08/03/2025
đź’ What if I had gone straight into private practice instead of joining the Air Force?
I reflect on that sometimes—not with regret, but with deep appreciation for the road I chose.
Had I pursued private practice early, I might have moved quickly into the business of surgery. But I would have missed the life-shaping experience of serving in the United States Air Force for 23 years, including the honor of leading as a Squadron Commander.
In that role, I learned to lead with vision and purpose. I guided clinical teams, managed operations, and stayed grounded in the values of Service, Excellence, and Integrity—the same values I carry into every OR and patient conversation today.
Having this opportunity to lead helped me to grow into a surgeon who understands not only how to operate, but how to serve.
As I transition into my next chapter with AdventHealth, I bring with me decades of structured leadership, strategic thinking, and compassionate care.
Sometimes the path you take shapes far more than your career—it shapes your character.
