Q: What are you most passionate about personally?
A: I am passionate about caring for the mind, body, and souls of patients who are living with cancer. I believe that people are made in the image of their Creator and therefore I consider it a remarkable privilege to provide care to them. I believe that cancer care should address the ‘whole person’ and promote both quality of life and quantity (length) of life. I am passionate about utilizing new treatments and research to better the lives of the patients under my care. I am energized by developing close relationships with patients and their families as we walk together on their journey with cancer.
Here we are at an outdoor Christmas light event in Wisconsin. We are looking forward to warmer winters down here in Missouri!
Q: What advances in oncology care are you seeing?
A: We are entering a new age in the treatment of cancer. With advances in diagnostic testing, we are now able to identify the root genetic and biochemical causes of many cancers. The result is that many patients find that they are candidates for targeted treatments instead of using traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, new technologies have afforded new types of therapy approaches such a bispecific antibodies, radiopharmaceuticals, and novel cellular and immunotherapies. Each new advancement provides additional hope for patients with cancer.
Q: What can patients expect when they have a consultation/appointment with you?
A: At every visit, it is my hope that patients have a thorough understanding of their disease and treatment options. I spend time getting to know my patients and their families and use this information to assist in guiding care decisions. I believe that transparency is important in the physician-patient relationship and I strive to be open with my patients regarding their clinical situation. My patients can expect that I am up to date on recent major research advancements related to their cancer in order to ensure that they have access to newly approved treatments as soon as possible.
Q: If I wasn’t an oncologist, I would be…
A: A pastor or a missionary. As an oncologist I aim to guide people who are undergoing a difficult journey with cancer in a similar way that a pastor walks alongside their congregants through life’s many challenges.
Q: What was your first car?
A: I learned how to drive on the family car; a mid-90s GMC Savana conversion van. Learning to parallel park that massive thing remains one of my proudest accomplishments.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was teaching piano lessons while I was in high-school. It was so wonderful to watch young musicians grow in their love for music.
Us standing in front of the Lift-Bridge in Duluth, MN. One of our favorite places to stop on our way up to the hiking trails on the north shore of Lake Superior.
Q: Favorite holiday, vacation, b-day, and why (answer any or all)
A: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love attending family gatherings and church services. I also enjoy listening to Christmas music and watching classic Christmas movies.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I grew up watching the Star Wars movies. My favorites include The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. My siblings and I broke many toy lightsabers pretending to be jedi growing up.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: With little kids in the home I currently enjoy sitting with my family and reading the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. I look forward to reading the Lord of the Rings and the Wingfeather Saga with them when they get a bit older.
Q: What is the best thing you like about living in Columbia?
A: Being close to family and the Katy Trail. Though we loved our time in Minnesota while I was training at Mayo Clinic, my wife and I are excited to be back home in Missouri.
Q: What’s your hidden talent or what do most people not know about you?
A: My kids would say that I make the best homemade biscuits for breakfast. On special occasions we work together to make a huge batch and then spend the day eating them with honey, jam, or sausage gravy.
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains. There is nothing like the cool morning air of the Rockies. I would much rather spend a day hiking or trout fishing in a mountain stream than relaxing on a beach.
Q: Something you’d like to accomplish this year?
A: One year from today I hope to reflect on the year and know that I cared well for my patients. I hope to accomplish providing the same high quality care that I learned at Mayo Clinic, to my patients in Missouri.
Q: I’m most excited about MCA….
A: I’m most excited about MCA growing in its ability to care for the people of Central and Northern Missouri through its commitment to providing world-class, patient-centered care. I am excited about MCA’s efforts to ensure that its patients have access to the latest advancements of cancer treatment in their home community. I am excited about getting to know the remarkable team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, and allied health staff who call MCA home.
Taking my boys to see the greatest baseball franchise in the country.