El Paso County Medical Society Physician Spotlight Blogs

April Physician Spotlight: Dr. Delia Shash, MD

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:53:34 GMT

Some physicians are inspired by a single defining moment. For Dr. Shash, it was something more foundational, shaped early by watching her mother care for patients and growing into a steady, deeply rooted calling. Strengthened through mentorship and affirmed in full-circle moments, that path now defines her early career.

In our recent conversation, she reflected on inspiration, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and what it feels like to come home to practice after training.

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

Dr. Shash:
“My mom was a nurse and a certified nurse midwife, so I think that’s where I first found my love of medicine — watching her help people.

Honestly, I don’t know if this is a great answer, but I just decided I wanted to go into medicine and go as far as I could. And for me, that was becoming a physician.”

Her path wasn’t complicated — it was intentional.

When asked about a peak experience, Dr. Shash immediately thought of mentorship — and a recent moment that felt surreal.

“One of the greatest things to come out of my career has been working with Dr. Rager. She was my OB-GYN preceptor during training. I chose OB-GYN because of her — she was such an amazing teacher. So patient. She made me fall in love with it.

When it was time to graduate, I knew I wanted to come back to Colorado. I reached out, and they were hiring. It just felt very full circle. Meant to be.”

That sense of completion became tangible just days ago.

“We were in a delivery room together recently. She works too hard and wasn’t leaving, so I came in because I was on call to relieve her — but she stayed until the baby was delivered. Afterward, I asked her if it felt surreal for her too, that I had been her student. She said it was so cool seeing me in action.

That was really special.”

It was more than a delivery — it was a transition from mentee to colleague.

What led you to engage with EPCMS and CMS?

Dr. Shash:
“I’m still learning. I’ve been a member, but I’m new — both to practice and to understanding the full capacity of El Paso County Medical Society. I’ve gone to conferences and events, but I think for many of us early in our careers, we’re still figuring out how organizations like EPCMS can support us and how we can engage more fully.”

Her honesty reflects a broader reality: many early-career physicians are eager to connect, but still discovering how physician organizations can support their growth and leadership.

When asked what advice she would give to physicians in training, Dr. Shash answered without hesitation.

“You may feel like you have no idea what you’re doing — and that’s normal. It all comes back with time and practice.

Find a practice where you feel supported. You’re going to second guess yourself constantly. You’ll feel like you’re asking dumb questions. You might even think, ‘Should they have graduated me? Do I actually know what I’m doing?’ That imposter syndrome is real.

Going somewhere you can ask those questions without judgment is really important. Early in your career is when you feel the most vulnerable. Having partners who support you makes all the difference.”

It’s advice rooted in lived experience — reassuring, practical, and honest.

Outside of work, Dr. Shash embraces Colorado living.

“I love skiing in the winter and hiking. I really want to get an e-bike — I rented one once and it was so fun. I’m sold.

We just got a new puppy, so we’ll be spending a lot of time with our puppy. And I like to read — mostly mystery novels.”

There’s balance in that mix: outdoor adventure, new beginnings, and quiet evenings with a good book.

Welcoming Dr. Shash

Dr. Shash brings humility, gratitude for mentorship, and a clear desire to grow into both her clinical and community roles. Her story is one of continuity — returning to the mentors and community that shaped her, and stepping forward with confidence.

We are proud to have Dr. Shash as part of the EPCMS physician community and look forward to supporting her continued growth and leadership in Colorado Springs.

April Physician Spotlight: Dr. Megan Bowers, MD

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:03:56 GMT

Dr. Megan Bowers’ path to medicine wasn’t sparked by a childhood dream or a single mentor. Instead, it was driven by intellectual curiosity—and a desire to deeply understand human disease.

In our recent conversation, she shared how research led her to medicine, what fulfillment looks like in her current practice, and why community matters in Colorado Springs.

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

“You know, it actually wasn’t a person who inspired me. As an undergrad, I was doing research and realized that in order to truly study human disease, I needed to understand the human body really well. That’s why I went to medical school.”

Tell us about a peak experience from your career.

“I recently started doing more integrative work in my private practice. One of the most fulfilling parts has been working with patients who incorporate mindfulness-based practices. Hearing them describe the very unique ways those practices change their lives has been incredibly rewarding.

I also started offering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It’s been powerful to see patients who have tried so many different medications without improvement begin to feel better—sometimes within weeks. It’s like watching a light go on. That’s been really fulfilling for me.”

What led you to engage with EPCMS?

“I wanted to be a part of the community here in Colorado Springs. I’ve been here for a couple of years, and I started seeing patients in person about a year ago after my partner and I decided to stay. I wanted to meet my colleagues and be more connected.”

Her answer speaks to something foundational in Colorado Springs—the desire not just to practice medicine here, but to belong here. EPCMS serves as the physician community hub for that connection.

What advice would you give to physicians just starting their careers?

“Don’t be afraid to do what you really enjoy. You’ll get a lot of people telling you what you should or shouldn’t do—especially in certain aspects of our careers. It’s important to recognize what you enjoy and pursue that. That’s not a detriment to your patients or the field. It’s actually better for them.”

Outside the clinic, Dr. Bowers finds grounding and balance outdoors and in reflective practice.

“I’m big into hiking,” she shared. “I travel a lot. Yoga and meditation are also a big part of my life.”

Welcoming Dr. Bowers to EPCMS

Dr. Bowers brings a research-informed perspective, a commitment to integrative care, and a deep appreciation for community to her work in Colorado Springs. Her approach reflects a thoughtful blend of science, innovation, and patient-centered care.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Megan Bowers to the EPCMS physician community.

March Physician Spotlight: Pamela Casson, MD

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Rooted in Service. Inspired by Family. Driven by Listening.

I’ve wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. In fact, I’ve known since I was five years old—and I truly never wavered from that goal.

A big part of that came from my dad. He was a tropical medicine disease specialist—an infectious disease physician—and his work took our family all over the world. He served in the U.S. Navy, later worked for the Public Health Service, and eventually the World Health Organization. But what I remember most isn’t where we lived…it’s how he lived.

My father had a heart for people. He would put everything on hold if it meant helping someone else. I still think about times when he would go far out of his way—driving hours just to make sure someone received the medical care they needed. Watching him dedicate his life to others absolutely shaped me.

Even as a kid, I was deeply interested in medicine. I read medical books for fun. I got CPR certified even when people told me I was too young. I ordered books online and worked my way through medical algorithm guides—symptoms, decision paths, what you do next. It wasn’t just curiosity. It felt like purpose.

For a little while in junior high, I became fascinated by the space program and thought about becoming a mission specialist. That interest led me to earn an ROTC scholarship to Princeton University, and I joined the military. But over time, my heart pulled me toward pediatrics—and that’s where I landed.

The Moments That Stay With Me

When I think about the highlights of my career, it always comes back to my patients.

There’s nothing quite like the relationships you build over the years—especially when you get to see the long-term impact. One of my peak moments happened when a family I had followed for years returned after moving away. The kids had been through so much—there were difficult situations, a lot of mental health challenges, a lot of struggle. Years later, the mom brought her entire family back, including all the grown kids, just to give me a hug.

One of them was now a police officer with a young daughter. Another was in the military. Seeing them turn into such incredible, thriving adults after everything they faced…that was powerful. And the fact that they took time out of their lives to come back and say hello meant more than I can say.

Sometimes it’s not even a planned moment. I currently drive a car that I bought from one of my former patients. He was a kid I had cared for years ago, and it was completely random that I ran into him. He sold me a car he really loved, and I got the biggest kick out of it—because in that moment I realized just how much life had moved forward. I had watched him grow up. And somehow, here we were again.

Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

Why I Became Involved with El Paso County Medical Society

When I first moved to Colorado and opened my own practice, I wanted to get connected to the local medical community. I remember using the Society’s physician directory—your guide with pictures and contact information. It helped me know who was who, what specialties were available, and where to refer patients.

It also offered helpful programs and support—things like compliance resources and educational opportunities. Honestly, it made me feel like being part of the Society wasn’t just useful…it was the right thing to do. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Advice for Physicians Just Starting Out

If I could give one piece of advice to physicians in training, it would be this:

Take time to listen.

There’s an old saying that patients will tell you what’s wrong—and it’s so true. But they can only tell you if they feel heard. Never let someone feel like they’re a burden. Never let them feel like you’re rushing or that you don’t have time for them.

When you listen carefully, they will often reveal the deeper issue. And when patients feel heard, you’re less likely to miss something important. Listening isn’t just about bedside manner—it’s part of making the right diagnosis and doing the work well.

What I Enjoy Outside of Medicine

Outside of medicine, I love to read. I also love spending time outdoors—hiking, being in nature, and skiing with my family.

And then there’s one hobby that surprises people:

I love indoor skydiving.

I go to iFLY and play around in the wind tunnel whenever I get the chance—usually as a birthday gift because it’s not exactly a weekly hobby. But I absolutely love it. It’s exhilarating and fun and completely different from the routine of everyday life.

Closing

I feel incredibly grateful for the path I’ve been able to follow—from being a kid obsessed with medical books to building relationships with families over decades. The best parts of medicine aren’t the titles or the accolades. They’re the connections. They’re the moments when someone comes back years later and reminds you that you mattered in their story.

And that’s what keeps me going.

February Physician Spotlight: Jacob Reinhart, MD, FACMS

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:53:31 GMT

Interview by Natalie Myers, CEO, EPCMS
With context from Teresa Dyer, Practice Administrator

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

That’s a good question. My high school anatomy teacher was a wonderful human being. She was fantastic—so passionate about anatomy. Something about that really inspired me. I loved math and science already, but she took it another step. She made it feel alive.

She went the extra mile to make sure that even as high school students, we had real hands-on experiences—like dissections. I know that sounds a little overwhelming, but you know… pig, frog… those sorts of things. And seeing how invested she was in it, how much she believed in us—she had high hopes for all her students and made us feel like we could do anything.

I think she was the first person to tell me, ‘You’re going to be a doctor.’ And it just… felt right.

How did you translate that into dermatology?

Dermatology took a while. I was fortunate enough to do a lot of different things in medicine. I did a military scholarship for medical school, and after medical school I worked for six years in the Navy. That gave me exposure to a lot of fields, and I could really see what I liked—not just subject matter, but day-to-day life and activity.

That’s when I really thought, yep, dermatology is right for me. I liked the outpatient clinic aspect. I liked that you can see patients of all ages, and there’s a lot of variety. And generally there’s a good success rate with what we treat—rashes, skin cancer, which is a big part of what I do. There’s a high success rate, and that’s very satisfying for patients… and for me. So yeah—that’s how dermatology got started.

