Richard Klekman, MD

	Joined Jul, 1989 Department: Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Family Activities, Hiking, Music,Cooking Languages: English, Medical Spanish Physician Homepage
Bio The unparalleled journey that the fertilized egg successfully takes to create life is still to this day beyond my comprehension. The desire to witness the miracle of creation of these lives is what inspired me to become a doctor. The opportunity and the ability to both get to know and take care of people whose lives are entrusted to me is a privilege that I hold sacred. The specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology has been the ultimate way for me to achieve fulfillment of my professional goals. There is nothing more satisfying than helping others realize their dream of having a family -- and then caring for these people throughout the different stages which connect to make up the continuum of life. I was raised in a wonderful family in Northern California along with my 3 brothers and sisters. After my father passed away, my mother remarried an amazing man and together we melded with his 4 children over the past 30 plus years to experience the joys of growing up in a large family. To this day our family gatherings (with 8 kids and 12 grandkids) are never boring! I joined the group at Kaiser Santa Rosa in 1989 in order to be able to work in an integrated medical center where I can practice pure medicine. The many fine physicians I interact with have served to elevate the level of care that I am able to render to my patients and have enabled me to become a better physician. I know that our patients have access to the best medical care and I am proud to be a part of this process. I believe that by actively listening to our patients we can empower them to both embrace and nurture the most important gift that they possess -- their health!
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: Over the past 20 years, I have had the opportunity to share in the joy of seeing new families get started and witnessing older ones grow up. I have even been privileged to participate in the care of 4 generations within the same family! My medical assistant, Catherine Macauley, has been with me for years and really makes our patients feel special. Getting to know my patients and helping them to thrive is why I love medicine! My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: My first love, that of how life is created, takes me back to my initial attraction to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. My long-standing interest in High Risk Obstetrics reflects my commitment to the lives of my patients and their unborn children. Current projects or research: We are working on the creation of a world class Women's Health Center, one that will have the look and feel that reflects the sensibilities of our female patients; one that will serve as a valuable resource for our community; one that our members and our medical center will be proud of! An interesting story from my training: When I was an intern at the University of California, Irvine, we had a patient who delivered septuplets -- seven babies! I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever see that happen and I am certain that I will never witness that again!
Interests
I started playing music at the age of 4. (I learned from my grandfather who is still performing at the age of 96!) I taught piano and guitar for a number of years and still play every day that I can. I enjoy both listening to and playing all kinds of songs. The gift of music is one that I treasure; it transports me to a place where I can unwind and create and feel totally free and alive! Currently reading: Einstein: His Life and Universe My favorite book or author: Mark Twain..His wit and wisdom are timeless Great movie: The Painted Veil	Hobby Photos & Links: Grandpa In His "Early Years" Larry Carlton is still my favorite guitar player on the planet....I aspire to get to his level! Bach is not only my favorite classical composer but the ultimate family man as well...(he had 20 children!)
Family & Friends
People in my life: I have learned more from my wife, Sue, in the past 30 years than I ever thought was possible. She is the most creative person that I have ever met and her patience and quiet humility are an inspiration. My children and people I care about: We are fortunate to have raised 2 wonderful children who make their parents feel very loved. An interesting story about my family or friends: My wife and I spent our second honeymoon in Kauai back in 1992. We spent 8 hours in a Tsunami Shelter followed by several days on an island that had been ravaged by Hurricane Iniki. The devastation was unbelievable and we came home with a new appreciation for how small and insignificant we really are in the big scheme of things.	Hurricane Iniki was Scarier Than an Earthquake
My pets: Shana is our 8-year-old Collie. She has been a fantastic addition to our home. Shana brings her own special brand of humor and love to our family and we can't imagine what it would be like without her!	Pet Photos: Shana is Always Ready for Action
Travel
An adventure I've had: Several years ago we drove to the Southwest with our family. The vastness of the Grand Canyon and the Red Rocks of Sedona are two of the most incredible sights we have ever witnessed. Favorite place in the world: Whether it is taking the dog for a walk or having Sunday dinner with our family there is no place like Home! One of my recent trips: We recently fulfilled our lifelong dream to visit Italy. The people were wonderful and the food, art and landscape were fantastic! Most inspiring, however, while walking amongst the ancient ruins, was the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the amazingly diverse and rich heritage from which we all originate!	Travel Photos: The View from the Edge of the Grand Canyon is Worth the Drive! Trip Photos: Il Porcellino(The Boar) and I....a match made in Florence!!!