OB/GYN Physicians
The physicians of Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group are leaders in their field of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and possess an extraordinary degree of skill and professionalism. Many have provided care to women in the Saddleback Valley for over 30 years. They are also board certified or board-eligible (an important credential that demonstrates a physician has met a demanding set of professional standards).
OCWMG physicians remain on the cutting edge of women’s medicine. We attract outstanding doctors that want to be part of a group at the forefront of new medical knowledge. Our physicians attend various conferences and continually train to stay ahead of advancing techniques and technologies. They also take an active role in educating the community, as well as other physicians in practice.
Taking a team approach, our physicians work closely together to offer the best care to our patients. We can assure our patients that our physicians have the expertise to manage each individual’s unique needs. OCWMG physicians are recognized throughout Orange County as “the doctors women trust”.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics And Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Osteopathic Association
Amy Peters
D.O.
“My vision is to deliver compassionate, respectful and high-quality care to all women from high acuity to routine, while embracing the uniqueness of each patient.”
She enjoys facilitating low intervention deliveries for women interested in natural childbirth as well as actively managing high risk obstetric patients. Dr. Peters strives to provide the appropriate treatment for a wide array of gynecologic conditions ranging from counseling on lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive surgery.
She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. Her medical degree was earned at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where in addition to traditional medical training, she learned Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment which involves facilitating the patient’s own body to heal itself through the mind, body, spirit connection. She completed her residency at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Michigan, a part of the Michigan State University statewide system. She is board certified and has served on OB safety, Informatics and GYN case review committees.
Dr. Peters enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.
Sees Patients in Irvine, Foothill Ranch, and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Fellow, Society of Ob/Gyn Hospitalists
Angela Kim
M.D.
“I strive to provide compassionate, whole woman-centered care at every stage of life.”
Dr. Angela Kim is passionate about improving maternal health at the individual and public health level. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, she attended UCLA School of Public Health to obtain her master’s degree with a focus in maternal and child health. She went on to attend medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, a busy safety-net county hospital. She was administrative chief resident and received the resident laparoscopy achievement award.
Following residency, Dr. Kim was an OB/GYN hospitalist at a busy community hospital in Houston where she was a leader in training hospital staff in TeamSTEPPS, an evidence-based set of effective communication and team-building skills.
After having a baby, Dr. Kim and her husband made the excellent decision to move to Orange County to be close to family again. She enjoys spending time with her baby girl and husband, going to the beach, and practicing barre and yoga.
Languages: English, Korean
Sees Patients In: Tustin, Irvine, and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Medical Association
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Angelika Priestley
M.D.
“Promoting natural childbirth and restoring health through minimally invasive procedures and therapy.”
Angelika Priestley, M.D. was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Dr. Priestley attended medical school at Ross University and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Priestley then joined a private practice in Tucson, Arizona where she specialized in minimally invasive procedures including robotic surgery.
“I find the most reward in serving patients through significant moments in their lives, such as the joys of first pregnancy to the changes of menopause and every challenge in between.”
Dr. Priestley has two children. She enjoys traveling, cooking, yoga and spending time at the beach.
Languages: German and Greek
Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and San Clemente
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Catrine Ibrahim Sous
M.D.
Dr. Ibrahim Sous was born and raised in Southern California. She grew up playing soccer and spending time at the beach with family and friends.
She studied biology at UC Irvine, where she would volunteer with community medicine clinics and research in a molecular biology lab. She received her medical degree from the University of Miami. There, she found her passion for women’s health, strong surgical experience, and high risk obstetrics. She completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of Cincinnati, where she created a Women’s Preventative Health teaching series that she delivered to the Arabic, West African, and Latin communities. She is a women’s health advocate and has a passion for providing comfortable, culturally sensitive care. She is certified on the DaVinci Robot and offers minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Ibrahim Sous married her undergrad sweetheart and they have a baby boy with long curly hair. She is excited to be home in California – nearer to her family and friends. She cannot wait for beach adventures and weekend trips to Disneyland. When not at home, this family loves to travel all over the world together.
Languages: Arabic and Spanish
Sees Patients in Irvine and Foothill Ranch
Grace V. Clark
M.D.
Dr. Grace Clark is a Laguna Beach native who is overjoyed to return home to care for the community where she grew up. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular & Cellular Neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley before completing medical school at Oregon Health & Science University. She then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware.
Dr. Clark is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while building trusting relationships with her patients. She takes time to listen, answer questions, and ensure every patient feels informed, respected, and comfortable. Whether celebrating life’s happiest milestones or navigating its most challenging moments, she considers it a privilege to walk alongside her patients with empathy, honesty, and a little humor whenever it’s needed.
