News - OB/GYN at UCLA

UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology provides cutting edge diagnosis and treatments, and supports a team of renowned physicians, surgeons and researchers. Demonstrating continued excellence in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA OB/GYN is often the subject of stories in newspapers, magazines, and journals. The Department is also the subject of news releases to keep the community informed on the latest developments in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the treatments available at UCLA, and various milestones within the Department. We include here a collection of recent stories, and an archive of older articles, for your further information.


October 10, 2024
Dr. Lisa Nicholas Honored with Women in Medicine Award - Dr. Lisa Nicholas, an obstetrician-gynecologist and associate clinical professor and vice chair of equity diversity and inclusion at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, was honored with the Women in Medicine Award from the National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


September 29, 2024
Getting the COVID vaccine during pregnancy protects newborns from hospitalization - Dr. Neil Silverman, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Infections in Pregnancy Program at UCLA, provides expert commentary to NPR

Additional Coverage:  KJZZ, KCSM


September 16, 2024
UCLA approach to pelvic floor dysfunction considers structural problems, functional conditions, behavioral issuesDr. Christopher Tarnay, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the Center for Women’s Pelvic Health at UCLA, discusses pelvic floor dysfunction in the Fall 2024 edition of U Magazine. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


September 12, 2024
A new treatment for severe postpartum depression - Dr. Misty Richards, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, discusses postpartum depression in the Fall 2024 edition of U Magazine. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


September 5, 2024
Apple Watch saves pregnant cardiologist and her baby - Dr. Tina Nguyen, associate professor in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the department of OB/GYN at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and physician informaticist at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to MacDailyNews 


September 1, 2024
Perimenopause cramps: OB/GYN explains causes of abdominal pain and best practices for relief - Dr. Rajita Patil, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the Comprehensive Menopause Program at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to For Women First

Additional coverage: Scripps News, ABC9 and 37 others. 


August 29, 2024
What my ovarian cancer journey has taught me: ‘It’s not a death sentence’Dr. Beth Karlan, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and the vice chair of women’s health research in the obstetrics and gynecology department in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of cancer population genetics at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, helped treat Joanne Slobodien’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


August 28, 2024
Novel targets facilitate treatment advances and spur further questions in endometrial cancerDr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to OncLive.


August 26, 2024
Fierce Sisters shut out cancerDr. Gottfriend Konecny, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the lead clinician for gynecologic oncology at the UCLA Health Department of Medicine, helps two sisters discover and treat their ovarian cancer. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


August 20, 2024
Dostarlimab with chemo changes practice for dMMR endometrial cancer - Dr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Cancer Network.


August 20, 2024
UD insertion pain is complicated. Doctors say the new CDC guidelines are only a start. - Dr. Aparna Sridhar, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, provides expert commentary to NBC News.


August 19, 2024
Optimizing benefits following dostarlimab approval in endometrial cancer - Dr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Cancer Network.


August 17, 2024
Miraculous recovery: how did ‘ walking dead’ star Erik Jensen just beat stage 4 cancer? - Dr. Dana Chase, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Survivor Net


August 15, 2024
COVID is on the rise this summer. Here's why and what else you should know - Dr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Cancer Network.


August 13, 2024
New UCLA multidisciplinary clinic assists patients with IBD, and their providers, through pregnancy -  Dr. Ilina Pluym, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, codirects a multidisciplinary Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum + IBD clinic. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom.


August 8, 2024
What not to say to a new mom - Dr. Misty Richards, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, helps navigate how to better engage in conversation with new moms. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


August 5, 2024
UCLA health provides free hospital-grade breast pumps to WIC moms with babies in NICU - Through UCLA Health’s breast pump distribution program, launched in June, patients in the WIC program can receive a free, hospital-grade breast pump to help establish their milk supply during their time apart from their babies in the NICU. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


July 18, 2024
New ACOG guidance advises clinicians on cannabis use for gynecologic pain Dr. Kiran Kavipurapu, assistant clinical professor and residency program director of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to MD Edge.


July 17, 2024
Can a wet bathing suit cause a yeast infection? - Dr. Megan Bernstein, health sciences clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology and obstetrician-gynecologist at Santa Monica OBGYN, provides expert commentary to VeryWellHealth.


