Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Manhattan, and raised in New Jersey. My early childhood was spent in Weehawken, NJ, before my family moved to Cliffside Park, a quiet suburb in Bergen County, NJ. We grew up attending church regularly, Greek School twice a week, participating in Greek cultural events and the Greek Independence Day parades. My sister and I were very active with GOYA, Scouting and the Kardamylian Youth and dance group. Upon graduating from Cliffside Park High School, I was accepted into the 7-Year BS-MD program jointly run by Trenton State College and UMDNJ.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My parents were the main influence for my sister and me. I was blessed with a nuclear family that embraced the unique qualities of being Greek-American. This meant loving both countries, taking pride in my work, and feeling honor with service. Because my parents recognized the importance of exposing us to both cultures, we took family vacations to many US historical sites in addition to our summer vacations in Greece.
Why did you become a doctor?
Growing up, I remember always being fascinated by how the human body functions. I remember drawing pictures for my younger sister, explaining to her how the eye works (as I thought it did at 6 years old). In 5th grade, while using a dictionary for an English assignment, I recall constantly being drawn to the medical entries, further piquing my interest in the human body. By 8th grade, my interest and aptitude to the sciences was self-evident. At this time, I was also earning my Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts. The Scouts taught me the importance of service for a greater good. As I realized how much I could help people by becoming a doctor, it seemed to be the perfect dovetailing of my interests.
As a new generation doctor, how do you evaluate the state of health care in the US?
This country is home to the greatest medical achievements to the world. I feel proud to be able to offer my patients a variety of medications, procedures and approaches for addressing their medical needs. However, doctors are finding many expanding encroachments on the doctor-patient relationship. Increasing paperwork and regulations, born of third-party interests and litigiousness, are disrupting an once-sacred bond. It is frustrating to have coverage for a therapy denied because it is not deemed cost-effective. Patients should be making medical decisions side-by-side with their doctors.
If you were a patient, what would the ideal doctor look to you like?
My ideal doctor would be one that is extremely knowledgeable and patient. The ideal doctor must encourage collaboration on the decision-making process. Most important, they should never take my trust or respect for granted. I would like to have continuity of care with such a physician and entrust my family to their care as well. I aim to be this doctor.
Has your Hellenic heritage influenced your professional conduct and in what ways?
Definitely. Most influential is the basic ethical precept derived from the Hippocratic Oath: to do good, but first do no harm. This sounds simple, but it is both powerful and humbling. I use this guiding principle with each patient encounter, as I am following in the footsteps of Hellenic physicians before me. Hellenes are instilled with a strong sense of family and a responsibility to better society. This helps me to reach out to my patients as I would members of my family, encouraging and guiding them along their path to health.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why HMS (Hellenic Medical Society)?
The HMS strives not only to assist physicians and allied-health professionals, but also the community at large. The HMS offers continuing education courses, informative lectures and well-attended symposia all year round. Every year, the HMS awards an impressive number of scholarships to students aspiring towards the medical field. Through my membership and involvement, I am honored to stand together with my mentors and peers in strengthening our profession while serving our community and promoting our history and culture.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Integrity, humility, loyalty and a good old-fashioned Greek work ethic are the qualities I admire most.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I have many. The Orthodox religion has a vast array of saints and martyrs who promoted and protected Christian ideals, in the face of great challenges. There are also everyday heroes that surround us, whose acts are less noticeable, but no less important. That being said, my personal heroes actually turn out to be my parents. Beyond the extraordinary they have done for my sister and me, they have helped and continue to help, others. My mother does this through the Philoptochos and my father as an individual; sometimes they work in tandem. They support missions such as St. Basil’s Academy and St. Michael’s Home Quality Care for the Elderly. They have never sought for personal recognition; rather, they work to bring attention and compassion to their cause. In the process, they meet others who are equally open-hearted and compelled to act, surrounding themselves with a network of good citizens. It is their selflessness and dedication that I try to emulate in my practice and in my life.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
In my personal life, I hope to be blessed with a happy and healthy family, affording them the same love and support as I had growing up. Professionally, I hope my dedication builds a satisfying and rewarding practice that provides superior medical care to the families in our community.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
My wife and I spend most of our free time with family and friends. We enjoy being active in our Greek-American community by regularly attending many of the cultural, professional and social events that honor our Greek and Orthodox heritage. We also enjoy traveling, and look forward to our next big trip.
What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a life blessed with good health, a loving family and the time to enjoy both.
