Elena Stark MD PhD

Contact Information
Elena Stark, MD, PhD
Mailing Address:
UCLA Path & Lab Med
10833 Le Conte
50-060 CHS
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310-206-9238
[email protected]

Academic Title
Director, Anatomy Division
Vice Chair for Medical and Dental Education
Chair Anatomy and Histopathology
Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Bio
Dr. Stark joined the Department of Pathology in January of 2006. She came to UCLA as a Fulbright Scholar and worked at the UCLA Center for Health Sciences - Neuropsychiatric Institute from 1990 until 2006. Dr. Stark is currently Vice Chair for Medical and Dental Education in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Her appointments at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine include: Chair of Anatomy and Histopathology, Director of the Anatomy Division, Associate Director for Scientific Foundations of Medicine, Medical Education and Leadership Discovery Lead, and Specialty Advisor for Career Exploration (Pathology).  She is a member of the Professionalism Council in the School of Medicine, the Pathology Executive Committee, and the Anatomical Material Review Committees. She is Medical Director and Director of Undergraduate Education for the Donated Body Program at UCLA, Office of the Dean. She is the faculty sponsor for the Pathology and the Ultrasound Interest Groups and for Anatomy Academy. She was Chair and Past Chair of the Admissions Policy and Oversight Committee from 2014 to the end of 2022. Dr. Stark’s research interest focuses on the field of translational anatomy specifically in depth studies of anatomical structures with novel surgical/interventional applications, for example the study of the cervical sympathetic chain as it relates to superior cervical ganglion anesthetic blockade; the study of the lumbar nervous plexus as it relates to alleviating possible sequelae of surgical hernia repair; the study of cervical plexus structures as they relate to possible improvements in larynx transplant outcomes; and the exploration and documentation of fascial structures and ligaments that play key roles in the success of specific surgical interventions. Another research interest is the use of cadavers for pathology simulations used to test techniques and modalities (including ultrasound) to best train physicians and improve performance. Other interests are the design and development of medical equipment such as specialized catheters.