of you going to the Air Force Academy back-to-back? How did that work out?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

"Ky survived and so will I!” Actually, we come from a humble background, so even going to college was a privilege. We were fortunate to have mentors and guidance, and when the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy came up, we were grateful. The Air Force Academy offered a unique combination of education and career opportunities. It wasn't easy, but it was one of the best decisions we ever made. We certainly had to “lean on each other” when times were hard. We are forever grateful for the incredible people we have met and the doors that were opened. We credit Senator Hank Brown for nominating us and the many people who saw potential in us. It was a challenging experience, but it shaped who we are today.

How long did you serve, and did you complete your education,

residency, and training in the military?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I served a total of 28 years in the military, including four years at the Air Force Academy, four years in medical school at the military medical school in Bethesda, Maryland, and 20 years of active duty after that.

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

I retired after 20 years in the military. Both Dayton and I trained in civilian medical schools after the Air Force Academy. I went to the University of Colorado for medical school and completed my residency training in Connecticut and fellowship in upper extremity surgery in Boston. Initially, I didn't think I’d stay that long in the military. But it turned out to be a great career. Serving was one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I served 12 years of active duty to fulfill my commitment, then transitioned to the Wyoming National Guard, where I served for nine years. I went to medical school in Wisconsin and completed residency in the military in California. I finished my military career in the Guard, earning a reserve retirement instead of an active duty retirement. So, in total, I served 21 years—12 active and 9 in the Guard.

What made the three of you choose Colorado Springs as your home

base?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

We’re all from Colorado. Colorado Springs is a great place—it feels like "God's land." Two of us had our last duty stations here, and while my last duty station was in San Antonio, I spent four or five years as a dermatologist at the Air Force Academy. With our brothers already here and our parents in Colorado, it just made sense to come back and settle in Colorado Springs.

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Did your parents follow you to Colorado Springs, and are they here

now?

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Family and location are one of the biggest reasons for our return to Colorado Springs. Our mom lives here now. Our dad passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) a few years ago, which was a tough disease to fight. We are fortunate to have some of our Skoll family here in Colorado Springs. Heather is the news anchor for Channel 13. After traveling all over the world, Colorado Springs is a great place to live!

Briefly describe a peak experience from your career.

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

One of the highlights of my career was deploying and experiencing how the medical system operates during wartime. I deployed multiple times—before 9/11 in 2000, and then in 2006, 2008, and 2014. Being part of the Combat Air Staging Facility (CASF) was especially memorable. My role involved ensuring severely injured patients were stabilized and safely transported from the base to more definitive care, often in Germany or the U.S. Witnessing the process of caring for critically injured soldiers, including the anxiety and challenges of deployment, was both humbling and rewarding. It gave me a deep appreciation for the teamwork and dedication involved in wartime medical care.

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

For me, there are several experiences that make medicine so rewarding, from a simple injection that relieves pain to saving a limb. Highlights in my career involve teaching residents and medical students, including my current partner, Chance Henderson, MD. It is always incredible to see new surgeons excel and know that you may have helped them on their journey. Like Dayton, I also found combat casualty care to be a career highlight. I deployed several times to combat zones and served in Iraq at the 332nd Balad Air Force Theater Hospital, which was once the busiest trauma center in the world. Working with neurosurgery, vascular surgery, general surgery, and critical care specialists was an incredible learning experience and at that time had a 96% survival rate. We were truly at the “tip of the spear” for damage control surgery. We treated everyone—American soldiers, coalition troops, Iraqi civilians, and even enemy combatants. The Critical Care Transport teams were amazing and transported injured patients to Germany and the U.S. within 24-72 hours. Those vivid memories of mass casualties and the teamwork involved are something I'll always cherish.

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

One of the highlights of my career was serving as the residency program director in San Antonio, overseeing 22 residents in one of the largest programs in the nation. Teaching was incredibly rewarding, though it required a lot of time and effort. My former residents still reach out to me, and they feel like family. Another highlight was participating in humanitarian missions. I went on four missions to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Belize, and Suriname, providing care to people in some of the poorest and most remote areas. These missions, lasting two to three weeks, were eye-opening and deeply fulfilling. They made me appreciate everything we have here and gave me a chance to make a difference in places with little to no medical care. Those experiences are among the most meaningful of my career, and I'm grateful to the military for giving me those opportunities.

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What would interest you in joining EPCMS and CMS?

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

For me, it's about getting to know the specialists in this area. I take care of cadets, and

some specialties, like infectious disease, rheumatology, and endocrinology, are limited

in the military system. Building relationships with local specialists allows me to know

who to contact when I need help. It's about collegiality and collaboration.

