Growing up in Aiea, which was a small town at the time, showed me the importance of family and community.The people who significantly impacted my devotion to medicine were my uncle, an internist, and a long-time family friend who was a physician. I remember accompanying them on home visits with the elderly, trips to visit the sick children at Waimano Home, and hospital rounds on Saturday mornings. I remember how both physicians treated each patient as if they were family.
I chose to study medicine because of the intellectual stimulation that direct patient contact and patient care affords. With its ever-changing demands influenced by technical advancements in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac anesthesia is extremely challenging and rewarding. After completing an anesthesia cardiac fellowship, I returned home to Hawaii and joined a very busy anesthesia practice. Despite having a successful business and practice, I knew it would be short-lived because of the toll my long hours took on my family. I believe that in order to realize one's fullest potential, balance in life is key. When Kaiser Permanente internalized their cardiothoracic program, I joined the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG). Being a part of the HPMG team gave me a tremendous opportunity to grow both as a person and as a physician. HPMG has the right philosophy, offering every medical specialty and subspecialty under one roof. Being able to discuss a patient's medical or surgical condition with a peer instantly on the phone, via email, or face to face, allows me to provide high quality care to our patients.
I lift weights, run, surf, and meditate. During my time off, I enjoy doing outdoor activities with my family and friends. Living in Hawaii and taking advantage of the year-round great weather is both invigorating and revitalizing.
