Please provide a brief background of your training and practice setting and years in practice.

I have been in private practice since 1996 and I am an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine. As a multi-boarded physician, [board certified medical specialist in internal, pulmonary, sleep and geriatric medicine] I have an opportunity to see thousands of patients in the outpatient, inpatient, and nursing home setting. I continue to remain passionate about patient care and stand by giving my patients the care and time they deserve.

What are you passionate about in long term care? How are you pursuing your passion?

I am passionate about not only taking time for patient care but also to give time to the families of the chronically ill and elderly. As well, I believe that nursing must be educated on a continuous basis on the care of the elderly as it is paramount to the well-being of this growing and fragile population. As the corporate medical director of Country Villa Health System, I have been able to implement the need for education of our staff and to provide the highest level of care for our patients and staff.

What advice would you give to a new graduate contemplating a career in long term care?

As it stands, long term care delivery is a specialty. It requires that a new graduate be aware of the special needs and supervision that long term patients require. With the increased pressure to discharge patients from the acute care setting, we are seeing that patients in the long term setting require closer attention and oversight. Therefore, any new physician interested in caring for long term patients must be aware of the dedication he/she must commit to.

What additional training do you wish you had that may help with your current practice?

Being a physician for over 20 years, patient care has been my passion. I would have appreciated ongoing training on nursing policies in the hospital. As our population ages, their needs increase as well, and we as physicians must understand the role of all healthcare providers.

How has CALTCM impacted your practice?

CALTCM has been at the forefront of long term care and has allowed me to access the needed information to stay updated on the changes that are occurring. It has been a great resource at all levels.