About Me

Thanks for visiting my Web page.

Biography

I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio. I grew up around Ohio State University and went there for my undergraduate studies. As a result, I became a loyal Buckeye fan. I've always been passionate about helping others, and when this was combined with my interest in the sciences, it ultimately led to medical school at the University of Michigan. I did my training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was during this time that I developed an interest in writing and making films. I also enjoy piano, photography, travel and hiking with my dog, Luna.

About my practice

I am one of four doctors in the Pain Center at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. I specialize in the treatment of pain and am board certified in both pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). PM&R is a specialty that works with patients who have injuries or disorders involving the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. This includes muscle, bones, joints and nerves. The emphasis is on reducing pain and improving the patient's abilities to perform daily activities at home, work, or in sports and recreation. In other words, the goal is to improve the person's quality of life. We work with a great team that includes nurses, medical assistants, a pain psychologist, a pharmacist, a case manager, physical therapy and our administrative staff. We take a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain, meaning that we try to reduce pain with several approaches including lifestyle changes, medications, injections, therapies, and education that provides patients with strategies to improve their quality of life.

How I thrive

My rules are simple: eat, drink, exercise, and sleep on a daily basis. This ensures that I wake up in the morning. If you want to wake up feeling good and healthy, then eat plenty of vegetables and use organic, if possible, and avoid fatty and processed foods. Drink plenty of liquids to keep well hydrated and only use alcohol on an occasional basis (when Ohio State beats Michigan, for example). Never smoke, and if you do, QUIT! Improve your cardiopulmonary efficiency by performing aerobic exercise on a regular basis (walking, biking, or swimming for at least 30 minutes, three times a week). And get enough rest to recuperate for the day ahead. Being happy by pursuing things that you enjoy will help to maintain your emotional and psychological health. Take good care of yourself!