Let’s start with my last name. Most people stumble with “Puterbaugh.” It is pronounced “pewter” like the metal and “bah” as in “bah-humbug.” Or, as a patient, put it, like “computer-ba.”

Born and raised in Portland, my path to pediatrics started here at The Children’s Clinic, shadowing Dr. Beverly Wittkopp before medical school. I admit I went into college thinking I would become anything but a doctor, since my family was already well-saturated with doctors. I followed a circuitous route that led from the University of San Diego to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to Oregon State (go Beavs!) and eventually to Dr. Wittkopp.

What do I like most about being a pediatrician? Probably talking like a duck because that makes kids laugh and leave my office smiling. Also, I enjoy the unique privilege of caring for children and the relationships that develop with patient families as developmental stages progress from infancy through adolescence.

I share a practice with Dr. Rebecca Lacey. We work well together, and I always feel assured that when I am out of the office, she will provide excellent care for my patients. I also love the job share system we have, since it gives patients a back-up doctor with whom they become familiar over the years.

My wife, Emily (also a pediatrician), and I live in Portland with our three children and two cats. We enjoy spending time in the backyard with our kids, vegetable garden, berries, fruit orchard and chickens, and love taking our kids for walks or bike rides or trips to the Oregon coast. I know it’s cliché, but I’m a doctor who loves golf. I also enjoy running, baking sourdough bread or pizza, woodworking and reading whenever possible.