Mary Ellen Barrosse-Antle, MD

It is important to me to spend time with patients so that they leave each visit not only with a plan for what to do next, but also with a better understanding of their disease. 

I am especially passionate about helping people cut back on smoking. So often people are told that they need to stop smoking, but not how to do it. After I sit down with a patient and explain the way that nicotine affects their brain and the way that treatments can help, they are able to see a path toward becoming tobacco-free. So often patients say, "Nobody has ever explained that to me before." 

I believe that knowledge is power - medicine will make someone's body feel better, but knowledge will empower them to take control of their illness. I value taking the time to listen to my patients' stories so that I know them as a person, not just as a patient. Once I understand someone's hopes and goals, I can combine their preferences with my expertise to recommend a plan that will work best for them. Then I can advocate for them and support them along the way to achieve their goals.