July 16, 2024
A new study finds that early detection of miRNAs in maternal blood may offer the potential for predicting preeclampsiaDr. Carla Janzen, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, division of maternal-fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, is a study author. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


July 8, 2024
Physician-scientist awarded two grants to develop immune therapies for ovarian cancer - Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and surgeon-scientist in the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, has received two grants totaling $4.1 million to develop advanced cell based immune therapies for high-grade serous ovarian cancers that have become resistant to conventional treatments. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


July 7, 2024
Charlotte mom, 49, saved by experimental life saving medicine, thriving 12-years later: guide to accessing clinical trials - Dr. Beth Karlan, professor and vice chair of women’s health research and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Survivor Net


July 2, 2024
Profiling the spatial secrets of the placenta - Dr. Yalda Afshar, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to Drug Discovery News


June 26, 2024
What to do if your doctor isn't taking your period pain seriously Dr. Aparna Sridhar, obstetrician gynecologist at UCLA Health and associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, provides expert commentary to SELF.


June 26, 2024 
First menopause town hall held in San Ramon - Dr. Rajita Patel, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology, and director of the Comprehensive Menopause Program at UCLA Health, participates in a panel. Learn more at Patch


June 20, 2024
An apple watch saved this pregnant woman's life. How many more could it help? - Dr. Jenny Mei, an obstetrician gynecologist at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary on treating patient, Dr. Rachel Manalo, to Women's Health.


June 8, 2024
A year after cancer diagnosis, emotional 'Voice' star, 54, sings for the first time to celebrate mom's 80th birthday  - Dr. Beth Karlan, professor and vice chair of women’s health research and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to SurvivorNet


May 29, 2024
Mood changes after giving birth? Spotting the signs of postpartum bipolar disorder Dr. Misty Richards, assistant clinical professor in the departments of adolescent psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology and the founder and medical director of the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic at UCLA, provides expert commentary to Everyday Health


May 29, 2024
Do you have endometriosis? These foods and drinks could make it worse - Dr. Daniel Ginn, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to HuffPost.

Additional coverage: Yahoo! News



May 25, 2024
The first pill for postpartum depression is finally getting to patients. Doctors say it’s workingDr. Misty Richards, assistant clinical professor in the departments of adolescent psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology and the founder and medical director of the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic at UCLA, provides expert commentary to NBC News



May 24, 2024
Epidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save livesDr. Yalda Afshar, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to National Geographic


May 20, 2024

Dr. Salani on research with MEK inhibition in KRAS-Mutant Serous Ovarian Cancer – Dr. Ritu Salani, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to OncLive.


May 16, 2024
New menopause drugs treat hot flashes, but women may face insurance hurdlesDr. Rajita Patil, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and director of the Comprehensive Menopause Program at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to NBC News

Additional coverage: Yahoo! NewsTelemundoHead TopicsAol


May 14, 2024
Dr. Rosenman honored by American Urogynecologic Society - Dr. Amy Rosenman, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has received the Jack Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Urogynecologic Society. Learn more at the UCLA Newsroom 


May 2024
Birth & depression: the unspoken conversationDr. Misty Richards, founder and medical director of the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic at UCLA, interviews with American Public Media: Call to Mind.


April 25, 2024
Dr. Konecny on PROs with Mirvetuximab Soravtansine in advanced ovarian cancerDr. Gottfried Konecny, lead clinician for gynecologic oncology in the department of Medicine at UCLA, is interviewed by Oncology Live


April 22, 2024
Measles and pregnancy: what maternal-fetal medicine subspecialties need to know - Dr. Neil Silverman, professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Infections in Pregnancy Program at UCLA, is interviewed by SMFM Podcast Series. 


April 21, 2024
Well + Good - 7 ways to stop night sweats and get better sleep - Dr. Rajita Patil, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology, and director of the Comprehensive Menopause Program at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to Well + Good


April 16, 2024
Clinicians turn their focus to pMMR disease following immunotherapy’s entrance into dMMR endometrial cancer Dr. Ritu Salani,  director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to OncologyLive.


April 13, 2024
Battling “The Cancer That Whispers” ‘ The Voice’ singer, 54, says her hair has fallen out – husband at her sideDr. Beth Karlan,  professor and vice chair of women’s health research and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to SurvivorNet.


