About Me

I dreamt about being a doctor as early as age 5, when my mother bought me a Fisher Price physician kit that included a stethoscope, oto-ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer, and other physical exam tools. My mom was my very first patient and I loved using the medical tools to make sure she was in good health. There is also video from kindergarten when the teacher asked me what I want to be when I grow up and without hesitation I said a doctor. Fast forward many years and now I am a physician-scientist, psychiatrist-neuroscientist fascinated by the diversity and richness of people and by our dynamic brains. This incredible organ is a conduit to our humanity, allowing us to be conscious, self aware, creative, intelligent, and empathic; to tell stories, create language, music, cuisines, culture, societies, and to dream. Our brain also produces the darker and destructive sides of our humanity. I'm fascinated by our brains particularly when thoughts and perceptions are altered and people begin to experience a variety of psychiatric symptoms that impair their ability to live the way they wish. This fascination, combined with salient personal experiences, drove me to study the brain scientifically and to pursue psychiatry. Since I am equally intrigued by the dynamic processes of development, I chose to pursue additional expertise and training in child & adolescent psychiatry, developmental neuroscience, and neurobehavioral genetics.  Of course, our brains don't work or live in isolation. They are integrated with our bodies and our environments. This two way street of dynamic growth and change from the world acting on us and from us acting on the world allows for magic to happen. My family has been a key inspiration, providing me with the optimal environment and opportunities to thrive, pursue my dreams and passions, and live the life I dreamt about as a child. I am indebted to my parents and siblings for the love and support they have given me.