About Me

I look forward to seeing your child, and I welcome the opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I am a third-generation native Californian, and I grew up in the wonderfully multicultural community of San Pedro. I loved math and science classes in high school and entered UCLA as a zoology major, proudly the first person in my extended family to have the opportunity to attend college. I thought of a career in medicine from early on, and my plans gelled when I worked 2 summers in the outpatient department at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. I fell in love with a career caring for children. I am an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at UCLA, where I teach medical students and residents—the young physicians of tomorrow.

Biography

I made the perfect decision when I joined Kaiser Permanente, leaving behind a full-time faculty position. I can focus on taking care of members, knowing that I can easily arrange for the tests, medicines, or appointments that they need.

About my practice

If a child has a stomach, intestinal, or liver problem, the child's personal physician refers him or her to me. My staff calls the family and arranges an initial consultation appointment in the office. I encourage parents and caregivers most familiar with the child to attend that initial visit, where together we decide what further tests or treatments might be most beneficial.

How I thrive

Family vacations, regular exercise, walking along the beach, kayaking, good food, music, reading, and following UCLA sports complement the enjoyment my medical practice brings to me. I am passionate about following and recommending to everyone a whole-food, plant-based diet!