What is your subspecialty and why did you go into that subspecialty?
I am double board certified in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. I went into Pain Medicine because I like the ability to develop a relationship with patients over time and maintain continuity of care. I can provide them with different treatment strategies and approaches to managing their pain, but also help them gain the most functional improvement.
For me, it’s about being able to provide care from both an Interventional and Physical Medicine standpoint. I am fortunate to help many patients reach the best version of themselves.
What's the best part of your clinical practice?
The best part of my practice is seeing improvements in functional outcomes and the gains that patients can make. Small steps can be major progress.
I had a patient with a history of breast cancer that was thankfully in remission, but the cancer did metastasize to her spine at one point requiring multiple surgeries. The patient developed chronic pain even after the cancer was treated, so I had to find a way to improve her quality of life. Ultimately, she did extremely well with a spinal cord stimulator to treat her pain. She is active again and able to enjoy playing with her grandchildren, which was our primary goal. Playing a role in her care and seeing these improvements, for me, that’s a rewarding experience.
What makes Yale a unique place for patients to come get treatment, in your experience?
Yale is a unique place for patients because they are able to be seen by some of the best doctors in the country and truly world-class physicians. It is certainly a cutting-edge environment, and a place where the research and drive for evidence-based medicine takes a leading part. You have this combined with the University, and that’s something that you can’t just find anywhere.
What is advice you give to medical students wanting to go into Physiatry or anyone who wants to go into Medicine that you've worked with?
I tell students that Medicine is a long game. You have to work hard, constantly keep learning, training, and of course, to listen. If you keep at it, persistence pays off. You’ll have fun along the way, make new friends, and colleagues become like family. Of course the work can be difficult, but you always need to find time for some fun!
Tell me something that you enjoy when you're not in the clinic.
I'm originally from Southern California and I like to surf, so I still maintain that here in the Northeast. Winter surfing? I’ll do it. Just get full suited and you're good to go.