I was raised in San Jose, California by immigrated Filipino parents who instilled in me the power of education, communication, and hard work. I successfully completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Shortly after graduation, I was nominated to be a Delegate to the International Mission on Medicine to China based on academic achievement, leadership ability, and dedication to the medical profession. During this short 4 week course, Traditional Chinese Medicine taught me the governing philosophy that the body is whole, intimately connected, and has the potential to cure its own diseases. I discovered that nontraditional medicine and Western medicine should exist side by side, as both have their advantages, and thus my interest in osteopathic medicine began.

I graduated medical school from Western University- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California and completed my Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, graduating as Chief Resident in my fourth year of residency. I originally joined Kaiser Permanente in the Central Valley region in October 2011. My 5 years in the Modesto department was spent performing complicated gynecologic surgeries as part of the select, minimally invasive surgical team, growing a full practice with beloved patients, and delivering care in the office and in Labor and Delivery. However, my desire to return to San Jose was driven by the importance of family. I am excited to be back in the area in which I grew up and to see my immediate and extended family grow.

My interest in obstetrics and gynecology melds my interest in combining intellectual challenge, confined continuity of care, and comprehensive surgical and medical care for women from childbearing age through the post-menopausal years. Medicine is the science and the art of diagnosing, treating, and curing disease. In this increasingly technological world, a physician’s personal healing touch is invaluable. I enjoy educating and communicating with my patients. I believe in unity, patience, humility, and respect for your time. My goal is to provide tailored, effective medical attention to women in need. I appreciate the team approach to preventive care that Kaiser Permanente offers patients by having the primary care physicians together at one site to coordinate care.

Currently, I am the only osteopathic physician and surgeon in the Women’s Health department. When I began my career in Modesto, I was similarly the only D.O. in the department. I invite you to learn more about osteopathic medicine and encourage you to ask me questions. D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. In the US, there are 2 types of separate but equal medical schools: Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO). Allopathic and osteopathic medical schools have the same undergraduate requirements and require the same entrance testing (MCAT). Both are four years and require the same series of medical board examinations. Osteopathic medical school appealed to me because it combines the focus of symptom based approaches with the holistic perception of medicine, offering great versatility. Osteopaths are doctors first. Beyond that categorization however, osteopaths are armed with knowledge gained through significant hours spent learning manipulative techniques. For residency however, I chose an allopathic program based on the excellent medical and surgical training offered. I do not practice osteopathic manipulative medicine currently; however the ability to diagnose with my hands through medical school and residency training is useful every day. I also speak a moderate level of medical and conversational Spanish.

I am proud to be a member of such an outstanding department within the medical group at Kaiser Permanente. Our goal is to provide you with high quality care and service. As a valued member, I look forward to meeting you at your next appointment, greeting you with kindness, warmth, and respect, and offering you excellent obstetric and gynecologic health.