We have some really interesting physicians as members of iMedExchange, and since those of you that aren't members don't get to hear from them, we'll continue to profile some of them in our blog. Today I'd like to introduce you to Gary Levin, MD. Dr. Levin is an Ophthalmologist in Southern California.
How did you choose to specialize in ophthalmology? My first experience with eyes was a NSF research grant in which I had the opportunity to work with bovine eyes to analyze eye lens DNA and RNA. In medical school I became interested in eye surgery while working with an ophthalmologist on an elective during internship. I liked the lifestyle that ophthalmology provided, allowing me to balance family with work more than in other specialties.
How do you spend time off? Homeschooling and creative endeavors with my children. I spend some time mentoring younger physicians and I am also reestablishing social contact with my medical school and college alumni. I'm also interested in politics and as I have been a lifelong friend with Senator Joseph Lieberman I have campaigned for him in each Presidential and Vice Presidential campaign.
You list hiking as a hobby - what do you like most about it? Almost anywhere I am, I am able to hike. It's outdoors, excellent exercise and helps me to maintain my weight and stay in shape without the risk of injury from jogging. It's a routine I will be able to maintain indefinitely. It's a social activity as well, giving me time to think and talk with my exercise partner.
How do your hobbies balance your life in medicine? My specialty requires a fair amount of sitting, either examining patients in clinic or operating at a microscope - my job is basically sedentary. When I get up in the AM (pre dawn) I take a walk, which wakes me up and every morning I am inspired by such simple things as the sun coming up. I also usually try to take a brisk walk at lunch time.
I hear you like to read, what are your favorites? My favorite read has been Michael Crichton's Andromeda Strain, while my favorite book I've read recently is Maggie Mahar's non-fiction treatise on healthcare, Money Driven Medicine. One of my other favorite pastimes is writing. I have a blog called the Health Train Express where I discuss health care issues.
What do you like most about the part of California you live in? I live in Riverside County which extends from the Colorado River toward the ocean. It has mountains and hills surrounding it. I spend part of the year in the desert where there is golfing, trail hiking and grandiose mountain views. The colors change every hour throughout the day. Other parts of California are some of my favorite vacation spots though - Monterrey and Carmel via a drive up the coast through Big Sur. I used to ski a great deal and loved Mammoth Mountain, and when I lived in San Diego sailing was a favorite activity.
Wow, sounds beautiful! What is Riverside like? Riverside is a mixture of old California, with a history of citrus farming. Parts of the city have an old small town feeling and some magnificent tree lined boulevards. The city has embarked upon a 1.5 billion dollar renaissance program to build bicycle parks and rehabilitate old ones. In addition, the medical community is a mix of group and solo private practices.
You said you like to mentor younger physicians - would you like to end with some wise words? I have a son with cystic fibrosis, which has taught me a great deal about chronic and fatal illnesses and it's affect on families. This event altered my life and my priorities a great deal in regards to medical practice. In addition to this, there was a major catastrophic flood that destroyed my office, practice and home - I survived all of it. Each of these events taught me coping skills and that it is important to develop other skills for enjoyment. While medicine can be a main focus, it should remain only a part of one's life. You never know when or if it will be taken from you. Maintain strong family ties, don't sacrifice these for the sake of your professional life. These lessons have all been learned the hard way.
