Hometown
Telecommute based in Long Grove, Ill.
Education
Chemistry and Geriatric Sociology at Northern Illinois University. Then Medical Degree at Loyola/Stritch School of Medicine and then a Certificate of Business Administration from the Northwestern/Kellogg School of Management
Why did you decide to pursue medicine as a career?
“I grew up in a family fully dedicated to the clinical sciences and the care of others. My father was an optometrist, my grandfather and both uncles were physicians. My mother, grandmother and aunt were doctorate-level nurses and active university educators. My aunt even added on a law degree just because! Growing up and working in a multitude of my family’s offices and teaching environments, I saw the true impact that a clinician can have both individually and within a community. Whether in the office, at the Friday night football games or Saturday night demolition derby (small town country reference there), or just walking down main street and talking with the patients of my family, the connection was palpable.”
Had you not chosen medicine, what would you do?
“I am actually so lucky to have been able to combine both of my interests here at United. As my clinical career progressed, I took on greater levels of oversight, management, strategic planning and education of others. I had pursued several business-related courses in college and always held a dual interest there. Within United and Optum, there has been the opportunity to be both a clinician and a businessperson, strategic and operational planner, and lecturer!"
What is the best part of being a physician?
“Knowing and living my connection to the past. Being a part of, not only, the history of my family, but the history of this profession, of helping, comforting, and healing others."
If you were to change medical specialties, what would you choose?
“Been there, done that! I started in family medicine and then, with the United States Air Force, was able to lead in the emergency room for several years. I have always been focused on fine motor procedural skills and was able to also pursue training and practice in venous and lymphatic medicine. Early in my United career, a mentor said to me, ‘You are a family medicine doc, but you think like a surgeon!’ Loved that.”
What would you change about healthcare and the practice of medicine to make it work better?
"I want us to find a balance between the best of what was and what will be. To maintain that small town direct connection to our patients, to our community. But to also be able to do that at scale, with the resources and capabilities that larger integration and support can bring. To harness that collaboration and bring it into every area of our country, assuring the best possible outcomes, everywhere. For all of healthcare to function as one team with one mission and one goal."
How is most of your time spent away from work?
“No. 1 is family. My oldest daughter is a senior financial analyst in Indianapolis, and my youngest daughter just graduated from the University of Iowa/Tippie College of Business. My wife and I are always busy traveling back and forth between them, and now helping our youngest set up base in downtown Chicago for her sales job.”
Describe your perfect day off.
“When not busy helping our daughters out, I am always focused on a few main hobbies. I am an exercise fanatic (I recognize my issues!), find meditative calm in my bass guitars and love music overall. Excellent food always plays a part, too.”