Home: Massachusetts. Age: 64. Birthplace: Germany. Profession: International healthcare executive, advisor and pulmonary & critical care specialist. Significant other: My wife, Dr. Dayna Anderson. Alma mater: University of Heidelberg (M.D.); Harvard University (Master's in Healthcare Management). Languages spoken: German and English.
Recent recognition: Named to Boston Magazine's Top Doctors list for pulmonary medicine and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the top one percent in his specialty for multiple years, along with numerous honors from international professional societies. Recent professional development: Co-editing the second edition of a leading textbook on interventional pulmonology, published in July 2026. Latest accomplishment: Completing my term as senior special advisor for international healthcare to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Latest contribution to others: Supporting the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, the Salvation Army and local food banks alongside my family. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leading the development of a new medical school in Malta in partnership with Queen Mary University of London. Hobbies: Golf, motorcycle riding, cooking, herb gardening, reading, biking, hiking and a nice glass of wine. Recent travel or adventure: Exploring Iceland and planning a hike across England along Hadrian's Wall next year. Last book read: Travels with My Donkey, by Tim Moore. Recently viewed and recommended: Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Personality profile: Integrity, adaptability and optimism. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Level-headed. Moral compass: Can you look at yourself in the mirror the next day? How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyal, intellectually curious and adventurous. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust and creating value for society. What is your greatest joy? My family, especially my three daughters. What is your greatest fear? Eggplant, horses and the dentist. What is your guilty pleasure? A cigar and rum on the porch on a rainy day. What natural talent have you neglected? Dance. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Volunteers with Médecins Sans Frontières. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? A great meal. What is at the top of your bucket list? Crossing Europe by bicycle. How do you relieve stress? Putting my mind on something else. What is your go-to workout? Rowing on an erg. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Time.
What was your first paying job? Newspaper route. What was your favorite college course? Astronomy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? My rock, Mr. Pebble. What book have you repeatedly read? A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Grand Budapest Hotel. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Artwork by my children. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife, Dayna. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don't become an archaeologist—my first career choice. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Treat everyone you work with respectfully. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The e-bike. What is your favorite app? Michelin Guide. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Times of London and the Financial Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Museums. What company or organization do you most admire? World Central Kitchen. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The fall of the Berlin Wall.
What is your big idea?
Advancing value-based, integrated care models that move health systems away from volume-driven medicine.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Helping shape sustainable, value-based health systems in complex and emerging health economies. What change would you like to see in the world? More dialogue, more curiosity and a modern passenger rail system across the continental United States. What widely held belief do you reject? That climate change is a natural phenomenon. What mega-trend most excites you? AI and innovation reshaping healthcare delivery. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media addiction and political dogmatism.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Arnold Schwarzenegger. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Archaeologist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My cat and photo albums. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? A long bike ride followed by a wonderful dinner with my wife and children. What advice would you give your younger self? Life is shorter than you think. Don't delay. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Some professional decisions.
Personal mission: Remaining a trusted voice in healthcare transformation while being the best husband and father I can be. Personal motto: Tomorrow is another day. Favorite quote: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" (Admiral David Farragut). Desired epitaph: Not sure I even want a tombstone.
