Chobanian is the only pediatric nephrologist in New Hampshire and the director of medical transplantation at DHMC. He did his residency in pediatrics at Dartmouth and joined the staff in 1997 as an adult kidney specialist. He still sees a small cadre of adult patients with kidney disease.

What made you decide to become a physician?

My father was the first person in his family to go to college, so it was obvious that my brother and I, as the second generation of Americans, were expected to go to college and become doctors, dentists, or lawyers. Fortunately, when I was in high school, I learned to love the medical profession and, what is most important in life, serving others. The rest was easy.

What is the greatest joy in your work?

In my first academic post, at the University of Wisconsin, I thrived on being able to apply what I was studying in the lab to my patients. When I came to Dartmouth, I was given the opportunity to evolve into a transplant physician. Now my greatest joy is seeing patients change their lives and regain what they want most—good health. A transplant recipient transforms before the physician's eyes; we are privileged to be given the opportunity to see the fruits of our work every day.

And the greatest frustration?

Dealing with a lack of knowledge in the insurance arena—having insurance companies make decisions about patient care. If we continue to permit insurance

companies to decide which avenue of therapy is best for patients, we are going to be in big trouble in the future.

What's your favorite nonwork activity?

Being with my family. My wife, who is a pediatrician and child developmentalist, and I have six children. There is nothing more gratifying than raising a family and watching them grow, mature, and become wonderful people.

What misconceptions do people have about your specialty?

Even though we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first transplant in America last year, there are still people who think that a transplant is a thing of the future. They don't realize that transplantation has evolved into a

standard solution to treat end-stage kidney, liver, lung, and heart disease.

Of what professional accomplishments are you most proud?

Developing DHMC's transplant program as the only one in New England that has almost 75% of its transplant recipients on one drug, rather than on two or three, while maintaining a less than 4% annual rejection rate without compromising outcomes. I'm also proud to be working with the most talented, dedicated, and committed group of colleagues—our team is the most envied in the hospital and the region.

Finish this sentence: If I had more time I would . . .

Spend it with my family. Life is short and my time is valuable. Family is everything to me.

What about you might surprise people?

I belong to the Society of American Baseball Researchers, or SABR as it is known in baseball circles. SABR keeps track of every obscure statistic in baseball, while recording the history, development, and progress of the sport since its inception in the 1800s. I love the game and still try to umpire and coach when I can.

Hollywood is doing a movie of your life. Who plays you?

Definitely Jack Nicholson, in the role that he played in As Good As It Gets. I have a hard shell, but underneath I'm a softie.