Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr. Scott Lederhaus became interested in neurosurgery at the age of 20 while he attended the University of California Irvine. During his studies, he managed to connect with Dr. Eldon Foltz who was the chief of neurosurgery at UCI Medical Center and became involved in neurosurgery research while observing several neurosurgical procedures and even managed to perform some experimental surgery on animals himself. From that point on, Scott was hooked on neurosurgery.
Scott finished Med school at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago followed by a year of general surgical internship at UC Davis. After his general surgical internship at UC Davis, Scott later returned to the University of California Irvine for a 6 year residency. Shortly after his residency Scott joined a practice in Pomona with Dr. Colin McDonald and Dr. David Brown for several years. Just prior to Dr. McDonald retiring he told Scott, “I may not have always had the results of the surgery I performed, but I never did a case that I didn’t feel needed to be done.” Scott felt the same and after hearing those words from Dr. McDonald he chose to live by those words.
Dr. Scott Lederhaus enjoys treating patients in the manner he would want a doctor to treat him. He joined the Association of Medical Ethics formed by Dr. Charles Rosen at UC Irvine Medical Center and later became a Board member for the organization. The Association of Medical Ethics is dedicated to evidenced based medicine and doing what is right for the patient independent of financial gain. He is fortunate to have partners at INI who share the same philosophy. He loves his wife and family.
Dr. Lederhaus is no longer accepting office patients.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science with Honors in biological science, University of California, Irvine, 1975.
Azadeh Farin, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon at FARINeurosurgery, with experience in a wide range of neurosurgical procedures. She provides expert care in Los Angeles and Orange countries to patients in and around Long Beach, Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Huntington Beach and Torrance, CA. Dr. Farin is proud to be among only 200 female neurosurgeons in the United States.
After graduating as high school valedictorian from her class of 700 students, Dr. Farin attended Yale University, where she double-majored in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and Economics. Azadeh then won the title of Miss Greater Los Angeles USA and was a Finalist at the Miss California USA Pageant.
Azadeh then worked at McKinsey & Co., an international management consulting firm, traveling worldwide to develop corporate strategy for CEOs. She earned her MD from the University of California San Diego, where she won the Whipple Memorial Endowed Scholarship and presented her research nationally. Her research continued at Columbia University where she investigated brain tumor growth patterns and established a model for testing anti-tumor drugs.
Her research has earned her lead authorship for several manuscripts published in prominent medical journals. She completed her internship in General Surgery and residency in Neurosurgery at the University of Southern California (USC). She was the first woman in over 25 years to graduate from USC Neurosurgery. She served as Clinical Instructor of Neurosurgery at Keck School of Medicine at USC and LA County-USC Medical Center. Dr. Farin completed a fellowship in complex spine surgery and spinal deformity/tumors at UCSF, receiving the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Spine Research Award, granted to only one fellow in the US.
In 2010, Dr. Farin won the Avicenna Award of Excellence. She has guest reviewed for the journal Neurosurgery and consulted for Grey’s Anatomy. She was recently granted a full patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office for her spinal device invention. Dr. Farin has published several dozen manuscripts, articles, and book chapters.
Outside the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
With more than two decades of specialized experience and clinical expertise, Andrew Fox, MD, employs the most advanced solutions for spine pain and injuries. In his role as a surgeon at Total Spine Institute, with offices in Sherman Oaks and Calabasas, California, Dr. Fox helps patients review all non-surgical options before exploring spine surgery.
If surgery is the best solution, Dr. Fox uses modern minimally invasive techniques that only require small incisions and reduce risks for the patient. He uses innovative approaches, such as Vertiflex™ Procedure Superion™ Indirect Decompression System, and the latest artificial lumbar and cervical discs. Dr. Fox is also experienced with complex spine revision procedures.
Dr. Fox earned his medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (formerly Chicago Medical School and the Finch University of Health Sciences) in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his internship at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Dr. Fox completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. During that time, he was honored as Neurosurgery Chief. Dr. Fox is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Using his extensive background in spine surgery, Dr. Fox treats patients at Total Spine Institute and also serves as the Chief of Neurosurgery for Tarzana Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Fox is an instructor and consultant for the FDA-approved Coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device.
