Ted Eytan, MD, is the Physician Director of the Kaiser Permanante Center for Total Health. He wears many, many hats at Kaiser Permanente, and started wearing the Center for Total Health hat about two years ago.
Q: In a few words, what does Total Health mean to you?
A: It’s not 100 percent health; it’s balance in achieving life goals.
Q: Which person, living or dead, is your health hero or role model?
A: My mother.
Q: What do you most value in your work? What inspires you to continue?
A: I value the opportunity to make a difference and connect with awesome people, including our Center for Total Health team – Keith, Erin, Yen, all of my Kaiser Permanente colleagues, community colleagues, and our members!!! I am inspired by others’ success and the human spirit (that’s what the whole picture-taking thing is about).
Q: If you could change one thing in health care, what would it be?
A: I would have a patient/member be a part of every team and every committee, at every level of every health system.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most underrated way to improve health for individuals?
A: Walking for sure, except it’s not considered underrated anymore because it’s really caught on.
Q: Where would you most like to live?
A: Easy. Washington, DC. I’ve arrived.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
A: To connect with the patient community – outside of the medical system – and connect them back to the health system. It’s been awesome seeing my colleagues at the CTH and beyond engage in supporting the diverse populations we take care of.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would you pick?
A: I’d probably enjoy a walk with Harvey Milk, Ryan White, and Sidney Garfield, MD.