Howard Ballinger, MD

Bio

Here's a little about me: I began my medical practice in 1969 as a country doctor practicing in an under-served area of Central California. Learning Spanish was essential in that setting, and I did. Overall, I was a general medical practitioner and an emergency room doc for 15 years.

I first worked at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo in the Emergency Department from 1979 to 1983. After that I joined an Occupational Medicine group in Oakland. I found it to be a very satisfying field of practice. I focused on care and treatment of muscles, bones and joints of the body, occupational hazards, visiting workplaces, promoting preventive medicine, and interacting with interesting people from all walks of life.

In 1994, I moved to Sonoma County and joined an Occupational Medicine practice here. I continued graduate-level studies in my field and later traveled to Chicago for the Board examination in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, earning board certification in that field from the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

I rejoined Kaiser Permanente as an Occupational Medicine doctor in 2002, in the Napa-Solano area. In 2005 I transferred to Rohnert Park, which is nearer to my home. I believe that at Kaiser Permanente I've found a superior Occupational Health program with great doctors, staff support, ongoing provider education and adherence to standards of excellence.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

In 1984, I changed my practice from Emergency Medicine to Occupational Medicine. I was not with Kaiser at the time, I worked in a small industrial clinic at the Port of Oakland. I discovered that Occupational Medicine was a great field for me, I enjoy meeting people from so many different walks of life, and having a real opportunity to assist them with their medical issues. I appreciate the teamwork I have found between doctors, physical therapists, and other staff in this field.

Interests

My favorite book or author:
Orson Scott Card

Great movie:
What the Bleep Do We Know?

Hobby Photos & Links:

With musicians at the Renaissance Faire

Family & Friends

People in my life:

I've been married for almost ten years to a wonderful woman, a long-time Sonoma County resident and local professional. In this photo taken last year, we are on Kauai watching the sunset from the Beach House restaurant.

My children and people I care about:

I have two grown and married daughters, a grandson born in November '03, and a stepson with two children and a stepdaughter who live in the Bay Area. My wife also has a daughter who lives and work in New York City. She loves it there and she might never want to live in Sonoma County again!

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Together in a Hawaiian sunset

With my daughters and my niece

Daughters, Wife and Grandson in the Kitchen

With my Daughters and Grandson on my 65th Birthday

With my Grandson Caleb at Serene Lakes

One cat, very cuddly when he wants to be.

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

I enjoy many places, but I'd say the Sierra Nevada mountains more than any other. Just the fresh crisp air, the smell of the pines and the clear sky make me feel very content.

One of my recent trips:

In 2007, we visited India and spent time in Delhi and Rajasthan. I was fascinated by the sense of history we saw all around us, and the way the Indian people live in the awareness of the long history of their people. We especially toured the many shrines of different religions to be found there.

Recently we also had the opportunity to travel with a choir, the California Redwoods Chorale, to sing in Hungary. It's a beautiful country, and the companionship with other choir members and the people and places of Hungary made many sweet memories for me. We sang (and I played sax) at five different venues, sharing the bill with seven different Hungarian choirs.

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

With grandson at a mountain lake

Trip Photos:

The Chorale in Hungary

India, Fatehpur Sikri

India, Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary

Sunset on Lake Balaton, where we stayed in Hungary

Other Links & Photos