Our Expert Team
Chair
Deborah Krakow, MD
Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Human Genetics at UCLA. Dr. Krakow received her MD from Chicago Medical School. After an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, she completed fellowships in maternal-fetal medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and in research and clinical genetics at UCLA's Intercampus Medical Genetics Training Program. Dr. Krakow is Co-Director of the International Skeletal Dysplasia Registry.
Vice Chair, Clinical Operations
Jeannine Rahimian, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rahimian completed her medical degree and obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Vice Chair, Research
Beth Y. Karlan, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nancy Marks Endowed Chair in Women's Health Research, Director of Cancer Population Genetics. Dr. Karlan completed her medical degree at Harvard Medical School, residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital and a gynecologic oncology fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. She is a board-certified gynecologic cancer surgeon. Dr. Karlan’s clinical practice and research intersect to focus on cutting edge treatments for women’s cancers.
Vice Chair, Education
Erica D. Oberman, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor, Vice Chair of Education of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Oberman completed her medical degree at UCSF School of Medicine and OBGYN residency at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Oberman provides comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care, including general obstetrics and gynecology, abnormal cervical cytology, fibroids, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, contraception and peri and postmenopausal care.
Vice Chair, Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion
Lisa A. Nicholas, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor and Vice Chair, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Nicholas completed her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and obstetrics & gynecology residency at LAC Martin Luther King Jr. - Drew Medical Center.
Faculty & Attendings - Westwood & Santa Monica
Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Afshar is a physician-scientist with clinical and research interests that include cardiovascular diseases, either affecting the mother or the fetus as well as abnormal placentation, including placenta accreta spectrum disorders. She is the co-director of the UCLA cardio-obstetrics program and Principal Investigator of the Afshar Laboratory at UCLA.
Rimsha Ahmed, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Ahmed completed her medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine, OBGYN residency at Penn State Health Medical Center and an Advanced Pelvic Surgery fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, office procedures, contraceptive management, abnormal uterine bleeding, adolescent health, family planning, and reproductive advocacy.
Zain A. Al-Safi, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Al-Safi completed his medical degree at University of Al-Nahrain, his obstetrics & gynecology residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine and a reproductive endocrinology fellowship at University of Colorado Hospital. Dr. Al-Safi has research interests in obesity and reproduction, infertility treatment outcomes and menopausal health.
Megan E. Bernstein, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed her undergraduate studies as well as a Master of Science degree in Global Medicine at the University of Southern California. She completed her medical degree at UC Irvine School of Medicine and her residency at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Bernstein is passionate about providing comprehensive patient-centered obstetric and gynecologic care for patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Kathleen M. Brennan, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Interim Division Chief, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Brennan completed her medical degree at University of Nebraska College of Medicine, and her obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine and a reproductive endocrinology fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine.
Dana M. Chase, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Chase completed her medical degree, residency in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. Her clinical and research interests include clinical trials, chemotherapy, quality of life, the microbiome, health disparities, and geriatric oncology. Dr. Chase is a board-certified gynecologic cancer physician and surgeon.
Angela Y. Chen, MD, MPH
Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Chief of Family Planning and Medical Director of the UCLA OBGYN Clinic at West Medical Building. Dr. Chen completed her medical degree at Boston University in the Combined BA/MD/MPH program, residency in obstetrics and gynecology and the Complex Family Planning Fellowship at the Boston University Boston Medical Center where she also completed the NIH K30 training program in clinical research.
Alexander C. Chiang, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Chiang completed his medical degree at UCI School of Medicine and his obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Brittany N. Davis, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed her medical degree at UC Riverside School of Medicine and her obstetrics and gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include general obstetrics and gynecology, pregnancy, menopause, abnormal uterine bleeding, benign ovarian masses, fibroids, contraception management, and women's health maintenance. Her research includes patient satisfaction and menopause.
Christopher R. Douglas, MD, MS
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Douglas grew up in Reno, NV where he completed his undergraduate degrees in both Biochemistry and Spanish at the University of Nevada. He then completed a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at Columbia University in New York City. He completed his medical education at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and his OB/GYN residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Daniel A. Dumesic, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Dumesic completed his medical degree at University of Wisconsin Medical School, his obstetrics & gynecology residency and his reproductive endocrinology fellowship at UCSF School of Medicine. His research interests include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Jacqueline Fahey, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Fahey received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. She completed residency at UCLA, where she also served as Administrative Chief resident.
Daniel N. Ginn, DO
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Ginn completed his medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, obstetrics & gynecology residency at University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and fellowship at University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Kathryn E. Goldrath, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Goldrath received her medical degree from University of Michigan School of Medicine. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency and her Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery fellowship at UCLA. Her clinical interests include endometriosis, fibroids, benign ovarian cysts, and minimally invasive surgery. Her research includes emerging technologies and improving diagnostics for endometriosis/fibroids.
