Dr. Gregg Schellack is a well-known orthopedic surgeon who practices in Crescent City, California. His work at Sutter Coast Hospital has given him the opportunity to help patients with many different conditions experience a pain-free life. He treats everyone from children with orthopedic injuries to elderly people with arthritis complications. He is dedicated to compassionate care, and he treats his patients like family.
Dr. Schellack was a resident at Loma Linda University. Before that, he attended Des Moines University in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then served an internship at the Naval Medical Center at San Diego. He was inspired to get into orthopedic surgery thanks to his work with a surgeon when he was an injured high school football player.
Dr. Gregg Schellack uses advanced techniques like arthroscopy to reduce patients’ healing time and make procedures as simple as possible. Together with his excellent colleagues at Sutter Coast Hospital, he is able to offer his patients the best in medical care with a compassionate heart.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
My favorite thing about traveling is the food. I do my best to stay in shape, but when I travel, I like to indulge in the finer things. My wife and I both enjoy finding the best traditional and new cuisine in each city we visit. We use restaurant guides to plan our trips, and when we do have time to watch television, which isn’t often, we watch a lot of travel and food programs.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Traveling is a hobby for me because I am very busy with work. I find it hard to slow down and take time away from my patients. It is important to get away now and then. It helps to reset your focus and helps you realize where your priorities lie.
I got started traveling while I was an undergraduate in college. A few friends and I got together one summer before we started internships and went to London, Paris, and Rome. It was the quintessential backpacking tour through Europe, and I made some lasting memories.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
We are headed to China this year. I am very excited for this trip. We are learning a little bit of Mandarin to get us by while we are in the country. My wife and I have a friend in Shanghai, and we will be spending some time with her while we are there. I am also excited to get to the Great Wall. My wife is looking forward to the panda research center.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
One travel tip that I would give to an inexperienced traveler is that it’s absolutely crucial that you keep track of your passport at all times. It is best to wear your passport around your neck in a travel wallet. This is the most secure way to carry your passport because you don’t have to worry about it falling out.
Where would you like to go?
There are so many places I would like to go. China is at the top of the list, but we are going there this year. I have also dreamed about going to Antarctica. That trip would take quite a long time, so I haven’t been able to put it on my schedule. I would also love to visit Australia.
Where would you like to revisit?
I always love to go back to Rome. I know the city quite well, and I like to show people around. In the United States, I would like to go back to Yellowstone. My wife and I usually take trips to major cities, but we had a great time in Yellowstone. It was good to be away from all of the electronic distractions of daily life.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I only travel alone when I have to. Sometimes I go to conferences alone, but I’m always bored when I do. I would much rather travel with my wife. Long airport layovers are terrible without anyone to talk to. I can only read for so long before I get restless.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
When people ask me where they should go on vacation, I always recommend London. It is expensive, but there is so much to do within a short radius and the public transportation system is great. People sometimes get sticker shock from a trip to London but it is worth it penny for penny. The other places that I think everyone should visit are Washington, DC and San Francisco.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I am a light packer. Besides the basics like travel documents, a few changes of clothes, and medications, I try to bring as little as possible. I am always in conflict with my wife when she wants to bring too much, including multiple choices of outfits and shoes. I prefer to leave room in our suitcase in case we want to bring anything back for the kids.
