Who I am

This is my first venture at a Substack so I feel it important to let you know who I am.

I’m a small town boy who grew up in rural Washington, Virginia in beautiful Rappahannock county. Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains at the entrance to the Shenandoah National park, Rappahannock county is one of the most unique places on earth. It’s hard to believe that such a tranquil and beautiful place exists only 70 miles southwest of Washington DC.

Growing up in Rappahannock I enjoyed the freedom and safety that people today only dream about. My childhood was one of the outdoors, exploring, fishing and hunting similar to what one might imagine in The Adventures of Huck Finn. Of course there was a lot of hard work as I grew up on a farm which required all family members to pitch in. Although I didn’t know at the time, this taught me a sense of responsibility at a very young age.

As a boy, I had a special bond with my father as we shared many of the same interests. He coached me in little league baseball and we shared a passion for breeding Angus cattle. Some of my fondest memories as a child and teenager include spending summer evenings together checking the cowherd and talking about life. Together we ( mostly dad) started and developed a leading herd of purebred Angus cattle. Ginger Hill Angus has been in business for over 60 years with many females in today’s herd tracing back 14-16 generations to the original foundation females. To this day, I continue to be very active in the Angus breed and cattle industry with our herd being recognized nationally for its quality and uniqueness. I currently serve as president of the United States Cattlemen’s Association, an organization dedicated to restoring profitability in all aspects of cattle ranching. (More to come on this later)

Throughout my life, I remember certain points or conversations that helped form and direct my future. One might ask how did a small town boy from Washington, Virginia who was in love with cattle ever become a medical doctor. Well, I distinctly remember a conversation as a little boy with my dad one hot summer evening while checking cattle. He asked me, “Son what do you want to do when you grow up? “ I enthusiastically replied “ I want to farm and raise Angus cattle, Dad.” His response was epic. “Well you better find a good job then!” That was the best advice I ever received.

I was fortunate to become interested in medicine and pursued it as a career. This turned out to be one of the best and most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. It has rewarded me in life like I could never imagine. But, not in a monetary sense (although it’s provided very well for me and my family). I have found that life’s greatest rewards are in the sense of accomplishment and happiness that is found in helping others. At 61, I am more invigorated and excited about my medical career than ever before.

Until the next time.