Spring is bringing lots of changes to everyone’s lives, and changes to the Baskin Clinic as well! The news is good: We’re thrilled to add Dr. Lisa Cuneo to our roster of doctors, and her buddy Brownie, a Chihuahua mix, to our roster of Very Good Dogs.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to meet Dr. Cuneo (and Brownie) soon as our offices reopen for in-person visits. Until then, take a moment to get to know the newest member of the Baskin Clinic team:
When did you figure out that you wanted to be a doctor, and why?
In college, I was pursuing a Psychology degree in order to directly get to know and interact with patients. I ended up learning and loving Biology and Physiology as well, and realized that becoming a doctor would be the best way of combining my interests to truly help people.
What do you love about being a doctor now?
Getting to know patients and their stories — and being in an intellectual, ever-changing field.
What facet of science or medicine are you currently most excited about or learning about?
The new contexts of preventative medicine: COVID has really shined a light on how we take care of ourselves when it comes to the basics, things such as hand hygiene, covering your cough, avoiding others while you’re sick, and how your illness can affect those around you. This also relates to how chronic health issues can affect response to and recovery from an illness, and the immense importance of preventing illness with vaccines and herd immunity.
What makes Baskin Clinic a good fit for you?
I’ve been looking for an opportunity to care more completely for my patients, and at Baskin Clinic, I’ll get to be a primary care provider who can spend more time discussing concerns, coordinating care, and being available when my patients need me most. At Baskin Clinic, medicine is truly a partnership with my patients for better health outcomes. Stronger relationships with patients means more understanding of health history and health concerns, and that reduces unnecessary medical testing and procedures in pursuit of health goals.
What do you want everyone to know about health?
Restorative sleep is incredibly important for overall health and often overlooked, and barriers to good sleep often highlight a lot of overall sleep issues. For example, there is a link between sleeping less than 6 hours a night and dementia.
Tell us about one of your role models.
My Grandma. She just turned ninety this year! She’s always welcoming and curious, and loves to learn about others and their ways of life.
What’s the last book you read?
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell.
What’s an ideal weekend look like for you?
I love it when I get to sleep in and wake up without my alarm clock, enjoy a hike through Forest Park, along the Coast, or along the Columbia river, and then hang out with friends over an amazing meal at a nearby restaurant.
What’s your favorite joke?
I don’t have a favorite joke, but I love medical humor and think that the importance of being lighthearted can often be overlooked in medicine.
What’s the most “Portland” thing about you?
My first year in Portland, I lived in a tiny home that I also helped build. I’m very proud of the work; I would not do it again, but I encourage anyone that’s interested to ask me about it…and I still try to keep a low impact minimalist lifestyle as best I can.
Call the office to schedule an appointment with Dr. C., and please give her a hello and a warm welcome when you see her around the office…whenever that may be!