Where you work
Currently I am a Senior Behavioral Health Medical Director in Optum. This is the operational subsidiary of United Health Group.
Typical day in your shoes
My typical day is to focus on how to improve the healthcare experience of patients and providers. My team focuses on creation of the integrated care model to improve the health of all our members. The goal is to enhance the experience for providers of care whether they be medical team members or family members caring for loved ones.
What’s your favorite part of being a psychiatrist?
As a psychiatrist I get the opportunities to look at how health behaviors impact the wellbeing and quality of life for both patients and providers. I enjoy working with various product teams across our enterprise to ensure that we are helping individuals live healthier lives and help to make the healthcare system work better.
Clinically I enjoy working at a small local hospital on weekends to provide coverage for a small in-patient psychiatric unit, as well as performing consults in the ED, ICU and Ward.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“If you stop chasing the goal, it will catch up to you.” This reminds me to be present in each and every day.
Favorite vacation experience/destination
Recently, I took my family to a Taylor Swift concert in Ireland. This included my 9-month old granddaughter. I was the designated baby-sitter while my daughters and wife went to the concert. It was a joyous time that is key to being a grandparent.
What actor/actress would you want to play you in the movie about your life?
My life is a Forrest Gump experience. I have been blessed and so I guess it would have to be Tom Hanks.
Favorite TV show
Best show ever is the Big Bang Theory. For a technonerd, it’s the best.
Favorite part of the spring season
The best part of spring is the emergence of the Cherry Blossoms.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Nils’ song “Pacific Coast Highway” always brings joy, even on the worst days.
