From a young age, I was drawn to helping others and found medicine captivating due to its purpose of providing healing to individuals.

However, my childhood exposure to diet and medicine was not typical. I was raised in the Pacific Northwest by my Swedish mother and my father, who was raised in Southeast Asia. As a result, I was exposed to diverse cultures, cuisines, and ideas from an early age. In school, I stood out as the child who considered sushi a regular lunch choice, while finding my friend's PB&J sandwiches peculiar. I willingly explored "unconventional" foods that were unfamiliar to others and learned how to shop for and prepare international dishes. My father, an American man with extensive cultural exposure and experience as a Navy Corpsman for the SEALs, introduced my family to various flavors and cooking techniques. I am immensely grateful for this knowledge, as it has expanded my understanding of food's versatility and its positive impact on our health and lives. Today, I employ this knowledge to bring vibrancy to culinary experiences.

In addition to his culinary influences, my father played a pivotal role in introducing me to the medical field. He gifted me my first Merck's Manual on my 15th birthday and has consistently pointed me toward holistic remedies and nutrition information throughout my life. As a youth, these experiences fueled my ever-growing curiosity and passion for the healing arts.

After completing my podiatric medical education at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, I pursued a three-year surgical residency at a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Northern California.

Throughout my training, I encountered and treated a broad spectrum of diseases beyond my ultimate specialty in podiatry. Working in clinics, operating rooms, emergency departments, and hospital settings exposed me to various ailments people endure. One recurring question persisted: why do treatments yield varied results? In school, we were taught that specific treatment protocols for a given disease would universally work, accounting for slight dosage and medication adjustments. Additionally, patients frequently sought my advice on dietary choices, managing type II diabetes, or enhancing postoperative recovery. It became evident that neither I nor my colleagues received adequate training in addressing these matters.

It took time before I fully comprehended the significance of the connection between food and our body's ability to fight and manage diseases. During my early years of medical schooling, my mother received an official diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, surprisingly identified by my podiatry mentors. This revelation highlighted that I had only scratched the surface of understanding our bodies and the true essence of health.

For nearly a decade, I have practiced as a podiatrist and surgeon, going beyond my three-year residency. Concurrently, I have dedicated the past four years to expanding my knowledge of holistic nutrition and functional medicine. This unique combination of experiences allows me to comprehend both traditional and holistic approaches to healing. By integrating my background in conventional medicine with holistic nutrition and functional medicine, I offer clients a unique and comprehensive understanding of their health concerns. I aim to serve as their intermediary, advisor, and guide in achieving optimal well-being.

Throughout my studies and experiences, I find that Hippocrates' timeless quote, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food," rings true—yet its implementation remains sadly limited.

Reflecting on my education, I recognize a distinct lack of emphasis on nutrition in medical school. The focus in medical school predominantly revolved around disease pathology and the pharmaceuticals designed to alleviate associated symptoms. While my education provided a strong foundation in anatomy, chemistry, biology/physiology, and overall human body functionality, my time spent with patients has provided something even more valuable: a driving desire to investigate the root causes behind disease symptoms.

At SMÅ, my approach as your health coach sets me apart from that traditional mindset. While many doctors rely almost exclusively on pharmaceutical interventions and complex medical jargon, I believe in a different path to healing. I look at each person as a whole living organism, not just a collection of symptoms, lab results, or images. The SMÅ approach emphasizes the importance of holistic care and the transformative power of proper nourishment. My goal is to empower you by helping you understand your diagnosis, emotions, and the vital role of nutrition in your well-being.

As your dedicated advisor, I prioritize spending quality time actively listening to you because I have learned that by truly listening, patients reveal valuable information that when combined with proper nutrition and wellness practices, can guide me towards facilitating a more complete recovery.

Step away from the conventional approach and experience personalized care with me at SMÅ. Together, we can embark on a journey towards holistic wellness, where you are heard, understood, and supported in achieving optimal health.