Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2022

looking forward to the warmer weather and return of outdoor concerts. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I was first drawn to northern Idaho, but lucky for me I had a colleague from my previous employer who is now working for Kootenai Health. I got in touch with him, and he highly recommended Kootenai Health as an excellent and supportive workplace. What is your favorite healthy tip? Mental health plays such a big role in our overall health. It’s important to let go of things that are out of your control and try not to sweat the small stuff. That is easier said than done, but I try to remind myself of this every day, and my cancer patients really help me put things into perspective. Schedule an appointment: Call (208) 625-4700. John McGowan, M.D. Kootenai Clinic Neurosurgery Tell us a bit about you and your family. My wife, Mie Mie, trained as an OBGYN but is currently a full-time mom to our two daughters, Sophie (11) and Amelia (8). We love spending time outside, including hiking, skiing and anything on the lake. Why did you pick your specialty? I find neuroanatomy to be one of the most interesting things in medicine. In neurosurgery, you get to take care of the full spectrum of acuity, from long-standing chronic problems to the most acute and life-threatening conditions. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? A clear explanation of their condition. If I cannot explain it in terms a patient can understand, I have not done my job. What are some of your hobbies? Fishing, sailing, hiking—anything I can do with my family. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I like the idea of a health system with a sense of duty and dedication to the well-being of the entire community. Kootenai fits that bill very well. What is your favorite healthy tip? Weight management is so important as we age. The best way to manage your weight is managing the “portion distortion” we all suffer from. One of the best ways to initiate weight loss is by modifying not what foods we put on our plates but the amount of food we put on our plates. Schedule an appointment: Call (208) 625-3800. KH . ORG 13

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