What makes you passionate about being a healthcare provider? My life was changed by my pediatric cardiologist & pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon whom I was introduced to at birth & remained in touch with through medical school. I was born a "blue baby" with congenital cyanotic heart disease as a result of an atrial septal defect. In 1969, I underwent surgery to repair that and have wanted to help patients change their lives and improve their health as my doctors did for me. My passion in medicine has not changed & my goal in treating patients has always remained not to simply treat, diagnose or prescribe, but rather improve the quality of their lives. In your opinion, what should be the role of a primary care provider for a patient, taking into account both physical health and behavioral health needs? George Engel, MD introduced me to the Bio-Psycho-Social model of medicine and my specialty of Family Medicine allows me to practice that. We are not simple beings of one or two aspects, but complex individuals impacted by our physical health, genetics, lifestyle, environment, work and social interactions. It is always my role to help patients navigate those complex interactions which are both recognized as well as hidden. That is the Art and Science of medicine. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time? Living in Colorado, enjoying the outdoors is an important part of who I am and what I do! Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, camping are all amazing. At the same time I love reading which I take the time to do daily. I practice my spiritual beliefs and may share that with patients if appropriate. I also cherish and love my time with my adopted daughter who is in First Grade!