Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from, and what led you to CNUCOM.

I bring with me over a decade of experience from UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services, where I’ve worked in both Urgent Care and Primary Care settings. My path to medicine has been shaped by a blend of academic and hands-on experiences. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from UC Davis and went on to complete a Master of Science in Forestry at Colorado State University. Eventually, I pursued my MD at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and returned to California for residency in Family and Community Medicine at UC Davis Medical Center. After residency, I spent three years at CommuniCare Health Centers’ Salud Clinic in West Sacramento, serving a diverse and often underserved community. Service has always been at the core of my work. I began volunteering at Clinica Tepati, one of UC Davis School of Medicine’s student-run clinics, in 2007 and became its Medical Director in 2010. When The Knights Landing One Health Center opened in 2012, I also stepped into the role of Medical Director there.

What drew you to your specific field of medicine and what makes it fulfilling for you?

I was drawn to family medicine because we can see patients of all ages, the continuity of care, potential of caring for whole families, and as a pcp you can help the patient navigate a very complicated healthcare system.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies, interests, or passions?

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I spend a lot of time volunteering with two student run clinics (Knights Landing One Health Center and Clinica Tepati). I enjoy gardening and spend a lot of time working in my yard at home. I like to go out hiking especially in the redwoods up the northern California coast. Recent international travel has been for medical trips to Panama for a women's health project and to Guatemala for a One Health offering human health screenings and cat and dog spay/neuter clinics.

What advice would you give students who are about to start their journey in medical school?

Medicine can be a long, difficult journey; make sure this is what you truly want to do. Listen to your patients, be compassionate and empathetic, and learn from every patient encounter. Don't forget to consider all the many obstacles patients face in accessing medical care

Can you share something students or peers may not know about you?

My first career, before medicine, was in forestry, specifically fire management. I worked for the USDA Forest Service for six years as a forest firefighter; my masters degree is in fire management with an emphasis on fire behavior. My great uncle was the first Taiwanese (Formosan at that time) appointed as faculty to the Taiwan University School of Medicine. He invented the first urine test to detect opiates as part of his work to help patients addicted to opium Since 2017, I have served on the Faculty Board of Directors for the Society of Student Run and Free Clinics, and I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the People & Pets Project, a nonprofit that provides community-centered care for both people and their pets. My clinical interests include general primary care and international health, with a strong focus on underserved populations in downtown Sacramento. Joining California Northstate University, College of Medicine felt like a natural next step in my journey. I was drawn to CNUCOM’s mission to serve the community and its commitment to developing future physician leaders through a student-centered approach

What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of CNUCOM?

Working with the students!

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