My formative years were spent in El Paso, Texas, before I attended Stanford University, where I earned a B.S. in Engineering in 1983 and an M.D. in 1990. I was drawn to surgery—particularly cardiac surgery—partly because of the excitement of working with my hands to create and repair organs. I am a strong believer in a holistic approach to patient care, involving both the patient and their family in all aspects of care and decision-making. My clinical interests include coronary revascularization, valve repair and replacement, and aortic surgery. I am also a strong advocate for blood conservation through patient blood management.