Physicians

Amy Peters

D.O.

Accepting New Patients

“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 16305, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hills

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, Laguna Hills.

Angelika Priestley

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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 16105, Laguna Hills, San Clemente

Ann Marie Raffo

M.D.

Only Accepting New OB Patients

“Cultivating patient trust and empowerment through educated care.”
Dr. Raffo received a Bachelor of Science degree from Agnes Scott College (a small women`s college in Georgia). She received her medical degree from University of California, Irvine, where she also completed her residency training. Dr. Raffo has been in practice with Orange Coast Women`s Medical Group since 1997.

“The excitement and diversity of obstetrics and gynecology is what attracted me to this specialty. I find it very rewarding to help my patients with their individual medical needs. Part of my responsibility as a physician is to provide education and options to my patients. I believe each patient has the right to be the ultimate decision maker in her own care. This can only be achieved if she understands the necessary information and has a mutually trusting relationship with her doctor.”

“Cultivating patient trust and empowerment through educated care.”

“The rewards of educating and caring for women of all ages are immense. It is a privilege to be part of that unforgettable moment in a womans life as she gives birth. The close relationships I have formed with many of my patients bring me great satisfaction. As we journey through lifes experiences together, it is gratifying to play a role in womens healthcare. Being a mother and a wife helps me relate to many of the issues my patients face.”

Dr. Raffo has a special interest in high-risk obstetrics and laparoscopy. Originally from Alabama, she has been a resident of Orange County since 1985. She lives locally with her husband and two sons.

“Entertaining friends and family brings me great enjoyment. I also enjoy traveling. Much of my free time is spent watching my boys play sports, particularly football and baseball. A new passion of mine is exercising. I finally started to practice what I preach and I am feeling the benefits of more energy what all of us need more of.”

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills, San Clemente

Brian Koperek

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“Providing extraordinary care to women of all ages.”

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and with over twenty year’s experience, Dr. Koperek has a special interest in using ultrasound in obstetrical care. Primary care for women with a mixture of office-based and hospital-based work was a major factor in Dr. Koperek`s decision to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. The excitement of obstetrics where every delivery is special and the chance to care for women of all ages in gynecology had broad appeal. An opportunity to help women`s lives with a variety of gynecologic procedures and preventative medicine makes every day rewarding.

A graduate with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Dr. Koperek completed his OB/GYN residency training at University of California, Irvine Medical Center. An Orange County native, he began his practice in South Orange County in 1987.

He spends his free hours with his beautiful wife Christy, his three children and two step children. He also enjoys playing guitar, snorkeling and bicycling.

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills

Elizabeth Johnson

M.D.

Seeing GYN patients only

“A passionate physician offering compassionate care.”

As a board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Elizabeth Johnsons interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, management of abnormal Pap Smears/ Colposcopy, adolescent medicine, menopause management and general obstetrics. She works hard to involve her patients in a dynamic discussion about their health care needs and strives to provide comprehensive, evidence – based medicine, and surgical options to women throughout all phases of their lives.

“I find listening to patients, and ensuring that they are active participants in their care, provides the most successful treatment path.”

Dr. Johnson completed her premedical education at the University of Colorado in 1995. After working in research at The Children`s Hospital of Philadelphia for two years, she attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where, in 2001, she earned her medical degree with an area of concentration in women`s health and the Luba Robin Goldsmith Award for excellence in obstetrics and gynecology. She went on to complete her OB/GYN residency at Northwestern University in 2005. There she was recognized for excellence in resident teaching, research and compassionate patient care.

Dr. Johnson and her family have made San Clemente their home. Dr. Johnson provides excellent patient care to the residents of her community and she enjoys contributing to the growth of the Talega office.

Sees Patients in Irvine, Laguna Hills, San Clemente

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 16105, Laguna Hills

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 16105, Laguna Hills

Jamie Miller

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

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 Laguna Hills, Irvine 105, Irvine 305, and Foothill Ranch

José Vicéns Villafaña

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

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

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, Laguna Hills.

Katherine J. Lee

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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 16105, Laguna Hills

Kenneth A. James

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

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

Kerry Price

M.D.

“Treating patients like family with personalized, innovative and compassionate care”
Dr. Kerry Price completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California Irvine Medical Center. While at University of California,Irvine, she held several leadership positions, including representing Orange County as the ACOG Junior Fellow District IX Chair. Dr. Price received her medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree in biology from Scripps College in Claremont, California, where she was an All-American water polo player.

