Austin Pulliam, MD

As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Pulliam makes it possible for patients to safely undergo invasive procedures without remembering the experience or feeling any pain. He explains, “I take on the responsibility of protecting each patient while they are under my care.”

Dr. Pulliam believes in practicing individualized medicine. In a short period of time, he tries to understand the patient’s concerns and risk factors, using combined decision making to offer a plan that addresses those concerns, minimizes risks and optimizes surgical conditions. “I want to offer my patients excellent customer service, if you will,” he says.

“My main philosophy of medicine is to remember I am meeting people in one of the most stressful and uncertain times of their lives. I want them to have the most up-front and appropriate information possible so they can make informed decisions.”

Dr. Pulliam chose to practice at Beacon because of its patient-centered philosophy and dedication to safety. “It has been a rewarding experience to care for patients under the Beacon umbrella at Elkhart General Hospital.”

In his own words

Who was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mother has been an excellent mentor as a parent and as a medical professional.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? Myself and a close friend ran a neighborhood lawn-mowing service in Texas in early high school. I remember heat, lots of sweating, and cut up legs.

What is your favorite food? I like many foods, but I had had to choose a last meal, it’s hard to beat a perfect steak.

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite subjects were math and science, my least favorite were history and English.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased), who would it be and why? Kobe Bryant, more so now that he’s deceased. I was amazed by his natural skills and determined work ethic, his real-life struggles and his ability to rebuild his image, and his message to everyone that you can achieve greatness with the right work ethic and determination. A true professional and natural leader.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? Family is number one, being there for my wife and son (soon to be son and daughter). I really enjoy most everything to do with cars from working on them, driving them, detailing them, buying and selling them.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I lived in Newcastle, England for the first year of my medical education.