I was born and raised in eastern Kentucky. I am the product of coal miners and educators. I was born into a family that valued both hard work and the love of learning. This shaped me and I carried those values with me into adulthood. It is those values -- for hard work and lifetime learning -- that define my approach to caring for my patients.
I had no physicians in my family and the doctors I saw intimidated me. I sensed a huge, scary divide between myself (as the patient) and my doctor. I want to bridge that divide for my own patients. I think doing so is an important component of quality patient care.
As a pediatrician, I take my role as a healthcare provider seriously. I focus on preventive care as well as diagnosing and treating illness. I know that the best care is accomplished by establishing a real relationship with my patients and their families. Excellent health care doesn't just answer the "what" questions, it answers the "why" and "how" questions for patients and families. I dedicate my time and attention to answering your questions and to educating families on improving health.
EDUCATION
June 2000 - July 2001
Brenner Children's Hospital Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Winston-Salem, NC
Chief ResidentJuly 1997 - June 2000
POST DOCTORAL TRAINING Brenner Children's Hospital Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Winston-Salem, NC
Residency in PediatricsAugust 1993 - May 1997
University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington, KY
Medical DoctorAugust 1989 - May 1993
Centre College Danville, KY
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAugust 1985 - June 1989
Johnson Central High School Paintsville, KY
College Prep High School Diploma
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSES
North Carolina License: 1997 - 2002
MEMBERSHIPS
Kentucky Chapter AAP: Member since July 2001
November 2014 – January 2017: Appointed by KY chapter of AAP to serve on the Technical Advisory Committee for Children’s Health
PERSONAL
We enjoy our nearly 100-acre farm where we raise goats, donkeys, and emus -- as well as peacocks, ducks, and chickens. We enjoy fishing and kayaking on Hanging Fork of the Dix River, which runs through our farm.
Personally, I love antiques, genealogy research, and I am in the process of restoring a pre-Civil War cemetery located on our farm.