About Me

I received a BA in molecular biology from UC Berkeley and a MA in microbiology from UC Davis.  I graduated from USC medical school with the “Highest Distinction” honors.  I completed my internship with the UC Davis General Surgery program and my Head and Neck Surgery training at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Residency program.  I began working at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco in 1999.  One of the reasons Kaiser Permanente San Francisco attracted me was its dedication to the education of resident physicians.  My commitment to education helps me maintain up to date with advances in my field.  Currently I regularly complete 100-120 hours of Continuing Medical Education each year. Courses that I have completed in the past few years have included microscopic ear surgery, office ultrasound of the neck, computer aided image guided sinus surgery, snoring treatment and surgical treatment of craniofacial fractures. I have been volunteering for over 10 years with Operation Access program to provide “free” surgeries to the uninsured.  I have received a recognition award from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as well as a United States Congressional and a Presidential award for my volunteer work.

Roles and Responsibilities

As the Chief of the Department, I have made it our mission to provide the highest quality care and service to our members.  In 2008, I was honored to become the Regional Chief of Head and Neck Surgery and represent the 100 plus Kaiser Permanente  Head and Neck Surgeons in Northern California. In 2009, I received the Cecil Cutting leadership award for my work with my department and as the regional chief.  Since 2004, I have served as an expert reviewer for the Medical Board of California.

I am a clinical instructor for the Oakland Head and Neck Surgery Residency program and have the enjoyment of teaching both Medical and Head and Neck Surgery residents. In 2005, I received the Resident Teaching Award. I participate in research projects with the residents, attend education conferences and give medical talks.  I generally give 3-4 education presentations yearly at the San Francisco medical center.

Professional Affiliations

• Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
• Pacific Coast Ophthalmologic /Otolaryngologic Society
• Northern California Kaiser Permanente Head & Neck Surgery Society
• San Francisco Medical Society

Medical Education

• University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angelos, CA

Internship

• UC Davis, East Bay Program, Oakland, CA

My Staff

I have been fortunate enough to build a team of colleagues and support staff who share my vision of providing excellent quality medical care and service to our members.  My colleagues and staff have the quality of character, abilities and qualifications to accomplish that goal.  We often plan group activities outside of work to enhance our teamwork and understanding of each other.  The surgeons in our department come from very diverse medical training backgrounds allowing us to share our experiences to provide the best care for our health plan members.

Family and Friends

Growing up in the Richmond district of San Francisco, Kaiser Permanente has always been a presence in my life. I have always believed that Kaiser Health Care model was a good system. My family and I have been members at varying times when I was growing up. During my medical school and residency training, my belief in the Kaiser Model continued to grow. Getting a job at the San Francisco Medical Center is to me a fulfillment of a dream that began when I entered medical school.

At Kaiser Permanente, I have the freedom and ability to provide what I believe is the best treatment for my patients without the bureaucratic restrictions of private pay insurance and other HMO models.

Hobbies and interests

Outside of work and family, my passion is basketball which I play two to three times a week. I also like to travel, ski, snowboard, scuba dive and mountain bike.