Dr. John Anthony Cella, MD

I moved from Chicago to San Diego in 1982, courtesy of the Naval Medical Corps, and fell in love with our city. My father was a pediatrician on the south side of Chicago, where I grew up in a large family with eight children. Initially, I was interested in a religious vocation, but after my father died of a heart attack at age 44, I chose to pursue a career in medicine. I have enjoyed my practice every day since I started, particularly with the families in which I have seen babies grow and become productive young adults. I have three married children with four grandchildren and two more on the way. I enjoy spending time with them and especially with my wife, who watches them three days a week. I became a doctor to help others and provide a service to society. I never realized how rewarding it would be for me personally.