About Me
In learning more about Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), I developed an appreciation for the work of addiction medicine.
There is an inadequate number of qualified healthcare providers to treat those individuals with OUD and the need for treatment in this community is alarming. According to the National Institutes of Health and the CDC, 2018 data shows that about 1,288 people die every day from OUD and the economic burden of OUD in the U.S. was 78.5 billion dollars a year. Roughly 1 out of 3 patients prescribed opioids for chronic pan misuse them, with 80% of heroin users found using prescription opioids first. In Oregon, reported deaths due to fentanyl have doubled over the past 4 years. Given the current COVID pandemic, it is fair to assume statistics are only worsening.
Fortunately, treatment is available and can be offered in a simple, step-wise fashion for people who are ready to change. Lives can be saved and recovery is possible. I offer evidence-based treatment and apply my practice with the knowledge I collect from my patients, colleagues, and leading experts in the field.
Certifications/Affiliations
M.S. Nursing | Family Nurse Practitioner | Board-Certified | University of Illinois-Chicago
Master of Public Health | Community Health Sciences | University of Illinois-Chicago
Buprenorphine/MAT Training | SAMHSA Providers Clinical Support System
Addictions Professionals Network Member
Lane County Nurse Practitioner Association | Current Member | Past Board Member
Occupy Medical Eugene | Past provider | Free healthcare for the under- and uninsured
Chicago Abused Women Coalition | Past volunteer and employee | 24-hour shelter care
DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon | Board Member | Advocate for minority voice and social justice
*References
NIDA. 2020, July 2. Oregon: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms. Retrieved from www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/oregon-opioid-involved-deaths-related-harms on 2020, July 11
My Practice
Vision
I envision a collaboration between healthcare providers and marginalized communities in revitalized healthcare structures where people have increased access to quality care for those experiencing the challenges of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Mission
To provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) via Telehealth, a secure and convenient way for patients experiencing the challenges of OUD.
Values
I respect confidentiality and work to ensure that the care received is secure through telemedicine.
I believe the experiences of recovery are unique to each individual, and that the evidence-based approaches of harm-reduction and medication-assisted based treatment are effective.
I encourage a holistic approach to meet recovery goals that is cost-effective.
I acknowledge that the level of one’s care may change depending on the patient’s circumstances; specifically, their health status and support systems.
“The mountains you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.”
-Anonymous