Occupation: Orthopaedic Surgeon
Wife: Jacqueline
Children: Caroline, 11, Michael, 8, and Matthew, 5
Hobbies: Working out, running, golfing, hanging out with family, and deer hunting

Between a busy orthopaedic practice, serving as LSU’s consulting foot and ankle surgeon, and keeping up with three active kids, Dr. Brian Perry knows a thing or two about balance. The Baton Rouge native, LSU alum, and proud dad shares how he makes time for family, encourages his kids to stay active, and why being a father has changed the way he approaches his work and life.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. WHAT’S LIFE LIKE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD RIGHT NOW?
BRIAN: I have a great family that means the world to me. Our kids’ ages range from 5-11, so we are in a bit of a sweet spot being out of the diaper and bottle stage but not quite to the “teen years.” Despite that, it’s still busy. You go from one full-time job to another when you get home. It’s kind of like a juggling act ensuring kids get to their practices and games as well as making sure they have completed their homework and are ready for their tests that week.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A DAD?
BRIAN: The pure joy and genuine excitement the kids have when I get home from work. It sometimes feels like a pep rally when I walk in the door. It makes you feel special. It also provides purpose and motivation for the long days at work.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WEEKEND LIKE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
BRIAN: Fridays usually involve everyone gathering after getting home from school and work. The kids will sometimes have sleepovers, and we usually pick up someone’s favorite meal—whether that’s sushi, Mexican or pizza. Generally, Saturdays consist of sports games in the mornings and possibly birthday parties in the afternoon. We have great family friends in the neighborhood and we usually get together to let the kids play and adults relax at someone’s house. We round it out with church on Sundays, prepping for the week ahead, and I usually like to grill or cook a good meal Sunday evenings.

ARE THERE ANY FAMILY TRADITIONS YOU TRY TO STICK TO?
BRIAN: We try to sit at the table and eat dinner together as much as possible. It is a good time to catch up on everyone’s day. My wife and I will ask everyone’s “sunny and cloudy” to learn about their day. I think this is the best time and way to stay up to date with what is going on in their lives.

HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE BETWEEN FAMILY LIFE AND YOUR SCHEDULE?
BRIAN: I wake up early and workout or run. I think it sets the tone for a good day and gives me flexibility so when I do get home from work, I can be in full dad mode, helping out with homework, carpooling to practice, or preparing for dinner.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH LSU ATHLETICS?
BRIAN: I treat all the foot and ankle injuries for LSU athletics. I grew up in Baton Rouge and went to LSU. Purple and gold runs through my veins, so transitioning from a fan to one of the team doctors was pretty exciting. However, there’s also a little bit of stress that’s involved with it. There’s a surgery I’ll do 50 times a year, but when it’s a star athlete that everyone in the city is counting on, there’s a bit of added pressure. Despite the high stakes that go along with it, the athletes are great to work with, and I really enjoy doing it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PARENTS FOR KEEPING THEIR KIDS’ BONES, JOINTS, AND MUSCLES HEALTHY?
BRIAN: Multivitamins, healthy diet, routine outdoor exercise and play, and common sense with practice schedules to avoid overuse injuries.

HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN KIDS TO STAY ACTIVE?
BRIAN: My kids are involved in some sort of extracurricular activity or sport year round, and at times, more than one. Each sport fosters development of unique skill sets. It also builds friendships with their teammates. The swim team may not be one of their favorites, but it certainly builds their cardio fitness which will carry over to other sports. We also try to limit screen time. Sometimes screens are necessary to allow them to recharge their batteries, but we try to keep limits on how long. Sometimes being bored is a good thing—it allows for creativity and figuring out ways to entertain themselves.

WHAT ARE ACTIVITIES YOUR FAMILY ENJOYS DOING TOGETHER?
BRIAN: Dining out, bike rides, LSU games (all sports, not just football), and beach trips.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF PARENTING ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
BRIAN: The days are long, but the years are short. This phrase reminds me that while parenting can, at times, be exhausting and overwhelming—don’t blink—these days will pass quicker than we want, so cherish the highs and lows, and enjoy the journey!

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS
Favorite date night…Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Words that best describe your family…active, keep you on your toes, fun, and exciting.
Favorite genre of movie or television shows…comedy.
Favorite food…Mexican or a filet.