During his free time, Dr. Fox spends time with his family. He speaks English and Russian fluently, and he enjoys travel, basketball, and mixed martial arts.
Michael Kim, MD, is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurological Surgery at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. At Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, he specializes in cerebrovascular, minimally invasive, and open skull base surgery. His clinical interests include brain tumors, neuro-oncology, and complex cranial surgery. His training allows him to offer the most up-to-date and advanced care to his patients.
Dr. Kim received his education and training on the East Coast before returning to his native California. He attended Brown University for both his undergraduate and medical degrees after being accepted to the highly competitive Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), the only combined baccalaureate-MD program in the Ivy League. He then completed his internship and residency in neurosurgery at New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, where he served as Clinical Instructor of Neurosurgery. He was also chosen by the medical center administration to run the New York City Marathon as a representative of the hospital.
During his year as chief resident, Dr. Kim was nominated by medical students to receive the Alpha Omega Alpha Resident Teaching Award, a prestigious accolade from the National Medical Honor Society recognizing excellence in medical student teaching and commitment to education. He then completed a fellowship in Skull Base Surgery at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.
Dr. Kim’s research and operative videos in skull base, neuro-oncology, and neuro-trauma have led to dozens of peer reviewed journal publications, abstracts, and presentations at national conferences. Dr. Kim is on staff at Long Beach Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, and UCI Medical Center.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, running, listening to audiobooks, and playing chess.
Sheri Palejwala, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California.
Born and raised in Los Angeles County, Dr. Palejwala completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, with degrees in neuroscience and biology. She obtained her medical degree at St. Louis University in Missouri, and completed her neurosurgical training at the University of Arizona in Tucson. There, she spent her last years serving as Chief Resident of Neurosurgery followed by a fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, focusing on translational and clinical research. Dr. Palejwala has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has presented her findings at meetings worldwide.
Dr. Palejwala then completed an additional fellowship in endoscopic, minimally-invasive surgical neuro-oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. There, she focused on minimally-invasive microsurgical and endoscopic approaches and incorporating innovative technology and techniques into her practice. Her clinical interests include endoscopic, keyhole, and other minimally-invasive approaches to tumors of the pituitary and skull base.
She is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and an active member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the joint tumor section of the AANS/CNS, and the North American Skull Base Society. Outside of neurosurgery, Dr. Palejwala dedicates her time to her family, including her husband and twin daughters, and large extended family.
Dr. Palejwala looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Coast Neurosurgical Associates.
Ramin Javahery, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California. His education began at UCLA where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in English Literature.
During his undergraduate years, Dr. Javahery also engaged in research in the field of molecular biology, publishing and presenting on theories in gene transcription. He then went on to medical school at USC and became editor in chief of the USC Journal of Medicine. He continued to engage in research activities, with a focus on glutathione transport mechanisms.
Beyond Dr. Javahery’s academic pursuits, he was also interested in humanitarian activities and organized the USC-Rwanda Relief Fund to send money to the victims of Rwandan genocide.
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Javahery remained at USC for his Internship in General Surgery. From there, he spent 6 years at the University of Miami, completing both a Neurosurgery residency and a fellowship in Spine Surgery. He then began to focus his research activities on neurosurgery & published papers on Chiari Malformations and wrote chapters in textbooks on Spine Surgery.
After completing his final year in Miami as Chief Resident, he returned to Los Angeles to do a second fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Today he is the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Miller Children’s Hospital, where he practices both adult and pediatric neurosurgery, as well as spine Surgery. This year he will also become the Chief of Adult Neurosurgery.
Dr. Javahery’s interest in patients extends beyond curing their diseases. He is passionate about caring for patients and is a member of the ethics committee at Long Beach Memorial. This committee is responsible for evaluating ethically complicated situations in the hospital. Dr. Javahery is also a member of American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the Children’s Oncology Group.
Dr. Ramin Javahery, is married to Dr. Jill Javahery, who also practices medicine in Long Beach. Together, they have three sons and enjoy being a part of the Long Beach medical community.
Hooshang Pak, MD, FACS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California.
