I was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Arizona with my family when I was 7 years old. I have made Scottsdale my home base for most of my life. I attended the University of Arizona and double-majored in Anthropology and Pre-Med. My goal at that time was to attend a traditional medical school, but I postponed my application process to pursue a Master's degree in Anthropology. This decision led me to Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. I completed a Master of Arts in medical anthropology in 1998. My master's thesis examined the clinical and psychological implications of chronic gynecologic diseases (i.e. cervical cancer, hysterectomies, and endometriosis).
After graduating; I stayed on at Western as a research grant coordinator for their Prevention and Wellness services. I managed a U.S. Department of Education grant examining the role of binge drinking on college campuses and correcting social norms. My role involved researching, authoring studies, and supervising a team of researchers. I learned the value of data collection and more importantly interpreting the data into usable information.
While at Western; I learned about naturopathic medicine. This form of medicine is widely used in the Northwest. I had found a "healing system" that combined science with a practice philosophy that focused on the individual instead of the disease. I started at Bastyr University (www.bastyr.edu) in Seattle, WA in 1999; a premiere institute for natural medicine. I graduated in 2003 and moved back to Arizona to start my practice.
I've enjoyed being back in Arizona close to family and friends. I am constantly awed by my patients' dedication to their well-being. I see my role as a facilitator and educator to aid them in their own path to wellness. I enjoy going to the office every day and seeing what the day brings!
Professional Designations
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (University of Arizona)
Master of Arts in Medical Anthropology (Western Washington University)
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (Bastyr University)
Professional Associations
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AZNMA)
After graduating; I stayed on at Western as a research grant coordinator for their Prevention and Wellness services. I managed a U.S. Department of Education grant examining the role of binge drinking on college campuses and correcting social norms. My role involved researching, authoring studies, and supervising a team of researchers. I learned the value of data collection and more importantly interpreting the data into usable information.
While at Western; I learned about naturopathic medicine. This form of medicine is widely used in the Northwest. I had found a "healing system" that combined science with a practice philosophy that focused on the individual instead of the disease. I started at Bastyr University (www.bastyr.edu) in Seattle, WA in 1999; a premiere institute for natural medicine. I graduated in 2003 and moved back to Arizona to start my practice.
I've enjoyed being back in Arizona close to family and friends. I am constantly awed by my patients' dedication to their well-being. I see my role as a facilitator and educator to aid them in their own path to wellness. I enjoy going to the office every day and seeing what the day brings!
Professional Designations
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (University of Arizona)
Master of Arts in Medical Anthropology (Western Washington University)
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (Bastyr University)
Professional Associations
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AZNMA)