Specialty: Acupuncture, Adult Radiation Oncology
Education/Training: BS in Nursing, MAOM (Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), Acupuncture Fellow at New York Beth Israel Hospital's Integrative Medicine Dept (2010-2011)
Certifications: RN, Licensed Acupuncturist by MA Board of Medicine, NCCAOM, Diplomate, OCN
Years in practice: Since 2012
Years at MGHCC: Since 2006 in oncology nursing and since 2012 as a member of the acupuncture team.

What drew you to your specialty? After working for many years as an oncology nurse I became interested in learning additional ways to manage the side effects of chemo and radiation, and improve quality of life. Multiple acupuncture research studies have shown the efficacy of treating common side effects from chemo, including nausea, hot flashes and dry mouth.

What is your favorite part of your job? Educating patients that are new to acupuncture and seeing the positive changes they experience.

What would you like to tell patients and their families about integrative therapies and your specialty? Acupuncture is a very safe, gentle medicine that can elicit significant results. It is typically a calming experience that patients look forward to as it creates a quiet space for resting the mind and body. I frequently hear from patients that receive regular acupuncture during their course of radiation that they find they have “a better day" after they have had an acupuncture treatment. This can mean many things from a decrease in symptoms to improved sleep quality to a sense of calmness or mental clarity.