About Me

I was born in Wilmington, Delaware and have also lived in New Jersey, St. Louis, Pennsylvania, Houston, Baltimore, and Ohio. I have one daughter who currently is in college. In high school I was active in sports and enjoyed playing football, basketball, and especially baseball, which I played in college as well. After medical school, I was drawn to specializing in surgery because it is similar to a team sport: The surgical team and patient work together to defeat our opponent, the patient's disease or injury.

About my practice

I’ve always had an interest in helping people, particularly with the application of science, and this is what initially attracted me to medicine. I believe that every patient is an individual who must be cared for as an individual. A physician is also a teacher for his patients. The more my patients know about their disease or condition, the better we can work together to maximize the effectiveness of their care.I am the founder and medical director of the Nutritional Support Team at the Moanalua Medical Center, and also the founder of our Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Breast Surgery Team. As a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery for the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG), I was the first surgeon in our medical group to do several laparoscopic procedures including laparoscopic cholecystectomy and extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. I have published eight papers in peer-reviewed journals, the latest concerning breast cancer surgery, and have given a presentation at a national meeting regarding nutritional support. I am currently involved in a research project at our Moanalua Medical Center investigating the use of specialized nutritional supplements to prevent postoperative complications in colorectal surgery.My current practice includes Ambulatory Surgery at the Honolulu Clinic. I have published eight papers in peer reviewed journals, the latest concerning breast cancer surgery, and have had a presentation at a national meeting regarding nutritional support. I am currently involved in a research project at our Moanalua Medical Center investigating the use of specialized nutritional supplements to prevent postoperative complications in colorectal surgery.At HPMG, I have the opportunity to focus more time on my patients versus managing the business side of medical care. I have been free, and even encouraged, to introduce innovative practices and procedures to improve patient care in our region. I feel HPMG works very well as a team of dedicated and cooperating physicians along with our other healthcare providers. In my time away from work, I also participate in service opportunities, including the Ohana Medical Mission to the Philippines.

How I thrive

My exercise routine includes running and resistance training, playing golf (walking), and coaching and playing softball. Having recovered from a serious cervical spinal cord injury in the past, I have an even greater appreciation for the benefits of staying physically active. I enjoy playing in competitive golf tournaments and relaxing by reading when I have the chance. Coaching high school and intermediate school fast-pitch softball keeps me young. As a former baseball player, I look forward to playing Makua Ali'i senior softball.