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Why do you engage with EPCMS?

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

For me, it's about collegiality and networking—connecting with other specialties to

better care for our patients when something falls outside our expertise. It also provides

a sense of belonging. I'm still learning about the medical society, but being here helps

me understand the local medical community and how we can work together to improve

patient care.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I appreciate that the El Paso County Medical Society promotes physicians and supports

our profession. It's important to have an organization that advocates for us. Additionally,

the collegiality is valuable—knowing other physicians in the area, having people to refer

to or call when needed, and building a sense of community. It's also great to socialize

and connect with others in the field.

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What advice would you give to physicians in training who are just starting out?

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Make sure you love what you do and are passionate about it. Be humble and always

strive to learn because medicine is constantly evolving, and complacency isn!t an

option. Focus on patient care—treat every patient like a loved one and be their

advocate. People notice when you genuinely care. Try to understand the bigger picture,

not just the immediate issue. For example, a patient with a broken wrist might need help

at home or a cardiac work up because they are passing out. Medicine is about

connecting those dots in ways that technology, like AI, never will. Stay driven, stay

passionate, and always work to improve yourself as a clinician.

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

Two pieces of advice:

1. Get comfortable with not knowing. In primary care, you'll encounter many situations

where you don't have all the answers. Don't let pride stop you from asking questions or

consulting colleagues. It's better to seek help and make the best decision for your

patient.

2. Take care of yourself. Practice what you preach. It's easy to get caught up in the

demands of the job and neglect your own health. Avoid distractions and bad habits, and

prioritize your well-being so you can be at your best for your patients.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

As a young physician, the most important thing is to focus on the patient in front of you.

When you're in the room with a patient, give them your full attention and care. If you

truly care about your patient, you!ll always do the right thing—whether that's ordering a

test, consulting a specialist, or even deciding that doing nothing is the best course of

action. Many times, patients just need someone to listen to them. Beyond patient care,

take care of yourself. Medicine is demanding, and it's easy to lose sight of your own

health and family. Prioritize your well-being so you can continue to care for others

effectively.

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What do you all enjoy doing outside of medicine?

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I have a few hobbies I really enjoy. I love hunting, fly fishing, and fixing things—whether

it's something around the house or a car. I spend a lot of time on YouTube figuring out

how to fix things, and I find it really satisfying.

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Having hobbies outside of medicine is critical for me. I enjoy spending time with my

family and friends…. hunting, fishing, and mountain bike riding. I have really enjoyed

meeting the community playing pickleball and racquetball. At this stage in life, family

time and socializing mean a lot to me. Staying active and healthy through hobbies is

important, and I think those priorities evolve as we mature.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I love the outdoors, which is one of the reasons I love Colorado. Fly fishing with my

brothers is one of my most cherished activities. I also enjoy camping with my family—it's

a chance to unplug, go somewhere with no cell service, and just enjoy being together.

Another hobby I share with my son is working on our four-wheel drive vehicles. He has

a 2010 Toyota Tacoma, and we!ve done a lot of modifications together, like adding a lift,

bigger tires, and bumpers. I have a Jeep, and we love going four-wheeling in the

mountains, exploring places where no one else is. It's a great way to connect with my

son and one of my favorite pastimes.

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Anything else you'd like to add in closing?

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Medicine is a privilege. People trust you, confide in you, and allow you to care for them,

which is sacred. It's easy to lose sight of that, but the thought of serving others is one of

the best things we can do as humans. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to help

people, especially seeing them on their worst days and helping them get back to their

active life. It's incredibly rewarding, and I hope future generations will continue to

improve our ability to better care for the patient.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I agree—taking care of patients is so rewarding. In my specialty, I feel like I can help

almost every patient who comes in, and it's fulfilling to see them leave feeling better or

to see their problem resolved. One of my favorite moments is when a patient simply

says, "Thank you.” That appreciation makes my day and reminds me why I do this

work.

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I would add that before there was surgery or medicine, the most important thing we had

as humans was presence. Just being there, listening, and caring is huge. People

confide in us and share things they wouldn't tell anyone else. That trust and connection

are at the heart of what makes being a physician so meaningful.

