Why did you decide to become a physician?

My family and their interaction with their physicians, my interest in science, and a love of teaching. I knew the information to be a physician, but I really learned to be a physician when my father was ill with ALS for two years and then passed on. I learned what patients go through when they lose abilities they used to have and need to navigate the health care system. I also learned more when my younger brother died suddenly (and I learned the limitations of medicine).

What is your philosophy of patient care?

Teamwork, everyone has an important part and responsibility in delivering excellent care – the patient, the physician, nurses, pharmacist, therapist, etc. Every patient is different and has a different goal when coming to me as a physician, it’s my job to help the patient describe the goal of his/her care and help him/her accomplish it.

How do you spend your free time? (family, hobbies, interests, volunteer activities, etc.)

I enjoy playing the piano, singing, reading and spending time with my family.