Camille Hunter, MD
Board Certified Internal & Geriatric Medicine
What led you to become a geriatrician?
Since I was a small child I’ve felt a strong connection to the older generation. My grandparents helped raise me and taught me about respect, responsibility, perseverance and unconditional love. As a young adult, my intellectual curiosity and interest in problem solving influenced my decision to pursue internal medicine.
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During my internal medicine residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, I often found myself wishing I could have known my patients before they got sick or that I could have followed them after leaving the hospital. In contrast, whenever I finally had a chance to sit down and talk with a patient, I felt a special connection with them that gave me a lasting sense of satisfaction and joy in my work. I realized that I treasure significant long-term relationships with patients, especially seniors.
What made you choose Santa Barbara as your home?
I fell in love with Santa Barbara the first day I came here as a medical student to interview at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The people in the hospital and around town were warm, welcoming, and relaxed. The nearby ocean, mountains, and perfect weather gave me a sense of calm and inspired me to get outside and enjoy life. The supportive and brilliant physicians who trained me at Cottage Hospital made me the doctor I am today, and the colleagues I met along the way became lifelong friends and a second family. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the world.
What is your favorite part of being a geriatrician?
I appreciate that my older patients challenge me to manage complex medical problems yet simultaneously see the big picture. I enjoy approaching each patient as a whole person and recognizing all the factors that affect their lives and their care. I enjoy taking a thorough and integrative approach to medical care in the geriatric population, looking at each patient as a remarkable individual.
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What is your life like outside of medicine?
I grew up in the desert of Tucson, Arizona surrounded by mountains and cacti. I love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. I also enjoy being near the ocean, having picnics on the beach, and paddle boarding. I have a sweet dog named Sedona and two friendly cats, Emily and Napoleon.
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Credentials
Medical Board Certifications
Geriatric Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
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Fellowship
Geriatric Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
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Residency
Internal Medicine, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
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Internship
Internal Medicine, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
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Medical Degree
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, MD
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Undergraduate Degree
Occidental College, BA in Kinesiology cum laude
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Specialty
Geriatric Medicine
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Hospital Affiliation
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
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State License
A154513