Tamara Grisales, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Grisales completed her medical degree at University of Texas Medical School at Houston, her obstetrics & gynecology residency and her female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the UCLA School of Medicine.
Christina S. Han, MD
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Han received her medical degree from UCLA. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine / Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Han’s clinical and research interests include prenatal diagnosis, complex fetal anomalies, & diabetes in pregnancy.
Carolyn E. Haunschild, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Haunschild completed medical school at UCSD, an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Stanford and gynecologic oncology fellowship at UC Irvine. While in residency, Dr. Haunschild's passion for advanced cytoreductive surgeries, complex clinical care, and the patient-physician relationship drew her to the field of gynecologic oncology. Her clinical and research interests include clinical trials and targeted therapy.
Melissa Hodeib, DO
Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hodeib completed her medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences, obstetrics and gynecology residency at UCI and fellowship at UCLA. Her clinical and research interests include early detection and prevention of gynecologic malignancies, healthcare disparities and improving care in the underserved patient populations, and clinical trials with novel therapeutics.
Yung-Shee J. Hsu, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hsu completed her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine and her obstetrics & gynecology residency at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. She has special clinical interests in general obstetrics and operative gynecologic procedures, specifically minimally invasive surgeries. Her research interests include obstetrical healthcare utilization, patient safety and health care quality.
Carla Janzen, MD, PhD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Janzen completed her medical degree at Brown University School of Medicine and her obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Kirsten E. Jensen, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Jensen completed her medical degree and her obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Michael T. Johnson, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Johnson completed his medical degree and his obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
Kiran Kavipurapu, JD, MPH, DO
Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Residency Program Director. Dr. Kavipurapu earned doctorate degrees in medicine and law from Western University of Health Sciences and ULV College of Law, and a Masters in Public Health from USC. He completed obstetrics and gynecology residency at UCLA-Kern Medical Center. His clinical and research interests include, minimally Invasive gynecologic surgery, reproductive rights, quality improvement of intrapartum and postpartum care.
Lindsay L. Kroener, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Kroener completed her medical degree at USC Keck School of Medicine, her obstetrics & gynecology residency and reproductive endocrinology fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include infertility, in vitro fertilization, LGBTQ+ fertility, oocyte cryopreservation, and onco-fertility. Her research interests focus on optimizing pregnancy outcomes after fertility treatment.
Daniel S. Lee, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He completed his medical degree at University of Maryland School of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine. His clinical interests include LGBTQ+ and gender affirming care, pregnancy, family planning, and health equity.
Sukrant K. Mehta, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Mehta completed his medical degree at St. George's University School of Medicine/Grenada, MD, and obstetrics & gynecology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Sanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Memarzadeh completed her medical degree at University of Pittsburgh, residency, gynecologic oncology fellowship and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at UCLA. Dr. Memarzadeh specializes in treatment for gynecologic cancer, minimally invasive robotic surgery, ovarian cancer debulking surgery, and complex pelvic and abdominal surgeries. As a scientist she directs the G.O. Discovery Laboratory, focused on advancing therapies for women impacted by cancers.
Thalia C. Mok, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Mok received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. She completed both her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine. Her clinical and research interests include management of high-risk pregnancies, prenatal diagnosis, cardiovascular disease in pregnancy, and obstetric venous thromboembolism and thrombophilias.
Aisling M. Murphy, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Murphy completed her medical degree at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, obstetrics & gynecology residencies at Albany Medical Center Hospital and University Hospitals of Cleveland, as well as a maternal & fetal medicine fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine.
Lauren Nathan, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Nathan completed her medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine and obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine. She practices general obstetrics and gynecology with an interest in menopause and hormone therapy.
Quy T. Nguyen, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Nguyen completed his MD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Prior to joining UCLA, he ran a successful private practice in Beverly Hills. His clinical interests include maternal health equality, prenatal care, obstetrics, contraception, management, abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal infections, and lifelong comprehensive women’s health care.
Tina A. Nguyen, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Nguyen completed her medical degree at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MD, obstetrics & gynecology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center and maternal & fetal medicine fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine.
Ram K. Parvataneni, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor and Medical Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Parvataneni has expertise in newer, minimally invasive gynecological surgical options such as robotic assisted surgeries, radiofrequency ablation and vNOTES (transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery). Dr Parvataneni is actively involved in clinical research for fibroids and is the recipient of many teaching and patient care awards including the UCLA Exceptional Physician award.
