I was born and raised in Philadelphia, where some of my favorite activities, such as cycling and hiking, were impossible to enjoy for six months of the year. When I visited cousins on Maui, I knew that was where I wanted to be. I loved the people and their lifestyle. From then on I focused on making Maui my home. From my wonderful wife, a nurse, I have gained an appreciation of how critical nursing support is to the medical profession. I also have a daughter who is kind, compassionate, and understanding.
I started out in classical music, but I was later increasingly drawn into the sciences and eventually realized that medicine was my calling. The fast pace of emergency and urgent care medicine, including the need to make rapid decisions, has always been exciting and invigorating for me. The thrill of watching a person improve as a result of medical intervention is unparalleled. During my career I’ve had a wide range of experiences. After graduating from medical school, I worked in rural hospitals where the same doctor would care for a patient starting at birth. I've also had the opportunity to conduct clinical trials on the cutting edge of medical science. I served as a consultant for an ambulance company and even worked as a doctor for Disneyland. For a number of years I directed advanced cardiac life support courses, which give doctors the skills and knowledge to manage a cardiac arrest. I’ve co-authored several published papers that report on clinical trials for which I conducted research. Walking my dogs gives me the opportunity to listen to medical podcasts that keep me informed of the latest developments in my field. I also enjoy attending conferences sponsored by my specialty society. I’m working on learning Spanish, not only in order to understand another culture, but also because it’s been shown that learning a second language is good for invigorating the brain. The Hawaii Permanente Medical Group provides a great working environment that allows me to function efficiently and effectively. This enables our members to benefit from the highest quality care we provide. Nobody wants to end up in an urgent care or emergency department, and I feel it’s important to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Each person should receive individualized, careful attention. It’s very rewarding to meet people from all walks of life and learn about their challenges, their hopes, and their beliefs. It’s my goal to give back to them in return for all that I receive.
I stay balanced by exercising, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors and enjoying nature. I’m also rejuvenated when I stop to realize that I live in the greatest place on the planet.