April 12, 2024
Safety risks persist with out-of-hospital births Dr. Yalda Afshar,assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to MDEdge.


April 12, 2024
Dr. Beth Karlan named NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee Chair - Dr. Beth Karlan, professor of UCLA obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has been selected to serve as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines Steering Committee Chair. The NCCN is a non-profit alliance of 33 leading cancer centers in the United States devoted to patient care, research and education. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


April 9, 2024
Acetaminophen use in pregnancy not linked to neurodevelopment disorders, large study findsDr. Yalda Afshar, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to CNN.

Additional coverage: WVTM-13NBC-2Yahoo! News, and 27 others. 


April 5, 2024
15 ways to make PCOS weight loss so much easier, according to doctors and dieticiansDr. Daniel Dumesic, professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, provides expert commentary to Women’s Health

Additional coverage: MSN UK


April 2024 
Is sex painful? - Dr. Andrea Rapkin, obstetrician-gynecologist, and director of the Pelvic Pain Clinic at UCLA Health, discusses maintaining vaginal health. Learn more at Health Years Volume 21 Number 4


March 27, 2024
Dr. Richardson on escalating rates and uterine cancer among Asian Americans Dr. Michael Richardson, resident physician of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA, provides expert commentary to Oncology Live.


March 27, 2024
HERSTORY: Democratizing cancer genetic testing to reduce healthcare disparities Dr. Beth Karlan, director of Cancer Population Genetics at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and professor and vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Healthprovides expert commentary on the trial the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Institute for Precision Health have just launched. The trial will evaluate and address disparities in access to cancer genetic testing and screenings, especially among historically marginalized populations. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


March 26, 2024
Dr. Konecny on the MIRASOL trial and Mirvetuximab Soravtansine in Fra+ Platinum – resistant ovarian cancer  Dr. Gottfried Konecny, professor in the department of hematology/oncology at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Oncology Live. 


March 25, 2024
Prenatal testing offers pregnant women more information than ever – but no support to deal with it Dr. Ilina Pluym, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health Santa Monica, provides expert commentary to Romper.


March 22, 2024
Kate Middleton’s cancer announcement brings messages of concern, supportDr. Beth Karlan, director of Cancer Population Genetics at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and professor and vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Healthprovides expert commentary to The Los Angeles Times

Additional Coverage: TIME, LA Times Q&A


March 21, 2024
She didn’t want to be a statistic. Now she’s raising awareness of the Black maternal health crisisLinkedIn News features Dr. Rashmi Rao, maternal and fetal medicine specialist at Westwood OBGYN and health sciences assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and UCLA Health patient, Anitra MacVeety. 


March 19, 2024
Paid parental leave: impact on maternal mental health and child wellbeingDr. Misty Richards, assistant clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, program director of the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship, and associate medical director of the perinatal program at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, provides expert commentary to MDEdge.


March 18, 2024
‘Beer for My Horses’ forever: Toby Keith inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame after brave stomach cancer battle - Dr. Dana Chase, gynecologic cancer physician and surgeon at UCLA Health and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of gynecologic oncology, provides expert commentary to SurvivorNet.


March 16, 2024
Mirvetuximab Soravtansine associated with improved HRQOL in FRα+ ovarian cancer Dr. Gottfried Konecny, professor in the department of hematology/oncology at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to OncLive.

Additional coverage: Cancer Network


March 13, 2024
Not all in your head: women googled cancer symptoms a year before diagnosis, says new study - Dr. Beth Karlan, professor and vice chair of women’s health research and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to SurvivorNet


March 12, 2024
You can eat carbs with gestational diabetes & 5 other myths, debunkedDr. Christina Han, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and division director of maternal-fetal medicine at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to Romper.


March 7, 2024
The billion dollar question in ovarian cancer: therapies for maintenance and recurrenceDr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary OncLive.


