About Dr. Kozelka For Dr. James Kozelka, it was his love of biology that drove him toward a career in medicine. “Prior to medical school I was a physiology graduate student,” he explains. “My research interest was focused on the nervous system. I found clinical neurology a natural extension of my graduate studies.” As a neurologist, Dr. Kozelka helps people with disorders of the nervous system (brain, spine and peripheral nerves), including headaches, seizures and memory problems. “I’m excited to be part of the Beacon team because of the potential for growth in the area of outpatient neurology in collaboration with an excellent inpatient neurology service.” Dr. Kozelka sees himself as an advisor to his patients and is always impressed by the strength they have in the face of challenging health concerns. “We have a great opportunity to help people through difficult times by offering support and education,” he explains. “I want people to know that I am a caring individual who truly wants them to understand their health issues and their options for treatment.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? I have many role models. Perhaps the best was my father who taught me the value of hard work. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked for my father who was a caterer. What is your favorite food? Movie? Book? My favorite food is vegetarian lasagna. The Great Outdoors is my favorite movie (I love John Candy). My favorite book is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Abraham Lincoln. He took our country through such a difficult time, at great personal expense. I believe we could use a man like him in the oval office right now. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I love to hike and spend time with my family. What is something most people don’t know about you? I wanted to be a professional baseball player when I grew up.