Why did you become a physician?
I became a physician because I felt a deep sense of calling to serve others and saw an opportunity to use my strengths in science and writing to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Growing up in Kentucky, I witnessed the pressing need for better mental health care, particularly for vulnerable populations, which inspired me to pursue a career in psychiatry. My path ultimately led me to forensic psychiatry, a field that allows me to address critical issues at the intersection of medicine, public health, and justice. Whether it’s advocating for evidence-based treatments, improving healthcare systems, or tackling complex societal challenges, my career has been driven by a commitment to practical solutions that create lasting change. Today, with the perspective gained from years of diverse experiences, I remain passionate about serving my community with compassion, innovation, and excellence.
Tell us about your educational and professional background.
I earned my A.B. in Chemistry from Wabash College and returned to Kentucky for medical school, where I met my wife, Angie (then Deforest, now Houchin). We couples matched at the University of Kentucky, where she completed her pediatrics residency and I completed a psychiatry residency followed by a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. To further my expertise, I pursued a second fellowship in forensic psychiatry in Rochester, NY. Years later, I expanded my leadership skills by completing a Master’s in Health Care Delivery Science at Dartmouth. Today, I serve as the Senior Medical Director for WellCare Health Plans and as President of 360 Mental Health Services, a multidisciplinary organization focused on innovative care and forensic evaluations.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
Angie and I have three children: Audrey, Nigel, and Oliver. As a family, we share a deep love for music. Angie and Audrey enjoy playing piano and singing, Oliver plays the violin, and Nigel and I play guitar. Fitness is another shared passion, and we often enjoy staying active together. We also love to travel as a family, particularly to destinations tied to our shared enthusiasm for Broadway musicals.
Why did you join the Lexington Medical Society?
Healthcare is most effective when it’s delivered locally, and local physicians working together can create meaningful, community-driven solutions for patient care. Networking through the Lexington Medical Society allows us to foster collaboration and strengthen our professional relationships, ultimately improving both care delivery and physician well-being. Founded in 1799, the Lexington Medical Society has a rich history of embodying these values, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes collective excellence and community connection.