Briefly describe a peak experience from your career.

Hmm. A peak experience… Okay. We talked about how I was in the Navy for a little bit. I got the opportunity to be part of a training exercise in the Gulf of Oman where they were practicing for an anti-piracy mission.

Basically, a ship gets taken over by pirates. They come in on a helicopter and take over the ship—this was an exercise where our country was helping special forces in Oman, so it was a joint training exercise. They chose me as the physician to be part of the medical standby. So, if anyone got injured, I was there.

Fortunately, no one did. But I think it was a key moment where I thought: I am so fortunate to do interesting things—and to transfer medicine into other aspects of life. I loved that.

What led you to engage with EPCMS?

Dr. Reinhardt:
I’ll diver to Teresa to start this one.

Teresa Dyer (Practice Administrator):
One of the things we talk about a lot as a practice is how connected the healthcare community is in Colorado Springs. Physicians here don’t practice in isolation—there’s a strong sense of shared responsibility, collaboration, and community impact. That’s something we value deeply, and it’s also why being connected to EPCMS matters.

Dr. Reinhardt:
Absolutely. For me, EPCMS represents the physician community in this region. Colorado Springs is a growing city, but it still feels connected—and EPCMS plays a big role in that.

In larger metropolitan areas, it’s easy for physicians to stay siloed. You focus on your specialty, your clinic, your systems—and that’s it. But here, there’s a real opportunity to engage across specialties, to have conversations that go beyond any one practice, and to think about healthcare as something we’re all shaping together.

What drew me to EPCMS is that it creates that connective tissue. It’s a place where physicians can come together, share perspective, and engage on issues that affect patient care and the physician experience across the entire region—not just within our own walls. That sense of physician community really resonates with me.

What advice would you give to physicians in training who are just starting their careers?

Stay open-minded. We’re constantly in this training pipeline that gets smaller and smaller in our scope—even within dermatology, you can subspecialize into Mohs surgery, and so on.

But there are still so many things you can do and be involved in within the bigger realm of healthcare. Keep that aperture wide. There are so many things that can color your life and your career if you don’t rush to narrow down too fast.

It may take a while. It’s important to focus for a couple years sometimes—but keep in mind a career is long, and we’ve got opportunities in life.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

That’s exciting to get to figure out. I’ve been so busy with cleaning—though I do enjoy research and writing papers on my weekends—but there are other things I want to do too.

We got an Epic Pass this year, so our goal is to hit a majority of the ski areas this winter—even if the weather’s not going to be so great and the snow isn’t there. But hey—we’re at least going to go.

And honestly, being outdoors. We’ve got a dog that keeps us outside.

November Physician Spotlight: Jeffrey Whitcomb, DO

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:30:08 GMT

November Physician Spotlight: Jeffrey Whitcomb, DO

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?
My initial interest came from a fascination with the human body—how it is structured, how it functions, and how it heals itself. These two opportunities were the foundation of what drew me to medicine.

Briefly describe a peak experience from your career.
Peak experiences for me are comprised of many smaller moments—times when I leave a patient’s room knowing I was able to make a difference in their life. Hearing their gratitude and seeing their lives improve is what matters most to me.

What led you to engage with the El Paso County Medical Society (EPCMS) as a member?
Healthcare in the US has many flaws. In my opinion, the overall health of our population is the biggest opportunity to enact real change. Engaging with EPCMS affords members the opportunity to engage with the population differently than we do at the bedside. It also grants access to the opportunity to engage with the legislature with other healthcare professionals to share ideas.

What inspired you to take that engagement further by joining the EPCMS Board?
The answer to this question builds off my response to the last question. I want to be involved in developing solutions to the challenges in healthcare.

What advice would you give to physicians in training who are just starting their careers?
Give it everything you’ve got. Medicine is an incredibly worthwhile endeavor. You have the privilege of stepping into people’s lives and making a difference in ways few other professions can. Over time, it’s easy to lose sight of that, so I always encourage young physicians to remember what an honor it is to practice medicine.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Spending time with my wife and our four kids is what I enjoy most. We love being outdoors and taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer, especially hiking. Our family has a tradition of seeking out trails that lead to waterfalls—it’s kind of our thing. We’ve hiked places like Zapata Falls near the Great Sand Dunes and a smaller waterfall trail in Monument that’s great in the spring. Hanging Lake is definitely on our list as the kids get older—it’s such a beautiful place, and I look forward to sharing it with them someday.

September Physician Spotlight: Matthew O'Sullivan, MD

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:49:06 GMT

September Physician Spotlight: Matthew O'Sullivan, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?
My path toward medicine began in the laboratory. I had never considered a career in medicine until halfway through my doctoral research in neuroscience. I worked alongside several MD-PhD students, and their interest in both patient care and patient-motivated research intrigued me. Over time, I realized I wanted not only to contribute to science but also to serve individuals directly as a clinician. I decided to pursue medical school after my PhD. I later moved away from direct involvement in laboratory science but value the framework it gave me as a physician.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career.
In vitreoretinal surgery, we often face high-stakes situations where outcomes can mean the difference between functional independence and life-changing blindness. One of the most meaningful experiences in my career has been treating patients who have lost vision in one eye from a prior retinal detachment and are at risk of losing sight in the other. Patients who have suffered a poor outcome in one eye are understandably fearful their other eye might stake a similar course. Preserving vision in these cases is critical and successful surgery is transformative. Helping patients navigate through the fear and uncertainty retinal detachment surgery and reaching an outcome that preserves their ability to live independently has been among the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What led you to become involved in the El Paso County Medical Society?
My family and I are new to Colorado Springs, and we are eager to build strong connections here. For me, joining the El Paso County Medical Society is an important step in becoming part of the professional community, while also deepening our family’s ties to the region. It offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to the local medical landscape.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?
Although I’m still only a few years into my independent practice, I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to truly enjoy the day-to-day work of medicine. The financial, political, and logistical landscape will change over a decades-long career. I find the core work of my specialty meaningful and fulfilling, which I hope will help me through the inevitable ups and downs. My advice is to choose a field that excites you and hold onto that sense of purpose through the challenges and obstacles that arise.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
One of the joys of moving to Colorado has been exploring the outdoors with my wife Holly and our three boys. We’re working on building healthy, active habits as a family, starting with hiking. Some of our favorite new local spots include Red Rock Canyon and Spruce Mountain. The kids especially love reaching the vantage point on Spruce

Mountain, where they can watch the freight trains passing below. Those shared outdoor experiences have become a wonderful way to bond as a family while settling into our new home.

July Physician Spotlight: Kyle Adams, MD

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:22:35 GMT

July Physician Spotlight: Kyle Adams, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I get this question a lot, especially from new patients who want to get to know me, just as I want to get to know them. Honestly, I can’t pinpoint a single moment where I thought, This is it. I’ve found my calling.

For me, it was an accumulation of experiences that kept pushing me in this direction. I started medical school later in life, in my thirties, so I had a lot of time to think about it and make sure it was something I truly wanted to do. That was advice I received from family members who are also doctors—make sure it’s something you love and enjoy.

I’ve always been intrigued by medicine. I love caring for people, and I’m fascinated by the science of how the body works, adapts, and changes. But I didn’t fully commit to becoming a physician until I was an undergrad. I worked as a medical office assistant for Dr. Nolan Shipman, an ENT in Bryan, Texas. Watching him interact with his patients was inspiring. His patients trusted him completely, even for issues outside his specialty, because they knew he’d guide them in the right direction.

Dr. Shipman taught me a lot about professionalism, work-life balance, and being present for both your patients and your staff. He had a huge impact on me, and I still look back on that experience as a turning point.

Later, I dabbled in medical research at Baylor College of Medicine, but I quickly realized that wasn’t for me. Around that time, I met my now-wife, who was also interested in medical school. She really encouraged me to take the next step and apply. Her support gave me the confidence to pursue this path, and I’ve never looked back.

Why did you choose family medicine?

Initially, I wanted to be a surgeon—specifically in orthopedics. I loved the idea of being hands-on and having an immediate impact through surgery. But during my clinical rotations, I found myself constantly checking the clock in the OR. I realized surgery wasn’t for me.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed my primary care rotations in pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. I loved spending time with patients, working with them on their health, and addressing their concerns. That’s when I knew family medicine was the right fit for me.

What I love most about family medicine is the variety. It allows me to do a little bit of everything. I’ve worked in small communities where there weren’t many specialists, so I had to rely on my training to handle a wide range of cases. I’ve worked in hospitals, ERs, and urgent care settings, and I’ve been fortunate to maintain a broad skill set.

Now, I’m in Colorado Springs, where there’s more access to specialists, but I still moonlight in urgent care to keep my skills sharp. I also enjoy helping practices grow. For example, when I worked in Georgia, we expanded a physician network from three doctors to 36. It was one of the largest growths that community had seen, and it was rewarding to be part of that effort.

Can you share a peak experience from your career?

One experience that stands out is from my time working in a small town during COVID. But the story I often share with my medical students is about a 6-year-old girl who came into the ER one evening.

It was a Saturday, and I was about 20 minutes away from finishing my shift. The girl’s dad brought her in because she’d been complaining of stomach pain for two days. She wasn’t throwing up, didn’t have a fever, and her vitals were stable. But something about her pale appearance and the way she was acting didn’t sit right with me.

Kids that age don’t fake things, and I’ve learned to trust my gut. I ordered an X-ray, and while waiting, I remembered a story my wife had told me about a child who swallowed a lithium battery. Sure enough, the radiology tech came running down the hall, saying, “Dr. Adams, there’s something in her stomach!” The X-ray showed she had swallowed a lithium battery.

I immediately called a pediatric hospital, arranged for a helicopter transfer, and got her into surgery. Thankfully, she recovered fully. But had we missed it, the outcome could have been tragic. That experience reinforced the importance of trusting your instincts and truly listening to your patients, even when the symptoms seem vague.

What motivates you to engage with the El Paso County Medical Society (EPCMS)?

I’ve always tried to be an advocate for others, whether it’s my patients or my colleagues. As a family physician, I often find myself in that role. Patients trust me to guide them, even after seeing specialists, because they know I’ll advocate for their best interests.

I learned the importance of advocacy from Dr. Shipman, who created a similar organization in his community. He was a voice for physicians, and I want to do the same. Doctors are so busy caring for patients and managing their personal lives that we sometimes forget to look out for ourselves. Having a strong, unified voice is crucial, especially with all the changes happening in healthcare.

