Find a Top Surgeon Near Me in Temecula, CA – Book an Appointment Instantly

As an expert otolaryngologist, Dr. Richard A. Ruiz treats the full range of diseases and problems that develop in your ear, nose, and throat. He welcomes patients of all ages to his practice, Richard Ruiz M.D., Inc., in Temecula, California, where men and women can schedule timely appointments, enjoy short wait times, and feel welcomed by a staff focused on each individual’s health and well-being.

Dr. Ruiz received a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he graduated with honors in research. Even at this early stage in his career, he established himself as a serious researcher, publishing multiple articles in peer-reviewed science and medical journals.

After graduating from UCI, Dr. Ruiz attended medical school at the prestigious Yale University Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut. In his first year, he was elected president of the student council, a position typically held by a fourth-year medical student.

During his time at Yale, Dr. Ruiz continued to publish his work in various medical journals and presented his findings at meetings at various institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the American College of Surgeons, and Yale Surgical Grand Rounds. He spent years doing basic and applied medical research, culminating in his thesis The Treatment of Melanoma with Immunotherapy.

Dr. Ruiz completed a general surgery internship and residency at Yale University Medical Center, then entered a three-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the same facility. While he was a resident, he competed for and won the Temporal Bone Dissection Award, which is given to one resident each year.

In his last year at Yale, Dr. Ruiz served as a lecturer in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. During that time, he developed an expertise in the fields of endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal surgery, ear surgery, head and neck tumors, and reconstruction of cancer defects of the head and neck.

Dr. Ruiz is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Elvira Klause, M.D., FACS, is a highly skilled, board-certified general surgeon specializing in hernia repair, hemorrhoids, laparoscopic surgery, abdominal surgery, robotic surgery, breast surgery, oncological procedures and dermatology procedures at her warm and personalized offices in San Clemente, CA. Praised by patients for her small-town hospitality and extreme quality of care, Dr. Klause brings over 15 years of experience in caring for the general, breast, advanced laparoscopic, robotic, colorectal, oncologic, skin cancer and hemorrhoid surgery needs of patients throughout South Orange County. 

Dr. Klause earned a bachelor of science degree from UCLA in 1989. She received her medical training at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1993 and completed her residency in surgery in 1999 at Martin Luther King Hospital. After earning the Chief Resident Award, she was chosen for a fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care from Martin Luther King Hospital in 2000.

In addition to providing quality care to her patients, Dr. Klause was also a clinical preceptor for the University of Southern California and a clinical associate professor for the Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant program for many years.  She was also a member-at-large for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center from 2008–2010, and Chief of Surgery from 2013-2014 also was on the Cancer Committee and the Chart Review Committee.

Dr. Klause is a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She holds hospital privileges at Saddleback Memorial Medical CenterLaguna Hills, Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach, Surgery Center at Saddleback, Foothill Ranch Surgery Center and the Laguna Niguel Surgery Center. She is a specialist at the highly advanced single-incision laparoscopic surgery method and Robotic assisted surgery.

Dr. Klause happily lives in South Orange County along with her loving husband and three children. In her free time, she loves being a supermom for her children by helping them with crafting adventures as well as cooking delicious gourmet meals.

Y.H. Salem, MD, FACS, runs a state-of-the-art medical practice specializing in vascular surgery, acid reflux surgery, and general surgery, at his offices in Huntington Beach, Foothill Ranch, and Anaheim, California.

With over 20 years of professional experience under his belt, he leads a friendly staff and employs cutting-edge technology to provide cosmetic and health benefits to patients dealing with varicose veins and spider veins stemming from a variety of causes.

At the practice’s warm, welcoming offices, they provide a host of innovative treatments for vascular disease, including ultrasound-guided procedures, injections, and laser treatments. Dr. Salem always takes considerable effort to minimize any scarring following medical procedures and maintains constant monitoring to evaluate the progress of his patients through recovery. They’re also highly skilled when it comes to providing surgical treatment for many other conditions, such as intestinal obstructions, lipomas, gallstones, and appendicitis.

One of the central tenets of Dr. Salem’s care is spending as much time as possible with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans and to allow time for addressing questions and concerns. Patient education is also essential and foundational to the practice’s overall approach to care, as Dr. Salem and the staff help each patient understand everything about their condition and treatment options.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Salem to learn more about the practice and what it can offer you, call or use the online booking tool today.

• gastric bypass, including minimally invasive Roux-en-Y bypass
• gastric banding, including the Lap-Band system
• sleeve gastrectomy
• hernia surgery
• heartburn (GERD) surgery
• revisional bariatric surgery
• SmartLipo
• medically supervised diet and nutrition

As a leading bariatric specialist, Dr. Liu understands the unique issues that confront weight-loss patients before and after losing weight, and he provides supportive care prior to and following surgery to help ensure the best possible short- and long-term results.

After earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago, Dr. Liu completed his M.D. at the prestigious University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, followed by his residency, internship and fellowship at UCLA Medical Center, Department of Surgery, where he also served as Administrative Chief Resident.

