About my practice

My mother was a nurse and I volunteered at her hospital during high school. She inspired me to enter the medical field. During medical school I enjoyed my neuroanatomy class, and the brain and its workings continue to fascinate me. For me, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group offers the best way to practice medicine, as we are all on the same team, that of caring for our patients. I strive to keep current on the neurological literature in order to formulate solutions for neurological problems.

I'm assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine. I'm also a member of the Hawaii Neurological Society. My courageous patients who struggle with various neurological issues inspire me daily. I work with them through their challenges, and we share not just tears but laughter as well. I also enjoy patient education and often give lectures in the community. 

How I thrive

In my time off I enjoy making soups, baking, and anything to do with Scrabble®. My perfect day would be a hike on one of our verdant Hawaiian trails followed by a night dive. Being from Pittsburgh, I'm a diehard Steelers and Penguins fan, and I also enjoy attending my kids' sporting events. Every two years my four best high school friends and I meet for a getaway to "relive the glory days," which is relaxing and rejuvenating.

Biography

I was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and immigrated to the United States when I was in first grade. I lived in San Marino, moved away for medical school and my internship, and then returned to California to complete my residency at UC Irvine. I became a doctor because of my sister, who is an ophthalmologist at National Taiwan University. She had always inspired me because of her work ethic and love for her patients, and I discovered that I too possess these qualities. Children have always been dear to me, as they are the love in our lives. They are the reason why I've chosen pediatrics as my specialty.

About my practice

My first job after graduation was with Kaiser Permanente. I decided that this was the right place for me, as I was able to give personal and efficient care to members. My colleagues have become my friends, and this has fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork, which ultimately benefits all of our members. My personal philosophy in work and life is to never stop learning. Thinking back, this philosophy has carried me to where I am today, and I thank my parents for fostering the kind of work ethic that carries through all aspects of my life. Mandarin Chinese is my native language, and I find myself sharing my Mandarin-speaking abilities with my Chinese members. English comes naturally and is my primary language for members of other nationalities.

How I thrive

Part of being successful is to stay healthy. Staying healthy requires work and active participation. I enjoy working out at the gym, swimming, playing tennis, and going on hikes. I also enjoy playing the piano and writing music and recently learning to play the Chinese violin (called the Erhu). I participate in some form of exercise 3 times a week. I relax by practicing qigong every morning for 20 minutes or meditating for 30 minutes every evening. Integrating Eastern and Western ideas is the new wave of modern medicine, combining preventive, traditional, and alternative modes of practice, focusing on both mind and body, in order to achieve a more well-rounded sense of health and a better sense of self.