Ask Dr. Michael Lokale when he knew he wanted to be a physician and he will tell you about his childhood in Kitale, Kenya. As a boy growing up in the remote tribal village, he saw many people die of preventable diseases. The nearest hospital was 12 miles away and was traveled by foot, not by car. He knew then he wanted to help others be well.

Dr. Lokale felt his best shot at a good education would be to come to the United States. A cousin (an Olympic gold medalist) told him how to apply for an athletic scholarship. Lokale, also a champion runner, applied and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Virginia Military Institute.

After graduating, Dr. Lokale went to Oxford University, England, on a Rhodes scholarship. From there he returned to the U.S. and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Most recently, Dr. Lokale attended the University of Arizona where he completed his residency in Family Medicine.

Dr. Lokale says he chose to be a family doctor, "Because you get to see people from youth throughout their lives. You build lifelong relationships. You are the keeper of peoples’ stories." His philosophy of care is compassionate treating each patient as an individual. He feels he is a good listener, easy to talk to and readily available.