Michael Maggioncalda, DO

Bio

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. As a family physician with Kaiser Permanente, I truly believe I need to serve as a patient advocate and to be my patients' spokesperson and connection to the wealth of services and specialist that are available from our very large organization. By learning more about me and my philosophy, we can better function as a team, working to keep you healthy and enjoying life; or, in essence, "thrive"!


I joined Kaiser Permanente in the summer of 2002 after 8 years of private practice in the town of Sonoma. It was very difficult to make that change, saying goodbye to the many families I had the pleasure to care for, but my family and I are much happier and life is much more stable in the Kaiser framework. My wife has been an Emergency Physician with Kaiser Permanente since our move to California in 1994, so you can imagine the multiple discussions on the future of medicine and private practice during the years up to my switch. I honestly admit that I did not enjoy running a small business. It may be a cliche, but at Kaiser Permanente I really can focus on matters that deal directly with taking care of people which is where I am at my best.

The most rewarding part of my job is taking care of whole families and learning the dynamics of the family and how it impacts our health. Preventive medicine and helping motivate folks to make the changes necessary to ensure health is the most challenging yet fascinating facet of being a family doctor.

I believe people ALWAYS have the right to accept or refuse my suggestions; it is their body and they must choose. I must pass on the information as it has been given to me while guiding my patients on where to place their priorities and energies regarding their health. Every individual is different and the wonderful thing about Family Medicine and primary care is that we get to see the "big picture."

I was born in Philadelphia, and raised in Southern New Jersey. I went to college at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. because I am the youngest of five kids and it was the only full scholarship I received. I majored in Marine Engineering which is similar to Mechanical and at the time was one of only two choices. My Mom and oldest sister are both nurses and they were my first exposures to medicine. I decided on applying to medical school toward the end of my undergraduate studies but had an obligation to maritime service after graduating. I was one of the fortunate few to get a job on a ship when I finished and sailed a total of 24 months over the next four years. I will be glad to share a sea story or two someday in the office. I graduated from medical school back in Philadelphia in 1990 and felt fortunate that during that time I only had two cars stolen. A small donation to the City of Brotherly Love. I also met my lovely wife at that time, who is originally from California, and the rest is history. We have 3 great kids, 2 teenage boys born in 1992 and 1995 and a daughter in middleschool born in 1999. Our oldest just began his college career in Seattle at the University of Washington. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I have enjoyed exploring with my family all around our great State. I had a Yosemite license plate, but my current plate is "Protect our Coast & Oceans" the whale's tail.

I look forward to meeting you in the office some day, if we have not met already. Navigating my site will give you more information on understanding Allopathic vs. Osteopathic Medicine via the AOA link. I strongly urge you to visit the Health Encyclopedia, the CAM link for alternative options, and the Healthwise Handbook for they are EXCELLENT resources and, unlike everything on the Web, this information has been reviewed by Kaiser Permanente providers.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose Family Medicine because as I went through med school I really enjoyed ALL of the specialties and I could not see myself being limited to only one facet or fraction of the ever amazing Human Body. I gravitated toward Orthopedics because I had the most exposure to this after my multiple injuries playing sports. But I enjoyed interacting with my patients too much to do my best work while they were sleeping.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

AAFP: American Academy of Family Physicians

AOA: American Osteopathic Association

SCMA: Sonoma County Medical Association

Current projects or research:

Working on getting my work done on time in order to have more time with family. I plan to work closely with our new pediatric team at our RPK office to improve my proficiency in caring for my younger patients.

Great health resources that I refer to:

the very exciting new books on the Whole foods plant based diet like "Preventing and reversing heart disease", the China study " and "The Engine 2 diet"
My wife and I enjoyed "What to Expect While Expecting" and the sequels to this series.

Also, Brazelton's books are very good for parenting help.

An interesting story from my training:

The summer between 1st and 2nd years of med school I purchased a Medicine textbook from a note posted on a wall so I could get to know the girl selling it. I never really used that book much but I later married that girl.

Interests

Currently reading:
Engine 2 Diet, The China Study

My favorite book or author:
John Grisham, Dan Brown

Great movie:
It's a wonderful life, Rudy

Hobby Photos & Links:

Yosemite

Family Camping

Family & Friends

People in my life:

As the man of the house I make ALL the major decisions in my family, and my wife makes all the day-to-day ones... we have been happily married almost 22 years now, and there have not yet been ANY major decisions, but I am ready for when the time comes.

My children and people I care about:

My three kids are: 2 sons born in 1992 and 1995, and a daughter born in 1999. They are all very active and keep my wife and me very busy. Our house is often described as "Chaos" which is probably why I am often told by my family to "Get Smart, Dad."

Jenny is our Yellow Lab who is a retired breeder for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She had 20 puppies in 3 litters and now is ours to keep.

Pet Photos:

Yellow lab

Travel

An adventure I've had:

When I was 22 I was working for the Navy and was on a ship visiting Bermuda, and after a 10 minute resort course I went scuba diving for the 1st time. I was mesmerized by the wonder and beauty of the undersea world! It took 25 years but I finally became certified to dive in 2006 during a weeklong trip with friends from our office to Honduras.

Favorite place in the world:

Caribbean or anywhere in the world where the water is warm and clear with lots of wildlife to explore under the water.

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

Caribbean snorkeling

Other Links & Photos