I was born and raised in California but my father is from Hawaii. Growing up, I spent many summers on Oahu and even returned after graduate school to help my family here. My father has always had a big presence in my life. He’s an ear, nose, and throat (otolaryngology) surgeon. The way he showed passion for his work and compassion for his patients inspired me to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in medicine.
I received my Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis, did my physician assistant studies at Miami Dade College in Florida, and earned a Master of Medical Science from Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. I then completed a fellowship in sports medicine and orthopaedics at Gelb Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Boca Raton, Florida.
For 12 years I was a world-class wrestler. Through numerous injuries and recoveries I developed a love of, and fascination with, sports medicine and orthopaedics, and this led me to a career as an orthopaedic physician assistant. I’m now also certified as a strength and conditioning specialist. My other professional interests include stem cell therapy and sports performance.
To stay current with the most up-to-date research, I attend professional conferences and meetings, and also read articles online and in print journals. My affiliations with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Association of Physician Assistants, which are professional educational organizations, also provide information on the latest developments in my field.
I joined the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group because I believe that the organization’s values match my own – to practice medicine based on the best scientific evidence and to always do the right thing for patients. This means approaching a patient’s health holistically.
My philosophy of care is to treat patients as I would my own family. Helping patients to be able to return to what makes them passionate is one of the things I value most about my work, whether that means they’re able to take a walk in the park with a spouse or return to their favorite sports. I think people know themselves best and will often tell me their diagnoses in their own ways. I just need to listen. Understanding the obstacles they face helps me to assist them in becoming healthier and realizing their full potential.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, coaching wrestling, and traveling. To stay fit, I hike, wrestle, and do Brazilian Jiujitsu.
