I am a board-certified family medicine physician with professional interests in preventive care, obesity medicine, colonoscopies, geriatric care and chronic disease management. I also speak Spanish. 

Hometown: Clarion, IA

I'm passionate about: My two cats, which are like family to me. I also enjoy spending time tending to my fish tanks. 

If I wasn't a provider, I would be a: cook, because I like making tasty, yet healthy creations.

I knew I wanted to become a physician because: I grew up wanting to become a veterinarian, but changed my mind in undergrad at Iowa State University. I enjoyed the field of medicine, however, realized the importance of communicating and developing relationships with my patients, which made family practice a more desirable option.

Something I've learned from my patients is: that they are not simply patients, but unique individuals who are worth getting to know, and discovering their interests, motivations and goals.

My personal health goal is: to continue making strides in the gym, such as weighted pull-ups and lifting heavier weights during my workouts.

The best thing I've done for my health is: to work with a personal trainer in the gym, and become more cognizant about the food choices I make.

I am most proud of: earning three degrees in microbiology, genetics, and Spanish during my four years of undergraduate studies at Iowa State University.

A few of my personal achievements include: losing 30 pounds, while increasing my percent of lean mass (ie: muscle) as a part of a six-month, self-directed research project; going from knowing nothing about being an aquarist to breeding and raising my own cichlids; and completing RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).