Midwestern University graduate Desmond Watt, PA-C, was a high school biology teacher in a former life before he found his calling in health care. Today, he sees patients out of the One Medical Chicago office where he specializes in men’s health, cardiovascular health, hypertension, and sports medicine. Learn more about the Chicago provider.
What do you love about working at One Medical?
Working with incredible people with such a wide range of skills.
If I hadn’t gone into medicine, I would have…
…taught high school biology, which I did for a few years in a former life.
What is one healthy everyday lifestyle change you think everyone should make?
Walk more, and walk with a pace. Use a step counter, too—you’ll be surprised how much you need to walk to get to 10,000 steps a day.
If you could change one part of health care, what would it be?
Get more people access to affordable preventive care.
What’s your absolute favorite workout?
I’m getting back into rock climbing. There’s nothing like it.
When you work out, what’s on your playlist?
My go-to is a Spotify playlist called “Hipster House Party.” No judgment please…
What’s your favorite three-ingredient dinner?
Butternut squash and roasted walnut pasta with brown butter sauce.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
“American Ninja Warrior.” Someday, I will scale the warped wall…
Favorite hobby?
Lately, being a dad. Hanging with my 18-month-old, Lucy, is the best way to spend my time outside of work.
What’s the most common health misconception you hear?
A simple but very common one is about getting the flu from the flu shot. The vast majority of flu vaccines administered are inactivated viruses, which cannot cause illness. Get vaccinated!
What’s one thing you wish all patients knew?
Healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep can prevent or reduce the chances of almost all chronic medical conditions.
The One Medical blog is published by One Medical, a national, modern primary care practice pairing 24/7 virtual care services with inviting and convenient in-person care at over 100 locations across the U.S. One Medical is on a mission to transform health care for all through a human-centered, technology-powered approach to caring for people at every stage of life.
Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. 1Life Healthcare, Inc. and the One Medical entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.