CA

I have been a Whole Food, Plant-Based eater since 2016.  I lost 60# with Bright Line Eating in 2016 and reversed hypertension, obesity, and borderline diabetes.  Both plans are the most effective and sustainable for accomplishing improved health and optimal weight.  I am a Family Nurse Practitioner working at a family practice clinic in San Pedro, CA called Med-Friends.  I am available to assist anyone who is interested in learning more about these two ways of eating to improve his or her health.  I can prescribe medications for those who need them, with a goal of weaning off medications as your diet improves.  Our clinic is in-network for Blue Shield insurance, primarily.    

“The mouth is the mother of all disease.” – Traditional Chinese Proverb
 
I’m a professional, licensed Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, and Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition.
Over 24 years of experience in clinical nutrition gives me a depth of knowledge to share with you. Particularly if you are concerned with weight, diabetes, digestive/bowel and kidney diseases. You might only have some concerns about lab test results, or nutrition supplements. Maybe you are confused by all the ‘chatter’ out there.
My approach is to always start with the ‘science’. 
And the science supports Plant-Based Nutrition as our best defense in this challenging world.
 
My work experiences reflect my strong knowledge base. From hospital settings providing nutrition recommendations in acute, chronic, and critical care situations; to outpatient clinics providing diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and weight management counseling.
For many years I held a specialty certification in nutrition support (feeding using alternate routes). Most recently I have been working with gastric cancer survivors.
In 2014 our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California developed the curriculum for Plant-Based Nutrition classes.

When I graduated from UCLA with my Master’s in Public Health in 1988, I had a very important decision to make. Do I, or do I not return to UC Davis School of Medicine to complete my training to become a physician? (I had spent 3 years at UC Davis) I realized that I was passionately committed to promoting health and preventing disease, and that I was no longer interested in treating disease. I made a bold decision to pursue studying Lifestyle Medicine on my own and went into healthcare administration and eventually consulting. But along the way, I was busy conducting my own research, delivering seminars and even wrote a book on health called Evolving Health, endorsed by Dr. Neal Barnard. In 2016, I attended the Plant-based Nutrition Healthcare Conference and learned about the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. I was so thrilled! In October 2017, I attended my first Lifestyle Medicine Conference and was delighted to have found my tribe. They announced the board certification for physicians and for professionals. I was in! In October 2018, I attended my second Lifestyle Medicine Conference and passed my board exam! I am so proud to officially be a Lifestyle Medicine Professional!  For the longest time, I have believed that a whole food, plant-based diet is fundamental to empowering people to prevent, reverse and treat chronic disease. I have had the good fortune to have helped hundreds to do just that. 

I am an interventional cardiologist who is skilled at performing angioplasty. However, I prefer to use my knowledge of medicine, nutrition, and exercise science to help my patients stay heart healthy. As a competitive triathlete and follower of a plant-based diet for over ten years, I set a healthful example for my patients.

I’m a professional, licensed Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, and Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. Over 24 years of experience in clinical nutrition gives me a depth of knowledge to share with you. Particularly if you are concerned with weight, diabetes, digestive/bowel and kidney diseases. You might only have some concerns about lab test results, or nutrition supplements. Maybe you are confused by all the ‘chatter’ out there. My approach is to always start with the ‘science’.    My work experiences reflect my strong knowledge base. From hospital settings providing nutrition recommendations in acute, chronic, and critical care situations; to outpatient clinics providing diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and weight management counseling. After moving to California in 1980, I developed an interest in competitive cycling and eating. The eating morphed into a career in restaurant and food production. Eventually it led me to return to college to study nutrition and dietetics. It is important to understand what happens after we eat foods. And, why cultures consume certain foods. Plant-based nutrition has always been a great interest. As my knowledge in nutrition has grown, my beliefs about the importance of a plant-based diet has been, and continues to be, reaffirmed. At this time of my career, I am priveledged to be able to help my patients understand their nutrition. And, how a more plant-based diet might help them and the planet. As a chef, it is great to be able to help them execute a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal.