About Me

I was born in India and immigrated to the U.S. after completing my medical studies. I received my medical degree from Mysore Medical College and Research Institute in Mysore, India, and did a flexible internship at Mysore Medical College Hospitals. I then completed three separate residencies—two in psychiatry, the first at the Meharry Medical College School of Medicine and the second at the University of Mississippi. The third residency was in neurology at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.

My parents worked hard and sacrificed much to educate and support me. They inspired me to become a physician and most of all to strive to be a good human being. I wanted to move to Hawaii because of the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, the kind and gentle people, and the state’s ranking as the healthiest and happiest in the country.

About my practice

As a health inspector in India, my father worked with a doctor who provided immunizations and preventive care to villagers. He often took me to the clinic to see their work, and early on I started dreaming about having a medical career of my own. In high school I became interested in psychology and philosophy, and started to read whatever I could find in these fields. After rotating to a mental health institution during my last year of medical school, I decided that behavioral health was the specialty for me.

At the Cherry Hospital Clinical Symposiums and the Brody School of Medicine Grand Rounds I gave presentations on research findings in psychiatry, spirituality and psychotherapy, depression, therapy based on Japanese Buddhist psychology, and therapy that focuses on changing one’s feelings by changing one’s thoughts.

To keep up with the latest developments in medicine, I follow the American Psychiatric Association Guidelines, access the Medsdscape website and the Cochrane Review database, and read The BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal), the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, and other professional journals.

The Hawaii Permanente Medical Group is a dynamic organization with a reputation for delivering high quality care. I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team of highly skilled, committed professionals.

Many factors contribute to a person’s overall wellness, including physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological factors. All of these should be taken into account in order to more fully understand a patient’s needs.

I always try to make an emotional connection with my patients and let them know they’re respected, valued, cared for, and understood.

How I thrive

To stay physically healthy I walk, run, hike, and follow a primarily plant-based diet. For my mental health I meditate, practice mental discipline, and spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy watching a great movie, reading, and eating a good meal.