WESTGATE STAFF:

Ken Vereschagin, M.D.
Elder

vereschagink@caminomedical.org

Vitals

Ken brought his family of 4 to Westgate in 2004, looking for a church that was outreaching and uplifting. As things began to click, he got involved in KidsClub, a natural fit for a pediatrician with a heart for evangelism, and in 2007 Ken was asked to serve Westgate as an elder.

A northern California native, Ken grew up on a farm learning about hard work from his father and Russian immigrant grandfather (“he wrote the book on the Protestant work ethic”). While in high school, Ken came to know Jesus as his personal Savior after a brilliant theological lesson explained by a cute blond cheerleader named Suzanne.


Professionally, Ken is a Stanford grad in Biology who earned his MD degree at UC San Diego. He is a partner with the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, practicing pediatrics and sports medicine in Santa Clara, on the teaching faculty at Stanford, and is former Chief-of-Staff for El Camino Hospital.

A Few of my Favorite Things

Sports — “I was a basketball player in my prime; now I’m a coach at The Kings Academy. I’m all about golf, with a passion to improve my game (index 5) and a real joy that comes from pulling off the impossible shot. I work out 2-3 times/week to stay fit (the body is a temple) and practice what I preach; and I do push my kids (see Nicole and Luke below) a bit.”

Music — “I like to play more than listen, and I’m part of The Sons of Jubal (Genesis 4, look it up!) Christian Jazz Band, playing trumpet and flugelhorn. Occasionally, I dabble on soprano sax (Kenny V) when the trumpet gets too loud, and I really love to worship in music.”

Books — “The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard changed me (why not start eternal life now?). I also like to read stuff by Phillip Yancey, Erwin McManus and John Ortberg.

Ministry — “Being a full-on evangelical, I love sharing the Good News about the gift of salvation through faith in Christ with anyone interested…That’s why I look forward to KidsClub—the 3rd 4th and 5th graders—they listen!”

What Ifs?
What if you weren’t practicing medicine?
“I’d probably be in ministry, but I really love helping kids with their health; moving from physical to spiritual, that’s the challenge.”

What if you could spend time with any famous historical person?
"Jesus and Paul—How did he get so deep in faith and with people?”