Get to Know a BHC Doctor

Timur Gusov, MD

Endocrinology, Boone Health Diabetes & Endocrinology

I moved to Columbia, Mo. from Brooklyn, Ny. in 2017 after completing my internal medicine training. I was a hospitalist at the University Hospital for 3 years. I loved my job, but I was missing my true passion – endocrinology. With support from my family, I decided to pursue this specialty and completed a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Missouri. My wife is also a physician, and we have two adorable children.

Why did you get into the health care field?

My mother was an exceptional physician who was dearly loved and respected by her patients and community. She was my role model, and I followed in her footsteps to pursue medicine.

What interested you in your specialty?

Endocrinology is a very diverse field. You must master a much broader range of organs than other specialties. You get to take care of complex diseases and make a huge impact on your patients’ quality of life. Endocrinology covers conditions from fertility, treating chronic wounds, cosmetics, prevention of deadly complications from a metabolic syndrome to much more.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is significantly improving my patients’ quality of life, changing lives, and treating diseases that as little as 100 years ago were a death sentence, not a diagnosis. Contemporary technologies help us better understand and treat diabetes – and now we can even do so remotely.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect in clinic settings is time constraints. A patient isn’t just a list of medical problems and medications. It takes time to understand their clinical situations, and review and analyze laboratory results and radiologic data. A newly diagnosed patient requires time to understand the disease process and you need to work with them to develop a treatment plan together.

What do you see changing in health care in the next 5 to 10 years?

I foresee an increase in use of technologies even more, including devices that will monitor vital information and send the data to your doctor.

What advice would you give someone looking to become a doctor?

Follow your passion. Being a physician is one of the greatest privileges. You not only get to alleviate pain and suffering but help people live healthier lives. You have the ability to change the lives of so many people for the better, but it also comes with responsibilities.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing piano, biking, and playing tennis.

What advice would you give to someone who is going to be a patient in a hospital for a period of time?

Being admitted to hospital is one of the most difficult times in a person’s life – and we understand that. Have faith in your team. We are working hard to help you feel better and get you back home to your loved ones.