Chad Krilich, M.D., is the chief medical officer for St. Joseph Health in Sonoma County. Krilich joined the hospital in 2017 after eight years at MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, Wash. Krilich is passionate about his faith, family and fitness. He’s committed to leading a healthy lifestyle—an avid runner who has completed five marathons and still runs half marathons. “It’s fun to take on new challenges that people say are hard, and it’s a hobby that keeps me healthy,” he says. Krilich lives in Santa Rosa with his wife, Julie, and their two children, Alli and Drew.
Morning. No question. I love my quiet morning time to run, read and journal.
Who’s the best cook you know?
My wife. She makes a dessert during the holidays called an “Oh My Gosh.” Imagine an Oreo topped with caramel and coated in chocolate, covered in sea salt. Take a bite, and the next three words out of your mouth are, “Oh my gosh.”
How did you meet your wife?
Julie and I met as undergraduates at the University of Washington. I proposed to her as I was preparing to head to medical school. We’ve been together for 24 years. We’ve known each other longer than our life before meeting.
If you could cure one disease, which would it be?
Heart disease. It continues to be the leading cause of death.
Describe your life using one word.
Blessed.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?
A lot will change for our family in 10 years. The kids will start driving, graduate high school, leave the nest, and (hopefully) fall in love for the first time. My wife and I will be empty nesters and we can start adventuring together alone. My wife and I have committed to aging well together through exercise, laughter and faith in God.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Half Moon Bay for our 20th wedding anniversary.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is my walk with faith. Being a father provided a great amount of insight as to who I am and who I am really called to be. Now, I have come to understand that my priorities are my faith, family, fitness, and then my fiduciary responsibilities. Most of my days start with journaling, reading scripture, and praying.
How would you define “faith?”
I think Merriam-Webster says it best with a “belief and trust in and loyalty to God and/or belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion.”
If you could ask God any single question, what would it be?
Why didn’t the Seahawks give the ball to Marshawn Lynch on the one-yard line with just 30 seconds to go while trailing the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX?
What would you name your boat if you had one?
I would name it Princess, maybe.
What’s your favorite song to sing at karaoke?
I don’t sing karaoke as a kindness to all around. However, I’ve been known to sing “The Gambler” from time-to-time while driving.
What do you consider your best quality?
A theme of late has been resiliency. It came forward through feedback that I’ve received over the years. I attribute it to my parents and my Croatian heritage. Being the son of a first generation U.S. citizen, it was admirable to see how my father sold printing for a living to provide for our family.
