I was born in Japan, graduated from the University of Tokyo and worked in the Japanese Government. Then I studied public policy and international development at Harvard Kennedy School of Government and worked in the World Bank in Washington, DC. At the Bank, I was privileged to positively impact people’s lives by promoting the economic welfare of impoverished countries. However, through personal experience, I came to understand the enormous impact medical care has on people’s lives. Over time, I chose medicine, especially primary care, as a way to serve the underserved. I completed premed courses at George Mason University in VA and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard. Subsequently, I assisted the care team at the Primary Care Center at Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, MA. I enjoyed working with the team to provide shared medical appointments for patients with diabetes, and this experience confirmed my passion for primary care. I also observed how patients’ socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds could be obstacles to accessing care. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Generalist Scholars Program. I look forward to delving deeply into the social determinants of health through working with various communities around Charlottesville and learning a multifaceted approach to address health disparities in diverse populations.
When I am not working, I enjoy playing tennis and golf, running, practicing yoga and meditation, gardening and finding great restaurants, and I look forward to exploring Charlottesville.