2. What made you become a family medicine physician? What do you like most about your job?

During medical school rotations in Brooklyn, I found I enjoyed aspects of all different types of medicine. I enjoyed women’s health, I enjoyed pediatrics, I enjoyed geriatric medicine – I liked it all! In the end, there wasn’t much of a question as to what I wanted to do - I knew family medicine would allow me to make strong connections with patients. Good healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s also about good conversations between you and your doctor and trusting your doctor to steer you in the right direction. I enjoy discussing and explaining health issues with patients so that they can make appropriate and safe choices.

3. What have your patients taught you over the years?

Patients over the years have taught me the importance of listening. Listening carefully to patients not only reveals their immediate concern, but also their state of mind, their expectations, and their ways of thinking. It also shows respect and compassion for them as a fellow human. Listening is a powerful tool that is often forgotten or underappreciated in the modern era.

4. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job in general?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to know so many different people. And on top of that, I am able to help them live happier and healthier lives. I went to school and trained for many years and getting to use my mind and everything I learned to help people on a daily basis is amazing. I really enjoy my job. I do think it’s important for people to take an active role in their healthcare, however, I believe people make lifestyle changes when they’re ready. My role is to help them get there – whether through sharing information or occasional nudges in the right direction. And when they do feel better and are happier and enjoying life more, I am lucky to be a part of that.

5. What is one philosophy you live by?

At the risk of sounding trite, I’ve profoundly realized that life really is short. It goes by faster and faster as the years go by and, unfortunately, sometimes life is a lot shorter than we think it’s going to be. With that in mind, I really advocate for everyone to live their lives well and to learn how to appreciate being alive to the best of their abilities. This means different things for different people, but for me it boils down to two things: enjoy life to the fullest and always be kind – to each other, to other creatures, to this planet and to yourself.