Maria Gaston, MD

Bio

I was born in Croatia and immigrated to this country as an adolescent because of the political climate at that time. I remain fluent in my native Croatian language and maintain interest in Eastern European history and politics.

I knew from an early age that I wanted to study medicine. I received a BS from Michigan State University and studied medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After receiving my MD I continued at U of M and did my pediatric internship. I moved with my husband to Salt Lake City, Utah where I continued my residency at the University in pediatrics. I stayed an extra year in a fellowship training program doing postgraduate studies.

Our careers brought us throughout the country including Anchorage, Alaska where I worked as a civilian pediatrician at the Air Force Base. Ultimately we settled in Sonoma County with our children. I had worked for Kaiser Permanente in Richmond for two years in the late '70's and was delighted to rejoin the Kaiser Permanente Pediatric team in February 1982. I have enjoyed a career with them ever since.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"Love is a verb."

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop

"Great Spirit grant that I may not criticize my neighbor until I have walked a mile in his moccasins."

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

It is a privilege to be able to practice medicine. It allows us physicians to have a special connection with people and in many ways help them. I chose pediatrics not only for the joy of working with children and their families but also to have an influence on healthy lifestyles starting at an early age. Medicine to me is a combination of science and the art of human connection. I enjoy my current responsibilities of ambulatory pediatric urgent care both during and off hours. Because of my after-hour duties, I am not in the clinic on a regular enough basis to have a panel of patients.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I am board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics. I am also a member of the Sonoma County Medical Association.

Great health resources that I refer to:

HIPPOCRATIC OATH:
One of the abridged versions in which it is administered to medical graduates in many modern universities is as follows:

“You do solemnly swear, each man by whatever he holds most sacred, that you will be loyal to the profession of medicine and just and generous to its members; that you will lead your lives and practice your art in uprightness and honor; that into whatsoever house you shall enter, it shall be for the good of the sick to the utmost of your power, you holding yourselves far aloof from wrong, from corruption, from the tempting of others to vice; that you will exercise your art solely for the cure of your patients and will give no drug, perform no operation, for a criminal purpose, even if solicited, far less suggest it; that whatsoever you shall see or hear of the lives of men which is not fitting to be spoken, you will keep inviolably secret. These things do you swear. Let each man bow the head in sign of acquiescence. And now, if you will be true to this, your oath, may prosperity and good repute be ever yours; the opposite, if you shall prove yourselves forsworn.”

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

Receiving MD Diploma at the University of Michigan Medical School commencement ceremony.....first time officially called Doctor Maria Kabalin Gaston.....6/12/1970

Interests

My favorite book or author:
In Search Of Meaning, Poetry by Mladen Kabalin

Hobby Photos & Links:

Piano and Voice Solo Concert

monoprint from clay

few pottery pieces

Family & Friends

People in my life:

I am married and have grown children.

My children and people I care about:

I believe that love of a family is one of the strongest forces in the world.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

sparkle and joy in my children's life.....let us spread it with peace and love throughout the globe

My wonderful Family !! My favorite picture....we are all connected.....it was taken in the hospital after an emergency C-section of the little one.....I am looking at the father who is the eye of the camera.....

Travel

An adventure I've had:

The trips we take as a family, whether they be to Bodega Bay, Lake Tahoe or visiting family in Europe, are always an adventure.

Favorite place in the world:

"There is no place like home."

Other Links & Photos