Frequently Asked Questions

I obtained my MD (medical doctor) in 1983. I am a Diplomate of the Board of Family Medicine (DABFM) since 1986. 

I am a Certified Integrative Psychiatric Provider, having completed the Integrative Psychiatry Institute’s year-long fellowship program in Integrative Psychiatry on 10/25/2024.

In March 2025, my metabolic health & lifestyle credentials were enriched by completing Dr. Mindy Pelz’s Fast Like a Girl (FLAG) Certified Coach program.

I studied medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel University College of Medicine). After medical school graduation, I completed a three-year residency in family medicine at Ventura County Medical Center in California, one of the top family medicine residencies in the US.

My practice in family medicine covered the entire spectrum of care I was trained to provide, from outpatient clinic to hospitalist, urgent care to emergency medicine. I even served as a ship’s doctor! Finally, I came to the conclusion that the traditional Western approach to medical care, skewed towards prioritizing prescribing medications over preventive medicine, failed to address the breadth and depth of patient concerns and health outcomes. I am convinced that examining patients’ metabolic health through the lens of cellular functioning, while addressing the root causes of disease and dysfunction, is the place where true healing occurs.

Yes, I have! I firmly believe in the ancient proverb, “Physician, heal thyself.” How do I expect to be a change agent in the healing arts, if I don’t apply the same healing principles to my health and well-being? Being a role model is imperative to my credibility as a doctor.

My overall treatment goal is to focus on uncovering the root causes of acute and chronic health issues. I do this by expanding the typical Western medicine approach of taking a comprehensive history and physical exam to include information on diet, activity, sleep, stress, environment, and mental health. It takes time to fully evaluate the underlying reasons for feeling unwell. I give you that time in my one-hour sessions, whether done virtually or in-person.

The initial visit typically takes one hour. I recommend you bring paperwork detailing your health, medications, and lifestyle habits, so I can learn your health history, review lifestyle factors, and get an idea of what your main concerns are. During the first appointment, we will work together to come up with a care plan for healing, depending on what is most appropriate for your situation.

My practice focuses on adults of any age; also adolescents over the age of 16.

Optimizing healthy functioning of the gut microbiome is an essential ingredient to a healthy body and mind. Improving gut health is therefore high on my priority list for overall health treatment.

While intermittent fasting is an important tool for healing our metabolism, this tool is not for everyone. For example, I do not recommend it for children who have not completed their growth, people with an eating disorder, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or those with chronic kidney disease. It is important that you discuss any condition with your medical provider and me that may potentially affect your health on an intermittent fasting program. 

Absolutely! I am excited to explore how your current nutritional and sleep habits impact your well-being. Problems in these two areas are often not fully evaluated by many primary care providers, which leads to downstream effects on your health. I take the time you need to improve the functioning of these vital pieces of the lifestyle puzzle.

I offer classes on Metabolic Health tailored to the specific needs of adult men of all ages, and women. Women’s classes are divided into three categories: 20-40 years (reproductive age); 40-55 years (perimenopausal); and 55+ years (postmenopausal). The classes are an exciting, educational, and immersive experience utilizing the power of intermittent fasting, sound nutritional and lifestyle practices, and behavioral change tactics to transform your health and well-being. All classes are held virtually, once weekly for five weeks. Classes are limited to 10 participants to allow for questions, group interaction and support. Feel free to call if you’d like more information.

Many people ask why I don’t bill insurance for my services. At this time the medical system is not set up to adequately compensate for this type of healing work. Procedures, specialty care, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals are typically well-reimbursed by insurance companies. What is not well-reimbursed is time spent with patients in excess of the standard 20-minute healthcare provider appointment. Keeping my overhead expenses low allows me to prioritize the time I spend with patients. My appointments typically last one hour, which gives people the time, attention, and care they need to truly address their concerns and transform their health.

For canceled or rescheduled appointments a minimum 24-hour advance notice  is required in order to avoid a $75 late fee. If you arrive late for your appointment, I will see you for the balance of your appointed time, and you will be charged the entire fee for the originally scheduled appointment (typically one hour).

Yes, I offer virtual sessions so you can receive care from the comfort of your home, no matter where you live. Virtual sessions ensure you have access to my services, no matter where you live!

Definitely! With your written consent, I am more than happy to communicate my treatment plan to your health care provider. If you have any health challenges or serious concerns not yet addressed by your provider, I will discuss that with them.

My mission is to complement the care you receive from your medical provider by performing a deeper evaluation of aspects of your health that may not be covered by the traditional Western medical model. I want to collaborate with your medical provider, not compete with them or take over the care you are currently receiving. By adding my care to what you already receive, it is my belief that your overall health will improve. If you do not have a medical provider when you see me, and if I think you would benefit from their approach (e.g., for refills of prescription medications), I will be happy to refer you.