About Me

Hello, my name is Dr. Ngan. As a pulmonologist, I specialize in respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and lung cancer. I split my time between the hospital ICU where I treat critical cases and my clinical practice where I address the needs of members with chronic lung diseases. I also oversee Kaiser Permanente’s sleep clinic where we diagnose and treat sleep apnea and complex hypoventilation disorders.

Biography

My family immigrated first to Australia from Hong Kong, then later to the United States. I studied medicine at the University of Newcastle School of Medicine and interned at the John Hunter University Hospital in New South Wales, Australia. After moving to the United States, I completed my residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn where I was appointed chief resident. I also performed my fellowship in pulmonary disease and a second fellowship in critical care medicine at New York’s Methodist Hospital where I was appointed chief fellow. I am board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine. I joined the Kaiser Permanente team in 2006 and now serve as chief of pulmonary care, critical care, and sleep medicine.

About my practice

It is a good thing I love my job, because it keeps me very busy. Between my clinical practices and ICU hospital patients, 24 hours in a day just doesn’t seem to be enough. Yet, I am able to build strong ties with many of my clinical members whose chronic diseases require long-term management and oversight. My latest project is the development of a pulmonary rehabilitation center to help members regain stamina and become fully functional after a bout with lung disease.

How I thrive

Since my free time is quite limited, I’ve developed my own techniques to make sure I exercise regularly. I park my car as far away from the building as possible, for walking exercise besides going to the gym when I can. In the hospital, I take the stairs instead of the elevator. While I love to eat, I try to keep things healthy with a plant-based diet. On those few occasions when I am able to break away, you are more likely to find me in Starbucks chatting with a friend rather than going out for a fancy dinner. When my schedule allows, I do enjoy going to concerts and plays. I am not picky about who’s performing. I am just grateful to have a moment of free time.