Craig B. Kushnir, the new Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd.
Age 38
Kushnir has served as the Interim Medical Director for the Emergency Department over the last six months.
Kushnir earned his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the University of New England.
He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida.

How did you get into medicine?

“Basically my family did it for me with my father being a pediatric dentist. I had a really hard-working family and I was always interested in the medical side of things.”

What is the best aspect of being a doctor?

“Emergency medicine. Getting the chance to help people right away. We deal with life-threatening issues here in the ER and we can treat those illnesses. The first 30 minutes of an illness is the most important.”

How has the transition into the new position gone?

“I have been serving as the interim director since February, so I have not been given the position but have earned it. At times it has been tough but you go through the learning process and I know what I am doing. So the transition has been smooth.”

Any initiatives that you want to implement in your new position?

“I want to grow the ER. I feel like we are the best hospital in the county and I want the community to be aware of that. I live in Delray and I have gone to nursing homes, done whatever I can do to get the word out.”