Editor’s note: As part of Occupational Health Services’ ongoing workplace wellness program, Poster will highlight employees who are committed to health and wellness. Other parts of the series can be found here.
Ethan Dmitrovsky, M.D., is an oncologist and physician-scientist whose laboratory searches for new ways to combat lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer death for both women and men. He also serves as president of Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., and as laboratory director of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. He joined the national laboratory two years ago after serving as provost and executive vice president at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
What is your favorite thing to do to stay active?
I enjoy briskly walking my friendly dog named Shep every morning and twice a day on weekends and holidays.
How often do you exercise and when?
I exercise every day by both walking my dog (early in the morning) and taking 10,000 steps a day. I practice yoga when I can and go to the gym, especially when I am traveling. On weekends and holidays, my wife joins me in walking our dog.
How did you get into physical fitness?
My family is focused on a healthy diet and lifestyle, with regular exercise being a key part of our approach. My wife and children are devoted to the practice of yoga, and taking long strolls as a family is a routine practice for us.
What motivates you to stay active?
As a physician, I know the importance of having regular exercise for wellness and health promotion. I am lucky to have a family that strongly encourages me to adhere to a health promotion program.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy hikes with my wife, and usually our dog joins us. I am also an avid reader, and both activities ground me.
What is your wellness goal?
My wellness goal is to meet or, hopefully, exceed 10,000 steps every day and to adhere to all the accepted screening and wellness recommendations for good health.
What is your favorite food?
My family and I prefer a vegetarian diet; my favorite food is Mediterranean cuisine.
Are you someone with outstanding wellness habits? Let us know! We want to encourage everyone to stay active and healthy by setting good examples.