Gloria Tucker, MD

	Joined Jul, 1987 Department: Orthopedics [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Swimming, Yoga, Hiking, Indian Music, Meditation, Languages: English Physician Homepage
Bio I work for the Orthopedic Department in Kaiser Santo Rosa. I have worked here for 7 years and have been a doctor with Kaiser Permanente for 15 years. I am a specialist in the management of broken bones. I take care of the majority of nonsurgical fractures that come to our department. In the event that my patients need surgery, I work very closely with the surgeons and can help my patients to be seen by the surgeon in a timely manner. I am a Board Certified MD in Sports Medicine and a Certified Yoga Instructor. And I like to give my patients the most comprehensive care possible. I really enjoy what I do. I grew up in Southern California where my dad was a general surgeon and in addition to being a very bright hardworking man, he was also very gentle. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people. So I went to USC where I was a Phi Beta Kappa. I graduated and went to USC Medical School and then did my internship and residency in San Francisco. I became a sports medicine doctor because I am deeply interested in this field and because of my own sports medicine injuries. I am really happy to be at Kaiser in Santa Rosa working with the Orthopedists.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: I have great interest in the field of sports medicine because I was involved in sports for years and I have had many, many injuries. As a result, the injured athlete is very near and dear to my heart. So when I make recommendations, often times they are not only the proper treatment but they are the result of my own experience. I am very interested in human anatomy and the physiology of the aging human body. I teach anatomy, and the physiology of aging to yoga therapy students My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: I believe that the happiest and most emotionally healthy patients are those who are able to adapt their lifestyles to the limitations of their body. Sometimes this will be a short-term adaptation while the body heals and other times it is an understanding and acceptance of the adjustments that one's lifestyle will need in order to be painfree. Not to worry though!!! There are so many things that a person can do that keep the mind and body active. Current projects or research: For me personally, I have gone from a runner and tennis player to a swimmer and yoga practitioner. And I have found such therapeutic benefits from the yoga that I frequently find myself using the postures to teach my patients. Now I am a certified yoga instructor and I can offer even more ways of maintaining my patients with the least amount of pain and disability. Great health resources that I refer to: I find that it is really important to pay close attention to how the body feels and put energy toward proper gait and alignment in walking and daily acitivities. In my experience,so many people have one injury, followed by compensation by the rest of the body to keep going, resulting in more misalignment. I strongly recommend gentle yoga for patients and pilates for core strengthening.
Interests
I like to sing and play harmonium. I love this practice and I have a strong community of musicians that play indian music as well. We have a lot of fun too coming together to play and make beautiful music, sometimes in small groups and other times in big ones. I have a daily practice of meditation that sustains me and I do yoga every day, yes, every day. I have found that if I do this, I can walk well and do many of the things I want to do. I swim at least 3 days per week. I do pilates one or two days also. I try to get outside and walk or bike in the mountains on the weekends. Currently reading: Ramayana, by Ramesh Menon My favorite book or author: Any book by Eknath Easwaran Great movie: Millions
Family & Friends
People in my life: My Dad was probably the most influential person in my medical career since he was a general surgeon and came to this profession with integrity, gentleness and a caring that I hope to carry forward. He passed away about 6 years ago but sometimes when I am talking with my patients, I can hear his voice through me and I feel really grateful to have had him in my life. My children and people I care about: I am happily married to the love of my life, who has been a really wonderful companion and support for me.	Photos of my Family & Friends: My Dad
My pets: We have 2 shetland sheepdogs, or should I say they have us: Sundance and Lacy. They manage to have the entire neighborhood wrapped around their paws. While I am at work, the neighbors stop by and give them treats, play ball with them and sometimes even take them along for a walk. They are hilarious and adorable. And I have learned so much from them.	Pet Photos: My Dogs
Travel
An adventure I've had: I'm not the most well traveled person but I have had a nice life. I've backpacked up in Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe and I've kayaked along the California Coast (we drove along and put in up and down the coast) but I mostly spend my free time on Mt Tam. Favorite place in the world: No doubt about it, my favorite place in the world is Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, where I really went just to listen to some music. It is so beautiful, the food is terrific and the lake is warm enough to swim in, even in December. And the folks that I have met there have become lifelong friends. One of my recent trips: Recently I went to India and as a result of that trip, I made a lot of changes in my life. Although that country is poor, every person I met there had such a lovely light, that I would like to also possess. I found that most people had a daily practice of meditation.	A Photo of One of My Favorite Places: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala