I had been saying that I wanted to be a doctor since the age of four. In the end, it just took me awhile to realize what type of doctor I meant. To me, being a doctor means being able to care for each patient in a meaningful way with the focus on prevention. I believe in the movement toward health, which means maintaining balance and harmony within the body.

All systems in the body are integrally related within themselves and intimately related to each other. I believe that our thinking profoundly affects our health, not only on a daily basis but especially in the long term. During my study of Chinese Medicine, I had an “Aha!” moment when I learned that Chinese Medicine closely paralleled my own philosophy!

I received my M.D. degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed an Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I later received my Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (ranked by thebestschools.org in September 2012 as the best Acupuncture school in the nation). I am licensed as a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (i.e., Board certified by the NCCAOM in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine).

I have chosen not to become licensed to practice medicine under the M.D. degree in the state of Washington because these are two full medical disciplines and I have refocused my efforts on Chinese medicine. I feel that is where I can best serve people. However, given my educational background, knowledge, and prior experience as an M.D., I often serve as a bridge for those who trust in conventional Western Medicine but also have a genuine interest in Chinese Medicine.