Meet your MEC: Brett Mikeska, MD

‘To see a patient transplanted and liberated … is the greatest gift’

In this series, we’ll meet members of the Medical Executive Committees (MECs) at Salem and West Valley hospitals so you can get to know the people behind these leadership roles. Next up, Brett Mikeska, MD, Salem Hospital Medical Specialty Department Chair. Dr. Mikeska specializes in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist and practices at Kidney Care Physicians, located in Salem Hospital Building C, 5^th Floor.

What does it mean to you to be part of the MEC?

The MEC is a truly great group of people who want what's best for the patients and medical staff of Salem Health. We tackle challenging issues, but when we come together with that shared intention, we usually find the best solution.

What made you want to specialize in Nephrology?

I initially did not like caring for nephrology patients in the hospital, but I had an amazing attending who convinced me to do a full elective rotation during my residency. I found that by seeing our dialysis patients weekly, we get to build very strong relationships with them and can make a real impact on their quality of life.

Why are you a doctor?

I was initially drawn to the academic challenge of medicine, but I've come to value the relationships and trust that are built when patients know you truly care about them.

What do you want most for your patients?

I want them to have healthier lives, and, for most of my patients, that means a transplant. To see a patient transplanted and liberated from dialysis and start rebuilding their lives is the greatest gift. 

What’s a fun fact about you we’d never guess?

I live on a small farm with my wife and three boys, where we care for beef cattle, chickens, two massive dogs and a fat cat.

What are you reading right now?

I have been on a Russian literature kick lately. I am currently reading Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. 

Tell us about one of your hobbies!

I try to do anything my boys are doing, although not as well, of course — snowboarding, hiking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

What’s a favorite local landmark?

Silver Falls State Park's Trail of Ten Falls is great — my family and I go there often.

Best restaurant in the Willamette Valley (and your order)?

We rarely eat at restaurants, but if we go out, the carne asada at Casamigos in Keizer is what I want. 

What do you like most about Salem Hospital?

I enjoy working alongside exceptional people, and I love chatting with everyone I cross paths with — coffee shop folks, EVS, nurses, PT, pharmacists, ultrasound techs and all my colleagues. I know everyone is busy, so I try to be mindful, but I never regret stopping to say hello.

What’s the best advice you ever heard?

Always do what is right for the patient. At the end of the day, nothing else matters.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I'm truly blessed to work with such a great group of nephrologists at Kidney Care Physicians. We have grown to become good friends, and that camaraderie makes the difficult days better.