Al Haas, MD

	Joined May, 1983 Department: Allergy [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Music, Storytelling, Camping, Kayaking, Bike Riding Languages: Italian Physician Homepage
Bio I have practiced allergy at Kaiser Santa Rosa as Chief of the Department since 1988. I was drawn to the field of allergy as a pediatric resident at UC San Francisco where I took a special interest in treating children with asthma. I learned to appreciate the importance of teaching prevention and that has carried over to all aspects of my allergy practice. I believe the more my patients know, the better they will do. I also believe that the more I know about my patients, the better they will do. I try to keep my patients' values in mind when I make my recommendations. I particularly like practicing at Kaiser Santa Rosa where laboratory, X-ray, pharmacy records, and physician notes are accessible on my office and exam room computers and where a consultation with one of my colleagues is a walk down the hall or a 4-digit phone extension away. Above all, it is my patients who make my job satisfying. I have met many wonderful people in my work here and feel privileged that they trust me with their care.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: I first trained as a Pediatrician at UC San Francisco. When I did my allergy training at UCLA, I planned to join a group of Pediatricians in Marin when I finished, concentrating on the care of children with asthma. In the end, I became an Allergist because I like seeing people of all ages, and because it allows me to focus on a concentrated area of expertise. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: I am involved with the American Lung Association's fund raising efforts twice a year. I have taught asthma education groups and directed a high risk pediatric asthma clinic. I meet regularly with other Kaiser specialists in Northern California who are interested in pediatric asthma.
Interests
I started playing guitar in high school and haven't stopped. I write songs, perform locally, and recently made a CD. If you'd like to listen to some of my music and get tips on healthy eating at the same time, come to the Allergy Department, ask to borrow one of my CD's, and listen to the cut "Just Like Your Disposal." I have recently taken an interest in the rites of passage and hospice movements, both of which explore cycles of living and dying. I have always been interested and moved by stories of personal change, all of which involve a death and rebirth in a figurative sense. I have recently gone on camping trips with other physicians where we share personal stories of change and spend time alone in nature. Our last trip was to the desert at Joshua Tree. I enjoy kayaking in Tomales Bay and love to bike ride from my hometown of Petaluma to the Tomales Bakery. My ideal day off would be bike riding to the bakery, having someone pick me up at the bakery with my double kayak, going out on the Bay with me, and then bring me, my bike, and my kayak home. It's never happened, but it would be GREAT.	Hobby Photos & Links: In front of recording studio
Family & Friends
People in my life: I live in Petaluma with my wife and three children. My wife is an illustrator and paints portraits. All of us love music and the whole family had roles in a recent Cinnabar production of "La Boheme." Right now our kids all perform rock music. The amplifiers and drum set in our garage get plenty of use, much to our chagrin regarding our neighbors. My children and people I care about: An interesting story about my family or friends: Every year we go to the same place for a family summer vacation -- the Blue Sky Lodge in Carmel Valley. It is the same place my wife went every year as a child. She used to play with the owner's son. He is now the owner and his daughter now works there full time. Talk about a family outfit! The lodge has 4 attractions: a pool, a Coke machine, a ping-pong table, and a lawn.	Photos of my Family & Friends: Katie's art studio Our kids, 2005, Carmel Valley

Travel
An adventure I've had: When I went to college, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I mostly played guitar and took English classes. By the time I decided to go to medical school, the best options were in Italy where the tuition at the time was a mere $75 a year. I started medical school in Florence. My exams were all oral and in Italian. I was there for three years before transferring to UC San Francisco and it was the most wonderful experience of my life. I still have friends in Italy who I communicate with by e-mail. My wife and I were last there in 2000 and I plan to go there with my son in the next year or two. Favorite place in the world: Dempsey's Alehouse in Petaluma -- great food, great beer, great outdoor seating on the banks of the Petaluma River, and a great place for a leisurely chat with friends and family. Sometimes the best spot in the world is in our own backyard!