About Me

Born on Oahu and raised in Mililani, I am a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).My tutu (grandfather) inspired me to honor the Hawaiian culture and to pass my heritage on to the next generation. He stressed the importance of ohana (family) and encouraged me to learn the Hawaiian language. In his last years he was the caretaker of the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center in Nanakuli. Now, a decade after he passed, I am blessed to be a practicing physician in Nanakuli at the Nanaikeola Clinic. My family and I make the Hawaiian language and culture a part of our daily lives.Staying in Hawaii for my medical education was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The communities, patients, and families I work with have helped to make me the kauka (medical doctor) I am today.

About my practice

Through the Department of Native Hawaiian Health as well as community organizations such as Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, I learned about health disparities that Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples experience. There is a large population of the medically underserved in our own backyards. Although these people exhibit some of the highest rates of hypertension, diabetes, heart diease, and obesity, there are few physicians native to these groups. As an internal medicine doctor of Hawaiian ancestry I am able to help meet this need.I am board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and am currently an assistant clinical professor in medicine at JABSOM. My professional activities include membership in the Ahahui o na Kauka, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association.Following my training in the University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program I served as chief medical resident. This experience provided tools that assist me in being a lifelong learner and in continuing to pursue my interest in medical education.Joining the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group has allowed me to practice alongside great colleagues and staff. Working at Nanaikeola, I am privileged to practice medicine on the beautiful Waianae Coast amidst the largest population of Native Hawaiians in the world.Taking care of someone’s health is more than treating physical ailments or making numbers look good. Health encompasses spiritual well-being, ohana, and culture. One thing I enjoy most about medicine is the relationships I build with my patients and their families, and I look forward to the moolelo (stories) they tell me every day.

How I thrive

To stay physically and mentally healthy, I spend time with my extended family and friends and try to stay in touch with the aina (the land) and kai (the ocean). My faith is a big part of my spiritual health. I also try to ai pono (eat healthier) and to exercise. To re-charge my battery, I like to go holoholo (out and about for fun), hunting, and fishing.

PCMH