Monica Minguillon, MD, APIC

Bio

I was born and raised in California. I learned to read and write at the age of three, always did well in school, and was, in retrospect, most likely an annoying and precocious child.

My early interests were literature and journalism. In spite of this, I ended up at UCSD with majors in Biology and Psychology, and then off to UC Davis for Medical School. Because of the mentors I had there, I knew the very first week that I wanted to be a Pulmonary Intensivist. I have never regretted it.

I started my career at Kaiser Santa Rosa in 1990, the year the hospital opened. It was exciting to be a part of a new hospital and to open a new Critical Care Department. Over the years I have taken on more administrative responsibilities and I am thrilled now to be a part of planning the hospital expansion which will include new Intensive Care Units.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine are actually two medical subspecialties that often go hand-in-hand. In Pulmonary Medicine, I get to care for incredible patients that are struggling with chronic lung diseases while still maintaining an optimistic outlook and faith in their future. So much can be done for people who often assume nothing more can be done for them. On the other extreme is the practice of Critical Care Medicine. This is a true combination or science and art. Treating patients and their families at what may be the most frightening time of their lives is both a challenge and an honor.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

My outpatient Pulmonary practice has become quite limited because I spend approximately half of my time doing Hospital Administration. This includes oversight of the Quality Department and Hospital Operations.

An interesting story from my training:

I once found a golf-ball marker in the lungs of a golfer who excitedly inhaled it after sinking a difficult putt !

Interests

Currently reading:
Trace

My favorite book or author:
Patricia Cornwell

Great movie:
Million Dollar Baby

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My cats are aloof and do not like to be talked about.

My children and people I care about:

Secretive.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

Though the general belief is that I sprang fully-armed from the head of Zeus, the interesting thing is that I actually have both family and friends!

Travel

An adventure I've had:

Visiting the Galapagos Islands was the most interesting vacation I have taken. The tortoises are amazing. The birds have no fear and a baby seal fell asleep on my foot.

Favorite place in the world:

The best place in the world is Barcelona. If you've been there, you know why.

Travel Photos:

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places: