Salir
About Me
I’m originally from Iran, and my first language is Farsi. I moved to Japan for middle school, went to high school in Tehran, traveled to Eastern Washington University for my Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, and earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. I completed my internal medicine internship and residency at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and I’m now certified in internal and palliative medicine. I was awarded the Values in Action Award by Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California, and the Teacher of the Year award in the family practice residency program at Methodist Hospital.
My parents instilled a love of education in me and my siblings, who have always been supportive of my endeavors. My sister has been my best friend and like a second mother to me. She taught me to be a compassionate human being as well as a good daughter, sister, mother, and spouse.
About my practice
The biological sciences were always my greatest academic interest, but I also wanted a profession through which I could help people one-on-one. Medicine was the answer. I was initially considering internal medicine for my specialty, but when I found myself in hospital medicine, it became clear that patients need advocates to navigate the complexities of their care and help manage their symptoms. This sparked my interest in palliative care and pain management. I also have a particular interest in medical education and plant-based diet education.
I’ve given presentations at the Symposium of Pulmonary and Critical Care in Sacramento, and I’ve spoken on palliative care at neurological and cardiac conferences. I also conducted training in palliative care across specialties, and in California I worked in a palliative care program for the underserved.
To keep up with the latest research, I attend conferences organized by the Center to Advance Palliative Care and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. I’m also part of the Palliative Quality Care Network and a current member of the University of California, Davis palliative care education program. My affiliations with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association, and the Society of Hospital Medicine provide the latest information in my field.
When my husband was offered a position in Honolulu, a physician that I previously met on the mainland inspired me to join Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. I was fortunate to become a part of an organization with practices that are consistent with my own philosophy.
It’s a privilege to be allowed into the personal life of a patient. I connect by understanding what makes them happy and fulfilled. I want them to know that I care about not only their labs and health, but about who they are as individuals.
How I thrive
Spending time with my family gives me joy. We all love water sports and going to the beach. I like to read with my girls, do art projects, create plant-based recipes, practice yoga, run, explore botanical gardens, hike, find new trails, and spend time at the library. I also travel, as I have family in Japan, France, and Iran, as well as on the mainland.