Since I grew up in a very small town, I knew from the beginning of medical school that family medicine was the only career choice for me. On each of my clinical rotations I was told that I would do well in that specialty, but I always wanted to be the doctor for the “family,”providing as much of their total care as possible and developing long-term relationships with my patients.

My favorite clinical rotation was with a group of family physicians in a small community of West Virginia, providing total care including delivery of babies,hospital and nursing home care. My years in residency at UL allowed me opportunities to learn and grow as a young physician. During this time I met and married a fellow resident and our first child was born. These events changed my career plans in a major way; I was now looking for a career in Louisville rather than returning to West Virginia.

I was fortunate to be asked to join the faculty in our department and work with the predoctoral program. My mentor at the time told me this was my opportunity to share my love of family medicine as a specialty with medical students and residents while teaching them the importance of communication skills and the doctor-patient relationship. He was so wise; I think my work in the medical school has allowed this to happen.

A few years ago one of my colleagues said that in mid-career we as family physicians value our longstanding relationships with our patients. I have now reached that point, and I hope to continue to provide quality care to those who entrust me with their health care needs.

I also look with pride at the UL students and residents who have graduated from our programs through the years. The University of Louisville School of Medicine and its affiliated residency programs trains some excellent physicians and I am pleased to have been a part of their education.