Daren Mark Newfield, MD

Full name:  Daren Mark Newfield, MD

Age: 45

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Specialty: Orthopaedics

Place of Practice: Northside Hospital, Atlanta, GA

Why did you want to become a doctor?

My dad was an orthopaedic surgeon, and my two older brothers are orthopaedic surgeons, so maybe there is some genetic component? It is rewarding to fix things/people and then see them back in action. Orthopaedic surgery is not like other fields of medicine. Our patients are injured and not sick. I fix them and then they bake me cookies in appreciation when they are well.

What sets you apart from other doctors in your field?

I am chairman of the Orthopaedic Department at my hospital, but I have been told I remind people of the character Tom Hanks played in the movie Big. I am a large child. I bring my dogs to work. I play every sport. I have an events company in ATL. It was a business started accidentally. Throwing huge free parties with my friends during my residency turned into a real business. I have goats, chickens, a turkey, dogs and fish where I live.

What are your 5 tips for living longer?

1. Spend time with animals. Their needs are basic: food, water, love, play. Dogs are the only ones that really get what life is all about I think.
2. Plow around the stumps: 90% of your frustrations come from 10% of the people. Learn to recognize and avoid the stumps.
3. Travel as much as possible. It makes life seem longer even if it isn't.
4. Find a job that you enjoy (obvious I know, but so many people have jobs they don't like).
5. Stretch!