I'm originally from New York, but haven't lived there since the early 1980s. I am a retired Army colonel and a decorated combat veteran. I served closely with the Army surgeon general as consultant for my specialty. I supervised procurement, training, deployments, and staffing of all Army plastic surgeons in peacetime and wartime. I entered medicine in order to serve soldiers and families in a way consistent with my talents. Kaiser Permanente was an easy transition for me after Army life because of its commitment to members and families. I was raised by a nurse, have a twin sister who is a nurse, and am married to a nurse. I like to think they showed me how to approach patient care from a different, more patient-centered perspective. I am honored to be recognized as a 5280 Magazine Top Doctor in 2022.