About Me

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Although my parents came from impoverished backgrounds they were both able to achieve master’s degrees and provide us with the kind of childhood they couldn’t have. Their example made me believe I could do anything I put my mind to. I’m grateful for their material and emotional support throughout my journey in becoming a physician.

I attended the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and did my internship and residency at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine. While studying here, I grew to love the islands and hope to make Hawaii my permanent home.

About my practice

I’ve wanted to be a doctor my entire life. As a small child I ran drive-thru clinics in my front yard for the neighborhood kids. I checked their vital signs and listened to their lungs with a plastic doctor's kit. In high school and shortly thereafter, I knew two people who were seriously injured in accidents. Seeing the care they received and watching their recoveries further motivated me to pursue medicine as a career.

After spending more than a decade as a paramedic in a major metropolitan system, I found I wanted to spend more time with patients, getting to know them and seeing them through their illnesses. Hospital medicine provides me that opportunity in the fast-paced environment I enjoy.

To remain current in my field, I read medical journals and attend educational conferences. I also research current therapies for a range of medical conditions my patients may have.

My research on quality assurance in emergency situations was published in the journal Prehospital Emergency Care. I also co-authored a study of the relationship between frequent immune system activation and cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients that was published in PLoS One.

It was an easy decision to join the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. Here I found outstanding physicians from diverse backgrounds and training environments who strive to deliver excellent care in the most collegial setting I’ve known.

I strive to provide my patients the most up-to-date medical care possible, all the while ensuring that they feel their concerns are heard and addressed. Talking story is how I best connect with patients. I learn so much just by listening.

How I thrive

I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially going to the beach with my family, basking in the beautiful Hawaiian weather. I practice yoga to stay physically and mentally balanced, ride my stationary bike while watching my favorite TV show, and indulge in many hobbies. As a mom I also spend a lot of time driving my kid to and from school and extracurricular activities.