I was born and raised in Houston, Texas.  I graduated in 1991 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and subsequently received my Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. I took pediatric specialty training at Dayton Children’s Hospital/Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center combined residency program in Dayton, Ohio.  During medical school and residency I was in the United States Air Force.

After completing my training in pediatrics, I was stationed as an active duty staff pediatrician at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. I was very privileged to take care of dependents of military personnel; they are great patients and I did not have to spend time worrying about patients’ insurance or the cost of treatments and medications. I now understand that my early experience as a pediatrician in the military shaped my perspective of what it means to be a pediatrician.

 I left the Air Force after 4 years at Barksdale Air Force Base and then continued to practice in the Shreveport area for 20 of the following 22 years. The other 2 years, I worked in Nashville, Tennessee while my wife trained at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Last year, I closed my longstanding practice and moved to San Antonio so my wife could pursue her calling to become a forensic pathologist. Since we relocated, I have been working in a corporate pediatric practice. In other words, a practice run by administrators and investors rather than by physicians.

In total now, I have spent over 30 years focused on caring for children and adolescents. I have had extensive experience in a variety of settings to include hospitalizations, newborn nursery, delivery room, intensive care unit, and the outpatient office. Each patient and family that I have taken care of has taught me something new about caring for people. Through these relationships, I have gained invaluable knowledge, wisdom, and perspective that you would not find in any book, website, or lecture. This experience and perspective has shaped me to become the best pediatrician I can be.

Outside of my profession, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family that includes two adult daughters, two son-in-laws, a grandson, a granddaughter on the way, three dogs, and two cats. I enjoy everything related to water including swimming, boating, fishing (although I stay away from hooks and fishing line!), and beaches. I like weightlifting and exercising, and otherwise living an active lifestyle. Most of all I enjoy learning and try to learn something new every day!