Dr. Winnie Brigid F Fang, MD

Why I Became a Doctor I wanted to become a physician at the age of 10. No doubt my African childhood fueled the allure of strange diseases, magical potions, and mysterious healing powers. My uncle Winkie, the local witch doctor was particularly inspirational and encouraging. Why did I become a doctor? As clichés go...I wanted to help mankind. Fortunately for me, there were few obstacles on the protracted and painful path to medical school. I survived the journey relatively unscathed to discover that I loved the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual demands of being a doctor. Why I Chose the Specialty of Anesthesia The attraction of anesthesiology is that it encompasses many different medical disciplines. It requires an understanding of physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, general medical diseases, and multiple different surgical diseases and techniques. Anesthesiology is a challenging specialty with continual improvements in new techniques, drugs, equipment, and technology. Anesthesia truly integrates both the art and science of medicine. I find it demanding, stimulating, exciting, and yet gratifying. It is a satisfying to know that I can make a difference in a patient's operative experience - whether with medical knowledge, technical skills, or just simply, kind, reassuring words. Why I Practice at Kaiser Permanente I am thankful to be working at Kaiser Permanente. I am afforded the opportunity to provide the best and safest anesthetic care to my patients because Kaiser Permanente provides the necessary quality people, environment, and resources. Our task is to provide optimal medical care and service. We work as individuals and as a team dedicated solely to the medical care of the patient. We are neither encumbered by the onerous billing and administrative aspects of medical care, nor influenced by personal monetary gain. I am proud to be part of an organization that encourages and places quality of care and service on the top of the list. My Philosophy on Healing Healing is a complex topic. Traditional Western medicine focuses mostly on the physical recovery of the body and the treatment aspect of healing, be it with medications or surgery. Healing should also embody the parallel treatment and recovery of the mind, spirit, and soul. The latter are all intertwined with the physical body. The mental and emotional ramifications of an illness are often denied or ignored in Western medicine. An illness is a loss. It is a loss of our health, a loss of our control. Prevention is better than cure. Preventive medicine was the core of Kaiser Permanente's original mission and it remains an ongoing philosophy. Eat healthy, live healthy, and the odds are high that you will THRIVE. Eat healthy by eating fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables. Live healthy by exercising, not smoking, making friends, getting married, and using stress reduction techniques. Most of all enjoy life...... because it is short.....and uncertain. My Interests I am interested in golfing, scuba diving, cycling, and growing orchids other than phalaenopsis and cymbidiums. I enjoy going on long hikes with my 100 lb Doberman Pinscher.