Gene Wright, MD

	Joined Jan, 1994 Department: Psychiatry (Child/Family) [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Running, Singing, Martial Arts, River Rafting. Physician Homepage
Bio I was born and educated in Wisconsin. I grew up in a medical family, with my father being an obstetrician and my mother a nurse. I eventually left Wisconsin for sunny California and met my lovely wife, Betsy (of 22 years), when I was completing my adult Psychiatry training in San Diego. I always wanted to work with children, so, when Psychiatry called to me more than Pediatrics, it only seemed natural to specialize in Child Psychiatry. We then moved to San Francisco and started a family while I completed a Child Psychiatry Fellowship at UC San Francisco. I've lived in Sonona County since 1985, and I served other care-giving institutions, including County Mental Health, before I joined Kaiser Permanente in 1994. I have 2 teenage boys, meaning that I get the challenges and rewards of children 24/7! I have always enjoyed an active, athletic life that includes skiing, aikido (a martial art), tennis, and running (especially to keep up with my boys). Choral music has also always been a big part of my life. I have performed with the Occidental Community Choir for 15 years. I was raised Lutheran, but in my adult life I've been attracted to Eastern spiritual traditions, especially Buddhism.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: In medical school, I found I loved Psychiatry and working with kids. So becoming a Child Psychiatrist seemed like a natural fit. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: Board certified in both Adult and Child/adolescent Psychiatry. Current projects or research: I have a recent interest in expanding my work to include children who may have a chronic or life-limiting illness. I would like to offer whatever expertise and support I can to such kids and their families.
Interests
I am a tall guy (6'4") and I've always played sports that did not require me to fall down. But then when I turned 40, I started doing a martial art called aikido that is all about blending, redirecting energy and (you guessed it!), falling down and getting up. I have been practicing it now for 12 years and recently got my 2nd degree black belt. I frequently recommend aikido as a good martial art for kids because it stresses non-violent conflict resolution. Currently reading: The Perspectives of Psychiatry, by McHugh and Slavney My favorite book or author: Ken Wilber, PhD Great movie: Shaun of the Dead (my younger son likes to take me to see zombie movies!)
Family & Friends
People in my life: My wife, Betsy Hall, PhD, is a psychotherapist who specializes in bonding/attachment work and all manner of support for people living with cancer or other life-threatening illness. She is the major inspiration for my wanting to get involved in this field. We have been married for almost 23 years. We practice our martial art together, which is a wonderful, if unusual, thing for a couple to do together. I highly recommend it. My children and people I care about: I have 2 sons who are very different people. It's given me a healthy respect for individual differences among siblings. My older boy has had ADHD, and thus I have first-hand experience with the challenges this can present to a parent.

Travel
An adventure I've had: I have just returned (August 2005) from the best trip I have ever taken--rafting the entire Grand Canyon for 2 weeks. It was an exhilarating physical challenge and renewal for the soul.