When and why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology?

While in training for General Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I was assigned to the Ophthalmology Department for a rotation. I was immediately attracted to Ophthalmology because of the great mix of medicine and surgery. The eye is often the window to the rest of the body and Ophthalmologists are often called to assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions unrelated to the eye. Often a routine exam of the eye leads us to a diagnosis that would remain otherwise obscure. The surgical aspects of this specialty are truly dynamic and unique. During my career there have been quantum leaps in technology and surgeon capability in Ophthalmology. It continues to be exciting for me to go to work every day, since there are always new challenges and new treatments to combat vision loss!

Where do you practice?

Chattanooga. My office was one of the first practices to make the move to the Medical Corridor along Gunbarrel Road near Hamilton Place Mall.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career so far, and what was a bright spot?

The biggest challenge was and still is getting our vastly expanded and greatly improved treatments approved by insurance companies. Approvals lag behind availability despite FDA approvals. It feels as though our hands are often tied behind our backs as we see things we can treat but patients cannot afford. Technology is expensive and patients want to benefit but often cannot.

The bright spot has been our fantastic family of staff, both physicians and paraprofessionals on both the practice and surgery center sides. Without dedication and hard work on the part of our practice personnel and surgery center nurses, technicians and support staff, we would not have been successful in obtaining the right to open and operate our private surgery center. We are able to provide state of the art services in an environment we control. My colleagues can find OR time without competition from other specialties. Our environment is dedicated to eyes, making it both convenient and safe. We can adopt new technologies without dealing with bureaucracy. We are proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission, the same accreditation organization used by our excellent local hospitals.

How do you spend your time away from work?

My family is my focus and since our daughter Andrea and her family live on the west coast, my wife, Mary, and I travel quite a bit. We have a wonderful son-in-law, Eric and our super-amazing 3 year old grandson Vito! When home, we are entertained by Tucker, the latest in a long line of German Shorthaired Pointer dogs.

Quick hits

Coffee or tea? Iced tea is my thing, year round

Cats or dogs? GSP as mentioned

Kindle/book/audiobook? I’ve lost count of how many electronic devices I have!

Favorite show (all-time or right now)? West Wing. How I wish it was!

Beach or mountains? Definitely beach, in particular, Hilton Head.

Comfort food? Ashamed to say I can’t pass up chocolate!