I think of myself as an old fashioned doctor, someone who takes care of the whole family, from birth to death. Not very many urban Family Practice physicians still do obstetrics, but I find the rewards worth it even after 11 years in private practice.

I am still able to do obstetrics in an urban setting because I deliver at Alta Bates Medical Center and have 24-hour coverage from my OB-Back-Up, OB-Anesthesia and Neonatal specialists. We are blessed to have excellent coverage, in-house, at all times.

I like the way obstetrics creates an intimate bond between patient and doctor. There is nothing as special as bringing a new human being into the world. I like the labor and delivery process -- the rhythm, the excitement, the quick decisions, the procedures. I love taking care of both the mother and child over time. Often, as the family grows, I eventually take care of the mom, her husband, their kids and the grandparents.

Obstetrics keeps my patient population young, both because the pregnant women are generally under forty years old and also because I get to take care of the kids too. My total patient population is 25% pediatrics because I do obstetrics.

I don’t mind stopping whatever I am doing -- day or night -- to leave and deliver a baby. No one ever objects, my patients nor my family, when I must leave. They smile and wish me a smooth, beautiful, and healthy delivery.

I enjoy the wide variety that the full spectrum of Family Practice, with obstetrics, pediatrics and geriatrics, provides in my day-to-day duties. I have had days when I’ve helped with a well-supported hospice death in the morning, a full day of office appointments, and then a beautiful delivery later the same day. The “circle of life” is complete.

Dr. D’Andrea currently practices at Alta Bates Medical Center in the East Bay.