Q: What got you into this specific medical field?
A: I have always been interested in how the mind works, from a very early age. My introductory psychology class in high school started me on this road, and my experiences in medicine and beyond since then have led me towards psychiatry. I consider the mind the 'final frontier' of medicine, and am excited at the progress to be made over the next several decades.
Q: What landed you in your city, and what is it that you like about the neighborhood?
A: I was stationed at Ft. Benning as a psychiatrist in the US Army. We have decided to stay in Columbus, as we have grown to love the city and what it has to offer. It is a great place to raise a family, and has a number of amenities that big cities have, but still maintains a small town feel.
Q: Where did you receive your undergraduate and professional degrees, and did you participate in any residencies?
A: Brown University, Providence, RI, graduating in 1999 with a degree in Classics. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, graduating in 2003 with an MD Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Capital Consortium, finishing in 2007. My final year I served as the chief resident of over 50 psychiatric trainees.
Q: Do you belong to any professional associations?
A: American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Medical Association of Georgia, Muscogee County Medical Society, Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association
Q: What year did you begin practicing?
A: 2007
Q: What investments in your practice equipment and facilities have you made?
A: Investment in an electronic medical record in order to provide better and more efficient care. Additional training for opiate dependence treatment.
Q: What procedures do you feel your practice excels in above others?
A: Comprehensive, compassionate care for all. Addictive disease evaluations and treatment, specifically for opiate dependence. Working closely with psychologists and other therapists to coordinate care. PTSD treatment.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:00. Lunch hours are flexible, and the phones are always answered.
Q: What HMO or PPO providers are you in network with? Do you offer financing?
A: Tricare, out-of-network benefit for other health insurances.
Q: Do you accept any government programs or discount cards?
A: Tricare
Q: What are the most challenging parts of your everyday practice?
A: Attempting to understand the difficulties people face, and working to find a way to help them.
Q: What are the best moments that make it worthwhile?
A: When something I do, either in terms of a medication prescribed or a statement I make, clearly has an impact on someone's life and their ability to function successfully.
