Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Garden City New York.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My parents and grandparents were an inspiration to me to be a hardworking and religious individual.
Why did you become a doctor?
I always looked up to my father who was a physician. I admired the kind of relationship he held with his patients and I hoped to have the opportunity, someday, to provide high quality care to people as well.
As a new generation doctor, how do you evaluate the state of health care in the US?
I think the healthcare that is provided in the US is second to none, despite some studies that have shown otherwise. On the other hand, the bureaucrats within the insurance companies and government provide a major barrier between the doctor-patient relationship and erodes the quality of care. I will leave the specifics for another interview.
If you were a patient, what would be the ideal qualities that you would look for in a doctor?
Although a doctor needs strong academic preparation, personal qualities are equally important, for they are an integral part of patient care. This includes compassion, and one’s ability to interact and communicate well with their patients. These qualities were fostered in me by my father, and these are the qualities that I look for in a doctor when I am a patient.
Has your Hellenic heritage influenced your professional conduct and in what ways?
The Hellenic people have endured difficult obstacles in the past and I believe as a whole we have high moral values both of which originate from our Greek Orthodox faith.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why HMS?
I am involved in a few medical organizations, but the HMS is one that is most important to me. The HMS holds an annual scholarship fund which I think is imperative for us as a group of people to do for young students of Hellenic heritage. It is very important to me to help other Greek students achieve their goals of becoming physicians. My father held the position of secretary of the HMS at one point and I try to do as much as possible for the society, as well as for Greek students looking to become physicians.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Honesty and loyalty. These are qualities that I try to possess as well.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My father and grandfather are my real life heroes. They endured poverty, death and difficulty and succeeded despite these obstacles. They were hardworking, religious and honest people. I lost my father at a young age however, amidst the sorrow and pain surrounding my father’s death, there was a celebration of his life, which was marked by professional excellence and humanity. My father was recognized for his compassion, patience, and perseverance, qualities which he inculcated in me.
What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?
The economic crisis that we are in currently was brought on by the overwhelming greed of the American people. This greed became so strong that we began robbing from our countrymen and overlooked any possible consequences of our actions. The government is trying to alleviate the sting of the crisis with government intervention and stimulus plans.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
Professionally, I hope to have a busy orthopedic practice so that I can provide quality care to as many people as possible. Additionally, it would provide me with great satisfaction to be able to pass my knowledge on to future orthopedic surgeons via a fellowship. Personally I hope to be married with children, spending as much time as possible with family and friends. I would also love to have the ability to travel the world with my family.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy cooking, travelling, and participating in recreational sports.
What is your idea of happiness?
Personal and professional success and of course, always striving to be better.
