It never made much sense to me to work where I'm not needed. As a family medicine physician, I enjoy practicing in medically underserved communities both locally and globally. I see patients on Buffalo’s East Side. I also routinely take students with me on medical relief trips to rural communities in low-income countries. I was born in Kenya, East Africa and am grateful to my parents for giving me an international upbringing and global perspective on life. They were inspiring teachers who had a heart for students and for serving those in need around the world. This contributed to my passion for global health.

I've delivered many babies through the years and enjoy the full spectrum of family medicine - from prenatal visits to end-of-life care and all ages in between. I see patients and precept students and residents at ECMC Family Health Center in Buffalo; I perform outpatient procedures as well as visit patients in their homes. Patient education is an important aspect of my care, because I strongly believe that it's great to treat diseases, but it's even better to prevent them from happening in the first place. I strive to practice high quality, patient-centered and holistic health care. Depending on the needs and interests of patients, I try to address not only their physical health, but their emotional, social and spiritual wellness as well.

I am board certified in both family medicine and addiction medicine. In addition to primary care patients, I also enjoy working with patients struggling with addictions because, over several months, I see many of their lives dramatically change for the better.

Another passion of mine is teaching students and residents in various settings, e.g., in classrooms, hospitals, outpatient offices, free clinics—and even farther afield in backdrops such as the Adirondack Mountains and rural Haiti. At times, I hold informal seminars at my home. Seeing trainees progress through the years and develop into outstanding physicians inspires and gratifies me.

After completing my residency at UB, my wife, who is also on the medical school’s faculty, and I liked the Western NY area so much that we decided to stay and raise children here. Being a UB faculty member is a great fit for me. It allows me to teach, care for those in need, pursue my research interests and strive to make a positive difference locally and in other countries. I try to live by my personal mission statement: “The purpose of my life is to love and honor God and my family and make a positive and significant difference in the lives of others.” Being a medical faculty member at UB gives me the opportunities and supportive environment to help me work toward those goals.

Addictions, Behavioral Health, Community Based Participatory Research, Family Medicine, Global Health, Health Services Research, Health Services Research, Primary Care, Substance Use Disorder

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Seniors/Elderly

Physician Gender:

Male