About Me

I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Northern California. After getting my bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from University of California, Los Angeles, I earned my medical degree from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. I completed my internship and general surgery residency at the busy San Joaquin General Hospital, where I was chief resident. Having sampled life in many parts of the mainland, including a decade in my last post, I decided to move to Hawaii. The combination of Hawaii and Kaiser Permanente offer both an excellent quality of life and the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the community.

About my practice

Growing up, I loved science, interacting with people, and trying to figure out how things worked. These interests pointed me to a career in medicine, where I enjoy building relationships with my patients and helping them resolve surgical problems. I found all specialties in medical school fascinating, but ultimately surgery was my calling. I’m a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. To keep up with current medical research, I continually review surgical literature, including Selected Readings in General Surgery. Attending conferences also gives me valuable exposure to people working in my field where we can discuss our latest findings. I believe Kaiser Permanente’s health care delivery system would be beneficial to the entire nation. I think it’s important to remember the oath that physicians take when graduating from medical school, in which we promise to do no harm, to care for our patients and their health issues, to pursue justice, and to behave in an ethical manner. When meeting with patients, I try to imagine myself in their shoes or to imagine that they’re members of my family.

How I thrive

To stay healthy, I try to eat well and exercise. Away from work, I recharge by spending time with my family, playing sports such as soccer or swimming, and fixing things around the house. I also listen to music to relax.