Photo by Brandon Sullivan

Specialty: Family practice
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Years Practicing: 10
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

What drew you to family medicine?
“Most medical students who like family practice like every rotation they do. I did pediatrics and thought, I love this. I did internal medicine and thought, I love this. I did endocrinology and thought, this is it. After awhile, I realized that since I loved everything so much, I loved family medicine. I get to care for whole families and get to care for them forever.”

What are the personality traits of a good family physician?
“A good family physician has to love people. I love people. I love my patients. I think a good family physician has to be intuitive and understand what people are saying is really happening with them. I have a strong spiritual faith, and that helps me in my practice, and I have a great sense of humor. In order to run a successful practice, I have a very supportive family. They’re the only reason I got through medical school, and the only reason I can run this practice is my staff.”

How do you ensure patients get personalized care?
“Our office is unique in that we don’t see a lot of patients every day. We don’t overbook. As a result, we’ve sacrificed reimbursement. If you see fewer patients, you make less money. To the credit of the staff and providers, they could make more money elsewhere; they’ve chosen to make that personal sacrifice because they believe in the quality of medicine we are able to provide. We do not herd people through the office like cattle.”

How do you keep your own family healthy?
“They would maintain I don’t! Just kidding. They are extremely physically active and very healthy eaters. My son is in Boy Scouts, so that’s a big thing with hiking and camping and staying very active. I try hard not to treat them. If they are sick, they see someone else. For minor illnesses, I’m going to be the one to look them over.”