About me...

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and I graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1986. I then attended the University of Cincinnati where I was initially enrolled to become an aerospace engineer. After much careful thought and volunteer work at the local emergency room, I decided to change my major from engineering to biology. After four arduous years of premedical studies, I graduated with honors with a B.A. in biology. I was then accepted at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine which I attended from 1990 to 1994. I chose to continue studies in the field of internal medicine and attended residency at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon completion of my residency training in 1997, I accepted a position at Kaiser Permanente as a clinician in Portland, Oregon, which brought me out to the Pacific coast for the first time in my life. In 1998 I transferred down to Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, California where I began work as a Hospital Based Specialist (HBS) and worked as a member of the HBS team at both Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek and at Mt. Diablo Medical Center in Concord for 11 years.

A Decision to become a Primary Care Provider...

I initially chose the field of medicine due to my great fascination and interest in biology and physiology. However, it wasn't until after volunteering in the hospital during my college years that I truly felt the call to help and serve my fellow beings. My years in medical school reinforced this decision, making any other career path outside of medicine seem impossible. I chose the field of internal medicine largely due to the wonderful combination of real human contact and continuity of care. Working closely with both hospitalized and healthy clinic patients seemed like a special treat. The ability to positively impact the health and well-being of others became such an inspirational reward unto itself, that the path of a primary care provider was inevitable for me!

Education

BA, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (1986 - 1990) Major: Biology

MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH (1990-1994)

Internal Medicine Residency, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, (1994 – 1997)

Board Certification

Board Certified in Internal Medicine: 1998, 2008