About Me

I was born and raised on a family farm in Texas. My parents were both farmers and school teachers and instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of education at a very young age. I received a bachelor of science from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in philosophy from Colorado State University. Prior to attending medical school, I worked as a research scientist for 10 years. I received my medical degree from the University of Colorado and completed my residency training in general surgery and my fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Oregon Health & Science University.

About my practice

It is my privilege to be a member of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. We are sincerely committed to providing the best care to patients with heart and/or lung disease. As a thoracic surgeon, my practice focuses primarily on non-cardiac diseases of the chest including the lungs, chest wall, diaphragm and esophagus. I work closely with an excellent group of specialists in radiology, pulmonary medicine, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroeneterology, and others to formulate the most comprehensive treatment plan for patients.

How I thrive

I try to balance my life between work, family and friends. I am the mother of a beautiful son who has become one of my most influential personal mentors. Through his perception of life, I have regained the ability to appreciate and enjoy the simple things depsite the chaos and complexity of my life as a physician and surgeon. And as he struggles to become independent and self-sufficient, he gives me strength to acknowledge and honor my own individuality. Furthermore, through witnessing his childhood innocence, I have relearned the important human attributes of kindness, patience, empathy, honesty and respect. Each of these factors have significantly improved both my personal and professional qualities.