David Feinberg

What does being an honoree of the Outstanding Alumni in Healthcare campaign mean to you?

This award does not belong to me. It belongs to the patients and families that struggle with health issues and to those that care for them. 

Describe your road to success.

My path started at home with parents that instilled important values of learning, integrity, hard work, and having an open heart. I was drawn to medicine because it combined science and human connection. Ultimately, a career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist allowed me to help children and their families improve their trajectories when mental illness struck. As I transitioned to various leadership roles I have remained focused on making sure that those of us in healthcare explain things in ways that patients and families can understand. I have continued to work to make sure that care is delivered that is safe, accessible, equitable, high quality, culturally sensitive and most of all, compassionate.

Who has helped you achieve success in your career?

First and foremost, my patients and their families. Additionally, my wife, Andrea, has been the world's greatest partner.

Describe a lesson you've learned from a challenging time in your career or life.

My life has been blessed. I find that every challenging time in my career or life has simply been an opportunity to learn and grow, and I love learning. So this approach has allowed me to reframe challenges into opportunities.

How do you prepare for a busy day?

I remind myself that the key is to be present in whatever I am doing and not let my mind go to what is coming next.

What's next for you?

Next for me is making sure that when people come to Google for information we make sure they get authoritative information and are able to take the next needed step to improve their health and the health of their loved ones. I believe that we can help everyone live their healthiest lives.

What is your mantra or favorite quote?

Passion, integrity, and humility. I say these words to myself everyday before work.