Beacon Medical Group Specialists Centennial

Dr. Kevin Cumper has always had an interest in microbiology. However, it wasn't until the middle of graduate school that he felt a calling to do something beyond microbiology research. "I found that working with patients directly was much more fulfilling than just doing lab work," Dr. Cumper said. "It's rewarding to be able to cure diseases." Dr. Cumper loves the opportunity to create a great outcome for a patient. And that positive outcome can't take place without a great team to make it happen. "A strong team makes everything better," he said. "The whole patient care team thrives on good communication and can positively impact a patient's life." Dr. Cumper describes himself as an avid gamer, his passion lying in computer games. He also loves to read in his free time.

Dr. M. Uzair Saqlain sees himself as a coach as much as he is an oncologist."Oncology is a specialty where you develop a strong and special bond with your patients," Dr. Saqlain said. "That bond often begins in the most difficult and uncertain time for our patients and together we form a team with the ultimate goal of returning them to their lives."While Dr. Saqlain realized his passion for medicine early in high school, he did not decide to pursue oncology until his residency in the U.S. "I am inspired by the strength, determination and courage of patients undergoing cancer treatment," he said. "People ask me why I chose a specialty that is sometimes emotionally taxing. I feel this is the most satisfying job, because I am able to help patients when others might lose hope."Like many physicians, Dr. Saqlain has learned to listen carefully to his patients, because the details they share are often better than tests. Medicine today is not one-sided. "My greatest hope is that patients find me approachable and honest. I coach and guide, but they are in charge," he said. "I am driven by the desire to help them at their most vulnerable time, hold their hand and guide them on their journey."In his own words:What was your favorite subject in school and your worst subject? I loved biology and zoology, but I did not enjoy math. As I look back, I think it may be because everyone in my family was superb at math so it was a lot of pressure.What was your first job? I started building gaming computers for my friends and relatives.What book is on your nightstand? "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi. It's a memoir about his life and fight against stage IV metastatic lung cancer.What do you enjoy outside of work? I like to explore technology, especially smart homes and automation. I listen to music when I have time. I'm a country music fan.

Everything fell into place for Dr. Howard Wiarda in college. He had always enjoyed anatomy classes, and one day it just clicked that he was meant to be a physician.This love of understanding the human body transferred well to his specialty field, where he now uses interventional radiology to help patients live a better life."The most important part of my work is knowing that I take good care of my patients," Dr. Wiarda said. "I want my patients to know that they're important to me."Of course, Dr. Wiarda likes to have fun, too. He believes that when you like what you do and you like the people you work with, everything else works itself out. His personal motto is related to this."If you keep the patient at the forefront, and make the right decisions with the patient in mind, everything else will settle," he says.Home Life:When Dr. Wiarda is not working, he can most likely be found outside biking, running, swimming, or spending time with his family.