View the Gastroenterology Service Line
7 Questions with Dr. Ditty
Why did you choose to become a provider?
I chose a career in medicine because I have always been interested in Science and caring for others. A medical career is a great intersection where caring, service, and science all meet up. I am an extrovert who enjoys getting to interact with patients and their families daily while getting to see the impact I have on their lives.
How did you know you wanted to focus on Gastroenterology?
While in medical school, I decided on a career in gastroenterology. The many different types of procedures, diversity in organ systems and anatomy, chance to work with cutting edge technology and ability to change outcomes for patients made me attracted to the field.
What do you enjoy most about being a provider? What gets you up every morning?
I most enjoy getting to see the impact I have on patients’ lives. Whether this is a quick outcome based on endoscopy, or a more measured response over time-based treatment with a medicine—seeing the difference I can make for someone, is what keeps me coming back for more!
What do you want your patient's experience to be like with you?
If I had to sum up in one word, what I want my patient’s experience to be like with me, it would be: trusting. I want them to trust that I am here for them, that I will advocate for them, and that I have their best interests in mind.
What do you like to do outside of work? Who do you spend your free time with?
Outside of the hospital, you can find me coaching lacrosse and spending time with my 3 boys. We enjoy outdoor sports such as football, lacrosse, and golf. When I am trying to relax, you can find me on the waterways fishing trying to up my personal best for smallmouth.
What do you want people to understand about the way you practice medicine?
I want people to understand that I practice medicine as a collaborative with my patients. I would prefer they think of me as their guide through the medical journey. We live in a day and age where shared decision making should be, and is the standard of care. We know that patients have better outcomes when they take an active role in the medical decision-making process.
What do you wish every one of your patients would do and why?
I wish every one of my patients would pick one health outcome that is important to them and focus on that for at least 1 year. Whether that is implementing a new diet for weight loss, starting a stress management routine, developing good exercise habits, etc; it is important that people make some time for themselves and their health.
