Bachelor of Arts, Harvard College
Doctor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Internship in Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
Residency in Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship in Infectious Diseases, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases,
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

English, Spanish

I have wanted to work at FIGHT since I first moved to Philadelphia four years ago. I believe strongly in working as a physician in a practice that offers care to people regardless of insurance status, immigration status, or ability to pay; and at an agency that combines the provision of quality services with the tools of advocacy.

I am a full-time physician at the Lax Center, and a co-investigator in HIV clinical trials. I am also the Co-Director of the Global Health Track of the Internal Medicine residency program at Penn and in that capacity also teach resident physicians and medical students at Lax and other community clinics around Philadelphia. Lastly, I am an attending physician at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

My first day at FIGHT was almost four years ago, when I spent a few weeks rotating here as a resident. On my first day, I met a patient with a complicated medical history, no insurance, and complex social situation. Back then, I didn't know where to start. But by the end of her visit, she walked out of the building with the medication she needed, temporary insurance set up, an appointment with a therapist, a Case Manager to help her with her housing issues, and an application for Project TEACH. It honestly kind-of seemed like a miracle, and I thought "I have to work here some day." Now I do, and I get to see this sort of thing multiple times every day. And it still kind-of seems like a miracle every time.

The incredible stories of triumph over tragedy told to me by many of my patients, the intelligence and kindness of my colleagues, and the collective belief here that everyone (patient, provider, case manager, pharmacist, receptionist, community advocate, therapist, and on) is a valuable member of the team moving an individual and a society toward a better future.