Henry DeGroot, MD

Bio

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and provide some background information so that we might be better acquainted during a visit to our Department.

I was raised in Chino, California. After high school I had the itch to meet the world, and joined the United States Marine Corps where I served both in the States and abroad. I finished my service in Hawaii, and loved it there so much that I decided to stay, initially beginning my undergraduate work at the University of Hawaii. From there I studied and trained in the Midwest and East Coast before settling back in California.

Somewhere along this journey I decided to focus my practice of medicine within the field of Dermatology. I took a rotation in Dermatology in Medical School, was amazed by all the things that could happen to the skin, and was hooked. I have loved it ever since.

Once I completed my Dermatology Residency, I made the decision about where and how to practice my specialty. Those were both easy decisions for me. The "where" was Northern California -- I have always felt this was the most beautiful area of the country. The "how" was a group practice where I could closely interact with colleagues, make decisions about my patients' care without interference, and work as part of a team committed to excellence in healthcare. In my opinion that combination only exists at Kaiser Permanente.

I live in Santa Rosa. In my spare time I run (including after my 4-year-old boy, William), enjoy house projects and motorcycle riding.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose and love Dermatology for many reasons. Primarily, I love that it is a diverse field of practice. Dermatology is a mix of clinical, surgical and cosmetic skills, all of which I use every week within my practice.

By its nature it is also a very visual specialty, and that makes it very unique and challenging. I still find it amazing to look at a pattern of rash, or feel a lump or bump, or note textures of skin and bring that together towards a diagnosis. There is nothing like it!

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I hold academic appointments both at UC Davis and UCSF. I love teaching young doctors about the fascinating field of Dermatology. Since we have a local teaching program (Sutter Family Practice Residency Program) I am able to teach both locally and at a larger institution as well (UC Davis).

Great health resources that I refer to:

Here are a couple of great websites for Dermatology:

http://www.dermnetnz.org/
http://www.aad.org/public/DermatologyA-Z/

An interesting story from my training:

During my early bookwork years of medical school, I was very competitive with tests and such. Problem was that I was known to do some sleepwalking if I didn't get enough sleep in lieu of studying. I was caught walking around the house one night convinced I had some sort of kidney imbalance. Everyone has their limits!

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

Study break during Medical School

Interests

Currently reading:
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides

My favorite book or author:
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Great movie:
The Island

Hobby Photos & Links:

My Ride

Running and Other Sport Events
Motorcycle Safety Information and Courses

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My parents are retired teachers living in Southern California. I am the second of five children, with my siblings spread out all over the country. I have a wonderful 4-year-old boy whom you will meet below.

I have a second family with my work at Kaiser Permanente. I love coming to work every day with my family and friends!

My children and people I care about:

My son, William, is my joy in life. He is quite a ham with tons of energy to burn. No rest for this Dad! We enjoy the outdoors but always wear our hats!

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Mom and Dad

Spring Lake

Father's Day 2005

The Boys

Meet 'Banana Peel.' This is a cat that just can't get enough love -- she is always on someone's lap. As one might guess, when a child names an animal it can be quite arbitrary. My son, William, was eating a banana when the cat acquired her name.

Pet Photos:

Banana Peel

Travel

An adventure I've had:

During my military service, I got the chance to visit many countries and places, particularly in the Far East.

Favorite place in the world:

I've only been to London once, but I loved it! I love history, and England is abundant in history and wonderful sites to visit. I plan to visit some day with my son, William, when he is old enough to appreciate what a grand city London is.

One of my recent trips:

I enjoy local trips to spots along the Northern California coast. We recently took a trip to Ferndale, a small town just south of Eureka. If you want to experience a little bit of the Heartland right here in California, give it a try!

Travel Photos:

Hong Kong

Japan

Pig Feast in the Philippines

We did a 40th anniversary landing on Iwo Jima; that's Mount Surabachi in the background

Australian Outback

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

London

Trip Photos:

Ferndale

Other Links & Photos