Her clinical interests include complex contraception, abortion care, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and of course, obstetrics. She feels privileged to care for patients through every stage of life.
During residency, Dr. Clark received the Laughter is Medicine Award, Residency Teaching Award, and Advocacy Award. These recognitions reflect the values that continue to guide her practice: bringing humanity and joy to medicine, educating and empowering patients, and advocating for their individual needs.
Outside of the office, Dr. Clark enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, practicing yoga, and spoiling her two cats. She is grateful to be back in Orange County and looks forward to caring for generations of women in the community she proudly calls home.
Sees Patients In: Irvine and San Clemente
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Grace Fritts
M.D.
Dr. Fritts counts it an immense honor to care for women throughout their lives. She is grateful for the privilege of walking with her patients through some of the most significant occasions of their lives, whether full of joy or grief, as well as the everyday moments. She is passionate about helping women understand their health and feel empowered to collaborate in decisions about their health care in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Dr. Fritts specializes in minimally invasive surgery and is certified in robotic surgery. She has clinical interests in high-risk pregnancies, the management of abnormal uterine bleeding, immigrant and refugee care, and global health.
Dr. Fritts attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate degree, where she studied Cell and Molecular Biology. She then attended the University of Cincinnati for medical school, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She completed her residency at Trinity Health Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2024, where she served as education chief resident during her fourth year. Following this, she joined as a clinical faculty member of the residency program at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, where she has received awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship of medical students and residents.
She is excited to make Orange County her home and to explore the beautiful outdoors and variety of food it has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new walking trails, skiing, baking, and spending time with her husband.
Sees Patients In: Irvine and Foothill Ranch
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Medical Association
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Grace Kong
M.D.
Only Accepting New OB Patients
“Offering a guiding hand and enthusiasm for lifes miracle moments.”
Dr. Grace Kong is a graduate of a highly competitive combined undergraduate and medical school program at the University of California Riverside and University of California Los Angeles. She completed her residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, where she was recognized for excellence in teaching and surgical skills. She has also been awarded by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center for physician and patient communication.
“The ability to provide lifetime continuity of care, along with the incessant joy and excitement of bringing new life into the world were the main reasons I pursued a career in obstetrics and gynecology.”
Having lived in various parts of Southern California throughout her lifetime, she is now very happy to call Orange County her home. She is married with a daughter and son, and enjoys spending her free time baking and learning photography.
Languages: Korean and Spanish
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’
Heidi Cough
M.D.
Only Accepting New OB Patients
“Orange County native with a passion for the sciences and providing optimal patient care.”
Dr. Heidi Cough completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of California, Irvine, where she served as Administrative Chief Resident in her final year. Dr. Cough received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine and her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Yale University.
Dr. Cough’s interests include general obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, contraception, health maintenance and adolescent medicine. She enjoys educating women so that they can become active participants in their care. Dr. Cough pursued obstetrics and gynecology so that she could establish relationships with her patients and continue to follow them through many life changes. She believes the privilege of delivering a new life into the world will never cease to be rewarding.
Dr. Cough grew up in Orange County and she feels a close connection to this community. She enjoys competitive swimming with a local masters swim team. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.
Languages: Spanish
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Jamie Miller
M.D.
Dr. Jamie Miller completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then went on to complete her medical degree as well as her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of California, Irvine, where she served as Wellness Chief Resident during her final two years. During her training, she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honors Society, received various service and leadership awards, and was granted the 2021 and 2022 Award for Excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Miller’s interests include comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care, with a particular emphasis on general and high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, health maintenance, and family planning. She enjoys providing a comfortable and empowering environment for women to learn about their specific health needs, and she looks forward to supporting her patients through the many important stages of their life. Dr. Miller grew up in Orange County and feels fortunate to serve the women of the community that raised her.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and experiencing local activities with her friends and family.
Sees Patients in Foothill Ranch, Irvine, and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Jessica Chun
M.D.
Dr. Jessica Chun’s passion for women’s health traces back to her childhood, shaped by the nurturing presence of her maternal grandmother, who helped raise her while her parents managed the family business. Her grandmother lovingly prepared organic meals using fruits and vegetables grown in their backyard, instilling in Dr. Chun an enduring appreciation for holistic living and the deep connection between food, physical activity, health and family.
Dr. Chun earned her Master of Public Health from UC Berkeley, where she developed a strong foundation in population health, health equity, and preventive care. She later completed her medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, a program that grounded her in patient-centered care and strong clinical ethics.
