Dr. Kenton Dover is assistant professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine with expertise in point-of-care ultrasonography. Prior to studying medicine, he had a career as a Protestant minister. In his bio, he recognizes a desire to help people, especially in the most challenging of life’s circumstances, which ultimately led him to pursue a career as a physician in this field. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Dover is interested in quality improvement, palliative care, and ethical dilemmas in critical care medicine. In December, he was appointed medical director of the Medicine Intensive Care Unit.
What brought you to UNC Medical Center?
North Carolina is my home and I love the people of UNC. I also love being the part of the state hospital and taking care of all the people who live in North Carolina.
Where are you from?
Bear Grass, North Carolina
Did you always want to be a doctor?
No. As a child I often stated, “I will never be a doctor” because I didn’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps. I had a previous career as a Baptist minister prior to pursuing a career in medicine.
How did you choose your specialty?
I love the physiology and pathology in the ICU as well as pulmonary physiology. I also enjoy procedures.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I enjoy working with patients and their families and helping them through critical illness.
What are some of the new developments in your field of specialty?
Management of Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), treatment and prevention of severe coronavirus infection.
Is there a particular achievement (professional or personal) that has been most gratifying to you?
Most gratifying professional achievement was being selected as Fellow of the Year by the UNC House Staff for the 2018-2019 Academic year. My most gratifying personal achievements are my three children: Levi (7), Emmi (4) and Caleb (1).
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Sometimes the right answer is, “I don’t know” and it’s always ok to ask for help.
If you weren’t a physician, what would you like to be doing?
I would be in the ministry, and spending more time with my family.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy playing the guitar, cooking, and trying new flavors of pancakes.
Do you have a favorite quote or life motto?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
What was the last book you read?
Monsters Love Underpants
Dr. Dover and his son published a children’s book in 2020 recognizing the questions a young child may ask in order to understand why a parent’s job requires more time away, compared to other careers.