Erik Michael Thordarson, MD

About Erik M. Thordarson, MD

“I practice medicine based on the model of ‘whole person care,’ ” says Dr. Erik M. Thordarson, “which takes into account life circumstances, philosophical views, and any other factors that may influence that patient’s views on the world/mental illness.”

While in kindergarten, when Dr. Thordarson listened to stories from his father, a physician in LaPorte, IN, he decided to work in the medical field.

His education took place at Andrews University, where he earned a B.A. in Biology and then he continued into the field of psychiatry and graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Saint Mary Mercy Hospital (Livonia, MI).

“I chose this specialty due to several extended family members struggling with depression,” he says.

He has worked as Chief Resident and Resident Didactics Coordinator at Saint Mary Mercy Hospital. He holds a Michigan Medical License and is a member …of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Thordarson prescribes medications and provides therapy for mental illness to those he treats. “I hope that patients have learned from me that mental illness is as real as any other medical ailment,” he says. “I hope that they have learned that I truly care for their predicaments.”

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My father showed me that we should treat each patient like we would want our family treated and attempt to understand their situation.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  My first job growing up was landscaping and I remember the satisfying feeling of clearing/cleaning up overgrown areas.

What is your favorite food? Movie?  Favorite food: Mexican  Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My best subject was science and my worst was calculus.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  I would like to dine with J.R.R. Tolkien and hear him discuss the history and lore of his novels.

What are your hobbies, interests?  I love reading fantasy novels and playing new video games with family/friends.

What is something most people don’t know about you?  I used to do gymnastics and competed at the state level in elementary school.