Thank you to Dr. Thomas Eppes for being our March Member spotlight!
1. Where did you grow up?
Amelia, Virginia, essentially Mayberry USA, in a town of 800. My father’s pharmacy was the shaping force of my work life.
2. Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I was called at age19, to be a physician as a healer. On top of this I was called to be a Christian physician living this as the NorthStar of my life and practice.
3. What is your favorite part about being a physician and why?
Patients and the trust that they put in me to guide their health care. Every day I knew that I was doing my Lord’s calling as I went to work.
4. Is there a specific event or learning experience that you had that served as an “a-ha” moment or growth opportunity?
Dr. Owen Hendley, pediatric infectious disease at UVA, one day said, “Is that right big boy?” A week later I had to defend my lack of knowledge and how much I had worked to fill that gap.
5. What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Every moment, every call, every encounter is where my Lord would have me at that moment with a divine appointment.
6. What advice would you give to new MSV members?
In your professional lifetime what we do at MSV affects all in the profession. Whether you like it or not you are a leader. Invest in your future. Your patients, your community, your nation needs your leadership.
7. If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
The apostle Paul. I would ask him to elaborate on the why, how, sacrifices, insights that he had in his ministry. Also to elaborate on his call to tell his frankly amazing story of conversion, guidance, challenges, and sacrifices in living his faith and relationship that he had/has with his Lord.
8. What are some of your hobbies and/or passions?
I love people, whether my wife, family, patients, fellow parishioners. I love to teach, to do acts of service, to watch things grow whether in my garden or in the lives of those I am allowed to touch.
9. Complete this statement, ”I am happiest when…”
I am with those that I love, family, patients, and community members. There is nothing better than to walk in faith with your life’s partner. Then I feel the joy of living the life that honors the Lord that I feel so deeply is the guiding light of my life.