Kendal Hamann, MD

	Joined Oct, 2007 Department: Endocrinology [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Fly fishing, gardening, photography, skiing, and spending time with my family. Languages: some Spanish Physician Homepage
Bio I started practicing endocrinology at Kaiser Santa Rosa in 2007. After training in San Diego and Sacramento for many years, I am excited to be home again. I grew up in Novato, California and feel fortunate to now return to this beautiful area to practice medicine, enjoy life, and raise a family. I first trained in general internal medicine, followed by specialty training in endocrinology. Many people ask me what an endocrinologist does. It's a pretty diverse field. As an endocrinologist my area of expertise includes thyroid disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, pituitary disease, and many other disorders of endocrine glands. These are all diseases related to hormones (chemicals) made by the body. Endocrinology is fascinating to me because of its diversity and complexity. Hormones travel throughout the bloodstream and have an important effect on every single organ in your body. Maintaining balanced levels of these hormones is essential for optimal health and well-being. I believe that Kaiser Permanente is an outstanding model of how to effectively provide comprehensive and individualized medical care to its members. I am pleased to join Kaiser and its commitment to outstanding service to its members. I am proud to belong to a team of hundreds of physicians at Kaiser Santa Rosa. As a specialist, communicating effectively with patients and their primary care physicians is one of my most important jobs. One of my goals as a physician is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their own bodies and health. These decisions range from lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, to decisions about medications, surgery, and other treatment options. I do this by reviewing the most recent advances and research studies and by offering suggestions on the best course of action based on the complexities of each individual. I am here to be your advocate and advisor.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: I chose the field of endocrinology because I am fascinated by the effect that hormones have on the entire body and one's overall health. It is a diverse field, closely linked to primary care medicine, yet specialized. I enjoy caring for people with common diseases like diabetes, while also having the opportunity to care for people with rare and very interesting hormone disorders. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: While at UC Davis I conducted research in diabetes care as well as bone disease in the setting of HIV infection. In addition to my role as a health care provider, I am interested in medical education and clinical research. Current projects or research: I work with the Chronic Care Management team to improve care for patients with diabetes. I also work with a team in charge of optimizing osteoporosis care for Santa Rosa Kaiser patients. Great health resources that I refer to: www.hormone.org Provides excellent informative material on multiple endocrine disorders. www.diabetes.org The American Diabetes Association website. www.thyroid.org/patients/patients.html The American Thyroid Association website. www.nof.org The National Osteoporosis Foundation website. www.calorieking.com An excellent web based resource for carbohydrate counting; it includes numerous restaurant menus. The Calorie King Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter, 2007 Edition A pocket sized book version of the website for carbohydrate counting (sells for about $8). An interesting story from my training: Between general internal medicine and endocrinology subspecialty training I spent a year as Chief Resident at UC Davis in the Department of Internal Medicine. This highly valuable year provided me an opportunity to support and teach residents during their training years, lead physician teams in caring for underserved patients, and enhance my communication and leadership skills.	Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field: Skiing with the UC Davis Internal Medicine residents.
Interests
I grew up fishing regularly with my dad. We would sometimes fish for trout at Lake Berryessa or salmon in the San Francisco Bay. My husband and I developed an interest in fly fishing together during medical school. Time away from the books to enjoy some fresh air and the sound of a river passing by is precious. One summer during medical school we packed up the truck and moved to Jackson Wyoming, where we worked at a white water rafting company and explored the rivers and streams of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming during our free time. Some of my favorite memories and most successful fly fishing days are from that summer. Now, my husband and I travel to the Northwest every now and then. Fortunately, the Truckee, Yuba, upper Sacramento, and McCloud Rivers are within closer reach. Currently reading: No Ordinary Time (Doris Kearns Goodwin)	Hobby Photos & Links: The McCloud River in May.
Family & Friends
People in my life: My husband, Kevin, is a pediatrician here at Santa Rosa Kaiser. We met when we were 17 years old at the UC San Diego orientation for college freshmen, just 2 weeks after high school graduation. He has been my best friend and biggest source of support ever since. We married in 2005 and have two beautiful children. I am happy to be raising a family here in beautiful in Sonoma County. My children and people I care about: My daughter Jillian likes dance and gymnastics. She is funny and outgoing. We call her "Jilly Bean" most of the time. My son Kenny is a kind and gentle soul. He enjoys music and will start preschool soon. I enjoy helping my daughter learn in school and taking my younger son to the park and library on days I am not in the office. An interesting story about my family or friends: My husband and I spend much of our free time with our extended family. I am fortunate that my mom lives with us, and my dad, brother, and two sisters all live nearby. We enjoy trying out new recipes, tasting wine, and watching our kids play together.	Photos of my Family & Friends: Kevin and I at my internal medicine residency graduation. Jillian getting ready for Halloween. Enjoying some time with family and a picnic.
My pets: Our cat Hector has lived with my husband and I since we were medical students. We have countless nicknames for him, and although he can be a bit rough around the edges, we love him anyway.	Pet Photos: Hector thinks he rules our neighborhood.
Travel
An adventure I've had: I spent a summer in college working abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I made so many good friends and became enamored by a warm and vibrant culture there. Years later I took my husband first to Buenos Aires to visit friends, then to the Patagonias of Argentina for some fly fishing. Argentina reminds me of California in that its people, climate, and geography are quite diverse. One of my recent trips: Our most recent trip as a family was to Disneyland. At two years old, Jillian's favorite rides were the carousel, It's a Small World, and the teacups. Of course, any chance to see a princess, Micky Mouse, or Goofy was just as exciting.	Travel Photos: San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Trip Photos: The teacups at Disneyland.