Dr. Price’s interests include uncomplicated and complicated obstetrics, contraception and preconception counseling, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, sexual health, and teen gynecology. She is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and performs robitic-assisted minimally invasive hysterectomy and fibroid removal procedures. She thoroughly enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and enabling them to better understand their bodies and the many changes that women go through from puberty to menopause. She loves the field of obstetrics and gynecology as it provides her with an opportunity to take care of women at some of their most privileged moments, including the joy of childbirth.

Dr. Price is a southern California native, born and raised in the city of Whittier. When she isn’t at the office, in the operating room, or in the delivery suite, Dr. Price enjoys spending time with her first loves – husband Bryan and daughters Julia and Emily. She loves hitting the beach, eating chocolate croissants, taking long romantic stolls down every aisle at Target, going to Disneyland with her annual pass, and spending time with family and friends at home. She is thrilled to be part of such an amazing group of physicians at OCWMG.

Languages: Spanish

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hills

Kim T. Lam

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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, Vietnamese

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills, Tustin.

Linda H. Chung

M.D.

Sees GYN patients only

Accepting New Patients

“I strive to interweave my scientific training, my experience as a clinician, and my skills
as a surgeon to partner with women to achieve their health goals.”

Dr. Linda Chung is passionate about providing excellent health care to women. She is committed to evidence based medicine, while providing personalized health care that emphasizes partnering with patients. Her gynecology-only practice covers a range of significant health events in women’s lives, including problems with menses, infertility, family planning and menopause. In addition, Dr. Chung has a special interest in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and holds a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Focused Practice designation through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner.

She received her undergraduate education from Stanford University where she graduated with honors. She earned her medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco. She completed her training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kaiser
Foundation Hospital in San Francisco.

Dr. Chung lives in Orange County with her husband, also a physician, and their two sons. She enjoys skiing with family and book club with friends. Dr. Chung is involved in medical missions, and community and youth development nonprofit organizations.

Languages: Korean

Sees Patients in Irvine 16305, Laguna Hills

Marc Winter

M.D.

Sees GYN patients only

Accepting New Patients

“Committed to the continuous development and provision of minimally invasive gynecological surgery.”

Dr. Winter completed medical school and residency training at the University of California at Irvine College of Medicine and has been practicing in Laguna Hills since 1989. His practice is limited to gynecology, and he specializes in minimally invasive surgery. He has been designated as a Focused Practice in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. With more than 20 years of performing gynecological surgeries, Dr. Winter has invested his energy in developing and offering less invasive procedures to his patients. He was the first surgeon on the West Coast to perform a hysterectomy using robotic single-site technology (a procedure performed with a single small incision). He is a national expert in Robotic surgery and has experience in performing complex hysterectomies, myomectomies, endometriosis resections, cerclages, and sacrocolpopexy.

Serving as a Medical Director of Minimal Invasive Surgery at the Hoag’s Women’s Health Institute. Dr. Winter has performed over 2,300 robotic surgical procedures. Some of his recently published articles have shown better surgical results using robotic surgery for hysterectomy, cost-effectiveness of robotic hysterectomy, as well as excellent results performing robotic-assisted abdominal cerclage for incompetent cervix. He also has an interest in urogynecology, including pelvic reconstructive surgery and non-invasive surgical options for urinary incontinence.
Dr. Winter has been designated one of the twenty-three epicenters, or national training sites in benign robotic gynecologic surgery for Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the DaVinci Robot. At Hoag’s training ground, Dr. Winter educates surgeons nationwide on the latest in robotic surgical techniques. With his many years of clinical research and several published papers, he additionally teaches advanced gynecologic surgical courses in the community, with the honor of lecturing/performing procedures throughout the United States and overseas. Patients can expect the most advanced care and excellent clinical outcomes.

A man of many talents, Dr. Winter also has an interest in hormone replacement therapy and menopause, he recently presented an abstract evaluating the use of a silicone gel to treat genital-urinary symptoms of menopause.

In the midst of his busy clinical profession, he loves to travel, spend time with his family, watch sports, and rocking out with friends playing the saxophone.

Sees Patients in Irvine 16305, Laguna Hills

Robot-Assisted Transabdominal Cerclage For The Prevention of Preterm Birth: A Multicenter Experience (co-written by Dr. Marc Winter)

Marie-Claire Leaf

M.D.

