I am a native Northwesterner. I worked in medical research after graduating from Reed College and chose a career in medicine because I desired to stay intellectually challenged while connecting with people on an individual level. I became an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician to form ongoing relationships with patients in the clinic, operating room, and delivery room, and to support women's general and reproductive health. I chose to work for Kaiser Permanente because I believe our health care system allows doctors to practice preventive medicine with freedom to provide the best care for our patients.