About Me

I was born in Seoul, Korea, and immigrated to the United States at age five. I attended Lanakila Elementary School and then Punahou School. My dad served as a pastor to the Korean community for many years in Honolulu. My mother worked as a data entry operator in the health care field. Both of them were incredibly hardworking and self-sacrificing. They are my role models.

About my practice

My career choice was simple because I felt the call to become a doctor since my senior year of high school. I was fortunate enough to attend Harvard and then UCLA medical school on scholarships. In medical school, I took two years off to earn a PhD in molecular biology. My PhD research was on DNA structure using mathematical transforms, the basics of which were similar to the imaging technologies being developed in radiology, so I ended up becoming a radiologist. I also completed subspecialty training in interventional radiology. At the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, I appreciate the fact that I can mix clinical care and research in a collegial atmosphere. I enjoy seeing patients when they come to me for interventional radiology procedures, and aim to consistently provide good imaging services to patients and doctors. I am on the medical school faculties of both the University of Hawaii and the University of Utah, and I continue to do medical research in radiology.

How I thrive

I try to run five days a week and play tennis weekly, although my sons would argue that what I play shouldn’t be called tennis. Crazy as it sounds, my main outdoor passion is skiing.