Pediatric Specialist

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? Overall good. Now people have more access to their own health records than before. It’s easier to guide patients to many reliable accessible sources of information online. 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? We should drink enough water so that our urine is clear at the end of the day. Compared to sugar-sweetened soda or sports drinks, any choices above are great. WHAT WOULD BE THE #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE REGARDING YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY THAT YOU’D GIVE PEOPLE IN THEIR 30S? Hydrate, get exercise, and get regular check-ups with your primary care doctor. MOST MEMORABLE MEDICAL SITUATION? I was one of the island pediatricians for 3 months in American Samoa toward the end of my pediatric residency training. YOUR THOUGHTS ON UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IN SIX WORDS OR LESS: Seems to work in other countries. STUDYING MEDICINE THEN VS. NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Currently, much more is available electronically, no physical textbooks to buy that will become outdated. Medical students now grapple with so much more information to digest. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Drink more water, get more sleep. Both are good for you. Things don’t go well if you don’t get enough of either. COMPLETE YOUR OWN ENDING TO THE OLD SAYING, “AN APPLE A DAY…” An apple a day is still pretty good for you.