I was raised on the beautiful beaches of South Florida, and the water has always been a huge part of my life. I went to the University of Florida College of Medicine for my medical degree and did my ob-gyn residency at the University of Colorado. After completing my residency, I moved to the coast of Virginia, met my husband, and started a family. Although I enjoyed my time there, I missed the tropical weather and year-round outdoors lifestyle I had as a child. My husband and I were drawn to the natural beauty of Hawaii, especially to the value here that’s placed on ohana. We were excited to have the opportunity to move to the islands, and we’ve enjoyed living here immensely.
From an early age I was fascinated by science and medicine. As a child I loved animals and thought that I’d become a veterinarian. As I grew older, however, I realized that building relationships with people was even more rewarding. Women's health is such an amazing field. The opportunity for education and prevention in this field is something you don't always see in other specialties. I truly enjoy talking with patients in the clinic but also love the surgical side of ob-gyn. It’s truly a blessing to have the opportunity to offer guidance during labor and delivery, and to take part in one of the most amazing moments of a person’s life.
To stay up-to-date in medicine, I read medical journal articles and online resources, attend continuing medical education events, and consult with my colleagues.
In my opinion, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group’s focus on prevention is critical to high-quality care. This organization values quality of life for physicians, staff, and patients alike, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group of professionals.
It’s my belief that mind, body, and spirit all have an impact on our health. When diagnosing, developing treatment plans, and making recommendations, I try to take all these aspects of a person into consideration.
In talking with patients and hearing about their families and lives, I learn some amazing things! In sharing stories about myself, I often find that there’s a common thread that connects us.
Spending time with my husband, my two boys, and my four-legged kids keeps me grounded and makes me happy. We enjoy family days at the beach and going on hikes. As an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, watching the sunrise on an early morning run is my favorite way to start the day. I also feel a spiritual connection with the water, and when I’m stressed, a run by the shore never fails to bring me peace.
