Where do you currently practice?
At present, I practice with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in West Los Angeles, CA. I have been with the VA for two and half years. I am also a faculty member with the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Program of Nurse Anesthesia.
What are your favorite cases or anesthesia specialty?
Some of my favorites are sports medicine (orthopedics) and pain management. Admittedly, while direct clinical care is always something I value, my professional interests have moved outside of the operating room, specifically in improving access to care, promoting patient safety through better communication, and educating future APRNs.
What is the most rewarding part of being a CRNA?
The most rewarding aspect of being a CRNA is the unspoken appreciation you receive from the patient or family member who trusted you with their life; an awesome, uplifting feeling.
What are your passions outside of work?
I love experiencing new cultures, especially when I travel abroad. I will read just about anything, many times involving esoteric topics. I am an avid runner and enjoy downhill skiing and SCUBA diving. I strongly believe in human equality and diversity, and support animal rights and protections.
Is there any research, thesis, practice projects, missions, or other anesthesia related work you would like to share with our community?
I was involved in some research work when I was a student at Yale, including the DIAD Study (Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics), and my DNP capstone project involved implementing and evaluating a postoperative communication tool between freestanding surgery centers and primary care providers. At present, I am involved with several projects with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System including improving patient throughput in the GI center and writing a standard operating procedure and interprofessional education program on malignant hyperthermia. Recently, I was part of a three-author team that wrote an evidence-based editorial on the opioid crisis, which will be published soon. I am also involved with the capstone projects at USC.
