Physician Q & A

Why did you decide to become a physician?

I took an EMT course with my father when I was 16, and later worked for Gage County Ambulance while I was in college. Since then, I have never wanted to do anything else. Being in a position where you can help people and make a difference in their lives is the most reward feeling possible.

What are your clinical areas of interest?

I have a number of areas of interest. My patients range from newborn children all the way to patients in a nursing home. I have a strong interest in hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. As a former college athletic trainer, I have always enjoyed sports medicine and working with athletes.

What is your philosophy of patient care?

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. If we can control patient's blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars we can help avoid heart attacks, strokes, open heart surgery and other complications. This, however, is a group effort involving my patients as much as possible. I work very hard to keep them as informed about their health as possible, and rely on them to help develop treatment plans that fit their needs.

How do you spend your free time? (family, hobbies, interests, volunteer activities, etc.)

My free time is spent with my family. Photography has become a hobby of mine that I am enjoying learning more about. Each summer I lead a medical mission trip from my church to Belize. In 2008, we found a little girl with a life-threatening congenital heart condition. She was able to have open heart surgery here in Omaha this spring, and is doing very well.

Provide an interesting anecdote about you.

I was the flight surgeon for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362.