License and Certification

Board Certified Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, 1999. Recertified 2010 and 2020.

Physician and Surgeon’s License, Medical Board of California, issued 1997.

Experience 

Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Valley Internal Physicians; Murrieta, CA - 2011-Present

I currently have an office-based internal medicine practice in Murrieta, CA.

Expert Reviewer, Medical Board of California - 2014-Present

Consulting for the Health Quality Investigation Unit, I render unbiased third-party opinions for cases being investigated in field offices across California.

Medical Director, Suncrest Hospice - 2023-Present

I oversee patient care services for Suncrest Hospice in the Inland Empire.

Medical Director, Bristol/Companion Home Health and Hospice - 2018-2023

I oversaw patient care services for Bristol Hospice (formerly Companion) in the Inland Empire.

Regional Medical Director, Pacific Accountable Care - 2018-2021

As Regional Medical Director for the Inland Empire, I provide clinical oversight to ACO providers and help to formulate and implement ACO patient care strategies. I also promote the ACO’s care delivery model to ACO providers and provide strategic direction to the ACO regarding clinical matters.

District Medical Consultant, Medical Board of California; San Bernardino, CA - 2009-2014

With a team of investigators and in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, I reviewed cases involving physicians’ alleged misconduct or deviation from the standard of care.

Hospitalist, Inpatient Physicians Network; Murrieta/Wildomar, CA - 2008-2011

I provided weekend and after-hours coverage for a hospitalist group serving both Inland Valley Medical Center and Rancho Springs Medical Center.

Associate Medical Director, Charter Hospice; Murrieta, CA - 2010-2011

I supervised care of patients admitted to Charter Hospice, both through phone consultation and in-home visits.

General Internal Medicine, William H. Cherry M.D., Inc.; Murrieta, CA - 2004-2010

After moving to the area, I joined Dr. Cherry’s primary care practice and established a loyal patient base.

Peer Review Analysis, MCMC LLC; Boston, MA - 2005-2009

As a physician reviewer for MCMC, I reviewed claims related to Worker’s Compensation, Disability, Hospital Utilization and Drug Utilization for medical necessity and appropriateness.

Hospitalist and Urgent Care Physician, Kaiser Permanente; Riverside, CA - 2003-2004

I was one of six hospitalists who provided inpatient medical care at Kaiser’s Riverside Medical Center. I also staffed the Urgent Care Center in the satellite clinic in Wildomar, CA.

Hospitalist, Private Hospitalists; Laguna Beach, CA - 2001-2002

Two colleagues and I formed Private Hospitalists which provided inpatient medical care for patients admitted to South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach.

General Internal Medicine, Pacific Crest Medical Group, Laguna Niguel, CA - 1999-2003

Having joined a multi-specialty primary care group, I built a successful internal medicine practice.

Physician Advisor for Utilization, Kaiser Permanente; Los Angeles, CA - 1999

I was recruited out of my residency training to pilot a new administrative position at Kaiser’s Los Angeles Medical Center. My roles included overseeing utilization in the inpatient, community and emergency room settings, educating resident physicians in utilization management, and collecting data to identify utilization trends in the medical center.

Education

Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, Internal Medicine Residency - 1996-1999

University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) - 1992-1996

Pomona College, Claremont, CA, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - 1988-1992

Research

Clinical Investigator, Elite Clinical Trials; Wildomar, CA - 2013-Present

Working with nurses and research coordinators, we partner with top pharmaceutical companies to conduct research studies for people with anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, arthritis, low back pain, high blood pressure, asthma, COPD, and more.

Principal Investigator, ACCESS 2008

I participated in a landmark study undertaken by King Pharmaceuticals regarding the use of Avinza for the management of chronic pain in primary care.

Areas of Interest and Expertise

I served on the Bioethics Committees at both Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles and Riverside Medical Centers where I participated in forming guidelines for such areas as end-of-life care, pain management, and patient advocacy. In addition, much of my work experience has involved utilization management. This, combined with my career as a practicing physician dealing with HMOs, PPOs and Medicare, has given me a keen perspective on the current state of health care.

Professional Organizations

American Medical Association

California Medical Association

Riverside County Medical Association

American College of Physicians

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