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.
October 23, 2020
Good Morning America interviewed Rashmi Rao, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about why COVID-19 may disproportionately affect pregnant women of color. The story also referenced a new study led by UCLA and UCSF on how COVID-19 affects pregnant women.
October 16, 2020
U.S. News & World Report and 45 other outlets highlighted a study led by UCLA and UCSF revealing that pregnant women experienced prolonged effects of COVID-19. The study’s lead author, Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, was quoted in the story.
October 16, 2020
Greatist interviewed Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health Westlake Village, about steps to take if a condom comes off in the vagina during intercourse.
October 9, 2020
Salon and 50 other outlets featured Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on her new study revealing how pregnant women experience COVID-19 differently.
October 9, 2020
CBS Newspath interviewed Rashmi Rao, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, about the causes of pregnancy loss in light of Chrissy Teigen’s miscarriage. More than 170 CBS affiliates syndicated the story.
October 9, 2020
A new study shows differences in how pregnant women experience COVID-19. UCLA physician-scientist Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine, and researchers at UCSF found that COVID-19 has a prolonged effect for many pregnant women. UCLA Health Newsroom >
October 2, 2020
Spectrum News 1 interviewed Sanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, for a special segment on the importance of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Memarzadeh also is a member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research.
September 15, 2020
Healthline interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA, about the risks and benefits of various birth control options for different stages of life.
September 15, 2020
KNX/CBS Radio interviewed 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, regarding a National Cancer Institute (NCI) study aimed at helping to better understand the impact and outcomes of COVID-19 in people undergoing cancer treatment.
August 27, 2020
Healthline interviewed Ilina Pluym, MD, health sciences assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, on how pregnancy can be a life threatening condition, even in an industrialized nation such as the United States.
August 27, 2020
EveryDay Health interviewed Sanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, on the signs and symptoms of adnexal masses and ovarian cancer.
August 20, 2020
WDJT-MILW (CBS) interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about the risks that pregnant women face during the pandemic.
August 13, 2020
PA Live! interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about what pregnant women should know during the pandemic.
August 7, 2020
Radhika Rible, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of UCLA OBGYN, provides advice on the best ways to access breastfeeding support during the pandemic. UCLA Connect >
August 7, 2020
Science interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about why pregnant women face specific risks from COVID-19.
July 31, 2020
Yahoo! interviewed Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health Westlake Village, about how stress from the pandemic can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
July 31, 2020
Medscape and MDEdge featured comments from Rashmi Rao, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about the changing COVID-19 landscape and its impact on maternal care for pregnant women.
July 10, 2020
New York Times interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine, about UCLA and UCSF’s nationwide registry of pregnant or postpartum women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
July 10, 2020
Aparna Sridhar, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA, was quoted in a Popular Science article about the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow employers to opt out of providing health insurance that covers the cost of contraception. The story also was featured on MSN.com.
July 10, 2020
ProPublica interviewed Christina Han, MD, associate clinical professor of OB/GYN at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on emerging research showing pregnant women may be at higher risk for COVID-19.
July 2, 2020
KABC-TV interviewed Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine, on emerging research showing pregnant women may be at higher risk for COVID-19
June 12, 2020
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.
February 10, 2020
Last November, the Dancing for NED (No Evidence of Disease) fundraiser was held, and raised more than $150,000 to benefit the ovarian cancer research efforts of Dr. Beth Y. Karlan, vice chair of women’s health research in the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of cancer population genetics at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. U Magazine >
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
