My interest in medicine began when I was just 4 or 5 years old. I remember my pediatrician making house calls. He was probably nearing retirement, well into his 60's, and practiced his entire career in the small Upstate New York town where I grew up. With his silver hair, white coat, confidence, and black bag full of mysterious stuff he grabbed my attention. From that point forward I never seriously considered another profession.

While serving a summer reserve commitment to the United States Air Force following my first year of medical school, I was assigned to an Orthopedic Surgeon for my clinical rotation. From that summer on my destiny was sealed; I knew I would pursue a career in Orthopedics. The close interaction between the patient and surgeon that is necessary to manage the rehabilitation and ensure a successful outcome appeals to me. Other surgical specialties perform a procedure and once the wound heals the job is done. More often than not the job is just beginning at that point in Orthopedics. I was then, and am now, attracted by the fact that as an Orthopedic Surgeon I have the opportunity to work on many areas of the body; virtually from head to toe.

Once I completed my Orthopedic Surgery training I entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at Luke Air Force Base for 4 years. I joined Arizona Orthopedic and Fracture Surgeons immediately after that in late 1997.

This job is tremendously gratifying because I have the opportunity and privilege to change patient's lives every day. Replacing damaged or arthritic joints, repairing broken bones, and fixing torn tendons or ligaments such as a rotator cuff or anterior cruciate (ACL) can actually be that monumental for the patient. I always strive to spend whatever time is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and hopefully solve my patient's problems. I think you will find me honest, straight-forward, and approachable.