About Me

I was born in Ames, Iowa, and raised in Somerset, New Jersey. I moved to Hawaii when my husband, who is in the U.S. Army, did his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency here. My father and mother demonstrated to me at an early age that academic achievement and doing your best are important. They never pressured me or had to discipline me regarding education, they just set a great example. Having an inspiring pediatrician influenced me on my career path as well.

About my practice

When I did my pain medicine rotation in medical school, I knew that was what I wanted to specialize in. It offered an opportunity to combine what I loved about anesthesiology with the ability to care for patients over the long term and develop relationships. Pain medicine specialists are diagnosticians, care coordinators, interventionists, counselors, motivational speakers, and sometimes spiritual advisors. At the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG), I enjoy the camaraderie, the integrated medical system, and the supportive and family-like environment. In my practice, I take the time to listen to my patients and smile and laugh together. I try to maintain professionalism while balancing that with being personable. My philosophy is to always remember the dictum "First Do No Harm." I also try to treat everyone as if they were my mother—and I love my mother dearly! I have been on "the other side" both as a patient and as a family member of a patient. I try to remember what it's like so that I treat my patients the way I would want to be treated.At HPMG, I am a member of our Well Being Committee. I also enjoy being engaged in my community and I am a board member of Pu'ulu Lapa'au, Hawaii's program for Healthcare Professionals. I am a member of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the National Medical Association, and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.At the Pain Week Annual Conference, I have presented on the evaluation and treatment of Lumbar Facet Syndrome. I have written a book chapter on Pre-Emptive Analgesia in Essentials of Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia (Second Edition).

How I thrive

I enjoy high-intensity workouts at the gym. I also try to see my family on the Mainland as often as I can, which helps me stay mentally and emotionally healthy. I read leadership and self-improvement books. I enjoy spending time with my child, learning and playing the keyboard, quiet time at the beach, gatherings with friends, and mentoring younger adults.