Facility Vallejo Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology Address 975 Sereno Drive Vallejo CA 94589 Map & Directions Telephone Office: (707) 651-3450 E-mail your doctor View your preventive services

About Me

Why I Became a Physician

I became a physician because I wanted to do something that was significant and that I could feel philosophically good about. As a physician I do something that matters to people and helps them.

I graduated from high school in 1969, and the Vietnam War made me realize that if I went in the service as a physician I could care for people and not be expected to harm people; that appealed to me philosophically.

Why I Became an Anesthesiologist

I chose anesthesiology as a specialty after I had already completed my first residency in internal medicine. I drove an ambulance prior to medical school and I was well-suited for it. In my internal medicine residency, I preferred the emergency room and intensive care unit to clinic medicine.

Anesthesiology is more task-oriented than internal medicine. Anesthesiology is actually acute care medicine at the head of the bed. I like the fact that in anesthesiology, the medications we use work quickly. Their effect is dramatic and significant, not vague and slow as might be needed for the care of chronic conditions.

Why I Practice at Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente allows me to practice medicine without having to worry about business office issues. When I see patients, I can focus on deciding the correct course for their care. I am a physician, not a businessman.

My Philosophy on Healing

I believe in a whole person approach: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual.

My philosophy of healing is that most good health arises from good habits. People should not smoke, should eat fresh vegetables, get plenty of sleep, exercise, laugh, and have fun. People should do things in moderation, such as not drink alcohol to excess. Laughter and sleep are both good medicines.

If people do all these healthful things, many health care problems would be reduced.

My Personal Interests

My main personal interest has been windsurfing, but in the last couple of years I have learned to fly. I received a pilot's license in 2005, and hope to continue flying.

My Credentials

Medical school	University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
Internship	Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Residency	Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Residency	Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
Board certification	Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology
Board certification	Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

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