A board-certified OB-GYN with over 14 years of experience, Dr. Chun specializes in obstetrics and gynecology from an integrative perspective. In addition to her conventional medical training, she is also formally trained in acupuncture and herbal medicine, allowing her to offer a broader spectrum of care that honors both science and tradition.
She is known for blending evidence-based medicine with complementary therapies – including nutrition, mindfulness, and traditional modalities – to support women in their wellness journey across all stages of life. Patients often describe Dr. Chun as calm, grounded, and deeply attentive and caring. She views the doctor-patient relationship as a true partnership, rooted in empathy, education, and shared decision-making.
Outside of work, Dr. Chun enjoys hiking, yoga, baking, gardening, and spending time with family, including learning Taekwondo with her daughter. She also enjoys mentoring college, medical students, and residents (often alongside her own mentor from medical school) through their pathway in medicine.
Languages: Korean and Spanish
Jessica M. Van Fleet
M.D.
Dr. Van Fleet was inspired to pursue medicine through the meaningful intersection of science and personal connection, where knowledge is used to directly improve the lives
of others. From early on, she recognized that medicine offers a unique way to apply knowledge in the service of others, helping people through some of their most personal
and vulnerable moments.
She chose the field of obstetrics and gynecology because it brings together the hands-on nature of surgical care with the privilege of building long-term relationships. What especially resonates with Dr. Van Fleet is the continuity of care that OBGYN offers. She values the opportunity to walk alongside patients through many significant life stages, from adolescence to childbirth and beyond. Her care philosophy centers on listening closely, respecting individual needs, and supporting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of each patient.
Dr. Van Fleet earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California and completed her residency in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California. Outside of work, Dr. Van Fleet enjoys spending time with her husband and family traveling and trying new restaurants. She also finds joy in group fitness classes, hiking outdoors, and scuba diving. A lifelong Southern Californian, she was raised in Orange County and completed all her medical training in Los Angeles. Her deep roots in the region shaped her commitment to serving the community she has always called home.
Sees Patients in Irvine and San Clemente
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinical Expertise:
Advanced Gynecological and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Education:
Tufts University BA in Economics and Pre-Med,
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Residency Program: New York Medical College
Clinical Rotations Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital Center
José Vicéns Villafaña
M.D.
Dr. José Vicéns Villafaña is the Associate Medical Director of Advanced Gynecological and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Westchester Medical Center and an Assistant Professor at New York Medical College.
He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Medical College where he served as Executive-Chief Resident while conducting his clinical rotations at Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital Center Program. After graduating from residency his main focus has been gynecological surgery. With a passion to the specialty of women’s health and an unwavering commitment to changing the lives of his patients for the better, Dr. Vicéns Villafaña has distinguished himself as a leader and expert in his field.
He has served as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in the women’s health department at Open Door Family Medical Center in Portchester, New York and as an Instructor of Family Medicine for the Phelps/NYMC Family Medicine Residency Program at Phelps Memorial hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
His passion for teaching has won him recognition and multiple teaching awards at various levels of his career.
Currently, he specializes in gynecologic procedures for women including advanced hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, vaginal and open procedures, including hysterectomy. Daily, he provides consultative services for patients with: abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, ovarian cysts, cervical dysplasia, desire for sterilization and other benign gynecological disorders.
Dr. Vicéns Villafaña has been presented with many awards; in 2019 he received the Top Doctors award for Top Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Hawthorne, NY; in 2014 he received the Leading Physicians of the World: Top Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Portchester NY award. In 2012, as a resident of New York Medical College he received the Resident of the Year award. In 2011, he received the Resident Humanism award and the Resident in Training Minimally Invasive Surgery award. On three occasions during his training he was awarded the Resident Medical Student Teaching award.
Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish; Proficient in French
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecology
Karenna Dickerson
M.D.
Dr. Karenna Dickerson is a Midwest native who moved to California to escape the long winters. She graduated summa cum laude from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana with a degree in Biology. While at Franklin, she competed on the women’s cross country and track teams and was named team MVP, All Conference, and Academic All American. She then went on to complete her medical school training at Indiana University School of Medicine and decided to pursue a medical career in obstetrics and gynecology. She completed her residency training at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
After graduating from her residency program, Dr. Dickerson worked in private practice in the northwest suburbs of Chicago for nearly a decade, providing general obstetrics and gynecology care to the community, as well as serving as a teacher and mentor for resident physicians. At the recommendation of several close friends and former colleagues, she decided to relocate to southern California for the warm weather and laid-back lifestyle.
