Dr. Cottel is native to Southern California and grew up in San Diego.  She received her bachelor's degree with honors at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) in biochemistry and cell biology.  She received her medical degree from UCSD School of Medicine in 1995. She completed her internship and residency in Portland, Oregon and returned home to San Diego where sunshine and family beckoned.

Dr. Cottel is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Integrative Medicine.  She has over twenty years of internal medicine experience which has led to her current focus on integrative care and holistic health.  She sees patients in private practice and is active in her community.  She also belongs to the American College of Physicians and the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine.