Port People: Meet Dr. John Hein with Pentucket Medical
More and more Americans say they are suffering from allergies every year. With an increase of occurrences, food allergies are on the rise affecting nearly 5% of adults and 8% of children, according to the National Institutes of Health. Whether your system is triggered by food allergies, seasonal environmental pollens, asthma, insect bites or medications, Newburyport’s Dr. John Hein works closely with patients to understand their history and to determine their unique allergy profile, finding ways to treat and manage disorders.
In an effort to learn more about Dr. Hein and his practice at Pentucket Medical, continue reading the full interview below where we asked him a series of questions on his specialties and interests to share with our membership.
Q: How long have you been practicing medicine? What brought you down the allergy and immunology path in medicine?
A: I graduated medical school in 2000. I have been practicing allergy/immunology since finishing my fellowship in 2005. I grew up having severe allergies. This inspired me to help people who share the same problems.
Q: Why did you choose Pentucket Medical for your practice? How long have you been with them?
A: I was recruited to work for Pentucket in 2008. I started the group’s allergy practices in Newburyport and Haverhill.
Q: What is unique about your approach than other allergists?
I try to evaluate all aspects of a patient’s health, not just allergies.
A: Who is your ideal patient; how can you help them with your expertise? My ideal patients are those I am able to educate about their disease. I enjoy forming partnerships with patients to improve their heath.
Q: Do you have a patient success story that you would like to share?
A: One of my current patients has very severe asthma and sinus disease. Prior to treatment he coughed constantly, was congested and had no sense of smell. He visited the emergency room often and required daily oral steroid therapy. After starting him on a cutting-edge medication, he stopped taking steroids and is free of symptoms. He feels like he no longer has asthma and he can smell again.
Q: Do you have any special talent(s)? Besides healing people, of course…
A: I’m a good teacher. I’m also a decent fisherman.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Newburyport?
A: Boating and fishing on the Atlantic.
Q: What advice would you give to a young aspiring doctor?
A: Try to imagine yourself as a patient. Treat your patients like you would like to be treated.
Q: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
A: Completing my schooling and medical training. It is a long process.
Q: What is the most interesting aspect about yourself?
A: I was trained in ballroom dancing as a child.
Q: How are you involved in the community?
A: I live in downtown Newburyport, participate in local events and support local businesses as much as possible.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: Continue treating patients as long as I am of clear mind and able body.