What I love about EPCMS is the diversity and camaraderie among the physicians. It’s inspiring to see doctors supporting each other, and I want to contribute to that sense of community.

What advice would you give to a physician in training?

Ask questions. It’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s about patient care, finances, or career decisions. Find someone you trust and feel comfortable approaching.

Medicine is a field where we’re constantly learning, and sharing knowledge is one of the things I love most about being a doctor. Even if you’re confident in your decision, getting another perspective can be invaluable. Someone else might have a different approach you hadn’t considered.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love being a dad. I have two young kids who still think I’m the coolest person in the world, so I’m soaking that up while it lasts!

As soon as I’m done with work, I head home to spend time with them. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, biking, skiing, or just playing games, I’m all in. My son is into Minecraft and is trying to teach me how it works, while my daughter loves art and drawing, so we do a lot of that together.

Honestly, whatever they want to do, I’m happy to join. They love being outside, and so do I, so it’s a perfect match.

June Physician Spotlight: Lisa Moore, DO

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:01:28 GMT

June Physician Spotlight: Lisa Moore, DO

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired by my parents, who were both physicians. My father is a radiologist, and my mother practiced family medicine. Growing up, I listened to their conversations at the dinner table talking about caring for patients and serving their community, which sparked my early interest in medicine.

Can you describe a peak experience from your career?

During my residency, I had a patient whose case sparked my interest in headache medicine within neurology. He came to our resident clinic, which primarily served low-income patients, suffering from debilitating headaches, severe mood issues, and possible seizures. He had never really seen a doctor before and arrived alone, expressing how difficult his life had become. When he first came in, he wore sunglasses and had lidocaine patches all over his face—he truly looked unwell.

We decided to start him on a low dose of Depakote, and at his next visit, all three of his main issues had significantly improved. This time, he brought his wife, who gave me a big hug and thanked me, saying, “You brought me my husband back.” It was a powerful reminder that sometimes patients just need someone to listen and to try the right treatment. This experience was formative for me, as it showed how much of a difference we can make not only in a patient’s life, but also for their family. It was incredibly rewarding.

What interests you about engaging with the medical society?

As a relative newcomer to the medical community here, I am very interested in meeting my colleagues and becoming more involved. Having lived in Colorado Springs since 2006, my family and I feel deeply rooted in this community. It’s exciting to return as a member of the medical community and to further explore relationships with others. I particularly value communicating with fellow professionals about patient care and coordinating treatments, so I see this as a great opportunity to do just that.

What advice would you give to physicians in training?

That’s a great question. I believe there’s something in medicine for everyone, and it’s perfectly normal to change your mind along the way. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do or have your entire path mapped out from the start. Looking back, I wish my friends and I had tried to predict our future specialties in medical school—we all would have been completely wrong! Even after choosing a path, it’s okay to explore new directions. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say not to worry about having it all figured out. I never expected to end up where I am today, but I’m very happy with how things turned out.

What do you all enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two cats, as well as family and friends. We like playing board games, hiking, and trying new restaurants together.

For more information on Dr. Lisa Moore, please visit https://csneuro.com/dr-lisa-moore-do/

April Physician Spotlight: Kobayashi Brothers

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:59:39 GMT

This month’s Physician Spotlight has an exciting new twist!

I had the pleasure of meeting with three physicians in our community for this month’s Physician Spotlight. The Kobayashi brothers exemplify many definitions of “community" Colorado natives, Air Force Academy graduates, and physicians. Each brother, practicing in a different specialty, articulated the privilege it is to be a physician. The brothers credit their humble beginnings in Sterling, CO (GoTigers!), to their international travels in medicine, and all experiences between as opportunity to serve the needs of humanity.

Natalie Myers, MBA

‍

From the left to right: Dayton Kobayashi, Ky Kobayashi, and Todd Kobayashi

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

I think I speak for all of us. Having mentors, especially our parents, was critical to our decisions in life. Both were school teachers, and our dad's love for science influenced us. Growing up in a farming community, we were always connected to nature. Initially, I didn’t go straight into medicine—I attended the Air Force Academy as a football recruit and thought I’d become a pilot. But life changes with injuries and experiences, which led me to medicine. It was the perfect blend of science and service to our nation. Mentors like Dr. (retired Brigadier General) Hans J. Mueh and Dr. (retired Brigadier General) Orwyn "O" Sampson at the Academy were our inspiration and showed us how science applies to the real world. Medicine became a way to “pay it forward.” I know Todd and Dayton feel the same.

What's the story for all three of you going to the Air Force Academy back-to-back? How did that work out?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

"Ky survived and so will I!” Actually, we come from a humble background, so even going to college was a privilege. We were fortunate to have mentors and guidance, and when the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy came up, we were grateful. The Air Force Academy offered a unique combination of education and career opportunities. It wasn't easy, but it was one of the best decisions we ever made. We certainly had to “lean on each other” when times were hard. We are forever grateful for the incredible people we have met and the doors that were opened. We credit Senator Hank Brown for nominating us and the many people who saw potential in us. It was a challenging experience, but it shaped who we are today.

How long did you serve, and did you complete your education,

residency, and training in the military?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I served a total of 28 years in the military, including four years at the Air Force Academy, four years in medical school at the military medical school in Bethesda, Maryland, and 20 years of active duty after that.

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

I retired after 20 years in the military. Both Dayton and I trained in civilian medical schools after the Air Force Academy. I went to the University of Colorado for medical school and completed my residency training in Connecticut and fellowship in upper extremity surgery in Boston. Initially, I didn't think I’d stay that long in the military. But it turned out to be a great career. Serving was one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I served 12 years of active duty to fulfill my commitment, then transitioned to the Wyoming National Guard, where I served for nine years. I went to medical school in Wisconsin and completed residency in the military in California. I finished my military career in the Guard, earning a reserve retirement instead of an active duty retirement. So, in total, I served 21 years—12 active and 9 in the Guard.

What made the three of you choose Colorado Springs as your home

base?

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

We’re all from Colorado. Colorado Springs is a great place—it feels like "God's land." Two of us had our last duty stations here, and while my last duty station was in San Antonio, I spent four or five years as a dermatologist at the Air Force Academy. With our brothers already here and our parents in Colorado, it just made sense to come back and settle in Colorado Springs.

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Did your parents follow you to Colorado Springs, and are they here

now?

‍

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Family and location are one of the biggest reasons for our return to Colorado Springs. Our mom lives here now. Our dad passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) a few years ago, which was a tough disease to fight. We are fortunate to have some of our Skoll family here in Colorado Springs. Heather is the news anchor for Channel 13. After traveling all over the world, Colorado Springs is a great place to live!

Briefly describe a peak experience from your career.

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

One of the highlights of my career was deploying and experiencing how the medical system operates during wartime. I deployed multiple times—before 9/11 in 2000, and then in 2006, 2008, and 2014. Being part of the Combat Air Staging Facility (CASF) was especially memorable. My role involved ensuring severely injured patients were stabilized and safely transported from the base to more definitive care, often in Germany or the U.S. Witnessing the process of caring for critically injured soldiers, including the anxiety and challenges of deployment, was both humbling and rewarding. It gave me a deep appreciation for the teamwork and dedication involved in wartime medical care.

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Ky Kobayashi, MD:

For me, there are several experiences that make medicine so rewarding, from a simple injection that relieves pain to saving a limb. Highlights in my career involve teaching residents and medical students, including my current partner, Chance Henderson, MD. It is always incredible to see new surgeons excel and know that you may have helped them on their journey. Like Dayton, I also found combat casualty care to be a career highlight. I deployed several times to combat zones and served in Iraq at the 332nd Balad Air Force Theater Hospital, which was once the busiest trauma center in the world. Working with neurosurgery, vascular surgery, general surgery, and critical care specialists was an incredible learning experience and at that time had a 96% survival rate. We were truly at the “tip of the spear” for damage control surgery. We treated everyone—American soldiers, coalition troops, Iraqi civilians, and even enemy combatants. The Critical Care Transport teams were amazing and transported injured patients to Germany and the U.S. within 24-72 hours. Those vivid memories of mass casualties and the teamwork involved are something I'll always cherish.

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

One of the highlights of my career was serving as the residency program director in San Antonio, overseeing 22 residents in one of the largest programs in the nation. Teaching was incredibly rewarding, though it required a lot of time and effort. My former residents still reach out to me, and they feel like family. Another highlight was participating in humanitarian missions. I went on four missions to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Belize, and Suriname, providing care to people in some of the poorest and most remote areas. These missions, lasting two to three weeks, were eye-opening and deeply fulfilling. They made me appreciate everything we have here and gave me a chance to make a difference in places with little to no medical care. Those experiences are among the most meaningful of my career, and I'm grateful to the military for giving me those opportunities.

‍

What would interest you in joining EPCMS and CMS?

‍

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

For me, it's about getting to know the specialists in this area. I take care of cadets, and

some specialties, like infectious disease, rheumatology, and endocrinology, are limited

in the military system. Building relationships with local specialists allows me to know

who to contact when I need help. It's about collegiality and collaboration.

‍

Why do you engage with EPCMS?

‍

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

For me, it's about collegiality and networking—connecting with other specialties to

better care for our patients when something falls outside our expertise. It also provides

a sense of belonging. I'm still learning about the medical society, but being here helps

me understand the local medical community and how we can work together to improve

patient care.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I appreciate that the El Paso County Medical Society promotes physicians and supports

our profession. It's important to have an organization that advocates for us. Additionally,

the collegiality is valuable—knowing other physicians in the area, having people to refer

to or call when needed, and building a sense of community. It's also great to socialize

and connect with others in the field.

‍

What advice would you give to physicians in training who are just starting out?

‍

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Make sure you love what you do and are passionate about it. Be humble and always

strive to learn because medicine is constantly evolving, and complacency isn!t an

option. Focus on patient care—treat every patient like a loved one and be their

advocate. People notice when you genuinely care. Try to understand the bigger picture,

not just the immediate issue. For example, a patient with a broken wrist might need help

at home or a cardiac work up because they are passing out. Medicine is about

connecting those dots in ways that technology, like AI, never will. Stay driven, stay

passionate, and always work to improve yourself as a clinician.

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

Two pieces of advice:

1. Get comfortable with not knowing. In primary care, you'll encounter many situations

where you don't have all the answers. Don't let pride stop you from asking questions or

consulting colleagues. It's better to seek help and make the best decision for your

patient.

