About Me

I spent my childhood in southern New Jersey just outside of Philadelphia. I studied medicine at Western University of Heath Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, and I did my internship and residency in internal medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. After enjoying several surfing vacations on Oahu, l fell in love with the history, culture, and traditions of the Islands and began to imagine myself living here. My mother earned her doctorate in psychology while raising me and is now head of the child study team in her school district. Her motivation and strong work ethic have always been an inspiration to me.

About my practice

As a child I spent several years in and out of the hospital, which I came to see as a comforting place of healing. As a result of this experience, I developed a desire to help heal and comfort others in the same way. When it came time for me to choose a medical specialty, I chose internal medicine because I enjoy being challenged by complex situations that require problem-solving. Medicine is constantly changing, and I understand the importance of using the most up-to-date treatment techniques and medications to achieve the best possible outcomes. To stay current, I consult online medical journals. The Hawaii Permanente Medical Group allows me to grow professionally and provides an opportunity to treat a very diverse population. Supportive staff and cutting-edge technology make this an ideal place to practice medicine. My philosophy of care is based on a patient-centered approach that involves connecting with patients through active listening and empathy. I respect each individual’s preferences, needs, and values and use these to guide my clinical decisions. I also believe that because the patients themselves know best what they’re experiencing, they’re able to give valuable diagnostic clues regarding their illnesses.

How I thrive

I feel strongly that in order to live a balanced life, we need to stay physically active and always keep our minds challenged. Outside of work, I enjoy surfing, swimming, free-diving, meeting new people, traveling, and learning more about Hawaiian culture.