Joseph Fugaro, M.D., practices critical care medicine and has been in health care since 1996. “The processes of cellular biology and human physiology have always attracted me,” he said. “Studying these subjects eventually led to chances to interrupt pathology with technology. My academic pursuits eventually blossomed into my current career.”

Dr. Fugaro chose to focus on critical care medicine after working in the thoracic surgery department. “Thoracic surgery led me to spend more and more time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” he said. “My joy and professional satisfaction in the ICU were apparent to the critical care team and my family. They all encouraged me to continue studying and enhancing my skills with critical care medicine.”

Dr. Fugaro enjoys seeing his patient’s progress. “All patients have the right to preserve their dignity and free will,” he said. “Critical care medicine typically offers patients an opportunity to get well. The ICU team’s greatest joy follows the patient who takes advantage of that opportunity.”

Prior to joining Utica Park Clinic, Dr. Fugaro worked at Saint Francis Health System in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dr. Fugaro has been a flight surgeon in the U.S. military since 2011. When he is away from the office, Dr. Fugaro enjoys reading and exercising. He is fluent in Italian.