About Me

I was born and raised in Honolulu. As a child, I spent days in the back of my dad’s pediatric office while my mother did administrative work there. I helped my mother stuff and stamp envelopes to mail out invoices, and when I was older I filled in at the front desk answering phones, checking people in, and recording heights and weights. I admired the way my dad talked to his patients, making them laugh and smile even when they were sick or about to get vaccinated. I could tell that he enjoyed helping people and that his patients loved him, as they often stayed with him beyond their pediatric years or brought their children to him when they had their own families.

I’ve always enjoyed math and science, and I went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology for my master’s degree in chemical engineering. I later worked as a researcher at a bio-technology company in San Diego, and although the job was great, I missed working with people. My aunt and uncle, both anesthesiologists, encouraged me to change careers and go to medical school, and I’m grateful for their advice. I came home to Hawaii to earn my medical degree at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, and then did my internal medicine internship and residency there.

About my practice

I believe that I’ve found my calling as an internal medicine physician. I’m fortunate to have a career that’s intellectually stimulating and also allows me to help others in a meaningful way.

To keep up with the latest developments in medicine, I use UpToDate, DynaMed, Epocrates, and Medscape for quick references. For the most current medical research, I read the Annals of Internal Medicine and the New England Journal of Medicine. I also belong to the American College of Physicians, an educational and professional organization.

My original research on environmental bacteria was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

One of the main reasons I joined the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG) was its emphasis on patient advocacy. I also appreciate all the wonderful support services at HPMG that make it easier for physicians to focus on their patients.

Knowing my patients’ backgrounds and goals helps me to better tailor treatment plans to meet their individual needs. I connect by striving for open and honest communication, keeping them and their families well informed, and addressing all their concerns.

How I thrive

My two young children help me stay active and healthy. We love playing with friends at the beach, the zoo, or the park. I also enjoy hiking, which helps me to clear the cobwebs and stay balanced physically and emotionally. It’s a blessing to live and raise my children in such a beautiful and culturally diverse place.