Michael Carl, MD
“I treasure an eagle feather given to me by a Native American patient. It reminds me that it’s all about the lives that we touch in a special way.”
Michael Carl, MD never loses sight of why he chose medicine. When his daughter was born with a heart defect, he switched careers to become a physician. After completing a rotation in emergency at UC Davis, he knew he had found his passion in medicine.
The Chief of the Emergency Department from 2003-2006, Dr. Carl initiated important changes in the emergency department, which streamlined operations, including the implementation of KP HealthConnect and the development of the Physician-In-Triage program. The triage program shortened the admission process, resulting in less waiting time and more available beds.
In 2005, Dr. Carl enthusiastically accepted the role of APIC, and he led South Sacramento’s successful campaign to receive Level II Trauma Center status, a victory he is quick to share with his team. The South Sacramento Emergency Department consistently receives MPS scores above the regional average. The department cares for 65,000 patients per year; 25% of these patients are not Kaiser Permanente members.
With over 16 years as an outstanding physician and leader in TPMG, Dr. Carl continues his affiliation with the UC Davis School of Medicine, where he teaches emergency medicine and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association.