Columbia Memorial Hospital | Health Compass | Fall 2024

6 HEALTH COMPASS FALL 2024 Meet our new general surgeons John Moon, MD, PhD, MS, DDS, FACS Why were you interested in being a general surgeon? When I started my career path, I was in a dental residency for oral maxillofacial surgery. I realized that I preferred general surgery more because the necessity of the surgeries was more essential. The diseases and maladies you could treat seemed more impactful to the patient. What are you looking forward to while being at CMH? Hopefully, I can be a positive contributor to the surgical group; the hospital; and, at large, to the community. What do you do to connect with your patients? I spend time talking to them about their lives and interests. I like to try and have a laugh with them while talking about non-medical topics. What brought you to the coast? I wanted to come to Astoria because it is a beautiful town. I also have family in Oregon and wanted to be closer to them. I wanted to come to work where there was a sense of community. Is there anything you want the community to know about you? I have practiced for more than 20 years with a fellowship in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. During my surgical career, I have learned that the highest responsibility is when your patients place their trust in you. I will always try to earn the trust and faith they give. Early in my career, a patient told me [something] that resonated through the years of practice. She said, “I don’t expect you to be perfect, but I expect you to care.” I have tried to live by these words since then and will continue to practice with compassion. April Cockcroft, DO Why were you interested in becoming a general surgeon? Growing up as Dr. Ben Cockcroft’s daughter in Seaside, I was inspired by my father’s work and the support from our community. A pivotal moment was observing my mentor, Dr. Bob Wayne, in the operating room during my high school years, which solidified my desire to return to CMH as a general surgeon. What are you looking forward to while being at CMH? I’m eager to give back to the community that raised me. With my laparoscopic and robotic training from Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, I aim to provide personalized care using advanced surgical techniques. Collaborating with OHSU, I aim to bring top-tier surgical care to Astoria so patients can stay close to home. What do you do to connect with patients? I see patient relationships as lifelong and enjoy staying updated on their lives. Understanding one’s health is empowering, so I strive to communicate clearly, use visual aids and tailor treatment plans to align with individual care goals. What brought you to the coast? I’m excited to be back home. My husband and I are thrilled to settle in beautiful Clatsop County and reconnect with family, friends and the surf community. Is there anything you want the community to know about you? My family is deeply grateful for the community’s support following the loss of my father. My goal is to honor his legacy by working with our primary care providers to enhance community health through cancer screening. These screenings can be lifesaving. Additionally, I want to serve as a mentor for our local youth and inspire them from an early age, that they too can be a doctor or health care worker and come back to serve our community.

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