2. Take care of yourself. Practice what you preach. It's easy to get caught up in the

demands of the job and neglect your own health. Avoid distractions and bad habits, and

prioritize your well-being so you can be at your best for your patients.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

As a young physician, the most important thing is to focus on the patient in front of you.

When you're in the room with a patient, give them your full attention and care. If you

truly care about your patient, you!ll always do the right thing—whether that's ordering a

test, consulting a specialist, or even deciding that doing nothing is the best course of

action. Many times, patients just need someone to listen to them. Beyond patient care,

take care of yourself. Medicine is demanding, and it's easy to lose sight of your own

health and family. Prioritize your well-being so you can continue to care for others

effectively.

‍

What do you all enjoy doing outside of medicine?

‍

Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I have a few hobbies I really enjoy. I love hunting, fly fishing, and fixing things—whether

it's something around the house or a car. I spend a lot of time on YouTube figuring out

how to fix things, and I find it really satisfying.

‍

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Having hobbies outside of medicine is critical for me. I enjoy spending time with my

family and friends…. hunting, fishing, and mountain bike riding. I have really enjoyed

meeting the community playing pickleball and racquetball. At this stage in life, family

time and socializing mean a lot to me. Staying active and healthy through hobbies is

important, and I think those priorities evolve as we mature.

‍

Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I love the outdoors, which is one of the reasons I love Colorado. Fly fishing with my

brothers is one of my most cherished activities. I also enjoy camping with my family—it's

a chance to unplug, go somewhere with no cell service, and just enjoy being together.

Another hobby I share with my son is working on our four-wheel drive vehicles. He has

a 2010 Toyota Tacoma, and we!ve done a lot of modifications together, like adding a lift,

bigger tires, and bumpers. I have a Jeep, and we love going four-wheeling in the

mountains, exploring places where no one else is. It's a great way to connect with my

son and one of my favorite pastimes.

‍

Anything else you'd like to add in closing?

‍

Ky Kobayashi, MD:

Medicine is a privilege. People trust you, confide in you, and allow you to care for them,

which is sacred. It's easy to lose sight of that, but the thought of serving others is one of

the best things we can do as humans. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to help

people, especially seeing them on their worst days and helping them get back to their

active life. It's incredibly rewarding, and I hope future generations will continue to

improve our ability to better care for the patient.

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Todd Kobayashi, MD:

I agree—taking care of patients is so rewarding. In my specialty, I feel like I can help

almost every patient who comes in, and it's fulfilling to see them leave feeling better or

to see their problem resolved. One of my favorite moments is when a patient simply

says, "Thank you.” That appreciation makes my day and reminds me why I do this

work.

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Dayton Kobayashi, MD:

I would add that before there was surgery or medicine, the most important thing we had

as humans was presence. Just being there, listening, and caring is huge. People

confide in us and share things they wouldn't tell anyone else. That trust and connection

are at the heart of what makes being a physician so meaningful.

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March Physician Spotlight: Ben Freemyer, MD

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 20:09:51 GMT

March Physician Spotlight: Ben Freemyer, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?‍

From an early age, I was exposed to the world of medicine by watching my father, an emergency physician, selflessly care for patients in the ER. While I explored other fields during college, I was ultimately drawn back to medicine—a profession where I knew I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

One of the most profound “mountaintop” experiences of my medical career was during my fellowship year in dermatopathology. I had the privilege of spending countless hours at a multi-headed scope, examining thousands of dermatopathology cases and absorbing the subtle nuances that only years of experience can teach. This transformative learning journey was shaped by many incredible mentors, most notably Dr. Ronald Rapini, whose expertise and guidance left a lasting impact on my understanding of the field.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

One of the most rewarding aspects of practicing medicine is engaging in meaningful discussions with my colleagues. Becoming a member of the El Paso County Medical Society has connected me with many outstanding physicians in the community and has enriched my practice through insightful conversations and shared experiences.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Stay connected! Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with fellow physicians, both within and beyond your specialty.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?‍

I enjoy hiking, playing the piano, and spending time with my family.

For more information on Dr. Freemyer, visit: https://www.vanguardskin.com/meet-the-providers/benjamin-freemyer-md/

February Physician Spotlight: Christopher Kovach, MD, MSc

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 20:11:40 GMT

February Physician Spotlight: Christopher Kovach, MD, MSc

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?‍

During my graduate studies in molecular biology, I was spurred to volunteer with a suicide prevention hotline after a family member faced a mental health crisis. These experiences led me to choose a career in medicine where I could apply my abiding interest in science and biology to improve the lives of others.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

I became involved with El Paso County Medical Society to become more connected with clinicians in the community who are striving to improve care for our shared patients.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Cultivate many mentors! Mentors have different strengths and aptitudes, and you will find that nurturing those relationships will provide a variety of benefits as your own career grows and evolves.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?‍

I enjoy hiking, skiing, travel, cooking, and spending time with my family.

For more information on Dr. Kovach, visit: https://coscardiology.com/christopher-kovach/

December Physician Spotlight: Brayden Healey, DO

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:13:53 GMT

‍December Physician Spotlight: Brayden Healey, DO‍

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My inspiration to pursue medicine was primarily thanks to my hometown physician in rural Idaho, a womb-to-tomb type of Doc who did broad-scope medicine. He was a general surgeon, so he really inspired me from the beginning by showing me the vast array of possible avenues I could pursue within medicine. Then, it was a long path for me during medical school to find Mohs surgery. I had a few mentors, in particular during medical school, who showed me where my biggest career interests lie: surgical treatment of skin cancers.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

A peak experience of my career thus far has been the opportunity to treat patients in rural Colorado who travel very long distances and have unattended skin health concerns, be it with cancers or other skin problems, and being able to provide a service for them that otherwise is not easily available for them. We are doing that in Pueblo with Mohs surgery, but also reaching out to La Junta very soon in order to continue to help those patients that I'm really passionate about helping in the rural areas such as the rural farmers and agricultural workers in southern and southeast Colorado.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

It was through a mentor, Dr. Vinh Chung, who recommended that it was a good group of people passionate about taking care of the health of this community. I was able to connect with EPCMS early on when I moved here to Colorado, and I want to make sure that I'm part of furthering that mission and being part of local healthcare groups that are inspired to make a difference for patients.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

There is a long path toward becoming a physician. I would echo some of the sentiments passed along to me; it is worth it in the
end, and there is the "other side" of training. Training is impressively tricky and rigorous, but the other side of training is lovely- when you finally get to put your hard work into practice to help patients, it all pays off. Also, cherish the moments and take advantage of your time at each step along the way. It's easy to always look forward to the finish line and feel you want to fast forward to being done with training. I would remind trainees, though, that there's a lot of beauty and innumerable lessons learned through training that you won't have the opportunity to experience once you're all done and the responsibilities shift. Despite how hard that can sound, taking advantage of your time in training is very important.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Outside of medicine, I spend almost all my time with my family—my wife and four kids. We enjoy anything outside that we can; hiking, biking, and camping are our favorites, and we’re getting ready for winter sports this season. We love to spend time outdoors in Colorado.

November Physician Spotlight: Victoria Moss, MD, FAAD

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:16:33 GMT

November Physician Spotlight: Victoria Moss, MD, FAAD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I have wanted to be a physician since I was a teenager. In school, I always gravitated towards the sciences. In high school, I loved biology and was particularly interested in genetics. In my junior year of high school, I spent time with a pediatric genetics counselor who really encouraged me to pursue a medical degree, given my grades and my aspirations. After that, I changed my career trajectory and studied biology (and music to keep my sanity) in college.

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Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Earlier this year, I took care of a patient who had been to 10 physicians before me, and nobody could figure out what was wrong with her. She had traveled to Panama the previous fall on a cruise and was bit in the arm by a fly, and ended up having a botfly embedded in her arm. I was quickly able to diagnose the issue, and I was able to remove it for her right in the office. I joke that this was pretty much the pivotal peak of my career, and I can officially retire. Removing a botfly from a human is probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.

‍

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

Well, I think it's super important, especially when moving into a new community, to get involved in the physician professional community as well. I think it's great to establish relationships with other physicians and really be able to take a more encompassing, holistic approach to a patient's care.

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What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Do it because you love it. Pick something that will make you happy every day when you wake up in the morning. Try to pick a specialty that will fulfill you but also give you the ability to spend time with your family and loved ones. Choose a partner supporting your profession and dedication to your career and your patients.

‍

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love to travel the world far and wide. I love to learn about new cultures and visit new places. I often plan trips around food and wine and try to find a wine region to explore. My favorite wine region I have been to so far is South Africa. I enjoy wine so much that I passed the first step to becoming a wine sommelier. I also love to hike and love to explore. In addition to that, I am a classically trained soprano and fell in love with opera during my studies in college. I love all kinds of music, and you will most likely find me at concerts and local music festivals.

October Physician Spotlight: Deborah Lasley, MD

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:22:44 GMT

‍October Physician Spotlight: Deborah Lasley, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My mom is a nurse, and I always imagined a medical career. She and my 9th-grade science teacher, who was also a first responder, encouraged me to set my sights on becoming a doctor. I became very focused throughout my high school and college years on pursuing a Medical Doctorate.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

I have practiced in Colorado Springs for approximately 24 years. I am now delivering patients that I delivered. Caring for women throughout their reproductive lives and beyond is an honor.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I am not part of the leadership, but I enjoy socializing with medical colleagues outside of our day-to-day work lives. I have enjoyed the educational offerings and community involvement that the EPCMS provides!

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I don’t have the correct answer because it is a hard career. My advice would be to “Stay true to your passion.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I am a new inductee into “Empty Nest” parenthood. Last month, I would have told you I enjoy cooking and eating dinner with my husband, children, and their friends. I now have time to connect with friends, read, and go for long hikes and bike rides. I have become passionate about baking sourdough bread and making my own Kombucha. These new hobbies bring me so much joy and I hope they inspire you to explore new interests as well. I am having difficulty figuring out how to cook for two instead of 6 to 8.

