Pain Medicine

#1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30’S REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? Many people in their 20’s and 30’s believe they are indestructible and don’t need to worry about the stresses they put on their body including their joints, spine, and mental health. People in this age group should remember they won’t stay young forever. WHAT FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL BENEFIT FUTURE PATIENTS? I am very excited about regenerative medicine. It uses stem cells or other biological products from a patient to help heal painful medical conditions. The more traditional treatments only mask pain with medications or steroid injections. THE SO-CALLED FAUCI EFFECT (MORE INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS, SPURRED BY COVID-19) SAW AN 18 PERCENT INCREASE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS IN 2021. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PATIENTS? I am hopeful that the renewed interest in medicine will help to bring more qualified individuals into the field, and ultimately lead to better access to care. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I have been fortunate with my health, but if I had to do it over again, I would be more vigilant about eating a better diet and seeking preventative medical care on a regular basis. ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: I don’t have a particular artist in mind, but I would focus on something instrumental and soothing to help relax my patients with trauma and chronic pain.

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? I think it’s beneficial. Patients should advocate for their health, especially in a medically underserved state. STAYING HYDRATED IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH. WITH SO MANY WATER CHOICES (MINERAL, SPRING, SPARKLING, FILTERED, ALKALINE, PURIFIED, TAP), ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND? If it’s clear, go for it. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30’S REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? If you can’t find time to workout during the day, get a Peloton! Also, it might be a good idea to check your lipid panel. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 50’S? Please keep up to date with your colonoscopies. I would be happy to look at your polyps. WHAT FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL BENEFIT FUTURE PATIENTS? The use of artificial intelligence/deep learning in digital pathology. These algorithms will hopefully aid with some of the tedious aspects of screening patient slides, and reduce human error. STUDYING MEDICINE THEN VS. NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Medical school is very different. Education is geared toward interactive problem-based learning in small groups now. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Learn to cook, man! COMPLETE YOUR OWN ENDING TO THE OLD SAYING, “AN APPLE A DAY…” An apple a day will hopefully prevent you from eating junk food when you get home from work! ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: Ennio Morricone.