I am a board-certified family medicine physician with professional interests in women’s health, obstetrics, preventive care, pediatric and adolescent care, mental health and addiction medicine.

My practice philosophy: I believe in working toward a healthy life, not just treating illness. We all have life goals, and as a doctor I see it as my job to help people make informed health care decisions and to guide them toward their goals.

Hometown: Davey, Nebraska

I am passionate about: the right of all people to live healthy and productive lives, free of violence and discrimination. I am especially passionate about women’s rights, civil rights, and immigration rights.

If I wasn't a physician, I would be a: anthropologist, because I love the experience of meeting and learning from new people and places.

I knew I wanted to become a physician when: I first performed CPR at the age of 16 in an emergency situation along a highway. I learned then that I was capable of doing a hard job in a calm and compassionate way. As I have progressed through my career I have continued to experience how humbling and fulfilling it is to be there for people in their time of need.

My patients have taught me: that each visit with a patient is a chance for me to learn something new, from the best places in the Twin Cities for ice cream, to alternative treatments for arthritis.

My personal health goal: To do something active every day that I enjoy, like yoga or a walk or rock climbing or dancing in the living room, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

I am most proud of: the time that I spent as a science teacher at an elementary school for Somali refugees, teaching that every kid can be a scientist.