Dr. West, a Minneapolis native, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has practiced general ophthalmology in the Twin Cities since 1986. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, and earned medical degree at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She completed an internship at Hennepin County Medical Center and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. West is past president of Minnesota Women Physicians and the St. Paul Ophthalmology Society. She has served as a member of the board of directors of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology and of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She has been a delegate from the Hennepin County Medical Society to the Minnesota Medical Association and was a member of the communications commitee. Additionally, she has been listed as a "Top Doc" several times in Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.