Rajita G. Patil, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr Patil completed her undergraduate studies at University of Pennsylvania and medical degree at University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago. She completed her obstetrics & gynecology residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She has special clinical interests in the full scope of family planning services and obstetrics.
Ilina D. Pluym, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Pluym completed her medical degree at New York University, Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Brown University and her Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at UCLA. She is passionate about resident and fellow education and has won several teaching awards. Dr. Pluym's clinical and research interests include high-risk pregnancies, prenatal diagnosis, multiple gestations and maternal mental health.
Ramneek K. Rana, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rana completed her medical degree at The George Washington University School of Medicine. She completed her obstetrics & gynecology residency at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. She is board-certified with the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Rashmi Rao, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rao completed her MD at Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency and maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at UCLA. Her clinical and research interests include high-risk pregnancy, prenatal ultrasound, rare diseases of pregnancy, infectious disease, and maternal mental health. She is a recipient of the NIH Rare Disease Clinical Research Training Grant.
Andrea J. Rapkin, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director, UCLA Pelvic Pain Program. Dr. Rapkin received her medical degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomed Sciences and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at UCLA. Dr. Rapkin’s clinical and research interests include chronic pelvic and vulvar pain, vulvodynia, and hormonally associated mood disorders. She initiated one of the first multidisciplinary pelvic pain programs for women suffering from complex disorders.
Hannah C. Reiser, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Reiser received her medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at University of Chicago Hospitals and her Complex Family Planning fellowship at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Radhika D. Rible, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rible completed her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians/Surgeons, obstetrics & gynecology residency at Duke University Medical Center and obstetrics and gynecology fellowship at LAC + USC Medical Center.
Valentina M. Rodriguez, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rodriguez-Triana graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and completed her residency training in ObGyn at UCLA. She has expertise in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, with particular focus on gender affirmation surgery for transmasculine patients, as well as the surgical treatment of fibroids. Her research has been focused on patient outcomes following fibroid surgery.
Robert Roman, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Roman received his medical degree from the University of Florida. He completed his Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at the University of Tennessee and his Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. His clinical and research interests include in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, LGBTQ+ family building, and the genetics of human reproduction.
Brianne D. Romeroso, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Romeroso completed her medical degree at University of Virginia School of Medicine and obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Kelsey A. Rose, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed her medical degree and obstetrics and gynecology residency at UCLA. She is an advocate for women's health and provides individualized, comprehensive obgyn care to women of all ages. Her clinical interests include pregnancy, working with athletes during their pregnancies, family planning, hysteroscopy, abnormal cervical cytology, adolescent health and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Amy E. Rosenman, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rosenman completed her medical degree at New York Medical College, obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship at American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Ritu Salani, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Salani completed medical school at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, followed by residency at Emory University and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Her clinical and research interests include novel therapeutics for cervical cancer and gynecologic cancer survivorship. She the Treasurer-elect of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society.
Neil Silverman, MD
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program at UCLA. Dr. Silverman received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his OBGYN residency at Pennsylvania Hospital and maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Silverman’s clinical and research sub-specialization includes perinatal infectious diseases, maternal complications of pregnancy and prenatal diagnosis.
Aparna Sridhar, MD
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Sridhar completed her basic medical training in India, obstetrics and gynecology residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and her fellowship and MPH at UCLA. She specializes in comprehensive and holistic prenatal care and treating gynecological problems. Dr. Sridhar believes in treating a patient taking into account psychological, social and environmental factors rather than just the symptoms and disease.
Amy M. Stoddard, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. Dr. Stoddard completed her medical degree at Saint Louis University and obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine.
Christopher M. Tarnay, MD, MHA
Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Tarnay completed his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine and obstetrics and urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery fellowship at Harbor - UCLA Medical Center.
Michele L. Torosis, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Urogynecology. Dr. Torosis completed medical school at UC, Irvine, residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University and fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA. Her clinical interests include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and minimally invasive surgery. Her research includes emerging technologies and improving diagnostics for pelvic floor disorders.
Michelle Tsai, MD
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Tsai completed her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia and her obstetrics and gynecology residency at University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include family planning, minimally-invasive surgery, and teen and adolescent health.
Mya R. Zapata, MD
Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Labor and Delivery Director at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Dr. Zapata completed her medical degree at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, obstetrics & gynecology residency at UCLA School of Medicine and family planning fellowship at University of Michigan Health System.
Faculty - Joint Appointments
Anne L. Ackerman, MD
Associate Professor of Urology and Director of Research, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Ackerman joined the Medical Scientist Training Program receiving her medical degree at Yale. She completed her Urology residency and Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at UCLA. Dr. Ackerman specializes in the treatment of men and women with incontinence, voiding dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders, with a particular interest in geriatric urology.
