KDHamptons

KDH: Southampton Urgent Medical Care is an invaluable anchor to our community. What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

Dr. Kot: One answer would be insufficient to describe the best part of my job. However, I do love that my work at SUMC allows me to incorporate multiple disciplines of medicine. I also thrive on the variety and challenge in diagnosing ‘difficult’ cases, implementing the proper medical treatment, and witnessing a positive outcome and feedback from my patients.

KDH: What is Dr. Kot’s version of a perfect day in the Hamptons?

Dr. Kot: My ultimate escape from the rigors of my practice is destination Montauk. I dive in my pool by 7 a.m. to swim some laps, after which I enjoy a hot cup of coffee surrounded by my beautiful perennial gardens. Then it’s off to Montauk to boogie board at Ditch Plains. I pop over to Cyril’s for the soft shell crab sandwich at lunch, then head to play a round from the “tips” at Montauk Downs with my buddies. The wind always blows and the course never plays the same. Following a cold beer at the ’19th hole’ we’re off to the lighthouse for surf casting, in hopes of catching a striped bass during a blitz. From there, I head to Sag Harbor for dinner on the porch at the American Hotel where a chilled dirty martini, a dozen Robin’s Island oysters, and the filet mignon complete my perfect day.

KDH: You are a great dad to a beautiful daughter, Lily. What are your favorite things to do together?

Dr. Kot: Lily is my only child and we recently celebrated her 15th birthday this summer. Her interests have evolved over the years, but I still like to think she enjoys hiking with Dad at Mashomack preserve on Shelter Island. Lily is a great athlete, and I love watching her play basketball and tennis. We love swimming at home and in the ocean, and having backgammon battles at the American Hotel.

KDH: Share a bit of history about Maple Shade, our beautiful old farmhouse in Water Mill?

Dr. Kot: We live in a 3 story, recently renovated, Victorian farmhouse which was built in 1887 and still retains it’s original character. The house is surrounded by farm land and open preserve, and has three giant, beautiful, old silver maple trees, for which the property was aptly named Maple Shade. A wrap around porch framed by Endless Summer hydrangeas complement the exterior, and the interior is filled with fine art and antiques- I’ve been told I have an ‘old soul.’ The house was recently featured in the book True East, which chronicles the history of the original farming families of the Hamptons.

KDH: If you could snap your fingers and become somebody other than a doctor, what would you be?

Dr. Kot: I would love to travel the world as a photographer for National Geographic magazine.

KDH: Okay, let’s get into your secret nickname. Does it bother you when you hear that patients call you Dr. Hot?

Dr. Hot: [laughing] I have been called other names as well! But I take that one as a compliment and am somewhat flattered by it.

KDH: Most people don’t know that you are a consummate gardener. Got any tips for readers who are just finding their green thumb on where to start?

Dr. Kot: A beautiful Hamptons garden begins with a variety of Hydrangea, mixed grasses, and lots of Daylilies. I head to Marders for my Hydrangea, Halsey Farms for my annuals, Eastland Farms for perennials.

KDH: You work 7 days a week, and love every minute of it, but what do you dream of doing with more personal time?

Dr. Kot: I have a strong sense of wanderlust in me and would love to travel more, and hike all of the national parks. So far I have six under my belt, with many more to go!! I would also love to work with Doctors Without Borders on disaster relief projects.

KDH: Golf is currently your favorite sport. What is your handicap, and your top three favorite courses to play?

Dr. Kot: I play to a five on a good day, and my favorite Hamptons courses would definitely be: Shinnecock, National, and the Maidstone.

*Visit Dr. Kot at Southampton Urgent Medical Care, 609 Hampton Road, Southampton 631.204.9600