About my practice

When I was young, my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was the first loved one I had ever lost, and it was a traumatic time for my family. However, the compassion shown to her and our family by her doctors during that difficult time has stayed with me and inspired me to go into the medical profession. The field of allergy and immunology provides the opportunity to see patients of all age groups with health issues ranging from common food allergies to rare disorders of the immune system. Research in this field is constantly evolving, and with new treatments on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to be practicing in this field.

My research has mainly focused on anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Working with colleagues from the Mayo Clinic, we’re completing a series of publications examining anaphylaxis using one of the largest national databases. Rates of anaphylaxis are increasing, so we hope our studies increase awareness and knowledge in this area.

The field of allergy and immunology is ever changing. To stay up-to-date, I rely on journal publications and national conferences. In addition, my professional organizations—the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology—provide me with updates on the latest information.

The Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG) is made up of an amazing team of physicians, providers, and staff who are committed to providing high-quality care to the people of Hawaii. I feel blessed to be part of an organization with such a diverse array of top specialists in their areas.

The motto of my fellowship was: “The needs of the patient come first.” To this day I strive always to follow this motto and ensure that my patients receive the best possible care. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is listening to the stories of my patients and building personal relationships with them.

How I thrive

To maintain my physical health, I hike, snorkel, and enjoy other outdoor activities in the natural beauty that surrounds us. Being outdoors also helps with mind and mood, as it allows for reflection and rejuvenation away from cell phones, the internet, and social media. I enjoy the simple moments—having coffee with a friend, watching the sunset at Magic Island, and simply cherishing memories made with loved ones.