About Me

Welcome to my Web page. I am happy to have this opportunity to introduce myself and my staff to you and to tell you about our practice.

Biography

I grew up in Massachusetts and "decided" I wanted to be a pediatrician when I was in grade school and never changed my mind. It was a good decision! I attended college and medical school in the east and then moved to Seattle for my internship at the the Children's Hospital and University of Washington. After internship, I served in the Air Force for two years during the Vietnam War and was stationed in the Philippines. After returning home, I completed my Pediatric and Endocrinology training at Children's Hospital Los Angeles where I practiced until 1987. In 1988 I joined the staff at Phoenix Children's Hospital where I worked unitl accepting my present position with Kaiser in 1997. I met my wife, Marge, who is a pediatric nurse, in medical school. We have been married for 39 years and have 3 great children, 2 daughters and a son, and 2 grandchildren.

About my practice

We care for all children with diabetes and hormone problems in the San Diego Area. We see children with growth problems, thyroid problems and all other hormone related conditions. Our Diabetes Team includes Michelle Maeva, RN, BSN, CDE, who is our Diabetes Educator and Maria "Gabi" Saenz, RN. They provide diabetes education for our patients with diabetes and their families. Gabi is fluent in Spanish. We provide both inpatient and outpatient diabetes care and education services and day-to-day support for our patients with diabetes. Melissa Hunnicutt, RD is our Nutritionist and is in clinic twice a month and available for nutrition counseling at other times. Tom Ciallella, MSW is available for psychological counseling. We are involved in diabetes research as well. I provide on call coverage 7 days a week for my patients with diabetes and other serious hormone problems. If I am away, doctors from the Endocrinology Department at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego provide coverage.

How I thrive

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking , reading and spending time at the beach. I especially enjoy long morning walks at the beach with my wife. Famly time is a major priority for me and I'm having fun in my new role as a grandfather. If there's any extra time, I enjoy astronomy and I'm thinking about taking up kayaking - another great way get some exercise and enjoy time at the beach.