September Physician Spotlight: J. Louis Land, MD

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 20:25:14 GMT

September Physician Spotlight: J. Louis Land, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired after experiencing some chances to shadow physicians when I was in high school and headed off to college. I grew up in Houston and got to spend some time in the OR with heart surgeons like Michael DeBakey, MD and met Denton Cooley, MD. As an impressionable high school kid back in the 80’s I had the chance to get scrubbed in the OR, holding retractors and see the excitement of life as doctor in the operating room. That experience gave me the idea that I wanted to continue on to medical school as I moved into my undergraduate years.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Having been in the military for many years, the bulk of my career, I had a lot of interesting time during my deployments with various challenging encounters as a psychiatrist from those days. I don’t know about a definition of a peak experience, but I have always enjoyed taking care of soldiers and families. Most of my primary jobs in the military were working with kids and families. I was fortunate to put my child psychiatry training to use while serving in the Army. Having the chance to take care of soldiers and families has been a pleasure for me.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I have several friends that are part of the EPCMS, retired army folks. For me, being in private practice, I was interested in having the opportunity for further comradery with other physicians. Otherwise, I’m up in my office seeing patients. I do have one other colleague I work with, but staying connected socially and professionally with a wide range of colleagues is a great benefit.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I would encourage them to explore the whole array of different medical specialties. The character of the work involved is quite different from one specialty to another. What you might be excited about and interested in as a young single person starting medical school may be different than what things look like as a married professional later in your career. Make sure you have a chance for longevity in your decision for a specialty

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I’m busy with a range of different hobbies like hiking, swimming, biking, and running. I sign up for triathlons from time to time to keep me focused with my training. Puttering in the garage with bikes and woodworking tools keeps me busy as well. My family keeps me occupied with all kinds of endeavors, particularly travelling.

August Physician Spotlight: Lukasz Kowalczyk, MD

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:26:57 GMT

August Physician Spotlight: Lukasz Kowalczyk, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was inspired to become a physician by my family, especially my mom, who had many health issues. Watching her struggle with her health and our family's dedication to an active lifestyle made me curious about the human body. This curiosity led me to ask questions about how we can keep people healthy, maintain their well-being, and, most importantly, how we can help when health issues arise.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

One of the peak experiences in my career was when I realized the importance of personalizing the patient experience with little details. It’s so gratifying to see how much patients appreciate the little details such asking how to pronounce their name. It makes such a difference in building trust and report with them. Another peak experience was applying my knowledge about medicine and GI to build a scheduling software system. It was so gratifying to see the dissemination of evidence-based care across an organizations, improving the scheduling of patients and allowing others to benefit from the knowledge I had accumulated.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I became involved in the El Paso County Medical Society because, as physicians, we have become more isolated in our daily routines and don't interact as much as we should. One of the most significant committees I am a part of is peer review, where we gather with colleagues from various disciplines to hear different perspectives and voices on thinking through problems. EPCMS embodies the same spirit; it's about coming together and hearing other perspectives on the same problem. These interactions, discussions, and socializing are vital because we need to connect more. Your involvement in peer review is not just beneficial but also integral to the medical community.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I recommend engaging in activities beyond medicine for physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers. Medicine is vast and complex. The more you can learn about something tangential, such as economics of healthcare, payments, IT, etc the realm of medicine, the better. This knowledge will help to build a better understanding of how to navigate medicine and build additional specialization. As high as the bar is for us to know a lot of things to care for patients, understanding something beyond the practice of medicine is incredibly useful. It will empower you and enlighten your practice.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching my kids grow up. I also love working on things that could help the system of medicine or the systems of practice of medicine to help make an impact, including designing new systems that can help someone else do their job to care for a patient more effectively.

June Physician Spotlight: Michael Simpson, MD

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 20:29:50 GMT

June Physician Spotlight: Michael Simpson, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I have wanted to be a physician for a long time. My parents were both in healthcare; my dad was a hospital administrator and my mom was a nurse. I always wanted to be a physician but didn’t know what I wanted to do. When I was fifteen years old, I tore my ACL skateboarding and had surgery. At that point, I decided I wanted to be an Orthopaedic surgeon and have not wavered from that.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

There was a young man I took care of who was an Air Force Academy cadet. He fell off Pulpit Rock and had a horrific injury. He was treated by a colleague of mine who asked for me to assist with his care due to injuries to his lower extremities. The concern was he may not be able to stay in the military. The Academy was going to board him out. I advocated with a letter in his support of recovery and he was granted a one-year waiver. He got back, graduated with honors, went to flight school, and is still in the Air Force. I keep in regular contact with him. His dream was to be a pilot. I have been fortunate to live my dream of Orthopaedic Surgery. To be able to help somebody else pursue their dream was very meaningful to me.

What led you to become involved in the El Paso County Medical Society?

I think all medicine is local. I think communities are important. I started as a physician in the military. The collegiality experienced in the military, always seeing each other day in and day out was something that is missed as communities get more spread out. In the hospital setting, everyone used to engage in rounds and that has changed a lot. The ability to connect with colleagues and be involved in the community is what got me interested in joining the El Paso County Medical Society.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I think it all comes down to figuring out what it is you love to do and pursuing that. Everything else falls into place. I think it’s a challenging environment now where we are transitioning from mostly private practice to employed physicians. There is a push and pull with the pros and cons of each of those environments. At some point, you have to decide along those lines what fits your mentality best. Individuals are more geared to one or the other. That is important to try to identify that in yourself. Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong and you have made a mistake. Learn from it. You continue to get better and better when you learn from your mistakes, but to think that you go into the career and never make a mistake is naive and sets you up for being really very stressed.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

First of all, I love fixing things which is probably why I am a surgeon. I like fixing things around the house or working on a car or piece of equipment. Trying to troubleshoot what is wrong with it and making it work again. I am not a throwaway person so I love keeping things and keeping them working for a long period. I have always loved doing stuff like that.

My wife and I enjoy traveling to historical and archeological sites. We have done a lot of traveling. Traveling to those places and photographing our journeys.

Lastly, we have four-legged friends and enjoy spending time with them.

“What is your favorite item you have fixed, that you still have?”

One of the first things I worked on was converting an antique into a computer furniture piece. We got the idea of taking an antique French armoire and converting it into a computer desk before you could find computer furniture. We converted slide-out drawers for the printer and keyboard and such. At the time, it was uncommon to find computer furniture pieces. That project was fun to do, to repurpose something we just loved looking at to make it functional.

“What was the most memorable historical site you visited and why?”

That is a tough one. The top place is Machu Picchu, partly because we were there at 9-11. Being at Machu Picchu during 9-11 was somewhat surreal but also propelled my wife and me to realize that life changes in an instant. We needed to evaluate what we loved doing, which was visiting historical sites. At the time I was practicing in Plano, TX, outside of Dallas, TX. We realized if we waited to retire, some of the historical sites may not be accessible, maybe too Westernized, or maybe anti-western and not safe to travel. We took time off work, initially planned for one year off, and ended up taking nearly three years off.

We went to Tibet and that was really special. We went there a long time ago and got to see it before a lot of the changes that have occurred now. When it was time to get back to work and start working again, that was what landed me in C/S in 2009.

May Physician Spotlight: Renata Prado, MD

Wed, 01 May 2024 20:34:30 GMT

May Physician Spotlight: Renata Prado, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I don’t remember when I made that decision in my life. I believe that being a physician has been with me since childhood. It is to me more than a career choice. It is a calling. One of my earliest memories is being fascinated by the anatomy pages of our Britannica Encyclopedia, Vol 2. The pages were transparent, and you had one system per page, and together they would form the human body. I must have read those pages a million times before I was 5 years old when I didn’t even really know how to read. I also remember always wanting to help to take care of wounds or people who were ill. My dolls and my brother (who managed to get quite a few stitches in his childhood) were my first patients. Finally, in high school, I absolutely loved all sciences. When we had a chance to dissect a pig in AP Biology (thank you to my teacher, Mrs. Chappell), and I got to see the miracle of the organs that allow us to live, not just on pages of a book, but in real life, I had no question that I was going to become a physician.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Three months of my internship was in a rural city in Brazil. It was a time of tremendous growth as a young physician, and exponential learning. Everything we had learned up to this point was finally coming together and put into practice in real life. I remember bringing a suitcase full of heavy books to this town, and we studied so hard (this is before the internet…). However, during those three months, I learned so much more than medicine. We took care of hundreds of people in a rural community, from newborns to elderly. At times, we had to travel through unpaved roads to reach the patients. The community had such gratitude for the little that we had to offer them. They had so much joy and happiness, even though they had a life of hardship. They had an incredible sense of community and families were large and close. There was a lot of gratefulness for each day and each blessing. It was an incredible experience, that elevated me as a physician and a human being.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

I joined the El Paso County Medical Society as soon as I moved to Colorado Springs, 8 years ago. My colleagues at Vanguard Skin Specialists were members and encouraged me to join. I believe physicians are better for their patients when they work together, collaborate with each other, and support and help one another.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I recommend joining a practice or a group that aligns with your values and your principles, and to continue to pursue meaning in your career. In the book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl recounts his experiences surviving the Holocaust and describes how our primary motivation to live is to have a meaningful life, and a life with purpose. Experiencing a concentration camp himself, he noted, as a psychiatrist, how a strong sense of meaning made a difference in survival of prisoners. Along these lines, in April last year, Dr. Chung gave an excellent talk at EPMS called “Finding Joy in Medicine,” when he talked about pursuing meaning in medicine. Early this year, Drs. Robert Lam & Markus Hannan gave a talk at EPMS called “Moral Recovery When Your Clinical Practice Creates Moral Injury,” in which they talked about burnout in physicians being a symptom of moral injury that is created when you are faced with decisions and circumstances that do not align with your moral values. These are major problems that affect new and experienced physicians alike, and have tremendous impact in our patient’s care, as well as our own lives. The message of pursuing meaning in your career is such a powerful one, but something that is not discussed in medical school. My advice to young physicians is: reflect upon your purpose and your meaning. Then, when you join a group, just as important as asking about hours, salary, and benefits, ensure that the mission and the values of that practice are aligned with yours. If you are building your own practice (which, unfortunately, less physicians are able to do now a days), build it with a strong sense of values that you believe in and attract similar minded individuals to join you. We spend most of our hours being physicians, and when we can have synergism of our personal life values and our work, we find fulfillment on each day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

My main joy outside of medicine is my boys. I am a mom of a 13- and a 10-year-old, and they are the meaning of my life. Our family loves to travel, bike, and ski.