March 2024
CT-guided ablation proves to be safe and effective for treating recurrent gynecologic cancers A recently published study led by scientists in the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found treating people diagnosed with recurrent oligometastatic gynecologic cancers with CT-guided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy ablation was safe and effective, with few side effects. Read the study in Brachytherapy. UCLA Health Lab Notes


February 16, 2024
Decoding the mysteries of ovaries - Dr. Beth Karlan, Dr. Daniel Dumesic and Dr. Sandra Orsulic, are pioneering research on greater insights into fertility, cancer and environmental impacts on reproduction. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


February 12, 2024
Antibody drug conjugates make strides in ovarian cancer with recent FDA approval Dr. Gottfried Konecny, professor of hematology/oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, along with the Women's cancer research group at UCLA Health, enrolled the highest number of participants in the U.S. in a pioneering clinical trial that led to the approval of a new targeted therapy. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


February 9, 2024
Why period poops are so different, according to MDs Dr. Aparna Sridhar, obstetrician gynecologist at UCLA Health and associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, provides expert commentary to POPSUGAR


February 6, 2024
What to know about PCOS and the newfound link to cognitive decline - Dr. Daniel Dumesic, professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, provides expert commentary to the Washington Post


January 31, 2024
Common menopause symptoms and how to treat themDr. Rajita Patil, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology, and director of the Comprehensive Menopause Program at UCLA Health, provides expert commentary to AARP


January 31, 2024
Genetic and cellular changes pinpointed in placenta accretaDr. Deborah Krakow, professor and chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA, and Dr. Yalda Afshar, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UCLA Health, discuss the diagnosing and treating of placenta accreta. Coverage of study by Technology Works.

Additional coverage: ScienceDailyMirage News, UCLA Health Newsroom


January 29, 2024
New minimally invasive gynecologic procedures offer patients more options, greater benefitsDr. Kathryn Goldrath, assistant clinical professor of OB-GYN, stresses how important advances in fibroid treatment are. Learn more at the UCLA Health Vital Signs Winter 2024.


January 29, 2024
De-escalation of therapy in gynecologic oncologyDr. Ritu Salani, director of gynecologic oncology at UCLA and member of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to Oncology Live


January 24, 2024
Infants born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress, UCLA-led research suggests Dr. Thalia Mok and Dr. Rashmi Rao, maternal-fetal medicine specialists at UCLA, co-authored a study on vaccinating mothers before infection significantly reduced the risk for full-term infants developing a breathing disorder that most often strikes premature newborns. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


January 24, 2024
Complex surgery heralds a happy new year for patient and child - Dr. Ilina Pluym, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health Santa Monica, and a multidisciplinary team of UCLA Health physicians assembled to perform a rare operation called an ex-utero intrapartum treatment, or EXIT. It was the first successful EXIT procedure performed at UCLA. Learn more at the UCLA Health Newsroom


January 22, 2024
Pregnancy Fatigue: Why You're Exhausted—and What to Do About ItDr. Leena Nathan, obstetrician/gynecologist at Westlake Village OBGYN, provides expert commentary to The Bump.


January 18, 2024
Mya Hendrix Overcomes Adversity Towards Motherhood – Dr. Ilina Pluym, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health Santa Monica, provides expert commentary to LA Sentinel. 


January 18, 2024
HPV and Cervical Cancer: A Patient Guide - Dr. Tiffany Lai, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health, discusses HPV and Cervical Cancer. Learn more at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA


January 17, 2024
RSV: Clinicians Discuss Strategies to Deal with Vaccine Resistance - Dr. Neil Silverman, professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Infections in Pregnancy Program at UCLA, provides expert commentary to DrugTopics


January 15, 2024
ADHD and PCOS: What's the Connection? Dr. Misty Richards, the founder and medical director of the Maternal Outpatient Mental health Services (MOMS) Clinic at UCLA, provides expert commentary to Rescripted.


January 15, 2024
Remembering Coretta Scott King and the Impact Ovarian Cancer Left on Her Children - Her Fierce Love - Dr. Beth Karlan, professor and vice chair of women's health research and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides expert commentary to SurvivorNet


January 8, 2024
IUDS – worthy contraceptive or painful hassle? – Dr. Leena Nathan, obstetrician/gynecologist at Westlake Village OBGYN, provides expert commentary to KPCC


January 5, 2024
The clinical takeaways of the RSV immunizations Dr. Neil Silverman, professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Infections in Pregnancy Program at UCLA, provides expert commentary to Contagion Live.


January 1, 2024
Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was recently honored with a UCLA Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Distinguished Alumni Award for her achievements in research and mentorship of the next generation of physician-scientist leaders. Learn more at the UCLA Department of Medicine.