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Emoto’s on Top of The World
(San Bernardino, CA) Climbing all 14,505 feet to the top of Mount Whitney, takes a lot of planning, preparation, dedication and attention to detail.
These are all traits Dr. Cheryl Emoto, medical director at LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. showcases daily as she balances her professional career and family life. And, oh-by-the-way, she’s climbed Mount Whitney twice.
“There is nothing like being on top of a mountain,’’ she says, about her experience reaching the top of Mount Whitney. “It gives you a very clear perspective. …I believe it is important to stay healthy and remain active. Staying active, spending time with my family and playing outdoors keeps me happy and positive in life.’’
Much like her drive to climb Mount Whitney and maintain a balanced life, Dr. Emoto’s determination has transformed her into one of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. most prized physicians.
“It was natural for Dr. Emoto to become our medical director. She pays attention to detail, which is a must when dealing with audits and in-depth analysis of patient care, and government regulations,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga. “Cheryl has a knack for tracking everything.”
Dr. Emoto credits her parents, for instilling in her a good work ethic and the idea of becoming a doctor.
Dr. Emoto says she told her mother one day she wanted to be a nurse. “Her response was, ‘You know you can be a doctor, too,”’ Emoto says.
It was then, Dr. Emoto, who grew up in Michigan, decided she wanted to be a doctor.
In 1980, Dr. Emoto moved to Southern California to attend Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda. She completed her residency training at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
“As a doctor in training I noticed that pediatrician seemed so much happier,” said Dr. Emoto. “So I became a pediatrician and I want to keep treating children. Its true doctors that treat children are the happiest doctors.
In 1987, Dr. Emoto joined LaSalle Medical Associates.
“I called Cheryl at home and we talked about what she was doing and what she wanted to do as a doctor,’’ says Dr. Arteaga. “She was adamant that she wanted to deliver high quality healthcare in a respectful environment. She also wanted to work part-time so that she could spend time with her then five-month-old son.”
Dr. Emoto was just what Dr. Arteaga was looking for – a dedicated and caring individual for his Fontana pediatric clinic.
She spent 12 years in LaSalle’s Fontana clinic working and raising a family. Latter she moved to LaSalle’s Hesperia clinic and now she splits her time between Hesperia and the Corporate office s the medical director.
Dr. Emoto is also coordinating efforts to prepare LaSalle for an increased demand in healthcare services once the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The law, also known as ObamaCare, is expected to take full-effect in 2014 and will mandate all U.S. citizens carry health insurance much like drivers have to carry auto insurance.
“Cheryl has found the balance between work and life, and that’s a good balance to have,’’ says Dr. Arteaga. “Not only is she a great role model to our physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals, Cheryl is also proof you can have it all.”
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About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.