April Physician Spotlight: Margaret MacDonald, MD

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:49:15 GMT

April Physician Spotlight: Margaret MacDonald, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I wanted to be a doctor since I was 3. I am not sure it came from anywhere, as I seem to have been born with the desire to help people. In those days, we didn't know what was possible for the myriad of careers available. You grew up to be a doctor or a lawyer or whatever, so it was in the cards for me. My brain was always interested in all things medical. When I was seven years old, our family doctor made a house call for my mother when she had gallbladder trouble and asked if we had anything in the house for pain. I proudly told him we had Tylenol 3 in the bathroom! (he probably wondered why a seven-year-old would know that )

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

So many! The most amazingly exhilarating, miraculous thing I ever got to do was deliver babies, and I miss it. During my first five years in family practice, I delivered over 300 babies, almost one every week. It was hard but it was always so fantastic.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

Initially, I joined because I am a joiner. I was starting my practice and didn't know anyone in town. I figured it would be a good opportunity. Then, I un-joined due to the pandemic as we all withdrew from many things. I rejoined partly because COPIC reminded me of the zero-sum game, but I have been really glad about the benefits in the few months since. The networking events and sub-committee have led me to meet a few people. The socials are a great opportunity, and I will avail myself of more of those. It's always fun to get to know people.

The invite for the education sub-committee was another opportunity. Unless I have an excellent reason not to, I usually try things.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I didn't train in this country, and I know the training is a little different. It is so difficult; by the time you finish everything, you don't feel like you have a lot of choices because even back then, I felt I had so much debt that I had to do certain things a certain way. The best advice is to continue to live like a student, pay your debts off as fast as you can, and then you get to let your heart choose more of where your career path goes. I have never been happier as a doctor since I let go of a prime directive to make money.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

It has changed over the years depending on the time, money available, and the capabilities of this little body. I have always enjoyed the outdoors. I spent ten years as a serious sports skydiver. I learned how to fly airplanes. Now, my faith, peace, and justice activities are my most significant extracurricular activities.

March Physician Spotlight: Hannah Flory, MD

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:12:39 GMT

March Physician Spotlight: Hannah Flory, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I was always interested in science from very early on. I was fortunate enough to be at a school that offered anatomy classes with dissection in high school. That really got me interested in anatomy and physiology. Through college, I shadowed physicians, particularly surgeons, where I was able to apply the anatomy and physiology I had learned to help out people in times of need. I was always interested in that perspective, which helped me be interested in surgery. One of my grandfathers was a small-town pathologist who was also a source of inspiration. He taught me how rewarding it could be to help your community.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Most surgeries I do are a one-time interaction with the patient, sometimes meeting them in the emergency room. I operate on them, then send the patient on their way. There is a recent one that is more memorable. A young woman in her forties was diagnosed with colon cancer in the emergency room. She didn’t know about it until she came in with a bowel obstruction. I got to know her and her family during that hospital stay, which required surgery and several conversations about the future treatment of her cancer. I placed the port for her chemotherapy and saw her several times throughout her treatments. I was able to recently remove her port, which was an amazing moment for her. That was a recent great experience.

What led you to become involved in the El Paso County Medical Society?

My husband and I moved here a little over two years ago and didn’t know anybody in the medical community. I had been previously practicing in the city where I had done my medical training, and I had a community to network with and seek advice from. We were looking for the same kind of community here in C/S. One of his partners worked very closely with EPCMS and got us involved. We have been able to meet a lot of people through it.

What led you to become involved in the EPCMS Membership Engagement Sub-committee?

It had to do with just starting to go to the meetings. I didn’t recognize many people at the social events—a lot of the people from my own hospital were not there. Talking to my colleagues, many did not know that it was a part of our medical community. I think it is a good way to get people involved who would not otherwise know about these networking or educational opportunities in our town.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

The biggest piece of advice is to pick something you really enjoy doing. It takes a lot of your time and can be a frustrating job at times. Often, it is worth all that frustration, but you need to be excited to go to work every day when you may have a tough or long day. It takes you away from your other obligations, family, or hobbies. It can be hard to push through if you are not loving what you are doing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Right now, I have a two-year-old who keeps me very busy. Besides that, I like to read fiction. I like to do yoga and explore the Colorado Springs hiking trails with my family.

February Physician Spotlight: Brian Kilmartin, MD

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:24:58 GMT

Dr. Brian Kilmartin

Physician Spotlight Interview Questions: Brian Kilmartin, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

That is a great question. When my parents were moving when I was 18 years old, they found a letter from when I was in kindergarten asking “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I stated I wanted to be a baby heart surgeon; half way to the cardiothoracic surgeon I am today. It was pretty much always on my list. My dad is a pharmacist which also supported my interest in medicine.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Recently, there was a patient who came from overseas, joining her family who came here. She needed a heart operation and had a 60% risk of dying before the operation. It was pretty risky. We went ahead with the operation and now she is home with family, recovering well. I think a lot of surgeons would have said no to that operation. Just seeing how happy the family was is very rewarding.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

My partner Dr. Betty Kim is involved with EPCMS and is on the EPCMS Board of Directors. My wife is a surgeon at Memorial North, UCHealth, and I wanted to get more involved with the medical community to see what I can do to help.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Find what you like to do. Don’t find what you think other people want you to do. This job can be long. This job can be brutal sometimes and you need to be able to wake up in the morning and enjoy what you do.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I used to play rugby for 15 years, even in training. Now I have a two-year-old who happily takes up most of my time. I love spending time with my family!

January Physician Spotlight: Nicole Choy, MD

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:16:20 GMT

January Physician Spotlight: Nicole Choy, MD

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Who or what inspired you to become a physician?
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My oldest brother is 14 years older than me, and he became a surgeon, which paved the way for me to pursue medicine. I knew I wanted to be in a profession where I can help people. I’ve also always loved science and anatomy, and medicine is a combination of all those things.
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Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

During my residency training, I met a patient who motivated me to go into breast oncology. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she struggled a great deal with her diagnosis and treatment. Watching her shift from a patient who was overwhelmed by her breast cancer diagnosis to surviving and overcoming that was inspirational. Being part of the team that helped to get her through that process was something I really enjoyed.
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What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?
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Encouragement from my physician friend. I’ve been in Colorado Springs for nine years, and my husband and many of my friends are physicians in the community. Before the pandemic, I had some exposure through society events and meeting people. I lost touch during the pandemic. Following the pandemic, healthcare feels more competitive and crowded with stressors that have nothing to do with medicine, and I think physicians are worn out. The medical society is a space where healthcare providers can come together, get to know each other, and encourage each other to do better as doctors to help their patients.
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What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?
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Remember why you went into it in the first place. Try not to get too bogged down by all the periphery stuff. Lean into yourself, lean on those who care about you, and remember why you want to do it.
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What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
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I like hanging out with my family, watching movies and eating good food, playing frisbee with my dog, and playing poker (for pride not prize). Sometimes doing nothing and being silly with my kids.

December Physician Spotlight: Andrea Colton, MD

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:28:37 GMT

December Physician Spotlight: Andrea Colton, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I decided to be a physician when I was in 3rd grade. My grandfather had a heart attack and had a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft surgery) at Cleveland Clinic. All the grandkids went up to see him since we grew up a little over an hour south of Cleveland. In recovery, I saw him with an incision stem to stern, as well as his entire leg from this very invasive surgery. I was intrigued. For my school project that year, we had to write a book. Other kids wrote about their dog or “I flew a kite.” My book was titled “My grandfather’s open-heart surgery.” My grandma and I got an anatomic picture of the heart. We drew the new connections and the blockages, listing the names of the vessels. We also listed all of the medications he was on. It was really cute and I still have it. That was my first exposure to medicine. When I was in junior high my cousin was born with Down syndrome. She had endocardial cushion defects and had surgery to repair those. She was not the seventy-plus-year-old man sitting with all the incisions, she was four months old at the time of surgery and had a one-inch incision on her tiny chest. My mind was blown and from that, I decided I wanted to be a surgeon and fix people. Fast forward to college and I was working at a hospital in Lexington, KY. I was doing my undergrad in dietetics because my parents encouraged me to do something applicable and not just pre-med. I was always interested in nutrition and sports, so I pursued dietetics. I worked in dietary, then in patient transport at the hospital. One day a couple of neurosurgeons stopped me in the hall to quickly transport a gentleman who was having a stroke to the MRI machine. While the guy was getting scanned, they turned to me and inquired why I was doing this job. I told them I wanted to be a surgeon and this opened the door to watched neurosurgery all summer long. That experience solidified that surgery was what I wanted to do.

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2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Breast surgery is a different ball game from many other surgical specialties in that we often have a personal relationship with the patient. We see them up to five years after their surgery, sometimes even starting five months before surgery. We get a good sense of who they are, their family, background and such. I started working at Lexington Clinic out of fellowship. Within one month of working there, one of our mammography techs who was only thirty-seven years old, came to me in tears stating she found a mass. We did the workup and it was metaplastic, which is one of the most aggressive types. She said “take it all out”, wanting to be done. Her surgery was in the midst of COVID. No one was allowed to be with her postoperatively due to the pandemic. Since I was her surgeon, I was allowed in and brought food and sat and talked with her for hours because her family couldn’t be there and it just broke my heart. She did well postoperatively. She had eighteen rounds of chemotherapy and recovered well. Fast forward, we worked together the entire time I was in Kentucky. She helped counsel patients and would show the results of her aesthetic flat closure surgery. She is still cancer-free. At forty, she had a huge celebration. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, which was a surprise as she assumed her ovaries were done from the chemo. She had a beautiful, perfect daughter. Through that experience, even in the worst-case scenario of young patients with awful diseases, there is still a sense of hope and life after cancer.

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3. What led you to engage with the El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

In training, you are in an environment where you are always around others in medicine with M&M and academia. People range from fresh out of training to far from training, and all the different mix. At my previous job, I felt like I was on an island. I wasn’t in a university setting, nor was I really able to connect with other physicians in the community. Part of this could be blamed on COVID, but also, the only medical society there was for retirees. Now, I am starting over in a new location and I want to meet other physicians. We have a lot of the same concerns and stressors, so mostly I’m looking for the comradery and community this society brings.

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4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Being in surgery, there is a lot of misogyny and malignancy in surgical training. I do think that it is slowly shifting as more females get into surgery and are becoming department heads and program directors. I would tell them, if you are at a place where you are not being heard or taught well, find a new place where you will be. Do not just tolerate it, because things have changed and are continuing to change. Do not just think “this is the way it is,” because it is not. Be yourself. We all have different gifts. Some people are really good at physics and are radiation doctors. I am not that person. Honor the things you are good at, honor your gifts, and go with it. You will be surprised how your authentic self will be accepted, sometimes by your colleagues, but more so by your patients.

