Meet Dr. Keith DesRochers: Forward’s Newest Physician in Century City

Forward is the new approach to primary care, offering customized plans to help you control the future of your health. Today, we sit down with Keith to hear his take on tech-enabled, member-centered healthcare.

Dr. Keith DesRochers — our newest physician at Westfield Century City — completed his BA at Harvard University, MD at Oregon Health and Science University and Internal Medicine residency at UCLA. Prior to joining Forward he was a primary care physician and extensivist at CareMore Health, with experience managing complex chronic illness. He is interested in creating a health care experience that values the member above all else.

What first drew you to practice medicine?

I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. As a kid, I frequently watched videos of heart surgeries and always found myself mesmerized. I was lucky to find a fantastic mentor — a world-famous pediatric cardiologist — who was passionate about inspiring students to join the medical profession.

What areas of interest do you have as a physician?

I’m amazed by the power of nutrition in health. In my previous practice, I developed expertise managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

What is your experience with the current healthcare industry? Where would you most like to see improvements or changes?

Much of the patient experience in the traditional healthcare system is determined by the demands of payers — government or insurance — and the routines of doctors. In order to improve the way we deliver healthcare, we need to build a system that prioritizes the needs of patients above all else.

Why did you decide to join Forward?

I think Forward truly represents the future of medicine. The technology we are developing gives me the ability to practice medicine the way that I believe it should be. I also appreciate that Forward emphasizes great design, which is too often lacking in healthcare.

What are a few fun facts about you that our members might not know?

My mother comes from a family of Buddhist priests who live in a 500-year-old temple in southern Japan. They have maintained the temple for 21 generations while listening and healing in the community.