Tell us a little bit about yourself
I have lived in Eagle County since 1972, following my discharge from the U. S. Army. My first position was with the Vail Clinic as a physician in General Practice (2 years). Recognizing and desiring more in-depth skills, I was accepted into a Residency in Internal Medicine, followed by a year in Cardiology and Intensive Care.  With such a young “hospital” and knowing I wanted to call this valley home, I recognized the need and importance of having a physician with greater expertise in these areas. In the mid to late 1970s, I spent six months in Christ Church, New Zealand studying hematology, a great opportunity that was not only interesting, but helpful in my medical career, particularly as I began to see more cancer patients.

Upon my return to Vail, I established Vail Internal Medicine and raised money from the local community to set up an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The community was growing and the mountain was becoming busier. There was a real need for more sophisticated medical care to deal with more complex issues we were now seeing. For several years, I served as the Medical Director of the ICU and the Cardio Pulmonary Departments.

Beginning in 1972, at the request of the Vail Ski Patrol, I began teaching advanced medical care for on mountain injuries and emergencies. These were the days before EMTs and paramedics. For more than 30 years, I served as the Medical Advisor to the Vail Ski Patrol.  

Later on, I had the good fortune to serve as the Chair of the Medical Committee for the 2015 World Championships, allowing me the great opportunity to work closely with Steve Vardaman and Steve Zuckerman, two paramedics/patrollers and friends for whom I have the highest regard.

Over the years, I have lived in West Vail, Minturn and Sandstone, and currently live in the Lake Creek Valley (since the late 1980s).  

I am happily married to my wife, Kathleen, who has been full or part time in the Vail area since the beginning days of Vail.  And I’m proud to have my niece, Amelia Van Dyke and her husband CJ, currently serving as Eagle County paramedics and part time on Vail Ski Patrol.  

Education

• B. S. Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA 
• M.D. Temple University (1968)
• Internship, Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, CO. 
• Residency, Internal Medicine (additional year in Intensive Care and Cardiology), Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, CO. 
• Hematology (rotation) Christ Church Public Hospital, Christ Church, New Zealand

Military Service (1970-1972)

• U. S. Army, Captain and Flight Surgeon, 101st Airborne Division, Viet Nam
• Assigned to assault helicopter battalion

Why do you want to join the ECPS Board of Directors? 
It has always been a privilege to serve this community, a place I love and one that has offered me many opportunities. I’m proud to see the level of medical expertise and professionalism delivered by the EMTs and paramedics we have. It is an essential service that sets this community apart, and one that I would proud to be involved with.  

What are some of your prior board leadership experiences?
Over the past several years, I have served on the boards of Vail Valley Medical Center and its Foundation; I'm one of the founding board members of the Johnson Depression Center (University of Colorado), Shaw Outreach Team (raised funds and built “Jack’s Place”, a cancer caring house) and Home Care & Hospice of the Valley (founding board member).

I currently serve on the boards of the Vail Health Foundation, Home Care & Hospice of the Valley, Quality Committee of the Board (Vail Health) and Shaw Outreach Team.

What skills, connections, resources, and expertise do you have to offer to our organization?
I feel that I am well known in this community, have an extensive medical background, with experience and expertise that would be helpful to this board, including the delivery of medical care in emergency situations, in both hostile and non-hostile environments. Over the years, I have maintained excellent working relationships with all aspects of our medical community, including those working in behavioral health and hospice care.  

I would like to be of value and would be very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement and delivery of medical care in our valley by serving on the board of ECPS.

What are your hobbies and interests?
Skiing, fishing, rafting, white water canoeing, cycling, and flying (private pilot license), Stinson aircraft