A graduate of Tehran University, Dr. Pak began his postgraduate training in New York City, where he completed his surgical internship at Saint Vincent Medical Center of Staten Island. He then moved to Michigan and undertook a neurosurgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He also completed a year of fellowship training in microneurosurgery of cerebral vascular diseases under the supervision of James Ausman, MD, PhD.
Dr. Pak has been a diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has published numerous scientific papers in neurosurgical journals and textbooks and presented papers and scientific exhibits at national and international medical meetings. Dr. Pak has also been a member of the editorial board of the international neurosurgical journal, Surgical Neurology.
Dr. Pak has been selected by his peers since 1996 as one of The Best Doctors in America, a list that contains the top five percent of the American doctors.
Abraham Rayhaun, MD, FACS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a proud member of Coast Neurosurgical Associates, a neurosurgery practice in Long Beach, California. He treats a broad spectrum of neurological disorders utilizing the latest technical modalities including neuronavigational tools, stereotaxis, and microneurosurgery.
He is particularly interested in treating patients with cerebrovascular disease and brain tumors using conservative approaches with a combination of stereotactic radiosurgery and cyberknife as well as open microsurgical techniques when necessary. Dr. Rayhaun is also specialty trained in treating complex spinal conditions with minimally invasive approaches or with instrumented fusion when required.
His undergraduate studies began at the University of California, Davis (UCD) where he conducted clinical research on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages of the brain. He then attended medical school at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York, where he was awarded a full scholarship and researched the molecular biology of the articular cartilage. He graduated from medical school with honors and was recognized for high educational achievements by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. From there he moved to Michigan to start his neurosurgical residency under the mentorship of Dr. James Ausman and Dr. Mark Rosenblum at Henry Ford Hospital, where he focused on neurovascular disorders, brain tumors, and stereotactic procedures. After completing his chief residency year, Dr. Rayhaun spent a year focusing his attention on specialty training in complex disorders of the spine and was involved with clinical research related to treating cervical disc disease.
Dr. Rayhaun is a member of the Physicians Excellence Committee at Long Beach Memorial medical center and a member of the Peer Review Committee at Los Alamitos Medical Center. These committees oversee issues related to quality of patient care at the respective hospitals. Dr. Rayhaun has served as the director of Neurosurgery at Fountain Valley Hospital, and as the chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, as well as a member of the brain tumor section.
While priding himself in being at the cutting edge of neurosurgery, his greatest interest remains treating the individual patient with empathy, expertise and professionalism.
Dr. Yashar is a fellowship-trained Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, specializing in outpatient spine surgery as well as cranial and endovascular procedures. He has performed countless spine operations, including those involving challenging degenerative spinal conditions, spine tumors, and complex spinal trauma.
Dr. Yashar treats every patient as a whole patient, rather than only focusing on their symptoms or condition alone. Dr. Yashar is thorough with each and every patient as he believes each patient is the center of their care team–he discusses their conditions with them and reviews their images together, inviting them to participate in their health care decision.
>Dr. Yashar believes in treating patients first with conservative, nonsurgical therapies first, as a majority of patients do not require surgical intervention. Should surgery become necessary, he offers the safest, most effective, and least invasive approach. Dr. Yashar is passionate about minimally-invasive spine surgery and motion preservation (Artificial Disc Replacement surgery, Minimally-Invasive Lumbar laminectomy surgery) as these allow patients the opportunity to return to their level of performance expeditiously. He provides personalized attention to each and every patient and welcomes questions and discussion about each of the treatment options.
Education/Training:
B.S. in Cybernetics with Departmental Honors, UCLA - Summa cum laude
MD, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University
Residency in Neurological Surgery, LAC+USC / Keck School of Medicine
Fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo (UBNS)
Certifications:
Board-Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS)
Multiple publications and abstracts in Peer-Reviewed medical journals and conferences
Board-certified neurosurgeon Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, takes a solution-based approach to determine anatomic and functional abnormalities and then treats them with leading-edge technologies and integrative medicine.
At his four offices in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, he focuses on helping all of their patients return to their normal lives, getting back into motion as quickly as possible.
The team treats a vast array of neurological conditions. After intensive neurological exams and diagnostic testing, they recommend the best nonsurgical treatments for each person's unique health care needs. They recommend surgery when symptoms are severe or persist despite conservative care.
Patients seek Dr. Mesiwala for his expertise in brain and spine surgery, as well as peripheral nerve surgery and artificial disc replacement surgery.
He's an expert in complex brain and skull base surgeries, and he has the most experience in artificial disc replacements on the West Coast, including multi-level operations and all types of spinal decompressions.
Dr. Mesiwala is a leader in the field of minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint surgery and has performed endoscopic cranial and spinal surgery since 2004. No matter where pain originates, patients get relief after he performs neuromodulation surgery.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Mesiwala received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco.
Then he finished his neurological surgery residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
He completed his skull base and cerebrovascular fellowships at the University of Washington, International Neuroscience Institute in Hannover, Germany, and the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a respected researcher specializing in the development of novel technologies and minimally invasive techniques for brain and spine surgery, Dr. Mesiwala holds multiple patents for medical devices used in spinal surgery.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mesiwala is the faculty surgeon for various artificial disc operations and spinal fusion operations with innovative techniques. He's a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS).
Dr. Yashar is a fellowship-trained Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, specializing in outpatient spine surgery as well as cranial and endovascular procedures. He has performed countless spine operations, including those involving challenging degenerative spinal conditions, spine tumors, and complex spinal trauma.
Dr. Yashar treats every patient as a whole patient, rather than only focusing on their symptoms or condition alone. Dr. Yashar is thorough with each and every patient as he believes each patient is the center of their care team–he discusses their conditions with them and reviews their images together, inviting them to participate in their health care decision.
>Dr. Yashar believes in treating patients first with conservative, nonsurgical therapies first, as a majority of patients do not require surgical intervention. Should surgery become necessary, he offers the safest, most effective, and least invasive approach. Dr. Yashar is passionate about minimally-invasive spine surgery and motion preservation (Artificial Disc Replacement surgery, Minimally-Invasive Lumbar laminectomy surgery) as these allow patients the opportunity to return to their level of performance expeditiously. He provides personalized attention to each and every patient and welcomes questions and discussion about each of the treatment options.
Education/Training:
B.S. in Cybernetics with Departmental Honors, UCLA - Summa cum laude
MD, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University
Residency in Neurological Surgery, LAC+USC / Keck School of Medicine
Fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo (UBNS)
Certifications:
Board-Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS)
Multiple publications and abstracts in Peer-Reviewed medical journals and conferences
Board-certified neurosurgeon Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, specializes in the treatment of spinal and neurological conditions. He is fellowship-trained in complex spinal surgery and has been practicing for well over a decade.
At The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, patients benefit from his extensive experience treating complex brain and spine problems with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional surgery. Working with new techniques such as neuro navigation, spinal endoscopy, and also providing direct patient care with a physician, Dr. Gantwerker makes the patient paramount.
Well-respected in his field, Dr. Gantwerker has authored several book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also appeared on podcasts, television, and radio interviews and has instructed undergraduates, medical students, and residents in various neurosurgical topics.
A Chicago native, Dr. Gantwerker earned a degree with honors in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he focused on peripheral nerve regeneration research.
After completing his neurosurgical residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland / Case Western, Dr. Gantwerker studied spinal cord regeneration with stem cells at Case Western School of Medicine. He completed a complex spine fellowship at the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Gantwerker is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies. He is an active member of key esteemed professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and the North American Spine Society (NASS). He’s also a board member of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS). Dr. Gantwerker is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons (ABNS).
“Dr Gantwerker is fantastic and his office staff, Annick and Helene, are absolute gems. So far each step has been quick, clear, easy and helpful. Annick and Helene are personable, friendly, fun and with wonderful humor!!
Dr G is very kind and very thorough. Prior to him, no other MD had done a thorough and comprehensive physical exam of me - which seemed odd. Dr G did. And he showed me my MRI and explained it in detail. I have been very scared about what's happening with me, and after meeting him, my fear is actually gone (may it stay gone) and I feel taken care of.
Don't hesitate to see Dr Gantwerker, he's excellent. ”
Dr. Brian Gantwerker, MD
Neurosurgeon
2811 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 840
Santa Monica, CA 90403
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