Jon Friedenberg is the chief operating officer at Marin General Hospital, and provides the overall direction for internal hospital operations. Previously, he was vice president of El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, where he founded the Genomic Medicine Institute, South Asian Heart Center, The Fogarty Institute for Innovation and the Center for Technology Integration. Friedenberg, who is married with two children, enjoys hiking with his family along Marin’s trails and coastline when he’s not in the office.
How long have you and your wife been married?
Dodi and I have been married 30 years.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born in San Francisco, but most of my family was located in Marin so I’ve been spending time here since I was an infant. I’ve lived in San Anselmo since 2010.
What was your major in college?
I graduated from UC Berkley with a major in political science.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I like to attend Shakespeare plays, hike along the Point Reyes National Seashore and listen to the Allman Brothers band.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Passing Measure F in Marin.
What do you consider your best quality?
Most people say I’m easy to talk to.
If you could cure any disease, what would you cure and why?
Heart disease, because doing so would save the most lives.
Are you an adrenaline junky? What’s something you’ve done that got your adrenaline through the roof?
No. But once, I traveled more than 300 miles down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in a rubber raft.
Who’s your favorite comedian? Can you recall a joke that has stayed with you?
Richard Pryor. But, his humor isn’t suitable to repeat in your fine publication.
When were you in a hospital? Describe the situation.
When I was 4 years old, I contracted Typhoid Fever and spent six weeks at Children’s Hospital on California Street in San Francisco. Were it not for the extraordinary dedication of the M.D.s and R.N.s, I wouldn’t have survived.
When driving, are you more likely to listen to the radio, stream music or nothing at all?
I listen to NPR on the way to work, and the Allman Brothers Band on the way home.
If you were to be a character in a Shakespeare play, who would you be and why?
Prospero. His character combines magical powers and wisdom.
What is your favorite Shakespeare quote?
The opening line from Twelfth Night is on my list of favorites. “If music be the food of love, play on.”
Where is your favorite place to be?
Ashland, Oregon. It’s a beautiful small town, and home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite was social studies. Even in grade school, I was interested in current events.
What allergies do you have?
Pollen
What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?
Stephen Curry draining a three-pointer from 30 feet.
