Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

Both of my parents were medical professionals; my Father was a Cardiologist and my Mother was a nurse. From an early age, I had an avid interest in medicine. Being involved with community service came naturally to me, as it was modeled by my parents. I also had a severe, life threatening health event as a teenager which affected my outlook on the medical profession. Entering college, I knew I wanted a career in medicine, but I wasn't certain I wanted the time and academic commitment of being a physician. My first encounter with a physician assistant was as a college freshman. As I asked him questions about how he functioned within the practice and his education, I had a "lightbulb" moment when I knew this was what I wanted to do-not just as a career-but also as a calling.

What I want my patients to know about me:

My first goal is to listen and hear what patients are saying, both spoken and unspoken. I strive to provide excellent care for people to the best of my ability. Being part of a small hospital is very special to me and I thrive on building relationships with others in all departments. As corny as it sounds, I have always thought of Good Samaritan Hospital as a team, even before we became part of WellSpan. I suppose my days of competing in sports and coaching soccer and track and field naturally draw me to a team approach.
I grew up in New Jersey outside of Philadelphia, but being half Brasilian, I am conversant in Portuguese, and have a simple, basic working knowledge of Spanish and French.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

My husband and I both have grown children and we happily look after our 'menagerie' of animals; 4 horses, cats, chickens, our faithful 'pup' take up substantial amounts of time, as does groundskeeping, but it keeps us active and out of trouble. We take turns looking in on my Father who resides in a local nursing home, regularly make time for family and friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of walks on the nearby golf course and college. Over the past 19 years, when time and finances allow, we enjoy exploring new countries, cuisines, wines, or sometimes just returning to some of our favorite places. We are experts at doing nothing! At home, I try to set aside time for actual pleasure reading- biographies, fiction, nonfiction. I am a sporadic horseback rider, jogger, gym rat, and occasionally do yoga.