I was born and raised in Hermann, Missouri, a small town that instilled in me a strong sense of community and purpose. After graduating from high school in 1995, I began my higher education at the University of Missouri in Columbia (Mizzou). A year later, I was accepted into the six-year combined accelerated Baccalaureate/Medicine Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where I earned my Bachelor of Liberal Arts in 2001 and Doctorate of Medicine in 2002.

Following medical school, I completed a Preliminary Medicine Internship at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL, in 2003. Eager to serve my country, I then joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Surgeon, stationed with the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Air Station New River, near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From 2003 to 2007, I served with units including HML/A 167, HMH 461, and VMX 22, deploying twice to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004 and 2005). These experiences honed my ability to provide critical care under pressure and deepened my appreciation for longitudinal patient relationships.

After fulfilling my military commitment, I pursued an Anesthesiology Residency at Pennsylvania State University, completing it in 2010, followed by a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at The Ohio State University in 2011. I began my anesthesiology career with Metro-West Anesthesia Group in St. Louis, Missouri, from 2011 to 2013, before returning back to Columbia, Missouri. Since 2013, I have practiced at Boone Health, where I held leadership roles, including Chief of Staff, Vice President of Mid-America Anesthesia Consultants, and Chairman of multiple hospital committees, while contributing to advancements in patient safety and electronic health record systems.

After over a decade in anesthesiology, where I focused on perioperative care and ensuring patient stability during complex surgeries, I began to miss the longitudinal patient connections I had forged earlier in my career as a Naval Flight Surgeon. I then embarked on a Pain Medicine Fellowship at the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis to further specialize in a field that aligns with my evolving professional passions and expertise.

The field of pain management has undergone remarkable advancements since my initial training. Today, interventional techniques — such as nerve blocks, spinal procedures, neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures — offer a robust toolkit to alleviate chronic pain. The continuous evolution of this specialty, with emerging technologies and innovative approaches, excites me as a clinician eager to stay at the forefront of medical progress. Most rewarding, however, is the opportunity to walk into a room and see a patient's face light up, sometimes with a heartfelt hug, because they feel better than they have in years. These moments of profound impact make pain medicine an exceptionally fulfilling path.

Beyond medicine, I am blessed to share my life with my wonderful wife, Tracy, of over 20 years and our four incredible children. Family is my anchor, and I cherish our time together, whether we're traveling, cheering at their sporting events, or simply enjoying moments with friends and extended family. These experiences recharge me and remind me of the importance of balance and connection.

My family and I have called Columbia, Missouri, home for the past 12 years, and it is where we plan to remain after completing my Pain Medicine Fellowship. During my time as an anesthesiologist at Boone Health, I had the privilege of working closely with the exceptional surgeons at Columbia Orthopaedic Group (COG). Their caliber, dedication, and commitment to patient care have always stood out to me. Over the years, I have built strong professional relationships with many COG physicians, fostering a foundation of trust and collaboration. Joining COG represents an opportunity to integrate my expertise in pain medicine with a practice known for its excellence. I am confident that the cohesive, patient-centered environment at COG will allow me to deliver the highest quality care, leveraging my skills and relationships to improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain. I am excited to contribute to this esteemed group and continue serving the Columbia community I hold dear.