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5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love to travel. I love learning about other cultures. I love eating all the different foods. I am very adventurous. I will try all the things, sometimes they are good and sometimes they are not. I love hiking and being outdoors. I love anything that is adrenaline-filled; I did hang gliding in Switzerland, I hiked approximately three mountains in Switzerland and the tallest mountain in Ireland, which was just over 1000 meters. Not a huge mountain, but it was beautiful! The people in Colorado would laugh at this stating “that is not a mountain”, while the people in Ireland were impressed that I had climbed their mountain; perspective is funny! I did ziplining in Croatia. I’m one of those adventure travel types. Around here, I have done some hiking but no 14-ers yet. I am still acclimating to the altitude. I love to run and do hot yoga. I run more for my brain than I do my body. I hope to take ski lessons because I feel like I would enjoy the challenge of learning a new sport. I also like decorating, so there are lots of projects planned in my new house already. I’ll often build things when I can’t find what I want. I’m working on the plans for a catio and a built-in breakfast nook right now.

November Physician Spotlight: Julia Brinley, DO

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:36:10 GMT

November Physician Spotlight: Julia Brinley, DO

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

Good question! There was not one “aha” moment per say. From a young age, I knew I liked science, particularly biology. I also knew I liked helping and interacting with people. I thought medicine could be a good career path as it combined two things I really enjoyed. I took the steps and jumped the hurdles of tests, interviews and told myself if I was successful, I would continue the path towards becoming a physician. Along the way I met a lot of great primary care doctors and subspecialists. I also had a lot of great mentors, particularly in college, who pushed me to follow my instincts and passion. I got into the med school I wanted, my top residency and now my dream job. Overall, the inspiration was a combination of small events, passions and hard work that led me to where I am today. I went into medical school wanting to be a Cardiologist, but I found Neurology fascinating and enjoyed studying it which led me to become a Neurologist.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

My peak experience in Neurology has been the relationships and interactions with patients and colleagues. Neurology is a hard specialty and often it is where patients end up when there are no answers. I had one young patient who had difficulty playing and picking up his children and having difficulty with smaller tasks throughout the day. I had another patient who had described years of imbalance, falls and had been passed through several different physicians and physical therapists. Both patients came to me frustrated, worried and anxious without any answers for years. I gave the diagnosis of Myasthenia Graves and Multiple Sclerosis respectively. Neither of these diseases are curable but to give their symptoms a name was therapeutic in and of itself for these patients. To be there with them through the diagnostic journey and treatment has been some of the most memorable in my outpatient practice.

Lastly, I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Adams and this has been a highlight of my career. He was both a friend and a mentor to me throughout my years at CSNA. I was able to learn from him regarding the science and practice of neurology but also on how to be a compassionate physician.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

I think coming into town and having a way to associate and connect with fellow physicians is important. I moved here from the southeast and I had never really been or worked in Colorado. El Paso County Medical Society helped with resources to connect to other doctors and programs that are very important when you are first starting out. Then, staying integrated within the medical community is vital as your practice grows.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Stick with it. Medicine can be hard especially in medical school and residency. Make sure you find something that you love, and you are passionate about. You will be working hard for a long time, and you may as well be excited to learn and grow as medicine does. Neurology has been a rapidly changing field with pathology, diseases, and treatment options. It has been fun to be able to learn and most importantly offer patients new therapeutics. It will be worth it in the end and lead to a fulfilling career fueled by your passion.

Lastly, find a mentor that is passionate about teaching and guiding in both the science and business of medicine.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

My husband and I moved to Colorado for the great outdoors! We love to hike, ski and explore the mountain towns in the area. We are teaching our five-year-old to ski and have gotten him to the point where he gets down a green. I will be attempting a bunny hill with my 2-year-old soon, although may be short lived. Otherwise, we are in the season of life where our time revolves around our kids. I do enjoy exercising, and I used to be a competitive runner so this is certainly an important stress release in my life. Otherwise, painting and knitting are also crafts I enjoy in the little free time I have.

October Physician Spotlight: Eric Jepson, DO

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:38:19 GMT

October Physician Spotlight: Eric Jepson, DO

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

For sure my father (Neal Jepson, MD). He was an ophthalmologist who moved to Colorado Springs in 1963. He evolved through several groups in town, eventually developed his own practice, Eye Associates of Colorado Springs. He was a true physician’s physician. He was a Very outgoing personality, he liked people, but he was also an excellent physician. I learned a lot from him because he was able to explain things well. He always gave people the time they deserved, which is something difficult to maintain in medicine these days. He always stood by the fact that medicine is a very loyal profession. My dad was an advocate for the profession and becoming a physician. He was proud of what he did and afforded me time with his partners to solicit their feedback. Medicine is different now than it was back then, but it was my dad’s steadfastness that kept me motivated to keep going. No matter what happens within medicine, at the end of the day you know you are doing something good for the community and patients. It is somewhat selfish because it makes you feel good when you get to take care of people too. Easily, merfather inspired me to do this.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

I remember at fourteen years old, having to interview someone who had a job I would like to do someday. I still have my handwritten report from interviewing C. Milton Waldron, M.D., Uncle Milty as I called him since he was a close family friend. Uncle Milty is a founding physician of Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group (CSOG).

Fast forward to when I am thirty-five, returning to the community I grew up in and enjoying working at CSOG. That was significant and motivating for me to come full circle, to return to my hometown and practice with Uncle Milty. He was a great mentor and was present for many years. As an emeritus of CSOG, he had seen it all and was great to bounce things off of. I have lots of great patients and outcomes, but nothing has been more meaningful than coming to practice with Uncle Milty.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I wanted to be involved before I became a physician as I learned about the engagement from my dad and Dr. Waldron. It was natural since I grew up in Colorado Springs, to want to be involved with EPCMS when I returned to practice.

I also believe EPCMS is important for the physicians in the community. If community physicians were surveyed, I speculate they would not feel connected to other physicians. It is a big town and not everyone is getting together. EPCMS is a way for everyone to still have connectedness and I think that is really important.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Never go down alone; otherwise known as, always asking for help.

Always ask those with more experience than you for help. One of the fatal flaws coming out of training is that you know more than you ever will know again about your subject, but you know very little about the practicalities of practicing medicine and working with people. Some of that overconfidence does not translate well to practice. Reach out to others to create an environment of learning. One thing we do in my subspecialty of hip/knee replacement is that we try to gather once a month for an x-ray conference, reviewing challenging cases. We ask “What would you do in this situation?” I think that is invaluable when you have more experienced partners, like Milton Waldron, M.D. or Theodore Stringer, M.D., who just retired after 42 years of practice. That wealth of knowledge is invaluable. It is important to reach out to those with more practical experiences. Learning the intricacies of practicing medicine is every bit as important as what you did learn about your specialty.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Exercise is my number one thing, it is my “Prozac.” Second is my family, my two girls and beautiful wife. I spend as much time with them as I can. I have tried to prioritize my own personal well-being for several years. Finding time outside work to do things you enjoy and disconnect from the practice of medicine has been extremely helpful.

September Physician Spotlight: Eric Caplan, MD

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:41:13 GMT

September Physician Spotlight: Eric Caplan, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

Great question! I had asthma and allergies since I was two. My mom was an ER physician (Marilyn Gifford, MD), and she knew she did not know enough to take care of asthma and allergies long-term. She got me with allergist Jerry Buckley, MD, Colorado Allergy and Asthma, PC (now retired) in Denver. He was phenomenal. Back then, asthmatic kids were instructed to stay home and not participate in sports. He was the opposite, wanting me out playing football and ski racing. He said it was his job to get me there. He entirely transformed my life, got me active, and interested me in medicine, specifically allergies. He is the biggest reason why I am an allergist.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

For me, a lot of time, it is working with kids. Working with kids with asthma has been really rewarding because you can have the kiddo unable to participate in sports, really struggling, and give them a diagnosis and treatment plan. Then I see them back with their parents, and their parents say, "Little Suzy" is out playing soccer, running, and is like a new kid. They are sleeping better, more active, and healthier. I get the hug and cry moment. As physicians, we live for those hug-and-cry moments where you get with the patients and their parents. I do like to include food allergies as the other thing. We can un-diagnose a food allergy or have someone allergic to peanuts in the past who is now not allergic to peanuts. They pass the peanut food challenge for the first time when they are eating peanuts; that is another hug and cry moment that we get. Those are two fun moments for me.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

My mom (Marilyn Gifford, MD) was a significant factor. Again, she was an ER physician, Medical Director of Memorial Hospital (now UCHealth Memorial), and heavily involved in EPCMS and CMS, working with the first responders in Colorado Springs. She wrote some pre-hospital protocols for this town, working with firefighters and ambulance crews. When I was an EMT, she was the one who signed off as Medical Director at the time for Colorado Springs. Again, she signed off on my EMT license and was heavily involved in EPCMS. That was an easy transition for me, having a parent who was so involved and passionate about what she did. It was also an easy transition for me to want to be a part of that.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing. If you are passionate about medicine, this is absolutely a phenomenal, phenomenal job. When I went to medical school, many people were on the fence about medicine business or law. They picked medicine because it seemed cool or it was a prestigious career. If you are not passionate about it is where I see people struggle. If someone is in training, find what you are passionate about and pursue that, whether it is general medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, or surgery. Whatever it is, if you are passionate about it, you are driven to learn about it, you are urged to succeed in it, and you will be successful with it. Find that passion; don't go through passively. Make sure you are active in that.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

Family! My wife and kids take up all of my time now. I used to ski race. I used to have more of an outside life. My kids are heavily involved in sports, singing, and academics. So, everything I do, I do for them. Keeping up with the family is what I do outside of work.

