Dr. Michael Steven Klemm, MD

Welcome to My Home Page!

Why Did I Choose to Practice Medicine?

My father was a bricklayer and he felt there was a better way for his son to make a living. He encouraged me to attend college and while considering my options I realized that becoming a doctor was what I wanted to do. I was the first in my parent’s family to attend college and the day I graduated from medical school was truly a proud day for my parents and I. The opportunity to care for patients and work with professional colleagues has confirmed my decision.

Why Did I Choose Anesthesiology as a Specialty?

After many clinical rotations, I discovered that I was attracted to the operating room. I particularly enjoyed anesthesia as it gave me a chance to care for patients in a one on one manner and to see the immediate results of my efforts. I love the fact that I can direct my full attention and skills to a single patient. I also enjoy the ability to customize a patient’s care during the procedure, and see the …results of my interventions in a nearly instantaneous manner. I enjoy the challenge of adapting to the constantly changing needs of our patients as they undergo their surgical procedure. In addition, I am able to work with a great group of professionals in the operating room who, working as a team, can make a big difference in our patients’ lives.

Why Do I Practice With Kaiser Permanente?

While serving in the United States Navy as an anesthesiologist, I had the chance to practice part-time in both a fee-for–service environment and Kaiser Permanente. I found that I really enjoyed the team approach to the patients’ care that Kaiser Permanente employs, and the collegial atmosphere. The focus is to do what is best for the patient in an integrated, evidenced based manner. Having worked for Kaiser Permanente since 1990 these initial impressions have been confirmed time and time again.

What is My Practice Philosophy?

Anesthesia is unique in that I do not have a "personal" relationship with my patients. I may not be the patient’s "doctor" who they see for their general medical needs but I am their doctor when they are in the operating room. My goal is to treat every patient in the same way I would treat a family member or friend. Having had a few surgeries myself, I understand the anxiety and concerns that a patient can have while undergoing surgery. I try to keep this in mind as I customize an anesthetic plan for each patient.

What About Me as a Person?

I had the good fortune to meet the woman of my dreams in 1974 while in college. We were married in 1978 and both attended medical school in Chicago, Illinois where we were both raised. My wife is a physician with Kaiser Permanente as well and has her office as an Ob/Gyn at the Deer Valley medical office building. We have a son and daughter, now both in college. Working with Kaiser Permanente has allowed me to spend time with my family as they have grown.

In my spare time I love to play golf and enjoy dining with family and friends.