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March Physician Spotlight: Ben Freemyer, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?‍

From an early age, I was exposed to the world of medicine by watching my father, an emergency physician, selflessly care for patients in the ER. While I explored other fields during college, I was ultimately drawn back to medicine—a profession where I knew I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

One of the most profound “mountaintop” experiences of my medical career was during my fellowship year in dermatopathology. I had the privilege of spending countless hours at a multi-headed scope, examining thousands of dermatopathology cases and absorbing the subtle nuances that only years of experience can teach. This transformative learning journey was shaped by many incredible mentors, most notably Dr. Ronald Rapini, whose expertise and guidance left a lasting impact on my understanding of the field.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

One of the most rewarding aspects of practicing medicine is engaging in meaningful discussions with my colleagues. Becoming a member of the El Paso County Medical Society has connected me with many outstanding physicians in the community and has enriched my practice through insightful conversations and shared experiences.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Stay connected! Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with fellow physicians, both within and beyond your specialty.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?‍

I enjoy hiking, playing the piano, and spending time with my family.

For more information on Dr. Freemyer, visit: https://www.vanguardskin.com/meet-the-providers/benjamin-freemyer-md/

February Physician Spotlight: Christopher Kovach, MD, MSc

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?‍

During my graduate studies in molecular biology, I was spurred to volunteer with a suicide prevention hotline after a family member faced a mental health crisis. These experiences led me to choose a career in medicine where I could apply my abiding interest in science and biology to improve the lives of others.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

I became involved with El Paso County Medical Society to become more connected with clinicians in the community who are striving to improve care for our shared patients.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Cultivate many mentors! Mentors have different strengths and aptitudes, and you will find that nurturing those relationships will provide a variety of benefits as your own career grows and evolves.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?‍

I enjoy hiking, skiing, travel, cooking, and spending time with my family.

For more information on Dr. Kovach, visit: https://coscardiology.com/christopher-kovach/

‍December Physician Spotlight: Brayden Healey, DO‍

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My inspiration to pursue medicine was primarily thanks to my hometown physician in rural Idaho, a womb-to-tomb type of Doc who did broad-scope medicine. He was a general surgeon, so he really inspired me from the beginning by showing me the vast array of possible avenues I could pursue within medicine. Then, it was a long path for me during medical school to find Mohs surgery. I had a few mentors, in particular during medical school, who showed me where my biggest career interests lie: surgical treatment of skin cancers.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

A peak experience of my career thus far has been the opportunity to treat patients in rural Colorado who travel very long distances and have unattended skin health concerns, be it with cancers or other skin problems, and being able to provide a service for them that otherwise is not easily available for them. We are doing that in Pueblo with Mohs surgery, but also reaching out to La Junta very soon in order to continue to help those patients that I'm really passionate about helping in the rural areas such as the rural farmers and agricultural workers in southern and southeast Colorado.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

It was through a mentor, Dr. Vinh Chung, who recommended that it was a good group of people passionate about taking care of the health of this community. I was able to connect with EPCMS early on when I moved here to Colorado, and I want to make sure that I'm part of furthering that mission and being part of local healthcare groups that are inspired to make a difference for patients.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

There is a long path toward becoming a physician. I would echo some of the sentiments passed along to me; it is worth it in the
end, and there is the "other side" of training. Training is impressively tricky and rigorous, but the other side of training is lovely- when you finally get to put your hard work into practice to help patients, it all pays off. Also, cherish the moments and take advantage of your time at each step along the way. It's easy to always look forward to the finish line and feel you want to fast forward to being done with training. I would remind trainees, though, that there's a lot of beauty and innumerable lessons learned through training that you won't have the opportunity to experience once you're all done and the responsibilities shift. Despite how hard that can sound, taking advantage of your time in training is very important.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Outside of medicine, I spend almost all my time with my family—my wife and four kids. We enjoy anything outside that we can; hiking, biking, and camping are our favorites, and we’re getting ready for winter sports this season. We love to spend time outdoors in Colorado.

November Physician Spotlight: Victoria Moss, MD, FAAD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I have wanted to be a physician since I was a teenager. In school, I always gravitated towards the sciences. In high school, I loved biology and was particularly interested in genetics. In my junior year of high school, I spent time with a pediatric genetics counselor who really encouraged me to pursue a medical degree, given my grades and my aspirations. After that, I changed my career trajectory and studied biology (and music to keep my sanity) in college.

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Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Earlier this year, I took care of a patient who had been to 10 physicians before me, and nobody could figure out what was wrong with her. She had traveled to Panama the previous fall on a cruise and was bit in the arm by a fly, and ended up having a botfly embedded in her arm. I was quickly able to diagnose the issue, and I was able to remove it for her right in the office. I joke that this was pretty much the pivotal peak of my career, and I can officially retire. Removing a botfly from a human is probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.

