Why did you become a physician?
My interest in medicine started at a young age, but came naturally as I had no immediate family members in medical professions. I had a strong inclination and talent in math and science, and as I grew older, I developed more interest in the humanities. Medicine seemed like the best opportunities to combine those fields. Being a physician allows me the chance to practice evidence-based medicine while at the same time trying to make a human connection with a patient and try to improve their circumstance.
Tell us about your educational and professional background.
I went to the University of Kentucky for my undergraduate years and received a BS in Biology with a minor in economics in 2000. I then went on the medical school at the University of Kentucky and graduated in 2006. I completed my residency in Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University in 2009 and then returned back home to Lexington shortly afterwards. Since returning home I have been employed as a hospitalist at Baptist Health Lexington. As a hospitalist I am proud to have earned the certification of Fellow of Hospital Medicine as designated by the Society of Hospital Medicine and also have been board certified in Focused Practice of Hospital Medicine by the ABIM. I served as medical staff president of Baptist from 2017-2018 and currently chair the credentials committee. Most recently I graduated from the Kentucky Physician Leadership Institute put on by the KMA. I also serve on the Lexington Fayette County Board of Health.
What are your interests outside of Medicine?
Most of my free time is spent with my wife and 3 kids (ages 13, 9, and 8). When I do have some personal time, I will typically be listening to either music or podcasts on my ear phones.
Why did you join the Lexington Medical Society?
I originally joined LMS because it was a provided benefit of my employer, however over the last 2-3 years I have become more involved as I have discovered the opportunities it can provide. I was attracted to a dinner meeting so I could see my congressman give his thoughts on health care policy. That interest in policy, as well as economics, led me to attend the seminars put on by LMS and the Gatton school at UK. Since then I have used LMS to expand my network and to get further involved in policy and advocacy.
