While Philip Dibert doesn’t come from a line of medical professionals, both his mother and father wanted to be nurses. “I guess in a way I am fulfilling both their dreams,” he says.

He chose his path after his wife (then girlfriend) was ill with a very severe condition called Lemierres syndrome. “I watched as the nurses and doctors cared for her in a selfless, wholehearted manner,”  he explains.  “I realized right then and there that I wanted to be a part of that.  Today, I use those experiences to connect with patients and family members.”

Phil sees his role as one that encompasses all aspects of health, caring for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of his patients. He chose palliative care as his specialty to help them improve their quality of life. “Because I worked in critical care and cardiology for more than seven years,” he says, “I have seen a lot of patients suffer because they never had clear communication regarding  the  demands  of  certain  chronic  conditions.”  Phil’s goal is to provide the care and information they need to  feel well enough to live their best lives on their own terms.

That compassionate caring is the foundation of his philosophy as a provider. “Over the years, I have learned to never underestimate my wonderful patients,” Phil says and adds, “I want them to know that I care for them and will always listen what they have to say. I want to teach them to take ownership of their health and understand that they have the power to change their lives.”

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? I would have to say my mother.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? Corn detasseling. It was good, hard work – and very hot.

What is your favorite food? What is your favorite movie?  It’s hard to choose, but if I had to pick one dish it would be my mom’s Swiss-style venison steak. I can’t pinpoint one favorite movie, but my favorite TV show is The Office (American version).

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best was science, especially biology. My worst was language arts. 

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased), who would it be and why? I would sit down and have dinner with my wife, alone, without children. While we love our children dearly, we don’t get very many opportunities to sit and have meaningful adult conversation.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  I am passionate about my faith in God and my family. I am married to the most beautiful wife and have the honor of raising five ornery, wonderful, passionate children.

What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy nature, hiking, bicycling, running and football.

Do you have pets? We have a dog named Juno. She’s 10 years old and has the patience of a saint.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I’ve played a singing, dancing pirate in two different musicals. And in one of them I had an awesome ponytail.