Gail A. Greendale, MD
Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Research Director of the Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Center. Dr. Greendale holds the Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E. Levine Endowed Chair in Women's Health Research.
Ja-Hong Kim, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kim completed her MD at Baylor College of Medicine, Urology residency training at Cleveland Clinic, and Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at UCLA. Her clinical areas of interest include voiding dysfunction, vaginal prolapse, and genitourinary reconstruction. She performs pelvic floor reconstruction, laparoscopic, and robotically-assisted surgery.
Gottfried E. Konecny, MD
Professor in Residence of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, Divisions of Gynecologic Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, He is the lead clinician for medical gynecologic oncology in the Department of Medicine. He obtained his medical degree and completed his clinical training at the University of Munich and Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. His research focuses on preclinical drug development and innovative clinical trials for patients diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies.
Jennifer M. Lucero, MD, MA
Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Lucero is the Associate Dean for Admissions at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM), and the Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at UCLA DGSOM. Her clinical work is in Obstetric anesthesia.
Victor W. Nitti, MD
Professor of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Nitti completed his medical degree at the University of Rochester and Rutgers New Jersey Medical, urology residency at SUNY Downstate and fellowship in female urology, neurourology and reconstructive urology at UCLA. He specializes in medical and surgical therapies for urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, female pelvic reconstructive surgery and voiding dysfunction.
Misty C. Richards, MD, MS
Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Richards completed her psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Richards is the Medical Director of Perinatal Psychiatry for the Maternal Outpatient Mental health Services (MOMS) Clinic and Director of Infant Mental Health of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program.
Sulagna C. Saitta, MD, PhD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Professor of Clinical Genetics and Genomics of UCLA Pediatrics. Dr. Saitta earned her BA in Biology from Johns Hopkins University and completed both her M.D. as well as her Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University.
Mary Ann L. Stothers, MD, MHS
Professor in Residence of Urology and OBGYN. Dr. Stothers received her medical degree and completed her residency at the University of British Columbia. She completed a fellowship in Reconstructive Urology, Female Urology, Neurourology and Urodynamics at UCLA. Her clinical practice and research intersect to focus on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract symptoms, dietary strategies for the prevention of urinary tract infections and integrative medicine techniques.
Faculty - Research
Marta Epeldegui, PhD
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Epeldegui completed her undergraduate degree at the Universitdad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. She received her MS from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and her PhD from University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Epeldegui’s primary research efforts focus on immunology and AIDS-non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She is funded by several research grants from the National Cancer Institute.
Sandra Orsulic, PhD
Professor-In-Residence of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Orsulic received her undergraduate degree from the University of Zagreb and PhD from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed a fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute for Immunobiologie and fellowships at the National Institute of Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the molecular basis of ovarian cancer, cancer associated fibroblasts and molecular signatures of disease.
Nurse-Midwives
Nkechinyere A. Brodie, CNM
Diane M. Dirks, CNM
Nurse Midwife, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Diane “Dee Dee” Dirks, CNM, received her nurse midwifery degree from University of Southern California. Dee Dee is a board-certified nurse midwife who considers it a joy and honor to be a supportive presence with families as a UCLA midwife. She has experience with birth center, home birth, and hospital births. The UCLA Nurse Midwives Program is based at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica.
Rita Gordon, CNM, MSN
Miriam Mivehkar, CNM, WHNP-BC
Nurse Midwife, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Miriam Mivehkar, CNM, received her bachelor’s degree in midwifery from Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, her bachelor’s degree in nursing and 2 master’s degrees: midwifery and Women's Health-Nurse Practitioner from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey / New Jersey Medical School. Miriam is a board-certified nurse midwife. The UCLA Nurse Midwives Program is based at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica.
Maria C. Nuno, CNM, WHNP-BC, MSN
Mayano Ochi, CNM
Allied Health Care Professionals
Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Rachel Frankenthal received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her Masters in Medical Sciences and Masters in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University. She is a board-certified and licensed Physician Assistant specializing in gynecologic oncology. She is interested in comprehensive and compassionate care, hereditary cancers, palliative care and survivorship for women with gynecologic cancers.
Aparna Murali, MS
Genetic Counselor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Aparna Murali received her undergraduate degree from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. She received her MA in Psychology from Annamalai University and MS in Genetic Counseling from California State University, Northridge. She is a genetic counselor certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed in California.
Jessica L. Walchonski, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jessica Walchonski received her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her Masters in Medical Sciences from Salus University. She is a board-certified and licensed Physician Assistant specializing in gynecologic oncology, hereditary cancer syndromes, and gynecologic cancer survivorship. She believes in the importance of a comprehensive and personalized approach to women with gynecologic cancers.