My life philosophy? Keep your heart big and your carbon footprint small. Surround yourself with warm and intelligent people. Explore a new idea every day. Oh, and don't be afraid to belt out a power ballad in the shower -- I think the acoustics were designed for that...

Hi there: I'm Monica. I was born in the Midwest, raised in a Jewish town in New York, and landed out in Palo Alto for college. I'm now a physician; I love being in a field where the main goal is to help someone feel better. I'm a fan of edgy humor (Colbert, The Onion, Louis C.K.), The New York Times, NPR, literary fiction (Rushdie, Eugenides, Franzen), and international travel (especially the UK and Africa). I value and invest time into all of my relationships/friendships; after all, aren't the human connections we nurture the most important part of life? I think so.

I'm hoping to meet a thoughtful, caring man who's up to some good. Maybe you're a bit idealistic and want to change the world around you for the better (this can be done in so many ways, of course). Maybe you read too much, think too much, and get riled up when the 49ers lose (alas). Maybe, in this hyperkinetic digital age, you're looking for a slow, real, empathic connection with another individual...

So let's meet up: We could stroll along Crissy Field or grab a sparkling beverage or laugh about our favorite Arrested Development episode (which one's yours?). So much to do, so little time. Feel free to drop me a note if any of this interests you. I love meeting new people.

I'm an academic physician for the urban uninsured; it's very rewarding (but always challenging!). I teach students/residents as well. Latest project: creative nonfiction. (I've learned so much by poring over Joan Didion).

- Concocting a cardamom-infused chai
- The high jump (inexplicably)

I hope it's my smile and affectionate nature.

I love to read: Middlesex, The Corrections, Midnight's Children, Old School (Tobias Wolff), Prep (by my very talented classmate Curtis Sittenfeld), David Sedaris, White Teeth by Zadie Smith. And I'm always behind on all my New Yorkers.

Favorite movies: Cinema Paradiso, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Godfather II, The Lives of Others, Before Sunrise. And I found Bridesmaids much more sweet and moving than I would have expected.

Music: Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, New Order, Mary J, David Gray

- How to improve myself or my character in some lasting way.
- How I can visit Botswana again. I volunteered there for a few months, and it was amazing (though the medicine was a bit scary).

Eating something great on Valencia (or having Shabbat dinner at my best friend's home in the Inner Sunset).

I have a crush on Jeremy Scahill (his books are amazing).

You're a good soul with great values - and you're looking for someone adventurous and genuine.

Alternately: You want to see Before Midnight with me. (Yes, there's a lot of walking and talking - but isn't that enchanting?)

Best of luck!