My Story

I was born and raised in Southern California and attended the University of California, Irvine, where I graduated as a Regent’s Scholar. As a first-generation college graduate in my family, I pursued a double major in Immunology and Chemistry, along with a minor in European History. I went on to earn my medical degree at the University of California, San Diego, where I discovered a strong interest in the technical and physiological aspects of medicine, initially leading me to match into an anesthesiology residency at University Hospitals Case Western Reserve.

During my intern year, I realized that while I appreciated the pharmacology and critical care components of anesthesiology, I deeply missed the longitudinal relationships and continuity of care that internal medicine offers. I was the only resident in my class who looked forward to ICU and general medicine rotations more than time in the OR. I was fortunate to make a smooth transition into an internal medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where I was able to pursue my passion more fully.

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At UPMC, my interest in critical care deepened, and I developed a strong affinity for pulmonary medicine and chest imaging research. I published a study exploring fat distribution and COPD severity and later continued my training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan. There, my research shifted focus to asthma, particularly the role of high-resolution CT imaging in assessing disease severity. I co-authored multiple review articles and a book chapter on asthma phenotypes and severe asthma management. Before graduating, I established a collaboration with a deep learning engineering group and authored a grant proposal that received funding from GlaxoSmithKline to explore AI applications in chest imaging for patients with severe asthma on biologics.

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Today, I’m excited to bring my skills and passion for pulmonary and critical care medicine to Alaska. I currently serve as the Intensivist Medical Director at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, where I am committed to advancing care across the state. My mission is to establish a comprehensive lung cancer and pulmonary nodule program and to improve access to high-quality pulmonary care for all Alaskans. I look forward to continuing this journey and serving the vibrant and resilient communities of Alaska.