Unlike many of my colleagues I hadn’t always dreamed of working in medicine. My realization came after working in retail management and marketing for 10 years. Although I enjoyed my work, I knew there was something else I was meant to do. Not having any idea what this new career might be, I began taking classes in my spare time. I quickly fell in love with the sciences; biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. And the decision was made to go into the medical field. After doing some research I discovered the Physician Assistant profession and I knew it was the career I was searching for.

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a “mid-level provider”. They are not nurses, nor are they doctors. They fall somewhere in the middle. PAs are trained similarly to physicians; in fact many schools have the same textbooks, professors and facilities for both PA and medical students. Pas enjoy the autonomy of taking care of patients with the benefit of having a supervising physician available for questions or concerns.

My experience as a PA over the last several years has encompassed breast cancer surgery, surgical reconstruction and medical oncology. I have always been fortunate to work in a type of setting that allows breast cancer patients to be treated in a comprehensive manner – in other words, were all the practitioners work together, and with the patient, to design a treatment plan which is best for that particular individual. I have also been fortunate to work with practitioners, nurses and staff who believe in treating the person as a whole person, and most importantly putting the patient first.

My daily goal is to help women and their loved ones navigate through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer as easily as possible and with the least amount of fear and anxiety as possible. Seeing my patients smile and laugh through this journey is my works greatest gift.

In my spare time, my husband Dave and I enjoy playing golf, traveling, watching movies, discovering new restaurants and great wine. We also spend as much time as we can with our nieces, nephews and Boone (our Springer Spaniel).

Education:

Undergraduate   University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
BS in Business Administration and Marketing

Oxford University, Oxford, England
International Studies/Business/English Literature

Physician Assistant

Training:  Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA

Internship:  MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX