UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology provides cutting edge diagnosis and treatments, and supports a staff of renowned physicians, surgeons and researchers. Demonstrating continued excellence in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA OB/GYN along with its varied Centers of Excellence, is often the subject of stories in newspapers, magazines, and journals. The Department also frequently issues 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.
Beth Karlan, MD, professor and vice chair of women’s health research in the obstetrics and gynecology department and director of cancer population genetics at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, commented on ovarian-cancer survivors’ stories in EveryDay Health.
June 12, 2020
Sanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD, professor of obstetrics/gynecology and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was quoted in Pulse about how a distended belly can be a symptom of ovarian tumor.
June 5, 2020
OncLive profiles pioneer in gynecological oncology
Beth Karlan, MD, professor and vice chair of women’s health research in the obstetrics and gynecology department and director of cancer population genetics at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was profiled by OncLive on how she is breaking down gender barriers in gynecologic oncology. Separately, EveryDay Health interviewed Dr. Karlan for an article on the importance of finding ovarian cancer early.
May 22, 2020
KABC-TV aired a segment as part of Woman’s Health Week featuring Aparna Sridhar, MD, obstetrician and associate clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology. She discussed the importance of having regular check-ups and receiving needed health care during COVID-19.
May 22, 2020
KABC-TV aired a segment as part of Woman’s Health Week featuring Aparna Sridhar, MD, obstetrician and associate clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology. She discussed the importance of having regular check-ups and receiving needed health care during COVID-19.
May 22, 2020
Medscape.com interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine, in a medical experts’ discussion on the potential risk for miscarriage in pregnant women with COVID-19.
May 8, 2020
Heart disease drives rise in pregnancy-related deaths
CNN interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology, division of maternal fetal medicine, about the increase in pregnancy-related deaths due to a rise in cardiovascular disease. The article appeared in 45 other outlets.
May 8, 2020
The Miami Herald, The Oregonian and 18 other outlets syndicated a Kaiser Health News story featuring Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology, division of maternal fetal medicine, about how COVID-19 affects mothers and babies and highlights the launch of a registry led by Dr. Afshar and colleagues from UCSF tracking the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their newborns.
May 8, 2020
What you need to know about gynecologic cancer care and COVID-19
Gynecologic cancer patients and their families may have questions regarding protective measures and cancer treatment as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Beth Karlan, MD, a UCLA Health cancer specialist, explains how to maintain your gynecologic cancer care during COVID-19. UCLA Health Connect >
May 6, 2020
The Heartbeat of Healthcare: International Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Nurses and nurse-midwives are beacons of compassion for patients worldwide, and it is appropriate — particularly at this time as we fight against the COVID-19 pandemic — that the World Health Organization has designated 2020 as a year to pay tribute to their indispensable role in supporting healthy and productive societies. UCLA Health Connect >
May 1, 2020
Beth Karlan, MD, Professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vice Chair of Women’s Health Research, has been elected as vice chair of the executive committee of Harvard University’s Board of Overseers for the 2020–21 academic year. The Board of Overseers is one of Harvard’s two governing boards, and directs the visitation process, the primary means for periodic external assessment of Harvard’s schools and departments. As a Harvard Overseer, Karlan chairs the board’s standing committee on natural and applied sciences and additionally serves on the executive committee, the committee on Schools, the College, and continuing education, and the joint committee on alumni affairs and development. She is also member of the visiting committees for both Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. News release >
April 30, 2020
KCBS Radio (San Francisco) interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about how pregnant women can stay healthy during the pandemic.
April 30, 2020
Kaiser Health News interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine, about how COVID-19 affects mothers and babies and highlights the launch of a registry led by Dr. Afshar and colleagues from UCSF that tracks the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their newborns.
April 29, 2020
LA’s Top Doctors 2020
Los Angeles Magazine has published its annual list of “top doctors” in Los Angeles. UCLA OBGYN congratulates physicians in our department who are listed in the 2020 guide as among the city’s best doctors. The results were based on a peer-to-peer survey that asked physicians throughout Los Angeles County to identify the doctors they considered to be at the top of their field. See the full list for UCLA OBGYN here >.
April 24, 2020
Well + Good featured Molly Quinn, MD, assistant clinical professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about how families seeking fertility treatments are being affected by the pandemic.
April 24, 2020
CBS Newspath featured an initiative studying the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and newborns. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine and a registry participant were interviewed. The story ran on approximately 180 CBS, ABC and FOX television affiliates, including KCBS-TV.
April 18, 2020
The Washington Post interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about what to know about being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a new national registry of pregnant women and new mothers who have tested positive or are being evaluated for COVID-19.
April 17, 2020
KNBC-TV, KABC-TV, KTTV-TV, KCBS-AM, KNX-AM, KPPC-FM, the Los Angeles Daily News and 15 other outlets syndicated a City News Service report about a national registry to study how COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their newborns. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, co-leads the registry, which is a UCLA Biodesign Initiative, with colleagues at UCSF. Additional coverage > The Hospitalist, People Magazine
April 8, 2020
National Registry Quickly Set Up to Help Doctors Understand Risks COVID-19 Poses to Pregnant Women and Newborns. A new national registry has been launched by specialists in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCLA Health and the University of California, San Francisco, to determine COVID-19's possible effects on pregnant women and newborns. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UCLA Health and a UCLA Biodesign Fellow, is co-principal investigator of the study. UCLA News Release > This story also ran on NBC Los Angeles.
April 7, 2020
Los Angeles Magazine interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, about how visitor guidelines in the labor and delivery department have changed because of COVID-19.
April 2, 2020
Health interviewed Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health Westlake Village, about having sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 1, 2020
Los Angeles Times interviewed three UCLA reproductive medicine experts for an article on how COVID-19 is affecting pregnancy. Rashmi Rao, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology; Shadman Habibi, CNM, UCLA Nurse-Midwives Program; and Genevieve Colvin-Thomas, lactation and breast-feeding consultant at The Birthplace at UCLA, were interviewed.
March 30, 2020
Los Angeles Times interviewed Neil Silverman, MD, about a study finding that pregnant women can pass COVID-19 onto their babies. Dr. Silverman is a clinical professor of OB/GYN in the division of maternal-fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine.
March 30, 2020
The New York Times interviewed Christine Han, MD, an associate professor and director of the maternal fetal medicine fellowship at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about women who are considering home births because of COVID-19 fears.
March 30, 2020
KNBC-TV interviewed Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health Westlake Village, about having sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 30, 2020
National Public Radio interviewed Mya Zapata, MD, health sciences assistant clinical professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, about pregnant women’s concerns about the pandemic’s impact on labor, delivery and babies. The story was syndicated in 70 other outlets.
March 27, 2020
Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, was interviewed by Healio about how OB/GYN health care professionals are protecting pregnant women during the pandemic.
March 27, 2020
KNBC-TV interviewed Rashmi Rao, MD, assistant clinical professor in the division of maternal-fetal medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine, about what pregnant women should know about the novel coronavirus.
March 27, 2020
The Los Angeles Times interviewed Neil Silverman, MD, and Karin Nielsen, MD, about the anxieties facing pregnant women and new parents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Silverman is a clinical professor of OB/GYN in the division of maternal-fetal medicine, and Dr. Nielsen is a professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric infectious diseases. Both are at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. NPR also interviewed Dr. Silverman about what precautions pregnant women should take during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report was syndicated by Southern California Public Radio and more than 15 other outlets.
March 20, 2020
U.S. News & World Report and Fashion & Me featured Neil Silverman, MD, clinical professor of OB/GYN in the division of maternal-fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, on the precautions expectant mothers should take to protect themselves and their babies against COVID-19.
March 20, 2020
TalkingFertility interviewed Rashmi Rao, MD, assistant clinical professor of maternal-fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about the risks associated with pregnant women contracting COVID-19.
March 13, 2020
Kathleen Brennan, MD, Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was quoted in Healthline and Everyday Health about a study suggesting that tall, thin women are at greater risk for developing endometriosis.
January 17, 2020
Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, was quoted by Romper about pregnancy-safe remedies for vaginal itching.
January 3, 2020
How to use emergency contraception pill, Plan B
Insider interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about how to properly use the emergency contraception pill, Plan B.
