
Approach to Patient Care
I am particularly interested in preventative care; I strive to give people tools to keep them healthy. I try to take care of the whole person, help them keep healthy and take care of them when injury and illness happen. I find chronic disease management very satisfying, as I work with a patient to optimize their health.
In addition to caring for patients, I help train 3rd year OHSU medical students at NWPC during their family medicine rotation. It is always a pleasure to be part of the learning process of the next generation of physicians! I also serve on the Medical Executive Committee at Providence Milwaukie Hospital and the board of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians, as well as many internal committees. These administrative roles are important in continually improving the structures and institutions that support high quality patient care; my work there also helps me keep my own practice up-to-date and effective as medicine evolves over time.
Personal Interests
I have an international background. I was born in Belgium and lived in 5 countries (picking up a working knowledge of 4 languages) before I moved to Oregon to attend Reed College. My first and chosen homes are both known for rain, chocolate, bikes, and beer, and Oregon felt like home right away with its natural beauty and wonderful community. After my undergraduate education, I did research in the basic sciences: the effects of microgravity on frog development, and vision research on baby monkeys. After that time in the lab, I felt called to medicine for its combination of service, science, and opportunity to work closely with people.
I went to OHSU for medical school and Tacoma Family Medicine for residency before returning to Portland in 2002 and joining Northwest Primary Care (where I had been mentored as a 3rd year med student). I have been providing comprehensive family medicine care here ever since. I enjoy taking care of all ages of people, and particularly enjoy the rare but occasional opportunity to care for four generations in a family! I’m interested in women’s health and am experienced in providing most contraceptive services. I enjoy adolescent health and being part of the team that helps teens navigate that special time of life.
When I am not working, I am spending time with my wonderful family - 2 daughters, a husband, and a dog. I spend a lot of time cheering my kids at sports and other activities. I love to bike, hike, canoe, cross country ski, and backpack. We hope to take our kids snow-camping one of these years! We enjoy the natural, culinary and cultural offerings of this city.
Hometown
Belgium
Specialties / Areas of Interest
- Chronic Disease Management
- Women's Health
- Adolescent Health
Education
Medical Degree
MD, Oregon Health and Science University (Portland, OR)
Medical Residency
Family Medicine, Tacoma Family Medicine (Tacoma, WA)
Memberships & Associations
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Oregon Academy Family Physicians
- Oregon Medical Association
- Medical Executive Committee at Portland Milwaukie Hospital
Appointments
Languages
English
Accepting New Patients?
Yes