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What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

Well, I think it's super important, especially when moving into a new community, to get involved in the physician professional community as well. I think it's great to establish relationships with other physicians and really be able to take a more encompassing, holistic approach to a patient's care.

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What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Do it because you love it. Pick something that will make you happy every day when you wake up in the morning.  Try to pick a specialty that will fulfill you but also give you the ability to spend time with your family and loved ones. Choose a partner supporting your profession and dedication to your career and your patients.

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What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love to travel the world far and wide. I love to learn about new cultures and visit new places. I often plan trips around food and wine and try to find a wine region to explore. My favorite wine region I have been to so far is South Africa.  I enjoy wine so much that I passed the first step to becoming a wine sommelier. I also love to hike and love to explore.  In addition to that, I am a classically trained soprano and fell in love with opera during my studies in college.  I love all kinds of music, and you will most likely find me at concerts and local music festivals.

‍October Physician Spotlight: Deborah Lasley, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My mom is a nurse, and I always imagined a medical career. She and my 9th-grade science teacher, who was also a first responder, encouraged me to set my sights on becoming a doctor. I became very focused throughout my high school and college years on pursuing a Medical Doctorate.  

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

I have practiced in Colorado Springs for approximately 24 years. I am now delivering patients that I delivered. Caring for women throughout their reproductive lives and beyond is an honor.  

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I am not part of the leadership, but I enjoy socializing with medical colleagues outside of our day-to-day work lives. I have enjoyed the educational offerings and community involvement that the EPCMS provides! 

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I don’t have the correct answer because it is a hard career. My advice would be to “Stay true to your passion.” 

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I am a new inductee into “Empty Nest” parenthood. Last month, I would have told you I enjoy cooking and eating dinner with my husband, children, and their friends. I now have time to connect with friends, read, and go for long hikes and bike rides. I have become passionate about baking sourdough bread and making my own Kombucha. These new hobbies bring me so much joy and I hope they inspire you to explore new interests as well. I am having difficulty figuring out how to cook for two instead of 6 to 8.  

September Physician Spotlight: J. Louis Land, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired after experiencing some chances to shadow physicians when I was in high school and headed off to college. I grew up in Houston and got to spend some time in the OR with heart surgeons like Michael DeBakey, MD and met Denton Cooley, MD. As an impressionable high school kid back in the 80’s I had the chance to get scrubbed in the OR, holding retractors and see the excitement of life as doctor in the operating room. That experience gave me the idea that I wanted to continue on to medical school as I moved into my undergraduate years.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Having been in the military for many years, the bulk of my career, I had a lot of interesting time during my deployments with various challenging encounters as a psychiatrist from those days. I don’t know about a definition of a peak experience, but I have always enjoyed taking care of soldiers and families. Most of my primary jobs in the military were working with kids and families. I was fortunate to put my child psychiatry training to use while serving in the Army. Having the chance to take care of soldiers and families has been a pleasure for me.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I have several friends that are part of the EPCMS, retired army folks. For me, being in private practice, I was interested in having the opportunity for further comradery with other physicians. Otherwise, I’m up in my office seeing patients. I do have one other colleague I work with, but staying connected socially and professionally with a wide range of colleagues is a great benefit.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I would encourage them to explore the whole array of different medical specialties. The character of the work involved is quite different from one specialty to another. What you might be excited about and interested in as a young single person starting medical school may be different than what things look like as a married professional later in your career. Make sure you have a chance for longevity in your decision for a specialty

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I’m busy with a range of different hobbies like hiking, swimming, biking, and running. I sign up for triathlons from time to time to keep me focused with my training. Puttering in the garage with bikes and woodworking tools keeps me busy as well.  My family keeps me occupied with all kinds of endeavors, particularly travelling.

August Physician Spotlight: Lukasz Kowalczyk, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired to become a physician by my family, especially my mom, who had many health issues. Watching her struggle with her health and our family's dedication to an active lifestyle made me curious about the human body. This curiosity led me to ask questions about how we can keep people healthy, maintain their well-being, and, most importantly, how we can help when health issues arise.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