August Physician Spotlight: Christine Waasdorp-Hurtado, MD

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:44:41 GMT

August Physician Spotlight: Christine Waasdorp-Hurtado, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I have wanted to be a physician since I was a small child. I had a brother who passed away from brain cancer. It had a huge impact on my family. We stayed super connected with the physician who took care of him and they became role models. I wanted to do what they did. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. I never had another job choice despite my father’s great wishes to be a marketing executive like him. He didn’t convince me.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

There have been lots of amazing experiences. I was a general pediatrician first in the army and then transitioned to a pediatric GI doctor after I left the army. My most memorable experience when I was in the Army, was a baby born with congenital cardiac defect that couldn’t be cared for in Korea. I had a baby in an isolate in a giant air force transport plane; just the mom, myself, and the baby. We flew from Korea to Washington DC, passing over Mount Fuji on the way. My job was to keep the baby alive until we reached Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where I got to hand the baby off to the CT surgery team. I have done lots of transports and that was pretty amazing to be in the belly of a huge transport with just me and a baby who liked to turn blue.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

I think connecting with your community and peers is very important from a mental health standpoint but also it is important for us to support each other, to know the resources that are present, and to make sure that we are doing our best to utilize the local resources so that we can all succeed together.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I think early in your career it is important to find a mentor, potentially more than one. I think many of us need career mentors and we also need personal mentors to help us keep the balance. That is my biggest piece of advice. My second is, depending on how early they are, we all have ideas of what it is like to be a physician and we have the dream to be action oriented potentially. Everyone needs to pause and look at the life those physicians have and decide is that a life they can continue and see for themselves and their families for the foreseeable future. It is important to pick a field that has a lifestyle that fits with your goals. That is really hard because you may have to give up a dream because it will not work with your life. To find that balance means sometimes taking a step back and finding the people that really have the lifestyle as well as thejob you want.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I have several things I love to do outside of medicine. The first is travel. My family loves to travel and go to new countries. My youngest daughter is working on being fluent in Spanish so we try to go to Spanish speaking countries to force her hand a little bit to be our translator although we can get by well without her. We like immersing ourselves in new cultures, exploring food and people and new places. Our last trip was to Portugal. We had a fabulous time beach kayaking, food adventuring. Outside of travel, I do a lot of gardening and play a lot of tennis.

July Physician Spotlight: Robert Lam, MD

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 21:47:09 GMT

July Physician Spotlight: Robert Lam, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My mom was severely injured when I was five years old. I spent my childhood going to a lot of doctors and physical therapy appointments. I remember how much my mom felt that she was impacted by care and relationships she developed with her physicians and physical therapists. That left a strong impression on me, of how medicine can heal and really change the lives of patients in positive ways. These interactions had a lasting impact that molded my desire to become a physician.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

Mid-career, I started experiencing significant career burnout which has now become an occupational hazard for physicians and especially emergency medicine. What I saw when I would go to work were colleagues who were significantly burnt out, and I could feel burnt out really starting to affect myself as well. It motivated me to learn more about what burnout is, why we become burnt out, what solutions we can undertake, and how we can work within organized medicine to address one of the key crises of practicing medicine in my generation. I think burnout has had a significant negative effect on our profession; leaving people physically and emotionally exhausted and with a pessimistic view of medicine. A highlight for me was after founding and leading the American Academy of Emergency Medicine’s Physician Wellness committee for many years, I was awarded the James Keaney Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. My work in physician wellness through that organization included collaboration with all other emergency medicine organizations and the National Academy of Medicine to create well-being programs that had major impact for physician well-being with efforts that continue to this day. Some of the initiatives I’m most proud of include creating a well-being curriculum for our Scientific Assembly, creating events that utilize narrative to celebrate and normalize the work of emergency physicians, and the creation of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Of course, there is much more work to do, but that was a nice capstone for my work for the academy and our physician colleagues.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society?

Although I’m from the Midwest, living in Colorado was always a dream of mine. After moving to Colorado Springs, I was really impressed with the medical community here. We have excellent physicians that come from all over the country and everyone is very collegial. The El Paso County Medical Society is a great organization that brings together physicians from different practicing specialties where we might not otherwise get a chance to connect.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

I think that finding a practice that aligns with your personal sense of purpose and meaning with leadership that can live out that vision is the most important thing. Second is working with people that you really enjoy helps to make your colleagues a work family that can help you weather difficult times. When you have that alignment of values and relationships, you set yourself up for a fulfilling career in medicine.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I love spending time with my children and my wife. I love to travel and we love traveling and exploring different cultures as a family. Of course, living in Colorado, I love to get outside to take advantage of all the wonderful places to recreate outdoors. Finally, enjoying gastronomy, is a big hobby of mine. If I ever stop practicing medicine, I would love to do something in gastronomy.

June Physician Spotlight: Karin Cesario, MD

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:49:48 GMT

June Physician Spotlight: Karin Cesario, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I grew up in Ithaca, New York, in the 1970s, and my father was a professor at Cornell University. Ithaca has a very progressive population, and my pediatrician was a brilliant and compassionate female physician (back at a time when there were very few female physicians). From a young age, I wanted to be just like Dr. Marguerite Uphoff! A few months ago, I discovered that Dr. Uphoff is still teaching and practicing medicine in Ithaca, New York, after 56 years. She is truly an inspiration.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

I practice mainly transplant hepatology and have worked hard to develop a community practice without any affiliation to a liver transplant center. A "peak experience" was when, after a very long and difficult medical journey, my first patient secured a liver transplant. The patient visited me just two weeks after his surgery and thanked me for the “gift of life.” It was an incredible feeling.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership? Dr. Cesario is on the EPCMS Board of Directors

For over a decade, I served on the Medical Advisory Committee of the American Liver Foundation (ALF), first in the Midwest Division and, more recently, in the Rocky Mountain Division. I decided to step down from the ALF in December 2022 to look for medical leadership opportunities elsewhere. Two weeks after my last commitment with the ALF, I received a call from Mary Harrington (Interim CEO of the EPCMC). She mentioned that I was nominated to be on the EPCMS Board of Directors, and it seemed like a great opportunity. So far, the EPCMS has allowed me to connect with local physicians in and out of my specialty, and I have enjoyed it very much.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

My advice to new physicians is to frequently remind yourself why you became a physician. Being a modern physician is a challenge: we often have to deal with a lot of paperwork, disrespect, and insurance companies trying to dictate how we practice medicine. When work is demanding, remember how privileged you are to be able to connect with patients and their families. The doctor-patient relationship is priceless.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

My husband (Dr. Christian Simpfendorfer) and I have four extraordinary children who keep us very busy! They are all unique and gifted in very different aspects of life. We both spend a lot of time trying to help our children stay focused, find passion and be kind. I also LOVE animals and currently have two dogs and three horses. After I retire from medicine, I plan to volunteer at a dog/horse rescue.

May Physician Spotlight: Joel Tanaka, MD

Mon, 01 May 2023 21:52:12 GMT

May Physician Spotlight: Joel Tanaka, MD

‍Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

My Dad inspired me to become a physician. He was a career Army Medical Service Corps Officer. As a kid I grew up in and around Army hospitals and was very interested in science, specifically anatomy and physiology, and medicine. I decided in 7^thgrade that I wanted to be an Army Physician, so I took a risk and went to WestPoint, knowing that there was a very small chance of going to medical school. Thankfully, well before my West Point graduation, I was accepted to medical school. My Mom and Dad were very inspiring and supportive of Army Medicine - not just for me, but for all Army Physicians, particularly when he was assigned to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, as a physician recruiter.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

My 3 combat deployments were by far the “peak experience” in my career. I am thankful for the privilege of serving and caring for our nation’s brave men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way, some paying the ultimate sacrifice. As a physician, I am driven to serve ALL people, but serving people who willingly risk their lives for others was extra special.

What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership?

Easy one. I thought about that a lot when I was approached with the opportunity to join the EPCMS Board of Directors. A very good friend and mentor, (then) Army COL Nick Piantanida, told me years ago when I retire from the Army, “Plant deep roots in your community. Be involved in your community.” After I retired from the Army in 2018, I took Nick’s advice. What better way for me to plant deep roots in the community I love and adore since 2002, than to be involved with physicians and in physician leadership in El Paso County Medical Society?

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

As serious and difficult as medicine is, don’t take yourself too seriously. Medicine is hard, it’s always been hard, but I feel it’s getting more difficult to be the physician we want to be when we go to medical school. Seek out formal and informal peer support groups. I also suggest you seek out somebody with more experience. Quite frankly, us older physicians should be seeking out you to “pay it forward”. Be humble and receptive to guidance, counsel, and wisdom that others are willing to share. Give yourself and others plenty of grace. You are taking care of people. It is hard, and sometimes thankless, but the impact on the person sitting across from you in an exam room is real. I would encourage any physicians-in-training to consider joining a Community Health Center, where your service directly impacts our community’s most vulnerable.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I’m a Family Physician and I love my family! My wife, Jackie, and I have been married 30 years. We have 3 sons that we love to spend time with. Whether it’s traveling, yoga, running, playing soccer, watching sports (live or televised), cooking at home, or eating out, any time spent with family is time well spent.

April Physician Spotlight: Emily Valenta, DO

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 21:55:32 GMT

April Physician Spotlight: Emily Valenta, DO

1. Who or what inspired you to be come a physician?

My mom had some influence. She was an RN and worked in hospitals and throughout the healthcare field and always had interesting stories to tell. Also, I always had more of an interest in science classes, compared to math or English. In high school I took an anatomy and physiology class, that was what blew my mind. I was fascinated with how the body worked and healed itself. That is the route I took to get into medicine.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

The story that comes to mind is a patient I had who was experiencing the early signs of dementia. He was in his late 60’s, recently divorced and there was no other family in the area. After seeing him over the years, I could see the dementia progressing. Knowing he didn’t have any family or anyone in town, we reached out to next of kin who was a daughter out of state. We coordinated what to do moving forward with plan of care because safety is the biggest concern for patients with dementia. The daughter was receptive. Establishing the plan of care aided in avoiding major problems. She was of course busy doing her own thing in another state. We would connect with the daughter on the phone at clinic visits. He was reluctant at first but after having the daughter on the call expressing the concerns, he agreed moving into a living facility was the best plan. The situation was challenging, difficult in a way, but also, we were doing the right thing for his dementia by placing him in a safer environment. It felt good to move in the right direction with the care.

3. What led you to become involved with El Paso County Medical Society?

Carol McClanahan, MD, MPH asked me to join her at the February 2023 meeting. That is the first time I had gotten involved. I like to stay involved in different organizations in town. I am a member of Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation. They have meetings every few months. When this popped up I thought this would be a good experience to get to know other physicians and network, which it was.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

In training, everything you learn from medical school is straightforward and knowledge based. When you get into practice, it is very much shifted towards administrative work and optimizing the flow of patients in your daily. It can be challenging to go from basic medical knowledge and learning it one way but doing it a different way. As far as advice goes, the best thing I can recommend is to try to persist and stay positive as it can be frustrating transitioning from school into real life practice. The amount of paperwork and administrative tasks are not necessarily what you learn about in medical school. It does get better and more manageable, just stay persistent.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

I like spending time with my family. I have 2 girls now. We also have a dog who takes up a lot of our time with his energy needs. He is a Weimaraner, so he is very high energy. We like to go hiking with him and take him to the park. I also enjoy skiing and hiking quite a bit with my husband and my family. All the fun outdoor Colorado stuff.