I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I earned my medical degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, and did internship and residency training at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. I then did a pediatrics fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at the University of Hawaii. Including residency and fellowship, I spent a total of nine years in Hawaii. I left active military service, in large part, to ensure that I could continue to live here.
I initially declined acceptance to medical school in favor of a PhD program. I soon found, however, that I didn’t feel fulfilled doing research. I prefer to be involved with bettering people’s health in a more personal way, so I shifted my focus to medicine. I went into the pediatrics specialty because I love children and their enthusiasm for life, and I wanted the opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age. I later went into neonatal-perinatal medicine because I enjoyed the hospital setting and caring for premature and ailing newborns.
To stay up-to-date with the latest research and evidence-based practice, I access several online services, subscribe to professional print journals, attend conferences, and participate in continuing education programs. I have given presentations at meetings of the Pediatric Academic Society, focusing on HIV research.
When speaking with colleagues about the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, I was drawn to the warm, collegial atmosphere here. During my interview and introduction to the organization, I felt a strong sense of community, and that continues to be evident in practicing within the group.
It is my belief that health care delivery should be family-centered. I enjoy sharing with families their babies’ progress and helping them make informed choices that are in line with their personal culture and beliefs.
My family and I maintain good health primarily by following a plant-based diet. I also exercise regularly. To stay motivated, I set ambitious goals, like training for marathons—at this writing, I’ve run six! I also enjoy learning the guitar, gardening, walking, hiking, spending time with my children and my very supportive husband, and just enjoying the beauty of the island.
