My experiences working in small villages throughout Africa have taught me a great deal about the dynamics of culture and disease, and have provided the greater context for my own personal interests within the field of family medicine. I realize family medicine doctors are some of the best equipped to improve the health of all people and their access to care, because treating the individual within the context of his/her greater community is inherent to the practice of family medicine.

I strive to provide personalized, compassionate care for the entire family. I enjoy the full spectrum of family medicine, from preventive medicine to chronic-disease management. I try to practice medicine with a team approach, engaging my patients to share in the decision-making process. By providing them with the opportunity to help make their own medical decisions empowers my patients to be more responsible for their health.

One of the reasons I love family medicine so much is the continuity of care that creates deep, trusting relationships between me and my patients. There is something very special when a patient can open up not only about their medical problems, but also about other aspects of their lives. Because I have entire families that I take care of, I have watched grandchildren be born, speak their first words and take their first steps. I have seen parents through their trials with raising kids, depression and learning that they have high blood pressure. I have advised grandparents on which diabetes medications to use and on end-of-life issues. And I have helped families with their grief of losing loved ones. These relationships are what make being a family physician so special.

I am truly thankful for being able to help improve the quality of people s lives and am humbled by this experience. What continues and will continue to motivate me are the small miracles that I experience every day while taking care of my patients.