Dr. Dickerson is passionate about providing long term, compassionate care to women in each stage of their lives. She equally enjoys obstetrical and gynecologic care, and she considers herself a true generalist. She loves the relationships she has been able to build with her patients over the course of her career and she is dedicated to helping women to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
When not at work, Dr. Dickerson spends her free time with her twins, Arlo and Esme, and her dog, Maggie. She enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring her local community with friends. She also enjoys traveling and is looking forward to introducing her kids to the world around them.
Sees Patients in Foothill Ranch, Irvine, and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Medical Association
California Medical Association
Kenneth A. James
M.D.
Dr. James is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who moved out to Laguna Beach from New York City in January 2007 where he had been in private practice for 18 years.
He graduated from the University of Rochester and then completed medical school at the Chicago Medical School. His OB/GYN training was done at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and then began his career in private practice in NYC. He built a large, respected and successful practice and his patients were sad to see him leave the NYC area.
Dr. James has a tremendous passion for obstetrics. He specializes in low and high-risk obstetrics. He has extensive experience in all types of pregnancy issues. For example: hypertensive disorders, diabetes, preterm labor and multiple gestation. He is also very skilled in operative deliveries and cesarean sections.
Gynecologically, he loves spending time talking with his patients about preventive care. He is very thorough when following his patients with their routine gynecologic care. He spends equal time with all his patients whether adolescent, reproductive age or menopausal. Dr. James is very competent in a multitude of surgical procedures. He enjoys laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, vaginal and abdominal procedures. He spends plenty of time discussing all the options with each patient in order to readily prepare them for their procedure.
He comes from an extended family of Obstetrician and Gynecologists. His father, Dr. David James, whom he practiced with for 8 years, was a highly respected OB/GYN in New York. Dr. James’ brother Richard also found his passion in Obstetrics and is taking over the family business in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ken’s Uncle Geoffrey James and Cousin Jason James as well are a father-son duo in Miami, Florida and Cousin Raymond Poliakin is a practicing OB/GYN here in Thousand Oaks, California. These are truly generations of physicians with a passion for caring and treating women.
Dr. James has a wonderful family. He has been married to his college sweetheart Mara for 23 years and they have 3 great children: Brian, 21; Scott, 18; and Alexa, 15. Dr. James enjoys spending as much time with them as possible playing sports, helping them with homework and projects and just spending quiet time together.
Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Academy of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
AWARDS:
Orange County Medical Association 2025 Physician of Excellence – Obstetrics & Gynecology

Kim T. Lam
M.D.
“Empowering women through patient education and compassionate care.”
Dr. Lam is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including vaginal hysterectomy, transitions from puberty through menopause, and creating a safe and encouraging environment. She believes care should be built on trust with a soft but precise touch and plenty of good humor. She guides decisions with the best information available and believes that this forges strong relationships and manages expectations.
Dr. Lam completed her premedical education at the University of Texas at Austin. She obtained her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with an interest in international women’s health. She completed her residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine. While there she was recognized for outstanding performance, medical education, and the “Service First” award for two years at Ben Taub General Hospital. Dr. Lam took her first job in northern California where she also volunteered with a non-governmental organization called Clinica Verde serving the impoverished women and children of Boaco, Nicaragua. She served on the board of directors and as medical chair. Among other locations, Dr. Lam has also spent time to learn and work with indigent patients in Kenya, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. In 2012, she moved to New York City to join her now-husband where she worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor for New York University School of Medicine and Director of Medical Student Education.
She joins us now in Orange County with her husband and son to be close to their respective families. In their free time, they enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and reading.
Languages: Spanish and Vietnamese
Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and Tustin
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Katherine J. Lee
M.D.
“Committed to compassionate care in women’s health and wellness”
Dr. Katherine Lee grew up in Southern California in San Marino. She attended college at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She then went to the University of California, Irvine where she received an M.S. in biomedical engineering. She received her medical degree from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Dr. Lee’s philosophy is to provide women with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions and to help them meet their goals and needs. She is excited to share that journey with her patients and to care for them in all the various stages of life. Her interests include general obstetrics, contraception management, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Lee enjoys spending time with her husband and son, playing tennis, biking, yoga, playing the piano, and traveling. Dr. Lee’s grandfather was an obstetrician-gynecologist in Taiwan, and she feels honored to carry forward the tradition of caring for the women in Orange County.
Languages: Mandarin
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
North American Menopause Society
Mary O’Toole
M.D.
“With an open-minded philosophy towards women`s care.”
