I started in neuroscience as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, working in clinical research at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I received my doctorate in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Washington, and am presently an Instructor in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and a Research Associate at McLean Hospital. All of these institutions provided formal professional ethical training, and my personal experiences have further formed my standards and practices.
I hold the individual patient's health and quality of life as my highest priority. I look for effective solutions to existing problems, and for meaningful explanations for why some problems cannot currently be successfully addressed. This knowledge is to be shared with everyone involved in the patient's circles of care -- personal, clinical, and legal -- to help them obtain the most appropriate possible care.
The patient's rights to autonomy and to make their own decision are of utmost importance. Informed consent is required from all who are capable of providing it, or assent for those who are unable. I respect the people on whose behalf I work, and my professional actions are in their support.