About Me

I come from a family of physicians who immigrated to this country from the former Soviet Union. It amazes me to think that my grandmother graduated from medical school before the discovery of DNA! I was influenced to become a doctor by their love of the profession of medicine. I feel very fortunate to have a job that offers the opportunity to work with and help people on a daily basis and is also extremely challenging and never dull. After completing medical school in Georgia, I headed north for my residency and fellowships, and along the way I met my wonderful husband, who is a rheumatologist. Most recently, we moved back to Atlanta from New York City to be close to family once again and for the wonderful opportunities we have found here.

About my practice

I am a pulmonologist with Kaiser Permanente, which means that I diagnose and treat the full spectrum of conditions that affect the lungs and breathing and also oversee the care of patients in the intensive care unit. As part of my practice, I also perform diagnostic procedures including bronchoscopy and thoracentesis. Prior to my fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine, I completed a fellowship in palliative medicine. Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families with the goal of alleviating suffering both while treating diseases aggressively and also when the primary goal is comfort. For me, this really means trying to help the "whole" person and also recognizing that coping with illness is often a family affair. I am so pleased to join Kaiser Permanente, where the focus is on patient-centered, collaborative care.

How I thrive

Life is all about balance, and I thrive by trying to maintain balance each day. That means that after a busy day at work, I try my best to find time for yoga or to go for a walk with our dogs, preferably at one of the Chattahoochee River parks near our home. My husband and I have also become very interested in cooking with food grown by local farmers and doing our best to support humane and sustainable farming. I strongly believe that when we treat ourselves, others, and our environment with respect every day, then we can thrive.