January 3, 2020
Marijuana and pregnancy
Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health in Westlake Village, commented in a STAT News article on marijuana and pregnancy.
December 13, 2019
How to manage painful periods
Business Insider and MSN.com quoted Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; and Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health in Westlake Village, about how to relieve pain from menstrual cramps.
December 13, 2019
Understanding what causes miscarriages
Insider interviewed Alexander Chiang, MD, chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica and assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on what causes miscarriages.
December 13, 2019
OB/GYN discusses miscarriage
Business Insider interviewed Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health in Westlake Village, for a question-and-answer article about reducing the risk of miscarriage.
October 11, 2019
Kathleen Brennan, MD, Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA, was quoted in The New York Post and the India Times Post about why women who are exploring a surrogacy option may choose to use a gestational carrier.
October 10, 2019
Dr. Amy Rosenman Receives PFD Research Foundation Award. The PFD Research Foundation, the official research foundation of The American Urogynecologic Society, recently recognized Dr. Amy Rosenman, Health Sciences Clinical Professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, with the 2019 Donor of the Year Award. This annual award is given to an individual in recognition of commitment to the Foundation’s mission of transforming the lives of women through the support of innovative and effective research that advances the prevention, treatment, and cure of female pelvic floor disorders. Dr. Rosenman was the first president of the PFRF and served 8 years until it was on solid ground. It has granted over $1.5 million in funds and saved over $1 million in an endowment.
October 4, 2019
Local coverage of nurse midwives program. The Santa Monica Observer and the Santa Monica Daily Press published articles on the UCLA Nurse-Midwives program, which recently expanded its services to include well-woman exams and screenings. The program, based at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, already provides prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for pregnant women. Nurse-midwife Eyelle Sacher commented in the article.
September 13, 2019
Leena Nathan, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health Westlake Village, commented in a Reuters article on high blood pressure during pregnancy, a SELF.com article on what gynecologists want their patients to know, and a STAT article on pregnant women who refuse ultrasounds.
September 13, 2019
Shadman Habibi, director of the UCLA Nurse-Midwives Program at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, commented in a STAT article on pregnant women who decline ultrasound exams.
September 09, 2019
Amy Stoddard, MD, Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, was interviewed for a CBS News story on a new study that finds a dramatic increase in high blood pressure among American women during pregnancy, and notes that age is a factor in the rising rate of hypertension during pregnancy. Watch CBS News >
September 6, 2019
Leena Nathan, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health Westlake Village, commented in a Bustle.com article on what happens when women stop using birth control. Dr. Nathan also commented in a second Bustle.com story on anger and PMS.
August 23, 2019
Shadman Habibi, director of the UCLA Nurse-Midwives Program at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, was quoted in a Los Angeles Times story about expectant parents hiring photographers to capture childbirth images.
July 26, 2019
Leena Nathan, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health, commented in a Health.com story about the use of menstrual cups as an ecological alternative to pads or tampons.
June 25, 2019
Tina Nguyen, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, commented in a Reuters story about a study linking migraines in pregnancy to complications for mothers and newborns. The article was syndicated by 40 other outlets, including Canada's National Post, the U.K.'s Daily Mail and Channel News Asia.
June 24, 2019
Researcher Minute: Dr. Karlan
Dr. Beth Karlan, professor of OBGYN and the newly appointed director of cancer population genetics at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, is hopeful that her research will not only help women get diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, but also identify the women who are most at-risk so they can intervene before the cancer even develops. Story on UCLA Newsroom >
June 14, 2019
Obstetrician weighs in on new app
Dr. Leena Nathan, an assistant clinical professor and obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health-Westlake Village, was featured in an article published in USA Today about a new Apple Health app that predicts women's menstrual cycle.
June 1, 2019
Ending the Fear of Cancer
Dr. Beth Karlan, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of cancer populations at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, has an article featured in Tower Magazine. Read the full story >
Additional coverage: MedicalXpress, Health News Digest and The Medical News ran a Q&A with Beth Karlan, MD, PhD, director of cancer population genetics at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussing the role of genetics in early detection of cancer.
