Category: Medical Staff

Biography

I grew up in southern California, attended Whittier Christian High School, and received my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. I then entered medical School at the University of Southern California, followed by a three year residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Both of these experiences helped spark my passion and calling to help increase access to care in underserved communities. For the following 25 years I worked at the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers (originally known as the LA Mission Community Clinic) in Skid Row, serving for several years as Chief Medical Officer and later for 10 years as Chief Executive Officer.  In 2022 I stepped away from my administrative position in order to return to patient care, and in 2024 was pleased to join the Hurtt Family Clinic as a full-time physician.

Practice Philosophy

• I endeavor to provide high quality, comprehensive health care with compassion and respect
• It is my desire to partner with my patients and to help empower them to achieve their health-related goals
• I enjoy getting to know my patients over time and learning about what is important to them.
• I am grateful for the incredible privilege of walking alongside people as they face various health challenges, as well as the other ups and downs of life, and I hope to be supportive presence for them along the way

Biography

Born into an immigrant family, I developed a profound appreciation for community and a passion for healthcare early on. At the University of California, Irvine, where I majored in Biological Sciences, I immersed myself in volunteering for hospitals and charities focused on underserved children and teens. These experiences fueled my journey to becoming a physician assistant specializing in family medicine. After earning my Master’s degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2020, I entered the field equipped with a commitment to preventive medicine and a belief in empowering patients through education and proactive health practices.

Practice Philosophy

In my practice as a family medicine physician assistant, I prioritize preventive care and patient education. I firmly believe that promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and early detection are crucial for long-term well-being. By fostering open communication and building trusting relationships with my patients, I strive to empower them to take control of their health. Community engagement and serving those in need remain central to my professional ethos, inspired by my upbringing and the support of my immigrant family.

Biography

Working for the underserved community is my privilege. I feel humble to be able to accompany our patients in their journeys. My goals are to help patients feel empathized, empowered and equipped to take charge of their health conditions.

Practice Philosophy

• Provide comfort and empathy to patients and family members
• Provide patient education to empower patients to take charge of their health conditions
• Encourage patients to focus on prevention, healthy lifestyle

Biography

I was born and raised in Orange County, specifically Tustin/Irvine area. I graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. I then went to medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA and graduated in 2016. Afterwards, I completed my residency in Family Medicine at PIH Downey in Downey, California. I graduated from from residency in 2019. My residency was at a community hospital where I saw a lot of pathology and worked with a lot of patients in underserved areas of Los Angeles County. I returned home to Orange County after graduation ready to serve the area in which I grew up in. I love the community and the team at Hurtt Family Health Clinic and I am excited to be here.

Practice Philosophy

I believe that patient care should be centered on the patient and what is the most safest and effective treatment for the patient. I also believe that both early prevention and intervention are key to ensuring that patients are the healthiest they can be. I enjoy building quality relationships with my patients – so that I can get to know them on an individual basis to tailor their care to their needs. In addition, communication is very important to me and I am always open to questions.