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.
April 14, 2021
Los Angeles Magazine has published its annual list of “Top Doctors” in Los Angeles and 29 UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians have been recognized in the 2021 guide as among the city’s best doctors. Congratulations to Drs. Yalda Afshar, Zain Al-Safi, Alexander Chiang, Joshua Cohen, Daniel Dumesic, Christina Han, Carla Janzen, Beth Karlan, Brian Koos, Deborah Krakow, Lindsay Kroener, Lydia Lee, Erin Mellano, Sanaz Memarzadeh, Tina A. Nguyen, Erica Oberman, Ram Parvataneni, Molly Quinn, Jeannine Rahimian, Ramneek Rana, Rashmi Rao, Valentina Rodriguez, Radhika Rible, Sulagna Saitta, Aparna Sridhar, Christopher Tarnay, Mya Zapata and Mae Zakhour. Learn more about Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Doctors” list >
April 14, 2021
Dr. Ilina Pluym, an assistant professor of UCLA OBGYN in the division of maternal and fetal medicine, was interviewed by USA Today about the rare condition of getting pregnant while already pregnant.
April 9, 2021
Oncology Learning Network reported on a study presented by Morcos Nakhla, a medical student at the University of California - Los Angeles, at the 2021 SGO Virtual Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, showing findings that frail patients with ovarian cancer who undergo surgery at institutions with higher surgical volume have lower inpatient mortality rates. The research was led by Joshua Cohen, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
April 6, 2021
Romper interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, about precipitous lab and delivery. Romper also spoke to Dr. Sridhar about everything to know about Braxton Hicks contractions.
March 26, 2021
A national study led by researchers at UCLA and UC San Francisco has shed greater light on how COVID-19 affects pregnant women. The Pregnancy CoRonavIrus Outcomes RegIsTrY (PRIORITY) study analyzed the clinical course and outcomes of 594 women who tested positive for the novel coronavirus during pregnancy. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, is the lead investigator of this study co-managed by UCLA and UCSF. Read the full story in U Magazine >
March 26, 2021
ASCO Post reported on a UCLA study presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting finding frailty in ovarian cancer patients increased mortality risk. Research was led by Joshua Cohen, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
March 19, 2021
New York Times interviewed Ritu Salani, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of gynecologic oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on the pandemic’s impact on cancer screenings.
March 12, 2021
Nature featured Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, division of maternal fetal medicine, about how COVID-19 affects mothers and babies, highlighting 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.
March 5, 2021
Healthline interviewed Rashmi Rao, MD, health sciences assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on the importance of pregnant women receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
March 5, 2021
HuffPost interviewed Misty Richards, MD, MS, program director of the UCLA Semel Institute’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and assistant clinical professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on navigating conversations with children on miscarriage.
February 26, 2021
Christina Han, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and division director of maternal-fetal medicine at UCLA Health, was interviewed by NBC News about a new trial that will test the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnant women.
February 26, 2021
Los Angeles Times interviewed Ritu Salani, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of gynecologic oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on the pandemic’s impact on women’s cancer screenings.
February 26, 2021
Leena Nathan, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA Health Westlake Village, was quoted by Insider on the transmission of oral and genital herpes. Yahoo! News syndicated the Insider story.
February 18, 2021
Understanding the link between birth control pills and cancer risk. Millions of women use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy and control health issues related to menstruation. But recent studies show that oral contraceptives containing the hormones estrogen and progestin (combined pills) may also greatly reduce your risk for ovarian and uterine (endometrial) cancers. Taking birth control pills may sound like a win-win, but there are many other factors to consider, according to Aparna Sridhar, MD, a comprehensive women’s reproductive health provider at UCLA Health. The key is to understand how the pill may alter your risk of different cancers. Then work with your physician to make the best decision about contraception for you. Read more on UCLA Connect >
February 5, 2021
Popular 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 the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women.
February 3, 2021
Tamara Grisales, MD, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, discusses the launch of a comprehensive OBGYN initiative to treat maternal pelvic floor injury while also researching ways to prevent complications after childbirth and personalize care. Learn more about the UCLA Postpartum Pelvic Floor Health Program on the Connect Blog >
January 29, 2021
Survivornet interviewed Ritu Salani, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, on encouraging people to get checkups as clinical sites and hospitals are low risk for exposure of COVID-19.
January 29, 2021
KTLA-TV interviewed Courtney Dyke, a pregnant oncology nurse at UCLA Health, on why she chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine and 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, who helped Dyke make this decision.
January 29, 2021
Medscape interviewed Misty Richards, MD, MS, assistant clinical professor in both the division of child and adolescent psychiatry and the department of obstetrics and gynecology, on work-life balance during the pandemic.
January 22, 2021
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 the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women.
January 22, 2021
KCRW-FM 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, on the lack of evidence demonstrating a baby boom during the pandemic even as people worked from home.
January 22, 2021
Mae Zakhour, MD, Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was quoted by Medscape on the likelihood of seeing more cases of babies contracting cancer during birth.
January 22, 2021
MD Edge interviewed Misty Richards, MD, MS, program director of UCLA Semel Institute’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, and assistant clinical professor in both the division of child and adolescent psychiatry and the department of obstetrics and gynecology, on work-life balance during the pandemic.
January 19, 2021
COVID-19 and beyond: What’s on the Biden administration’s health care agenda? UCLA Health experts weigh in on what they hope to see as the new president takes office. Aparna Sridhar, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at UCLA Health, believes access to quality health care and contraception for all women is essential. “I hope the Biden-Harris administration expands access to contraception coverage,” she says. “I would hope that all the health care policies pertaining to contraception and reproductive health are science and evidence based, so that we as physicians can provide individualized care without the interference of politics in our exam rooms.” UCLA Connect Blog >
January 15, 2021
Joshua Cohen, MD, assistant professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, was interviewed by Very Well Health for an article on how birth control can help lower the risk of cancer.
January 15, 2021
Maternal mortaility rate. The United States is the most dangerous place in the developed world for a Black woman to give birth. Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at more than three times the rate of white women, regardless of income or education level. This statistic has remained constant for decades, despite advances in medicine and improvements in education. Lisa Nicholas, MD, Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor and Vice Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology, was interviewed for a story about Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, an emergency physician at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and her own labor and delivery experience. UCLA Health Connect >
January 8, 2021
What Pregnant Women Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine. Experts from UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology address some of the most pressing questions relating to pregnancy and the vaccine. UCLA Health Connect >
Deccember 11, 2020
How the Pandemic Reshaped Research. When COVID-19 hit, it was necessary to dramatically scale down laboratory research to maintain social distancing. Now, with some restrictions still in place, UCLA’s scientists are returning to the labs to continue their quests for medical breakthroughs. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor-in-residence of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at UCLA is featured. U Magazine >
December 11, 2020
Carla Janzen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA, is part of a team of researchers spearheading a study to create a blood test that can more accurately predict pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, before symptoms arise. In modifying a blood test used to detect DNA-level changes that could point to fetal abnormalities, this research is the first to tie potential pregnancy complications to the presence of free-standing genetic material shed from the placenta into the mother’s blood. The team’s effort to advance knowledge about the placenta and maternal health will hopefully guide further development of tests to help diagnose pregnancy disorders earlier. UCLA Health Connect >
December 11, 2020
What to Expect mentioned 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, who was interviewed about whether the COVID-19 vaccine will be safe for pregnant women and babies.
December 4, 2020
KABC-TV featured a UCLA Health patient diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension who delivered her baby in the ICU. The broadcast included interviews with 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, and Shelley Shapiro, MD, clinical professor of medicine in the divisions of cardiology and pulmonary and critical care at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
December 4, 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 the safety of a COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women.
November 20, 2020
The Good Men Project highlighted PRIORITY study, which was co-led by 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.
November 20, 2020
Women’s Health interviewed Daniel Dumensic, MD, division chief and professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center, on the difficulties people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face when trying to lose weight.
November 13, 2020
Spectrum News 1 featured the PRIORITY study, which was co-led by 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, and UCSF, revealing that pregnant women experienced prolonged effects from COVID-19. The story was previously featured in the LA Times.
November 6, 2020
Allure Magazine interviewed Misty Richards, MD, health sciences assistant clinical professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology director of perinatal psychiatry in the maternal outpatient mental health services clinic at UCLA Health, about the feelings associated with having a miscarriage and how to offer support to someone who has experienced a miscarriage.
October 30, 2020
Los Angeles Times highlighted the PRIORITY study, which was co-led by 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, and UCSF, revealing that pregnant women experienced prolonged effects from COVID-19.
October 30, 2020
Popsugar interviewed Aparna Sridhar, MD about a new birth control on the market. Phexxi is an FDA-approved, nonhormonal birth-control gel that can be used on demand to help prevent pregnancy. Phexxi is available by prescription only and comes in individually wrapped, single-dose, prefilled applicators.
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 19, 2020
A new national study led by UCLA and UCSF analyzed the clinical course and outcomes of 594 women who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy. The PRIORITY study (Pregnancy CoRonavIrus Outcomes RegIsTrY), which is the largest COVID-19 study among non-hospitalized pregnant women to date, showed that symptoms for pregnant women with COVID-19 can be prolonged, lasting two months or longer. The study also found that the most common early symptoms for pregnant women were cough, sore throat and body aches. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at UCLA, is the lead author of the findings published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. UCLA Health Newsroom >
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 7, 2020
A new national study led by UCLA and UCSF analyzed the clinical course and outcomes of 594 women who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy. The PRIORITY study. (Pregnancy CoRonavIrus Outcomes RegIsTrY), which is the largest COVID-19 study among non-hospitalized pregnant women to date, showed that symptoms for pregnant women with COVID-19 can be prolonged, lasting two months or longer. The study also found that the most common early symptoms for pregnant women were cough, sore throat and body aches. Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the division of maternal fetal medicine at UCLA, is the lead author of the findings published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. | 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
Honoring Trailblazing Women: We congratulate Dr. Deborah Krakow, Chair of UCLA OBGYN, and Dr. Beth Karlan, Professor of UCLA OBGYN and Vice Chair of Women’s Health Research, for being featured in the “100 in 100: A Salute to 100 Trailblazing Women of UCLA Health.” Read more about them here >
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 >
