I started my medical journey when in my youth I discovered a desire for learning and a passion for helping others. After completing a degree in genetics and premed at UC Davis and while preparing to attend conventional medical school, something didn’t feel right about that path. Even as a young adult, I knew that in order to truly uncover the root causes of health complaints, I needed to spend time diving deeply into a case. In addition, I wanted a broad tool kit with which I could work. I felt that conventional medical training would fall short in these areas, so I pivoted and decided to get my doctorate in Chinese medicine instead. My career as a doctor of Chinese medicine has taught me the power of devoting time and research into the root cause of disease. Like a detective, I learned to put clues together to figure out what was driving patients’ health complaints. Rather than chasing symptoms, I discovered the fulfillment of uncovering true causes of disease.
After the birth of my child six years ago, I found myself plagued with my own health issues. I struggled to figure out my own insomnia, fatigue, pain, and inflammation. It was then that I discovered the missing piece for not only my own health but for my ability to help others. By utilizing functional labs and delving into my studies of Functional Medicine, I gained a whole new diagnostic toolkit that is functional laboratory analysis. Now, when a patient’s lab results come in, I’m given key clues that help solve the health puzzle. Functional Medicine has opened up a world of possibility for me clinically, where the guesswork is taken out, the data guides the path to health, and I can create precise, individualized treatment programs that get results.
I built my foundation on Chinese medicine, which taught me the art of root-cause clinical diagnosis from a systems approach. My functional medicine training has taken that skill to the next level, allowing me to hone in on exactly where hidden sources of dysfunction are occurring based on biochemical individuality.
When I’m not working to uncover the drivers of patient health complaints, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and daughter, climbing, dancing Cuban salsa, and practicing yoga.
Educational and Clinical Highlights
Licensed primary health care provider since 2008
Bachelors in Genetics, UC Davis
Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Postgraduate training in Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
Candidate, Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
Advanced Laboratory Analysis 12-Month Mentorship, Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine
4-year mentorship with Robert Levine, LAc, master acupuncturist and herbalist
Advanced training in Master Tung’s Points with Susan Johnson
Functional Blood Chemistry with Ronda Nelson
Toxic Metal Elimination with Dr. Chris Shade
