Prior to receiving a Masters degree in Acupuncture from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia Maryland in 2000, I spent 8 years working as a Physician Assistant. I had a satisfying position in surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and another position in urgent care at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians health maintenance organization. Long hours of work re-aggravated a previous back injury. Many physicians and specialists saw me, with the usual tests performed; yet no treatment or therapy seemed to relieve my symptoms. One of my friends suggested acupuncture, and as a last ditch effort, I decided to give it a try.

The first visit was life changing for me. During the visit, we talked about my injury, the pain, and it’s effect on my life. We also discussed my life, my career, and where I saw myself in the future. My practitioner was interested in treating all of me: body, mind, and spirit. I felt cared for and tended. My pain and injury were significant, and so were the other aspects of my life. Each aspect affected the other.

It was during this visit, that I decided something was missing in the way I delivered health care. That aspect was the human aspect. The holistic approach is what I wanted to be able to give to my patients. I wanted to be able to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Four years later, I graduated with a Masters degree in acupuncture. I have been working for the past four years practicing acupuncture on a part time basis and combining Eastern philosophies into my Western medical practice as a Physician Assistant. This is an exciting time for me as I begin my full time acupuncture practice.

My current approach to health care is holistic, emphasizing the patient's overall well being. I recognize that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity. I practice whole-person health care with the vision to see the human body as much more than the sum of its parts. I see my clients as more than people coming to my office with a set of symptoms. My vision encompasses the entire individual in all of his or her unique complexity, and I work in partnership with my clients to ensure optimal health and wellness in all facets of their lives. Acupuncture focuses on maintaining optimal health naturally so that the body is better able to resist disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease.

I would love to talk with you about how acupuncture can serve you in you quest for health and well-being. Please use the links on the contact page to reach me. Wishing you health in body, mind, and spirit.