Since my time as an undergrad at Boston University, I have been an avid believer in a mind-body connection. My double majors of biology and psychology attest to this conviction. At the master’s program for genetic counseling at Sarah Lawrence College, the emphasis on counseling solidified my training. However, it has been the thousands of patients I have encountered in the last twenty seven years at Kaiser Permanente who have really been my teachers. I have learned that listening is more important than talking.
My academic interests in research were promoted when I worked at the University of Utah Medical Center. I learned the value of a critical eye so that science can be tailored to the needs of the patient.
I have been an active member of the Downey Medical Center Tumor Board for over 5 years. I have chaired the Genetics Department committee aimed at creating member education documents and have spearheaded the move to have a department website over 15 years ago. I enjoy working with my colleagues because I find our team to be a group of intelligent, patient focused and dedicated individuals. I can communicate with my patients in Spanish to a moderate degree.
I am a long standing member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Society of Human Genetics and I attend educational conferences annually to keep up my knowledge and skills. Often, I present my own interesting research at these same educational conferences.
