Dr. Watanabe was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but grew up in Princeton, Indiana. After earning an undergraduate degree from Indiana University, he attended the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He did not have any Elvis sightings while he was there.
He enjoys raising his daughters Brooke and Laura Anne with his wife Jo Ellen, who is a elementary education teacher. They are members of Asbury Methodist Church and co-teachers of a Sunday School class.
Personal interests include keeping track of his children and their activities. Other interests include hunting and fishing, traditional archery and making knives. To stay in shape, he does aerobic and strength training activities. He occasionally tries to learn Spanish and how to play the harmonica.
Dr. Watanabe enjoys the broad range of Internal Medicine for acute and chronic care issues. Since 2001, he has incorporated acupuncture into his practice. He has been involved in medical staff leadership throughout his career. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.