Residents

Where are you originally from?

Sultan, WA

Undergraduate College:

Cornell University

Where did you attend Medical School?

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

Growing up in rural Washington, I recall many occasions where the culture and traditions of Salish tribes touched both my educational and personal experiences. My training in South Dakota also brought me closer to patients from the reservations at Rosebud, Pine Ridge, and Standing Rock. Learning medicine in that environment offered constant reminders that modern healthcare holds only a small part of what it means to be a truly well human being. PTHA emphasizes a whole-person approach to full-spectrum care. Such comprehensive training in my home state was all I could ever ask for!

What are your interests?

My medical interests include women’s health, nutrition, holistic medicine, and making it simpler for those with unique neurocognitive needs to engage with their own medical decision making, particularly individuals on the autism spectrum. My scientific expertise is in traumatic brain injury, anxiety, PTSD, and neuroendocrinology.

What are some fun facts about you?

I turned down the chance for a spot on the U.S. Olympic archery team and went to college instead of Beijing, but I still love to shoot and coach today. I am fond of outdoor activities and enjoy even more sharing the outdoors with friends and family. I play a few instruments (some better than others!) and volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington as often as I can. My husband and I love exploring new places and new foods together, at restaurants and at home. I was once an engineer at Boeing, love anything J.R.R. Tolkien ever wrote, and for better or worse, am a morning person.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Honolulu, HI and I grew up in a suburb near Fort Worth, TX in a town called Keller. I’ve lived in Seattle and Kitsap peninsula since undergrad.

Undergraduate College:

University of Washington

Where did you attend Medical School?

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Community campus: Renton, WA

Why did you choose PTHA?

PTHA has a great mix of things I really cared about in a residency- a warm welcoming community clinic, a large hospital to soak up all the knowledge, opportunities to gain rural experience, ability to grow my OMM skills, and a team that will allow me to grow as a provider and person. Also, I felt the folks at PTHA promoted the culture of understanding health and healing beyond institutional medicine, which really resonated with me.

What are your interests?

In medicine, I am interested in OMM, obstetrics, lifestyle medicine and practicing in a rural environment. Outside of medicine, I like to cook and pretend I am a member of the Bon Appetit test kitchen, have dance offs with anyone willing to lose, nerd out about painting and art theory, and see live music (hopefully that isn’t just a distant memory of the past).

What are some fun facts about you?

I have a fine art degree in painting and drawing and a few of my favorite artists are Richard Tuttle, Jessica Stockholder, Phillip Guston and Joan Mitchell. Art and medicine are very unique, however one commonality that I am drawn to in both fields is the physicality of the work. I once dined with Michelle and Barack Obama… well I once dined at the same restaurant as them in Honolulu during the holidays and FORMER (but forever in my heart) PRESIDENT OBAMA WALKED RIGHT PAST ME!

Where are you originally from?

St. Louis, MO

Undergraduate College:

Maryville University of St. Louis

Where did you attend Medical School?

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

I choose PTHA for the ability to train in a similar size hospital as my surgical training hospital. I also was looking for a primary care program that had unopposed training. The program has shown that education to their residents is key. I also wanted to strengthen my osteopathic skills and PTHA has the tools that would allow this. The idea of training in an environment that also allows me to learn more about Native Americans is very unique and exciting to me.

What are your interests?

My medical interests include being part of an outpatient clinic with the opportunity to work within the community and at local hospitals. I enjoy any hands-on medicine for example OMM and bedside/minor procedures. I would also be interested in substance abuse or sleep medicine. Outside of medicine I enjoy many things. Creating has to be one of my favorite past times, this includes cooking, DIY projects, baking, piano, gardening and more. I also enjoy being part of groups, whether it is my Kickball group or just a group to hang out and grab some dinner. I love any type of games from board games to puzzles to computer games. I’m a big movie and music fan as well, but I would say most people are!

What are some fun facts about you?

My dog gets too much attention and has more beds than she is “years old”. I never had an animal until 2nd year of medical school. Business was my first career; medicine was is my second and final career where I started out as a surgery resident and have since transitioned into family medicine. I forced myself to start drinking coffee 1st year of medical school, prior to that I couldn’t tolerate the taste of coffee. I always try to go, do, or experience something new every year of my life.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Japan and grew up moving back and forth between Japan and the US. Within the US, I’ve lived all over the place from East to West coast, including New York, Oregon, California, and then Colorado.

Undergraduate College:

University of California, Berkeley

Where did you attend Medical School?

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

I was attracted to PTHA for the comradery among the residents, faculty, and staff, and for the unique opportunity to work with a medically underserved patient population. Pride in diversity, a strong sense of serving the community, and patient advocacy are all important to me and I find these values to be reflected in the mission of PTHA. I am also thrilled to be moving to Tacoma, Washington. Having spent a number of years living and traveling in the Pacific Northwest, I am ecstatic to be returning to this beautiful region.

What are your interests?

As for my career goal, I have a particular interest in women’s health and hope to be able to grow professionally into an advocate for women’s health issues, while still practicing the full spectrum of medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy training and performing as a circus straps artist, exploring nature and the outdoors, and trying anything new and exciting. On a more leisurely day, I like to create things, whether that be by sewing, crocheting, cooking, or baking.

What are some fun facts about you?

I am a triplet and I weighed 1645grams (that’s 3.6lbs) when I was born. I am a circus performer and trained on aerial straps after undergrad for a number of years. I perform as an aerialist at local events and venues and hope to be able to continue to do so in Tacoma!