The concept of anesthesia is scary for most people. As a pediatric anesthesiologist, my priority is always the safety of the children in my care. I try to do everything I can to put my patients and their families at ease. To accomplish this, I share information, provide reassurance and make sure we have some fun, too.

I approach patient care by personalizing it for each child. I get to know my patients, their families and their preferences. This attention helps me provide better care and, I hope, also makes it easier for them to trust that I’m doing my best for them.

Before I became a doctor, I was an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. I chose healthcare because as a child, I dealt with illness and loss within my own family. I have always loved working with children. They’re remarkably resilient with an inherent sense of positivity, gratitude and a zest for life that is contagious. I chose to specialize in congenital cardiac anesthesiology because it’s challenging, fascinating and allows me to get to know and care for kids as they grow up.

When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my family and engage in various hobbies.