Salir
About Me
Growing up in Southern California, I was fortunate to spend many summers in the Hawaiian Islands, where I learned the values of community, selflessness, and the aloha spirit. My family also instilled in me the importance of hard work and a solid education. Following in the footsteps of my grandfather and the many family members after him, I became a family physician. I’m now thrilled to be able to give back to a place that has shaped who I am today.
About my practice
As a child I looked up to family members who were doctors with fulfilling careers helping others. For my undergraduate degree I went to UCLA, where I studied physiology and learned how cutting-edge research provides lasting cures. Continuing my interest in health, I earned a master's degree in public health and worked with community health programs in Los Angeles and New York. Finally, I attended medical school and specialized in family medicine. As a family medicine practitioner I’m privileged to care for patients from infancy through the end stages of their lives. I especially enjoy watching families grow and achieve their health care goals together. In addition to addressing the needs of a wide population in family medicine, I enjoy the broad scope of my practice. For example, I can perform adult preventive medicine exams and well-child checks, address chronic medical issues, care for urgent needs, and perform minor surgical procedures all in one day. This challenging environment allows me to maintain and build upon a diverse knowledge base.I’m a member of the American Medical Association and the American Board of Family Medicine. To stay up-to-date on medical research, I read journals related to patient care on a daily basis, take self-assessment tests every month, and attend family medicine conferences annually. In addition to English I’m fluent in both Spanish and Tagalog.In my mind the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group exemplifies excellence in care. Its team approach, integrated care, and outstanding patient outcomes are the standard by which many are now measured. It’s a privilege to be part of a group that strives to be a leader in health care.It’s my belief that patients can achieve their best health with the support of family, friends, and community and working as a team with their physician. I believe in listening, being a compassionate advocate, and working collaboratively with patients to create realistic treatment plans based on evidence and current research. Learning about my patients' interests allows me to better understand and promote their heath.
How I thrive
My husband, three children, and I stay healthy physically and mentally by enjoying various outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and golfing. I also stay connected with family who live on Maui, Oahu, Lanai, and the Big Island. I enjoy giving back to the community and am involved with the Mauli Ola Foundation, where I’m a volunteer physician providing surfing lessons to cystic fibrosis patients.