Joshua A. Nochumson, MD

I recognize that if someone is coming to me, they’re probably in a difficult situation. I have an obligation and responsibility to guide them through a vulnerable time in a way that’s consistent with the Hippocratic oath and how I would want a family member treated. I spend time explaining things and feel it’s important to answer all questions, and I check on people in the hospital to ask how they’re doing or if any concerns have gone unaddressed. I know that uncertainty about surgery drives a lot of worry, and I try to provide at least some level of comfort about what they’re about to go through to make a scary process a little less anxiety-provoking. And my name – pronounced KNOCK-um-son – can be hard to remember, so I just have people call me Dr. Josh. That feels friendlier, and I find it makes people more receptive.

It was a tough choice because I had a lot of interests. But it came down to knowing that medicine would always be interesting and not stagnant. I like being in a dynamic field, and in medicine things may be done differently in five or ten years. I knew I would regret it if I had the opportunity to enter medicine and didn’t take it. And there’s virtue in it. At its core, medicine is a noble field that allows you to look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and say you did something to improve someone’s life. I don’t think there’s much else you could do that would be more satisfying than using your skills and training to make someone feel better at a difficult time. I’m still as in awe of the profession as I was on the first day of medical school.

I like to participate in a lot of health fairs and community events, give talks and presentations, do write-ups in the media or sometimes go on TV to raise awareness about different aspects of colorectal health, especially colon cancer. I’ve made a point of making myself available for the community. Beyond that, my wife and two kids moved to the area from New Jersey in fall 2017, so we’re still learning about local needs and services.

Aside from spending time with my family, I like to read and travel. My goal is eventually to travel whole world. My kids are young, so we haven’t gone anywhere international with them, but plan to do so as they get older. In the past I’ve been to places in East Asia like Taiwan, Japan and French Polynesia. In the U.S., I’ve lived in a lot of places, including Texas, Florida and Louisiana, and I’m always impressed by the diversity even within our own country.