Q: What got you into this specific medical field?
A: Always focused on Preventive Medicine, it allows me to help my patients experience wellness instead of illness and that give me great comfort and joy.
Q: What landed you in your city, and what is it that you like about the neighborhood?
A: I was invited to Monterey to work with an acupuncturist, Whaja Kim back in 1980. Moved to Carmel-by-the-sea, where for 10 years I had the most incredible medical practice. Moved to Carmel Valley in 1983. I am at the top of "doctor row" in Monterey.
Q: Where did you receive your undergraduate and professional degrees, and did you participate in any residencies?
A: DMD, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Bronze medal winner, MD, 1973, U of Manitoba. Internship in Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, First year resident in the Plastic Surgery program. Fellowships in Jerusalem, Paris and Zurich in Plastic Surgery.
Q: What year did you begin practicing?
A: First practiced in a small town in Monte Rio, California on the Russian River in 1975.
Q: What investments in your practice equipment and facilities have you made?
A: When I opened the office I put on an addition of about 900 sq ft, with offices upstairs (2 rooms) and downstairs (3 exam rooms). New computers, printers, wireless and new floors and paint, double pane windows and full solar panels on roof, totally self sufficient for electricity in summer months.
Q: What procedures do you feel your practice excels in above others?
A: Personal Care, Diagnostic acumen, personal service, on-time appointments, no waiting, access to the doctor by phone or email, iPad in waiting room for patient education, patient education center upstairs, next door to wellness clinic and convenient parking.
Q: What are the most challenging parts of your everyday practice?
A: Getting paid enough for the work that I do. Getting more patients and referrals. Increasing income during a recessionary time.
Q: What are the best moments that make it worthwhile?
A: Best moment? When a patient finally starts feeling well. When I get calls saying I have changed someone's life for the better and when they tell me I am the best doctor they have ever seen. Ego strokes never hurt.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Start : 8-8:30am, with one hour for lunch noon to 1pm and till 5pm. Except Friday. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, closed Wednesday and Thursday and weekends.
Q: What HMO or PPO providers are you in network with? Do you offer financing?
A: Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna.
Q: Do you accept any government programs or discount cards?
A: No, we do not accept Medicare assignment, but we bill Medicare for our patients.
