Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2019

Once in medicine, it seemed a natural choice to go into pediatrics. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? I like to think I have an inviting demeanor that puts people at ease, and I try to be as open-minded as possible. What are some of your hobbies? Baking, running, swimming, DIY crafting and watching football. What drew you to Kootenai Health? Having been in Los Angeles for the past three years, we were ready for a change in scenery— somewhere with way less traffic. Interviewing at Kootenai, I really got the sense that the administration and hospital were very focused on physician wellness and building up a quality program for the kids here in Coeur d’Alene. What is your favorite healthy tip? Try and build a treat into every day, whether that’s a nap, a treat or mindless TV to help your mind change gears and de-stress from the day. GregoryPennock,M.D. Cardiologist, Kootenai Heart Clinics Northwest Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I grew up in southeastern Idaho and went to undergraduate school at the University of Idaho, so I was familiar with this area from college days. My partner, Pam, and I have been coming up to Sandpoint for several years and decided to make Sandpoint our full- time home—a place for family and friends to gather both in the winter and summer. We have five children and one grandchild. Pam is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and I have been in Tucson for the past 30 years. Why did you pick your specialty? From a physiological standpoint, there is no more fascinating organ than the heart. I am constantly in awe of its design, and I never get tired of looking at and thinking about it from various imaging perspectives. Also, there is probably not a single specialty that has evolved more during my lifetime than cardiology. The scientific strides that have been made and the things that we can do now to help patients compared with 30 years ago is mind- boggling. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? Hopefully, they will think of me like a good next door neighbor. What are some of your hobbies? Right now, splitting wood and getting moved in. Otherwise, mainly outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, wakeboarding and surfing, and skiing. We want to take advantage of the water, snow skiing and snowmobiling in this area. What drew you to Kootenai Health? The culture at Kootenai is truly unique. It doesn’t exist many places in health care anymore. The culture is very patient-oriented. There is fabulous infrastructure for staff and physicians that helps keep them happy and productive. Doctors at Kootenai are truly happy. What is your favorite healthy tip? If one stays active mentally and physically, it is a good recipe for a long and happy life. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 265-7070 . KH . ORG 11