Bio
What are your specialties and certifications?
Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Why did you go into medicine? Why did you choose your particular field?
I have always loved science. When I went to college, I was a Chemistry
major with Intent to become a Veterinarian. After college, I worked as
a nuclear chemist for 3 yrs before going to vet school. I practiced as
a veterinarian for several years but developed allergies to animals and
needed to make a career change. Medicine was the logical next step.
I chose Gastroenterology because it was the perfect mixture of procedures
and medicine. Also, it gave me the opportunity to routinely improve patients
lives and prevent cancer.
What are some of your clinical interests?
General Gastroenterology, pancreatobiliary disorders, and inflammatory
bowel disease.
What do you love about practicing medicine?
I love the opportunity to improve patients lives as well as saving lives
by preventing colon/gastrointestinal cancers
What is your philosophy of care?
To ensure that patients receive high-quality digestive care in a welcoming,
friendly and non-threatening environment.
What do you most want people to know about the way you practice medicine?
The doctor-patient relationship should be a partnership. I want patients
to take an active role in their healthcare.
"The doctor-patient relationship should be a partnership. I want patients
to take an active role in their healthcare."
What can your patients expect during an appointment?
That I will listen to them.
What do you wish you could tell every patient (and they would actually
do) and why?
The importance of a healthy diet and exercise. Don't smoke and limit
alcohol. Many or the illnesses I see are directly related to poor diet,
lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol excess.
What have your patients taught you?
My patients teach me the resilience of the human spirit.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
My wife. She teaches me patience, kindness and compassion.
Where did you grow up?
Screven, Georgia. A small South Georgia town about the same size as Darby, MT
What brought you to the Bitterroot Valley?
I came to the Bitterroot because I love hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
"Living and working in a small community you get to know your patients
and neighbors. There is a sense of community you don't find in larger
cities."
What do you enjoy about living and working in a small community like ours?
Living and working in a small community you get to know your patients and
neighbors. There is a sense of community you don't find in larger cities.
Living in such a close-knit community, how do you create a successful work–life balance?
I think it's important to maintain a good work/home life separation.
What are some of your non-professional interests and favorite hobbies?
Watching Georgia/ SEC football, training my German Wire-haired Pointer,
spending time with my family, dogs, horses, mules and donkeys, hunting,
and gardening.
Is there anything about you that might surprise people?
That I am also a veterinarian and was a nuclear chemist.
What would be your personal motto?
Personal responsibility for one's actions.
Do you have pets?
I have 3 dogs, one cat, 2 horses, 2 mules and 2 mini donkeys, a peacock
named Petie, 2 chickens and 11 homing pigeons.