About Me

I was born and raised outside of Kansas City, Missouri. During my medical residency I vacationed in Hawaii with some friends and fell in love with the islands. My friends have since moved back to the Mainland but I stayed and made Hawaii my home. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of working hard, being kind to others and getting good sleep. When I was five, my mother captured me on film wearing a plastic stethoscope and playing the role of doctor with my younger sister as patient. I never looked back.

About my practice

When home from college one summer, our childhood pediatrician suggested I go to medical school. I thought that was a great idea because I enjoyed the sciences. I also love children and enjoy caring for families and the elderly, so I chose to focus on family medicine. As a physician with the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, I am fortunate to be able to explore many different roles while working for one organization. Some of my past leadership positions include chief of the Kailua clinic, chief of the family medicine department and a champion for diabetes care and the introduction of the electronic medical records. Currently, I am thrilled to be a part of the leadership team working with patients on the clinical and behavioral aspects of weight management. In caring for my patients I strive to learn about their perspective on their lives and health. I really enjoy learning about my patients’ interests and what makes them who they are. I try to act as an equal partner while providing insight and advice toward a life of well-being.

How I thrive

I stay physically fit by walking, swimming, cycling, practicing yoga and playing volleyball. I am also proud to be a graduate of Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, a hula halau (school) in Windward Oahu. I try to stay mentally alert by doing both Sudoku and crossword puzzles. And I love entertaining good friends with barbeque, planning family trips and investigating vacations to new places.