Patients that I see want to get better and find out why they are having problems. My practice is largely devoted to mood and thought disorders. I am a minimalist when it comes to using psychiatric medications. I am often seeing folks who are either over-medicated and/or on the wrong types of medications. The 2 letters after my surname are M and D. To me, these letters not only stand for Medical Doctor, but almost more important to me, is they stand for Medical Detective.
A patient with a mood, behavioral, or cognitive disorder may have an underlying medical disorder that is either the root of the problem or exacerbating the condition. As a Board-Certified Family Physician with a focus on mental health, I am trained to look at all organ systems which includes the brain. I want to help you find the root cause of your concern.
My philosophy is simple: Spend real quality time with patients, listening and taking notes and getting to know them, which includes their life, family, and work. I do not use the computer during our visit because I want to establish genuine rapport with folks. My patients are my resident experts. I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you.
My background:
Prior to my decision to enter medical school, I was a professional jazz trombonist from 1975 to 1988. I still enjoy being a musician but decided that my long-term career path should be medicine. I continued to work as a musician while finishing my studies to enter medical school.
My Family Practice Internship and Residency at University of Nevada Las Vegas Medical School placed a strong emphasis on treating patients with mental health disorders and I enjoyed it. As my career progressed, I decided to focus my practice interests solely on treating patients with mental health disorders and have been doing so for 7 years. It is important to me to collaborate with physicians and therapists who are also seeing the patient, because working together helps the patient and the other doctors and/or therapists involved in their care.
Covid-19: Due to the pandemic, I see patients via Tele-Medicine using the Doxy.me secure platform. I was using Tele-Medicine for several years prior to the pandemic and patients enjoy the convenience of not needing to drive to the office for an appointment. The visits are just as productive and helpful as if the visit were done in person.
Education:
Applied Performance in Trombone
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Pre-med Studies
Doctoral Degree in Medicine
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Internship and Residency
Texas Medical License: S9157
Nevada Medical License: 12571
Special Interests:
Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Affective Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief and Bereavement, and Psychosis.
Treatment Ages:
Later adolescents (age 14-19) and Adults