Eric Ball, M.D. – 2018 Orange County Physician of Excellence January 11, 2018 Alert, General, OCMA Specialty Spotlight 2018 Physician of Excellence, Eric H. Ball MD 0 OCMA is proud to recognize our incredible members who are leaders in medicine here in Orange County. This year, we want to spend time honoring our 2018 Physicians of Excellence and sharing more information on what makes them so excellent. Our staff spent some time interviewing honorees to bring you this series, and we hope you enjoy this series as we kick off the New Year! Name: Eric Ball, M.D. Specialty: Pediatrics What is the most rewarding thing about practicing medicine? I chose to become a pediatrician because I am drawn to preventative medicine. I enjoy the ability to educate parents and families about healthy lifestyles in an effort to prevent diseases in the future. It is a true privilege to be able to play a small role in the life of a growing child, and I am grateful every day for this opportunity. Why did you choose to practice in Orange County? My wife grew up in Orange County and we always knew that we would come back here to practice and raise a family. It is an ideal spot for our children and, as a pediatrician, southern Orange County is the perfect place to practice. What’s a great experience you had through your OCMA Membership? This year I had the opportunity to attend the California Medical Association House of Delegates meeting, where physician leaders from all over the state gather to discuss policy and set the priorities for the medical community. At the HOD, we heard from medical and government leaders and had vigorous discussions about the future of medicine in California. As Orange County physicians with OCMA, we had the ability to influence these discussions and help shape state policy. Do you have a message for the rest of your POE honoree colleagues? It is always an honor to be selected a Physician of Excellence. In these times of upheaval and change in the medical community, it is refreshing to know that an organization like the OCMA is single minded in its efforts to advocate for the success of the physicians of this county. I know that through the efforts of organizations like the OCMA, the future of the practice of medicine is bright. Do you have a word of advice for today’s students and residents? Choose medicine and choose your specialty because you love them. I would have made more money, or worked fewer hours, in other professions or other specialties. I chose pediatrics because I am passionate about the health and well-being of children. When I leave the office every day, I have a sense of pride and purpose; each day, I feel that I made a small difference in the life of a child or a family. To avoid burnout, you must love what you do, and your profession must be more than a ‘clock-in, clock-out’ job. The act of making an impact in the lives of others will bring purpose and meaning to your own life. Follow Dr. Ball on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socpa/ Twitter: @DrEricBall (personal) @socpa (practice) Comments are closed.