Cardiothoracic surgeon Richard Thompson moved his family to Lancaster County from Virginia in July, and it already feels like home.
Dr. Richard Thompson is a surgeon with Pottstown roots and a penchant for Philadelphia sports.
Thompson joined Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Lancaster, a practice that serves the Lancaster General Heart Center.
"We were looking specifically for a wholesome family community to raise a family, and I think we found it," the Pennsylvania native said.
Thompson, 35, grew up in Pottstown. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Thompson completed his surgical internship and residency at Duke University and followed that with a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Virginia.
He felt it was time to join a practice, and he wanted to settle down in his home state.
"It feels more like home here," he said. "I'm a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, so it's been nice to get them on TV."
His wife, Jennifer, and children, ages 5 and 3, were quick to make friends in their West Lampeter Township neighborhood.
Thompson brings experience with minimally invasive surgery, a technique the Heart Center seeks to use more.
"I think there is nothing more fascinating than the physiology of the heart and lungs and to be able to fix those things in people who have problems is truly rewarding," he said.
I'm not good at: Laundry. I think I discolor it. My wife says I can fix hearts, but I can't do wash.
My summer job in college: I owned an Italian ice cart in Philadelphia. ... I enjoyed hanging out with the other street vendors and customers.
I met my wife: Skiing in Vermont.
Do I take my own medical advice? I try. Probably not as good as I tell my patients they should be. ... I lift weights once or twice a week.
I always wanted to become a: Fighter pilot.
If I were a car, I would be: A blue Corvette.
My favorite comfort food: Vanilla ice cream.
My best friends are people who: I went to college with.
I most admire: My mother, because of her loving, caring attitude toward everyone.
My biggest pet peeve: Waiting in lines.
The best way to get on my good side: Take me to an Eagles game.
I can never turn down: A big juicy cheesesteak.
Every morning, I: Read the front page of the paper.
Every evening, I: Kiss my kids goodnight.
If I were handed $100 on the condition that I spend it today: I would buy my wife some flowers.
I most enjoy: My kids ... playing Wiffle ball in the backyard.
When I need downtime: I read.
The last book I read was: "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis.
If I could go anywhere in the world: Back to Peter Island, British Virgin Islands. I just got back from there. I surprised my wife for our 10th anniversary, and didn't tell her where we were going.
A quote to live by: "Live every day like it was your last."
Jeannette Scott is a Sunday News staff writer. Contact her at jscott@lnpnews.com or at 291-8689.
(89)