One of the peak experiences in my career was when I realized the importance of personalizing the patient experience with little details. It’s so gratifying to see how much patients appreciate the little details such asking how to pronounce their name. It makes such a difference in building trust and report with them. Another peak experience was applying my knowledge about medicine and GI to build a scheduling software system. It was so gratifying to see the dissemination of evidence-based care across an organizations, improving the scheduling of patients and allowing others to benefit from the knowledge I had accumulated.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I became involved in the El Paso County Medical Society because, as physicians, we have become more isolated in our daily routines and don't interact as much as we should. One of the most significant committees I am a part of is peer review, where we gather with colleagues from various disciplines to hear different perspectives and voices on thinking through problems. EPCMS embodies the same spirit; it's about coming together and hearing other perspectives on the same problem. These interactions, discussions, and socializing are vital because we need to connect more. Your involvement in peer review is not just beneficial but also integral to the medical community.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I recommend engaging in activities beyond medicine for physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers. Medicine is vast and complex. The more you can learn about something tangential, such as economics of healthcare, payments, IT, etc the realm of medicine, the better. This knowledge will help to build a better understanding of how to navigate medicine and build additional specialization. As high as the bar is for us to know a lot of things to care for patients, understanding something beyond the practice of medicine is incredibly useful. It will empower you and enlighten your practice. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching my kids grow up. I also love working on things that could help the system of medicine or the systems of practice of medicine to help make an impact, including designing new systems that can help someone else do their job to care for a patient more effectively.

June Physician Spotlight: Michael Simpson, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I have wanted to be a physician for a long time. My parents were both in healthcare; my dad was a hospital administrator and my mom was a nurse. I always wanted to be a physician but didn’t know what I wanted to do. When I was fifteen years old, I tore my ACL skateboarding and had surgery. At that point, I decided I wanted to be an Orthopaedic surgeon and have not wavered from that.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

There was a young man I took care of who was an Air Force Academy cadet. He fell off Pulpit Rock and had a horrific injury. He was treated by a colleague of mine who asked for me to assist with his care due to injuries to his lower extremities. The concern was he may not be able to stay in the military. The Academy was going to board him out. I advocated with a letter in his support of recovery and he was granted a one-year waiver. He got back, graduated with honors, went to flight school, and is still in the Air Force. I keep in regular contact with him. His dream was to be a pilot. I have been fortunate to live my dream of Orthopaedic Surgery. To be able to help somebody else pursue their dream was very meaningful to me.

What led you to become involved in the El Paso County Medical Society?

I think all medicine is local. I think communities are important. I started as a physician in the military. The collegiality experienced in the military, always seeing each other day in and day out was something that is missed as communities get more spread out. In the hospital setting, everyone used to engage in rounds and that has changed a lot. The ability to connect with colleagues and be involved in the community is what got me interested in joining the El Paso County Medical Society.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I think it all comes down to figuring out what it is you love to do and pursuing that. Everything else falls into place. I think it’s a challenging environment now where we are transitioning from mostly private practice to employed physicians. There is a push and pull with the pros and cons of each of those environments. At some point, you have to decide along those lines what fits your mentality best. Individuals are more geared to one or the other. That is important to try to identify that in yourself. Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong and you have made a mistake. Learn from it. You continue to get better and better when you learn from your mistakes, but to think that you go into the career and never make a mistake is naive and sets you up for being really very stressed.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

First of all, I love fixing things which is probably why I am a surgeon. I like fixing things around the house or working on a car or piece of equipment. Trying to troubleshoot what is wrong with it and making it work again. I am not a throwaway person so I love keeping things and keeping them working for a long period. I have always loved doing stuff like that.

My wife and I enjoy traveling to historical and archeological sites. We have done a lot of traveling. Traveling to those places and photographing our journeys.

Lastly, we have four-legged friends and enjoy spending time with them.

“What is your favorite item you have fixed, that you still have?”

One of the first things I worked on was converting an antique into a computer furniture piece. We got the idea of taking an antique French armoire and converting it into a computer desk before you could find computer furniture. We converted slide-out drawers for the printer and keyboard and such. At the time, it was uncommon to find computer furniture pieces. That project was fun to do, to repurpose something we just loved looking at to make it functional.

“What was the most memorable historical site you visited and why?”

That is a tough one. The top place is Machu Picchu, partly because we were there at 9-11. Being at Machu Picchu during 9-11 was somewhat surreal but also propelled my wife and me to realize that life changes in an instant. We needed to evaluate what we loved doing, which was visiting historical sites. At the time I was practicing in Plano, TX, outside of Dallas, TX. We realized if we waited to retire, some of the historical sites may not be accessible, maybe too Westernized, or maybe anti-western and not safe to travel. We took time off work, initially planned for one year off, and ended up taking nearly three years off.

We went to Tibet and that was really special. We went there a long time ago and got to see it before a lot of the changes that have occurred now. When it was time to get back to work and start working again, that was what landed me in C/S in 2009.