Dr. O`Toole feels that the patient should play an active role in making decisions of her own medical care. She is especially noted for her interest in women`s health, including but not limited to infertility, osteoporosis, and menopause, as well as the challenge of obstetrics.
After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, she attended the University of Health Sciences, at Chicago Medical School. She received her medical degree in 1985, and then completed an internship in internal medicine at Los Angeles County University of Southerna California Medical Center and her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Women`s Hospital at Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Following the completion of her residency, Dr. O`Toole moved to Orange County and began her Obstetrics and Gynecology practice. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. O`Toole is a member of the North American Menopause Society.
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Dr. O`Toole had the opportunity to live in different areas all over the United States, as well as the Orient while she was growing up. Dr. O`Toole is now married and has a son and a daughter. She enjoys many activities and sports, including running, swimming, and skiing. She is an avid reader and loves to bake. She looks forward to living in the Orange County area, caring for her patients, for many years.
Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills and San Clemente
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Mita N. Patel
M.D.
“Providing compassionate care for every stage of a woman’s life.”
Dr. Patel graduated summa cum laude with undergraduate degrees in Biology and Business Administration from the University of Missouri, where she also earned her medical degree. She completed her residency at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she was recognized with multiple teaching and professionalism awards.
Dr. Patel chose to go into Obstetrics and Gynecology because she loves developing lasting relationships with her patients and wants to be there for them year after year, like family. She strives to help educate women and foster open communication. Her professional interests include general and high risk obstetrics, well woman care, menstrual disorders, gynecologic surgery, cross-cultural medicine, contraception and adolescent care.
Dr. Patel was born in California but spent most of her life growing up in Columbia, Missouri. Her dream has always been to come back to the West Coast and settle down in California. When not at work, you can find her golfing, going to concerts, searching for the best patio to eat dinner, and traveling the world.
Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, and Spanish
Sees Patients in Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hills, and Tustin
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Diplomates of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Patricia W. Lo
M.D.
Dr. Lo completed her undergraduate degree at Duke University and received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She then completed her Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware. As a Resident, she was awarded the Resident Physician Excellence Award. After graduation, Dr. Lo stayed at Christiana Care Hospital where she provided comprehensive women’s care to the community and served as a faculty member to residents and medical students. There, she was recognized for her commitment to teaching and education with the National Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Lo is passionate about caring for women through all stages of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate care with a focus on whole-body wellness. She believes in direct communication and the importance of a healthy physician-patient partnership by involving patients in their own care. Dr. Lo has a wide range of specialties including minimally invasive gynecological surgery, high-risk obstetrics such as vaginal birth after prior cesarean section, family planning, menopause, and colposcopy.
Growing up in Hong Kong and then moving from the West Coast to the East Coast, Dr. Lo is very excited to back in California and to call Orange County her new home. In her free time, Dr. Lo enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cooking, practicing yoga, playing tennis and traveling.
Languages: Cantonese and Mandarin
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Renee T. Chen
M.D.
“It is humbling to be trusted in being a part of a woman’s life during some of her most vulnerable moments.”
Dr. Chen received her undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her residency training at White Memorial Medical Center and was awarded Resident of the Year. Her training provides focus on minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopy and vaginal surgery as well as high risk obstetrics.
Dr. Chen is drawn to the field of OBGYN from the joy of welcoming life into this world and to helping women understand their body’s function. Her goal is to help women be more educated about women’s health. She strives to build lasting relationships with her patients and cherishes the ability to provide both medical and surgical management to address her patient’s needs. She believes in taking a team approach to the patient-physician relationship and that the key lies in understanding the physical and emotional well-being of her patients.
Dr. Chen is fluent in Mandarin and basic medical Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, singing karaoke and working in the garden with her family.
Languages: Mandarin, Teo Chew, conversational Cantonese, and basic medical Spanish
Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and Tustin
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists
Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
Susan A. Mendelsohn
M.D.
“Devoted care from one woman to another.”
Dr. Susan Mendelsohn has been in private practice in the Laguna Hills area since 1990. She says the excitement, warmth and feeling in her heart of being the first one to actually touch a new life and bring it safely into the world will never change.
“I chose obstetrics and gynecology because I could relate to women on a one-to-one basis, and I wanted to be able to go through life changes with them from childbearing through menopausal years.”
She has a special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery, including hysterectomy and myomectomy.
Dr. Mendelsohn graduated with honors from New York University School of Medicine. She completed postgraduate training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. A diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Mendelsohn`s professional affiliations include American Medical Association, American Medical Women`s Association, and American Associates of Gynecological Laparoscopy.
Sees Patients in Irvine and Laguna Hills