I grew up in San Diego and attended the University of California, San Diego, Revelle College and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I had a short stint in cancer research and monoclonal antibody research, and then went on to St. George’s University School of Medicine. After completing two years of basic sciences in Grenada, West Indies, I returned to the States to do my clinical rotations in hospitals in Oakland, CA, Brooklyn, NY, Mt. Vernon, NY, Long Island and Phoenix, AZ. After graduating with an M.D. in 1996, I began my residency in Family Practice at Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute in Kingston, NY. In 1999, I completed my residency and received a research award in Diabetes Management. I obtained my board certification with the American Board of Family Practice in July 1999 and have recertified in 2006 and 2016, and I currently practice in Chandler, AZ.
I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center Phoenix Campus. I had also served as State Chair of the Arizona Caucus of the American Medical Association-Organized Medical Staff Section. I have introduced resolutions meant to change the way physicians practice in an increasingly bureaucratic healthcare environment. I have also appeared on local network television and speak publicly often to help educate the public on healthcare issues.
I was awarded the title of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2004. This title honors those who have put in the extra dedication in being educated and educating others in Family Medicine.
I am an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. I am also a member of the Arizona Medical Association and Arizona Academy of Family Physicians. I currently have privileges at Banner Desert Medical Center.
I feel that medical care is meant for the patient’s well-being only–not that of stockholders or CEO’s. In fact, I think that for-profit health insurance which is owned by stockholders is a complete violation of the physician-patient privilege as it introduces a non-involved third party into your well-being.
I believe in the Physician-Patient relationship as something sacred–if a test is agreed upon, the test should be done with no insurance company interference. If palliative care is in order, then we discuss the options in detail.
I live in Chandler, AZ with my wife and two boys. Theresa is a registered nurse with experience in oncology, post-operative recovery, surgical and medical intensive care, and outpatient clinical care. She now works side-by-side with me in our office as the practice manager. Our office is truly a Family Practice.
I am a former volunteer for the Phoenix Police Department, as a member of their Special Assignments Unit (the Phoenix PD version of SWAT). I was a tactical physician, aiding the tactical teams during raids and barricades. I had to resign my position on the team due to a leg injury. It was an absolute pleasure working with the hard working and dedicated men and women of the Phoenix Police Department, and I will miss the teams I came to work with.