About Me

I am board certified in hematology and oncology. I practice at Kaiser Permanente’s South Bay Medical Center. My passion for medicine began in childhood, when I lived in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. There, I witnessed missionary doctors perform what seemed like miracles — treating patients, including my own family, and saving lives. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.

 

Biography

 

I first attended medical school in Ethiopia. When the opportunity came to further my education in the United States, I jumped at the chance. I served my internship and residency at the UCLA King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles and then went on to a fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. I began working with Kaiser Permanente in 2009.

 

About my practice

 

My Cancer Subspecialty

My primary focus is genitourinary oncology, and I provide regional expertise in this field. As a key member of the multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Tumor Board, I help develop and refine treatment strategies for genitourinary oncology.
 

National Expertise on Multidisciplinary Teams

As a regional expert on the Genitourinary Tumor Board, I collaborate with chemotherapists, radiation therapists, surgeons, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. I also serve on the Southern California Regional Sub-Specialty Genitourinary Oncology Committee, ensuring best practices in oncology care.
 

Research and Clinical Trials

I am a proud member of several prestigious oncology research groups, including the National Cancer Institute community oncology program. I am a sub-investigator in:

  • SWOG Cancer Research Network
  • NSABP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project), Alliance, and NRG Oncology
  • Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
  • NRG Oncology 

My research involvement includes collaboration with leading oncology research networks such as SWOG Cancer Research Network, NSABP, Alliance, and NRG Oncology. My work aims to advance cancer treatment options and improve outcomes.

 

How I thrive

 

With 4 children in my household, my wife and I keep very busy. I am also a fanatical distance runner and try to complete a half marathon, about 13 miles, almost every weekend. Soccer is also a personal passion. I belong to a multinational group of “football” aficionados who compete on a regular basis. When things quiet down, I revel in reading great books.