Meet the physicians at Pediatric Alliance!
Damian Ternullo, M.D., F.A.A.P. – Pediatric Alliance — St. Clair Division (3 years)
Birthplace: Albany, NY
Education: Schenectady High School/ State University of New York at Binghampton (BS with Honors in Biology, Magna Cum Laude)/ University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (M.D.)
Training: San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (San Antonio Military Pediatric Center – SAMPC – the army’s largest pediatric training program). I spent three years prior to my civilian career as an active-duty army pediatrician, with one year at FOB Falcon in Iraq with the 3rd battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment as a battalion surgeon.
Hospital Affiliations/Teaching: St. Clair Hospital / Pediatric Hospitalist at St. Clair Hospital.
Professional Interests: ADHD, concussions, asthma.
My Heroes: My parents. My mother worked two, sometimes three, jobs as a respiratory therapist or doing home-health care to help provide for my two brothers and myself. My father’s sense of integrity and attention to his children was unparalleled and served as a good example to the type of father and person I wanted to become. I strive to be the type of parent and person my parents were (and still are) to me.
School Memories or Stories: College was the place that truly allowed me to thrive, molding me into the person I have become today. Binghamton was a wonderful mix of highly competitive academics and research opportunities, combined with a great social atmosphere. It wasn’t too small or too large. It is where I met my wife, and where my older brother also went. College was busy for me. I worked two different jobs — a busboy at a pizza place, I also worked in one of the libraries on campus. I rowed on the crew team for a couple of years which was an amazing experience. For me medical school (especially the first 2 years) was extremely challenging. I was surrounded by so many bright and talented people. The two days I remember the most about medical school: the day I received the call that I had been accepted, and the day that I graduated. I had worked so hard prior to and during medical school that both of those days for me were simply days I will never forget.
Patients Have Taught Me: My patients teach me that, simply put, we are all in this together. All of us strive to work hard, provide for our families, take care of our children, and do our best to provide the best environment we can for them. We want them to be healthy, safe, and do their best at whatever it is they love to do. Every day is a privilege to be part of the lives of our patients.
What Parents Can Do To Improve Their Child’s Health: Simply spend time with your children. Be present for them. Have them watch less TV.
Hobbies: I really like to run and bike on the trail with my kids. I also love to camp and ski.
Dogs or Cats: Definitely dogs. They love you. Cats could care less!
Playing On My iPod: The Lumineers, Imagine Dragons, Lights, fun., Gotye.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Cape Cod, with Disney World a close second.
Favorite Food: Pizza
Always In The Fridge: Milk!!!
Favorite Book: The Dispossessed, by Ursula K. Le Guin.
Who Plays You In Your Hollywood Biography? Ben Stiller.
I’d Love To Dine With: Aziz Ansari.
Best Advice Received: From Mom: “Damian, calm down. It’s only a spelling test! If you keep this up you’ll have an ulcer by the time you’re in third grade!” From Dad: “Be honest.”