Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

I chose a career in medicine to care for patients, a decision made as a teenager.

My decision to enter medical school coexisted with a decision to have a service obligation to the U.S. Army. This choice exchanged educational debt for military service. This made sense to me as I am energized and receive joy when learning and when serving. I saw a medical career (which would start in the army) as offering opportunities to be authentically caring, to receive formal educational development, and to give patriotic service. When I made this decision, I had lots of ambition, although little insight, into my medical career's demands.

What I want my patients to know about me:

1. My style is informed decision making, and am a believer in annual wellness visits (AWV). I love having a schedule filled with them. Each has a double appointment spot. Most patients find them valuable, express appreciation for the thoroughness, and schedule them annually. During the visit, you and I talk in detail about evidence based guidelines to help your health and longevity. Even though an AWV can amount to a "no touch" appointment, it checks an extensive number of things that we may not get to during regular office appointments. Of course, you do not need to talk about anything you do not want to. This is always your choice.

2 I want my patients to know that by calling at 8:00 am, you can probably get to see me that day for a same day appointment.

3. I want my patients to remember how consideration for a controlled substance script involves a long conversation, and even after I have attentively listened to your side of the fact, my medical judgment may be to answer no.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

Each day, I finish up the additional work that a doctor needs to do.

After that, I enjoy reading books about leadership, relationships, and social justice. I buy lots of books and write all over them. I recently finished Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C Maxwell.

I share my books with others, and if you want to read one, please ask. It is ok if it never gets returned.

I also enjoy watching TED talks with my wife and playing board games.

I attend to self care as I battle chronic pain.

I do push up, sit ups, and 75 minute session on the elliptical.

And there is yard work.

I take vacation time each year to attend a Global Leadership Summit.

I write letters of encouragement to my sponsored children, and personally support organizations like World Vision, Compassion International, Dalit Freedom Network, Equal Justice Initiative, International Justice Mission, and Doctors Without Borders.