Who I Am

I’ve been an emergency medicine physician for over 15 years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that no two days (and no two patients) are ever the same. That's part of why I love what I do.

I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, but family ties brought me to Arizona, and I quickly knew it was home. I completed medical school at the University of Arizona in Tucson, then moved back to Ohio for residency training in emergency medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. After finishing residency, I returned to Arizona to work in the community emergency departments. About seven years ago, I also stepped into the role of facility medical director, which has allowed me to shape not only bedside care but also the systems and policies that guide it.

A little about me: I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, but Arizona became home after I moved here for family reasons and quickly fell in love with the state. I earned my medical degree at the University of Arizona in Tucson, then completed my emergency medicine residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. After residency, I returned to Arizona and began my career at Banner University Medical Center. About seven years ago, I stepped into the role of Facility Medical Director, which has given me opportunities to improve not just bedside care, but also the policies and systems that shape how care is delivered.

Why I Do This Work

A few things that keep me motivated in this work:

• Patient experience: Making the emergency department less intimidating and more human.

• Sepsis care: Recognizing and treating one of the most serious conditions we face in emergency medicine.

• Better conversations: Using every tool we have to make communication more transparent, for both patients and clinicians.

• Supporting clinicians: I believe advocacy and lifelong learning matter, not just for me but for every colleague working on the frontlines.

What I Care About Most

Medicine has come a long way in the past decade. We have more tools, more treatments, and more knowledge than ever. But at the same time, the relationship between patients and clinicians has gotten harder to protect. Emergency departments are busier, patients are sicker, and hospitals are feeling the strain.

Even with all of that, I still believe the most important part of my job is connection. Taking the time to listen. Helping you feel heard in a place where it's easy to feel lost. At the end of the day, medical care isn't just about test results or scans—it's about understanding your story and working with you to figure out the next step.

Why This Website Exists

I built this space for one reason: to bridge the gap between patients and the emergency department. When you know what to expect and how to share your story, it makes a challenging experience just a little easier and it helps us take better care of you.

After all these years, I still believe medicine is at its best when it feels like teamwork.