Spotlight COlorado  

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Dr. Prina is a real live teddy bear. Just ask his patients. He has practiced in pediatrics for 21 years and loves his work. In his words, “ There’s never a dull moment; always unpredictable experiences. Everyday is different, fun and invigorating. I have a great practice that includes an amazing staff, terrific partners and amazing patients and parents. It’s a privilege to care for children and get to know families intimately”. He plans to continue his practice for at least another ten years, then maybe work part time. But his plans will always include lots of volunteer work. As he says,” I charge ahead to make a difference”.

Dean Prina grew up in Reno. “ It was a simple life, a quiet life. I went to Catholic school and was involved in sports and academics. Every summer we went to Lake Tahoe”. Life couldn’t have been too quiet though, as Dr. Prina admitted, “ I have a twin brother. We’re identical twins and even my grandparents couldn’t tell us apart. We played a lot of tricks on a lot of people”.

Relationships are extremely important to Dr. Prina. He believes in building strong, long- term relationships that will last a lifetime. His partner, colleagues, friends, parents and kids are all included in his realm of relationships. Because his life is one of integrity, he chooses his friendships based on the same value. Dr. Prina also puts “having fun and laughing a lot” high on his priority list.

He is known for his work in the non-profit community. In being of service to the nonprofit community, " I am guided by a personal mission to help woman and children and to promote diversity/inclusiveness in all my Board experiences. I have served on over 30 boards to date, and I hope to add another 50 before I'm through!" As of June, 2007, my most important nonprofit work has been with funders like The Denver Foundation, where I served as Board Chair for 2 years, a Trustee for 6 years, and chaired our Expanding Nonprofit Inclusiveness Initiative for 6 years; as a Trustee of The Women's Foundation of Colorado; The Rose Community Foundation and grant-making with The Chinook Fund.

On the large-budget nonprofit side, I have served on the Boards of The Girl Scouts Mile High Council, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Jewish Family Service, The Denver Film Society, and Colorado Public Radio. On the smaller, nonprofit side of things, I serve on the Boards of Judi's House, College Summit (chair), the Lab for Art and Ideas at Belmar, Project PAVE, Metro Volunteers, and The Logan School. I have also helped with the capital campaigns at he new Children's Hospital, The Girls Scout's Magic Sky Camp, and the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver. I have also worked with The Curious Theater Company, The Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, The Center, Bright Beginnings, The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The Gill Foundation, the Museo de las Americas,and Urban Peak. I have also been active in a number of political campaigns.

Yes, this may sound like a lot, but there is wonderful, overlapping synergy and power in working simultaneously with these groups. It will always be a special privilege to serve others both as a pediatrician and community volunteer..

Dr. Prina never owned a TV until about a year ago. I asked him what he did in his spare time? “ I travel a lot, attend cultural and art events especially theatre and dance, collect art and I especially love hanging out with friends”. He loves Denver; the people, the climate, the size and the fact that it is culturally evolving.

Which social event is your favorite? Project PAVE “ Secret Chef’s Dinner” at Strings and the ICON Awards dinner.

Favorite restaurant?
1. Mizuna
2. Luca d'Italia
3. Portager

Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Bill Clinton. I was really impressed with his intellect. He’s a brilliant man.

If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Rupert Everett or Hugh Grant (might as well look good!)

When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? Please take good care of me like Dean did. I’m over 110 years old.

What word describes you best? Committed

How would you like others to describe you? Passionate, compassionate, fun-loving, humble, high functioning, playful, creative and smart.

What was your first job? Pumping gas at my dad’s Mobil gas station in Reno in 1968.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Taking on too much at any one time.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of integrity

What is your greatest indulgence? Compulsive purchase of multi-colored sticky pads

What is the best gift you have ever given? My love and support

What or who is the greatest love in your life? My parents, Madeline and Paul Prina

What is your current state of mind? Peaceful, orderly, active

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a doctor and my work in the non-profit community.

What is your most treasured possession? I’m not really attached to material objects. I don’t have a very sentimental, memento-collecting side. So, my most treasured physical possession is my home. It’s a 110 year- Old Dutch Colonial in Capital Hill. I guided the interior renovation. The Fisher family owned it from 1890 to 1953 and I’m only the fourth owner.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Integrity

Favorite books/writers? I don’t read much as I’m too busy “doing”. I like historical books and autobiographies and mindless magazines with lots of pictures. I recently read Nickels and Dimes by Barb Ehrenreich, which was fantastic.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Get out of your hometown.

Do you have a motto? Audre Lord’s ‘When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid’.