Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2018

KH . ORG 9 Nathanael Gay,M.D. Tell us a littlebit about youand your family. My wife is a physical therapist, and we have a 2-year-old daughter. Whydidyoupickyour specialty? I find hematology/oncology very fascinating. Guiding patients and their families through diagnosis and treatment of very serious conditions is challenging but also rewarding. What canpatients expectwhen theyfirstmeetwithyou? I have found that patients really appreciate honesty and clarity regarding the often serious and complex diagnoses that are common in hematology and oncology. I strive to be honest and clear with my patients. What are someof your hobbies? I enjoy skiing, hiking and keeping active. I love spending time with friends and family. What drewyou toKootenai Health? Kootenai provides world-class health care in a friendly and professional environment aimed at serving the community. I am very excited to join this growing health care community. What is your favoritehealthy tip? I find that if I pack my lunch each day, I tend to eat a healthier lunch. I try to do this whenever I can. Tell us a littlebit about youandyour family. I come from Utah originally but lived in Wisconsin during my training and practiced in Oregon before coming here. I am married to my wife, Kim, and we have four children: three girls and a boy, ages 7 to 14. Whydidyoupickyour specialty? I like the variety of ENT practice. I see patients of all ages and different problems, for medical or surgical treatments. Much of what I see and address are primarily related to improving quality of life, which is satisfying for me personally. What canpatients expectwhen theyfirstmeet withyou? I like to listen and let patients tell their own story as much as possible, but I will ask questions to help gather all the information I need to make a proper assessment. I feel I’m responsible for educating patients about their condition and treatment options so they feel empowered and involved—then help them make decisions regarding their care. What are someof your hobbies? I like the outdoors—camping, hiking and kayaking in particular. My family is also involved in sports and music. What drewyou toKootenai Health? The opportunity to work for an organization with an excellent reputation and outstanding providers and employees. It also happens to be located in a beautiful part of the country. What is your favoritehealthy tip? Spend more time outdoors and less time in front of a screen. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 625-5160 . Daniel Cannon,M.D. Kootenai Clinic Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) and Audiology MEETOURNEWPROVIDERS