GYN patients only

“Dr. Marie-Claire Leaf completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She earned her medical degree and completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where she served as the Administrative Chief Resident. She then completed a two-year AAGL fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. During her training, she received various service and leadership awards, including the “Outstanding Graduating Student Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology” Award, “Outstanding Contribution to Medical Student Education Award”, and “Mentorship Award to a graduating resident” award. She was also granted the SGS Laparoscopy Award to a graduating resident.

Dr. Leaf’s practice is focused on gynecology and she specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Her specialties include fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, adnexal masses, and complex laparoscopic and robotic surgery. She enjoys providing a comfortable and empowering environment for patients to learn about their health conditions, and comprehensive counseling to learn about their medical and surgical options available to them.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and discovering new local activities.

Languages: French, medical Spanish, and conversational Japanese

Mary O’Toole

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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 16105, Laguna Hills, San Clemente

Mita N. Patel

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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, Spanish

Sees Patients in Irvine 16305, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hills, Tustin.

Norene Norris-Walsh

M.D.

Sees GYN patients only

“Devoted to the patient and physician relationship.”

With her background in Public Health, Dr. Norene Norris-Walsh is able to provide patient education in preventive medicine, stress reduction and nutrition. She is now specializing in Gynecology and Gynecological Surgery, with additional services in Clinical Bone Densitometry/Osteoporosis, Aesthetics Services (including Botox and Fillers) and Hormone Pellet Therapy.

“With evolving complexities of a woman`s life, there exists a specific practice of medicine unique to each woman. I find great joy in walking through life’s precious moments with my patients.”

At Saddleback Memorial Medical Centers she has served on numerous committees including the Perinatal Committee, Emergency Department Committee, and Physician Wellness Committee. She has served as assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center

Her undergraduate training was performed at University of San Diego. She then traveled to New Orleans where she simultaneously earned a master’s degree in Public Health with her medical degree at Tulane University. Dr. Norris-Walsh completed her residency training at University of California, Los Angeles-Harbor. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Norris-Walsh is happily married and has three wonderful children, two lovely sons in-law, and one grandson. She attends Shoreline Church in San Clemente.

Languages: French

Sees Patients in Laguna Hills, San Clemente

Patricia W. Lo

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

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: English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills

Renee T. Chen

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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, basic medical Spanish

Sees Patients in Irvine 16305, Laguna Hills, Tustin

Sheila Z. Dejbakhsh

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

Dr. Dejbakhsh completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. She then went on to receive her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Health at Columbia University. She completed her residency at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Dejbakhsh pursued Obstetrics and Gynecology because of her passion for individualized women’s health. She enjoys providing longitudinal care to her patients through every stage of their life. She has strong interests in pre-conception counseling, complicated obstetrics, postpartum care, family planning, and management of fibroids. She is particularly interested in minimally invasive surgical technique with laparoscopy and the robotic-assisted surgery, and was the recipient of the Recognition of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology award during her residency.

In her free time, Dr. Dejbakhsh enjoys running, hiking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Dr. Dejbakhsh was born and raised in Orange County in the city of Irvine, and is very excited to return back to serve her community.

Speaks: Farsi, Spanish

Sees Patients in Foothill Ranch, Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills

Susan A. Mendelsohn

M.D.

Accepting New Patients

“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 Laparascopy.

She is the proud mother of three children who keep her busy in her free time with school and sports activities.

Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills

Stephanie Da Silva Davis, M.D.

“Dedicated to providing multidisciplinary, individualized care to women throughout their lifespan with a passion for optimizing female sexual health”

Dr. Davis completed her undergraduate degree at Columbia University in New York. She then went on to receive her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego and completed her residency at LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Davis received numerous accolades during her medical training including induction to the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Outstanding Resident of the Year Award, and Best Patient Advocate/Choice for their Personal Physician as selected by her peers.

Dr. Davis is skilled in providing comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care utilizing a holistic approach supplemented by complementary services with a special focus on the pregnancy and postpartum period. Her interest in integrative medicine helps to fill the growing need to better support women utilizing a biopsychosocial approach. Dr. Davis is also passionate about sexual health, with expertise in treating sexual dysfunction and a goal to optimize sexual function for women from adolescence through menopause.

Dr. Davis’ biggest strength is her ability to connect with patients in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. She can clinically and surgically manage routine and complex cases guided by high quality, evidence-based medicine while providing the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery including the Da Vinci robotic system.

In her free time, Dr. Davis enjoys cooking, hiking, surfing, doing yoga and spending time at the beach with her husband and children.

Languages Spoken: Spanish, Portuguese

Sees Patients In: Tustin, Laguna Hills, Irvine