An inside interview with LocateADoc.com
Describe the most rewarding experience that you have had working with a patient?
I have had so many rewarding experiences in medicine I really can't single out just one that outshines all the others. The joy of helping women through pregnancy and childbirth was the thing that initially attracted me to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I have many fond memories of specific patients and families with whom I particularly bonded during this process. It is a fact that Ob-Gyns are generally happy doctors. I had always assumed that this was a result of being in a "happy profession" - bringing new life into the world. Now, I believe that it is also simply a function of our personality - one which would choose the specialty for the very reason that bringing that kind of joy to our patients is what "turns our crank." Generally, our patients are overwhelmed with joyous emotion at the birth of a baby. As I have grown in my career, I have learned that I very much fit this mold. I get the biggest sense of personal satisfaction when I can use my talents and skills to make a positive difference in a patient's life. This has led me to
concentrate my continuing medical educational efforts on what I term "Lifestyle Medicine" for women. Every year since I left residency in 1995, I have attended lectures and classes in pelvic reconstructive surgery, urinary incontinence surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and, more recently, cosmetic surgery. The elation I have seen in the faces of my patients is truly the reward which gives me the greatest charge. Whether they have undergone urinary incontinence surgery, or a VASER, it's their newfound feeling of freedom that I get such a thrill from. Cosmetic surgery often provides patients with a dramatic boost to their self-confidence and helps to lift their spirits. The best compliment a patient can give me is , "You've given me back my life!" So, for me the most rewarding experiences are those in which I can use my unique skills to solve problems which cause my patients to limit their involvement in life: urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic relaxation, and cosmetic issues.
What is your charity organization of choice and why?
The United Way is my charity of choice. They have a board of volunteers at the local level which reviews local charities to ensure funding is used appropriately. The United Way also maintains a very low overhead expense ratio, so a contributor can be assured that the bulk of his or her donation will actually reach those who need it. Almost all of the donation goes to local charities, so by giving to your local United Way, you are helping those in your community. I also donate to my church and to another organization many may not have heard of: The Smile Train. This is an international organization which funds corrective surgery for babies born with cleft palate. This surgery transforms the lives of these children more than they can imagine. I strongly believe that it is the responsibility of all of us to help those in need in any way we can.
What does living in the Southern Pines community mean to you?
I have lived in the Sandhills area of North Carolina for almost 9 years now and am proud to call it home. I am originally from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and had spent some time at Ft. Bragg while I was in the Army. When I was asked to interview with Southern Pines Women's Health Center all I could picture was a drop zone surrounded by longleaf pines in the 98-degree heat with a rucksack on my back - but I decided to go to the interview anyway. I was pleasantly surprized by the beauty of the area and the warmth of the people. In the time we have lived here, my family and I have put down solid roots and we all consider the Sandhills our home.
When (your age) did you first realize you wanted to become a surgeon? And did you experience anything in particular to motivate you to achieve this prestigious goal?
I can remember always wanting to be a doctor. I have distinct memories from the age of 4 or 5 of telling people that's what I'd do when I grew up. The only thing that changed a few times was the type of doctor I wanted to be. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a general family doctor; the one to see the kids when they were sick, treat both mom and dad. deliver the babies, and do minor surgeries. By the time I started medical school, I realized that my idealized version of a physician really did not exist any more. Graduates of Family Medicine residencies concentrated mainly on non-surgical health care and most did not deliver babies any more. From the first day of medical school, I was drawn to Orthopedic Surgery. The idea of fixing a broken bone or replacing a bad hip appealed to me, but when I delivered a baby for the first time - that was a special moment, which started me down my particular career path.
What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
VASER "liposelection" is currently my favorite procedure to perform. It is very well-tolerated by patients, thanks to its third-generation ultrasound technology. I do all these procedures in my office under local anesthesia, which also adds to the appeal. Best of all, the results are dramatic with almost no bruising and minimal swelling and smooth contours.
What procedure would you like to do more of and why?
I want to do more VASER procedures, because I really enjoy doing them and the results give my patients big smiles.
In a perfect world, when would you like to retire, where would you go and what would you do?
In a perfect world, I suppose I would have retired years ago. In reality, I plan on working for at least another fifteen years. When I do retire, I would really like to travel and see the world. I plan on going on a medical mission on an annual basis. I also would spend more time pursuing my favorite hobbies: bonsai, tennis, golf, skiing, cooking, and music.
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