When people ask me why I chose addiction medicine as a specialty, I answer that I didn’t choose addiction medicine. Addiction medicine chose me. Shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 1967 (yes, I’ve been at this a long time), I opened a family medicine practice in Madison, Wisconsin, which I ran for 10 years. Very early on, I realized that my calling was addiction medicine, and it has been my specialty ever since.
I’m a strong believer in medication-assisted treatment. My patient treatment and life philosophy have been deeply influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Bill Wilson, amongst others. I enjoy working with patients who are willing to be honest with themselves and who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.
Before taking the position of medical director of the Berman Center in 2017, I’d served as medical director of two rehabilitation centers in Wisconsin, before moving to Atlanta in 1984. Here, I served as medical director of adult addiction services at the Brawner Psychiatric Institute until 1994; was on staff at Ridgeview Institute until 2012; then, dedicated myself fully to outpatient private practice.
I’m a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and hold a lifetime certification from the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
And, on the personal side, I’ve authored a novel, “Autobiography of a Georgia Cat”. My cat, Black Magic, blogs at www.Georgiacat.com/blog. Although I’ve reached retirement age, I intend to continue working as long as I’m having fun and making a positive contribution to people’s lives.