June 1, 2019
Dr. Krakow participates in the second annual UCLA Bioscience Innovation Day
Deborah Krakow, MD, Professor and Chair of UCLA OBGYN, was actively engaged in the second annual UCLA Bioscience Innovation Day held in May. Dr. Krakow was seated on the "UCLA Undiagnosed Diseases Network & Rare Disease" panel. This event promoted awareness of the growing bioscience entrepreneurial ecosystem at UCLA and in the greater Los Angeles region, and fostered partnerships with companies, investors and entrepreneurs.
May 24, 2019
Dr. Beth Karlan, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of cancer populations at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was quoted in a Washington Post article about new tests and treatments emerging for ovarian cancer. The Chicago Tribune, The Palm Beach Post and 40 other outlets syndicated the story.
May 17, 2019
Dr. Leena Nathan, an assistant clinical professor and obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health-Westlake Village, commented in a SheKnows.com article about how summer weather affects vaginal health.
May 15, 2019
Dr. Beth Karlan, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of cancer populations at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been inducted into the 2019 class of Giants of Cancer Care in gynecologic malignancies by OncLive for her contributions to cancer research and clinical practice. Story on JCCC newsroom >
May 03, 2019
Dr. Krakow Honored
Deborah Krakow, MD, chair of obstetrics/gynecology and a professor of human genetics and orthopaedic surgery, was inducted to the Association of American Physicians at the April joint meeting with the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
Story on UCLA Newsroom >
May 03, 2019
Information for patients after an ovarian cancer diagnosis
Joshua Cohen, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was interviewed by Prevention.com about key information patients should know to get the best treatment and support. The article also ran in Yahoo! News.
March 21, 2019
Deborah Krakow, MD, was quoted on Univision.com about a rare birth abnormality called Fetus in fetu. Dr. Krakow is chair of obstetrics-gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and also a professor of orthopedic surgery and of human genetics.
March 15, 2019
Behind the Rise in Uterine Cancer Cases
Dr. Beth Karlan, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of cancer population genetics at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was interviewed by Health.com for a story about the rise in cases of uterine cancer and what women should know about the disease. The article was republished by MSN.com.
March 15, 2019
Sexually Transmitted Infections Are on the Rise. Here's What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
Shadman Habibi, CNM, MSN, director of the UCLA Nurse-Midwives Program at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, commented in a Today.com article on doulas and midwives.
March 14, 2019
Devices Aim to Help Manage Overactive Bladder
Everyday Health interviewed Victor Nitti, MD, division chief of pelvic medicine at UCLA Health, for a story about technologies aimed at helping people with overactive bladder.
February 14, 2019
Sexually Transmitted Infections Are on the Rise. Here's What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
Dr. Leena Nathan, Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, explains which infections sexually active people are more likely to be exposed to and to contract. UCLA Newsroom >
February 08, 2019
Dr. Aparna Sridhar, a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, commented in the New York Times about a rise in patients requesting an intrauterine device, or IUD, for long-term birth control following the election of Donald Trump. Dr. Sridhar's comments were picked up by more than 10 other publications, including Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily, Business Insider and Kaiser Health News.
January 25, 2019
Dr. Leena Nathan, an assistant clinical professor and obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health-Westlake Village, was quoted in a Reuters Health article on a study that found low-income women could not afford menstrual hygiene products such as tampons or pads.
January 04, 2019
Dr. Leena Nathan, an assistant clinical professor and obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health-Westlake Village, was quoted in a Today.com story about pregnancy complications that could lead to chronic health problems. Her quote was also cited in USA Today.
December 17, 2018
How your BRCA status may impact your ovarian cancer treatment
SELF.com interviewed Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how the BRCA gene is associated with more than just breast cancer. The article also ran in Yahoo! News.
December 17, 2018
Dr. Zain Al-Safi, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was quoted in Well and Good on an article about fertility trackers.
November 09, 2018
Dr. Deborah Krakow, chair of the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, delivered an address to the National Academy of Sciences Symposium on the 2018 NAS Report on Sexual Harassment of Women:
Climate, Culture & Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine >
November 06, 2018
Dr. Christopher Tarnay, chief of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at UCLA Health, and a team of UCLA doctors, nurses and medical students, have been traveling to Mbarara Hospital annually for two-week surgical trips to treat up to 50 women each time. Story on newsroom.ucla.edu > Additional coverage: myscience.org >