Before opening his current practice, Dr. Liu served as staff surgeon at the West Los Angeles Veterans Hospital; medical director of minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Century City Hospital and Midway/Olympia Hospital; medical director of bariatric surgery at Garden Grove Hospital; and clinical assistant professor of surgery at UCLA School of Medicine. For seven years, he has been named a Southern California Super Doctor. He has also held several committee appointments at UCLA and local medical centers.

Dr. Liu is dedicated to offering his patients the most advanced, safest treatment options in a state-of-the-art medical center geared toward providing individualized care and attention. From establishing goals and expectations to learning new eating behaviors and lifestyle habits, Dr. Liu is firmly committed to helping each patient successfully complete their weight-loss journey.

Dr Goldstein graduated 10th in his class from McGill University Medical School in 1968 He became a Board Certified General and Vascular Surgeon in 1974 and was a Fellow in Thoracic Surgery at UCLA in 1975 Dr Goldstein was in Private Practice in Long Beach where he became Chief of Surgery and then Chief of the Medical Staff in 1990 In 2005 Dr Goldstein began his Vein Clinic Ca practice in Long Beach and then in Santa Ana where it continues today He received the Top Doctor Award in 2020 for his Vein Practice He is a member if the Clinical Vascular Surgery Society Fellow of the American Board of Surgery Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada Member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society

Patients all around the country seek the expertise of board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jonathan Zelken, MD. From his office in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Zelken stands out amongst his peers and colleagues for his expertise in facelift procedures and facial contouring. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – the most selective and prestigious certifying organization. This certification makes Dr. Zelken uniquely qualified and committed to delivering natural and transformative results to his patients. It is no secret that Dr. Zelken is dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals while maintaining their one-of-a-kind features. His exceptional qualifications, combined with his personalized approach, make him a trusted expert in the field.

Raised in New England, Dr. Zelken developed an early fascination with the enhancing abilities of the field. Driven by his desire to impact the lives of his patients positively, he embarked on a career in plastic surgery with a focus on delivering natural and rejuvenating outcomes. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the prestigious and competitive Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He then pursued his degree in medicine at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Graduating at the top of his class, he completed his plastic surgery training at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Zelken also underwent specialized training during a microsurgery fellowship in Taiwan under the guidance of the world’s foremost microsurgeon. 

If that wasn’t enough, Dr. Zelken’s dedication to continual learning is proven time and time again. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research, authoring over 50 scientific articles and demonstrating a passion for teaching.

In his practice, Dr. Zelken offers a comprehensive range of reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries for the breasts, body, and face. His expertise extends to advanced techniques such as facial contouring and the utilization of innovative technologies. As a trainer for BodyTite, a state-of-the-art radiofrequency skin tightening device, he remains at the forefront of the latest advancements in minimally invasive and non-surgical rejuvenation treatments.

Dr. Zelken’s unwavering commitment to his patients is evident in his willingness to undertake the most challenging facial reconstruction cases. He is highly regarded in the Orange County community for his exceptional skills, meticulous approach, and ability to achieve remarkable results, even in complex situations.

Dr. George T. Pisimisis, with his extensive 20-year tenure in vascular and endovascular surgery, recently held the position of Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at The University of Texas.

Dr. Pisimisis began his illustrious medical career upon graduating from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. He further honed his skills through diverse fellowships at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, IL. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and pursued a vascular surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

His academic and leadership endeavors are noteworthy. Dr. Pisimisis served as the Medical Director of the Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair Program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and led the Vascular Ultrasound Lab at Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, he held a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in Interventional Radiology at The University of Texas. His committee roles have included participation in Acute Critical Care at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Pelvic Sarcoma Center of Excellence.

Dr. Pisimisis’ professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. The University of Nebraska lauded him as an Outstanding Surgery Resident, and he was acknowledged as one of the Top 1% physician performers in 2018 by UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. His academic brilliance was evident during his studies in Athens, where he was honored for ranking in the top 5% of his class. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic presented him with the Clinical Research Excellence Award in Vascular Surgery.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Pisimisis has authored over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and numerous book chapters. His dedication to education is demonstrated by his mentorship of more than 90 residents and fellows, significantly contributing to their professional growth and the broader medical community.

Ahmad Hussain, MD, FACS, is a board certified vascular surgeon at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire in Chino, California. Dr. Hussain is dedicated to providing quality health care and brings expertise and compassion to his practice.

Dr. Hussain earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of California in Los Angeles, followed by his Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. 

After achieving his medical degree, Dr. Hussain excelled as a junior resident at Vanderbilt University in the department of general surgery. He continued his training at Texas A&M and Baylor Scott & White in Temple, where he served as the senior and chief resident in the department of general surgery.

His dedication to specialized care led him to a vascular surgery fellowship at Wayne State University Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after, he served at several California Hospitals through Emanate Health, including Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina, Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, and Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora. 

Dr. Hussain's path of clinical excellence led him to achieve certification in vascular surgery from the American Board of Surgery and acquire his medical licensure in the State of California. He is a member of several organizations, including the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society, the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, and the Southern California Vascular Surgical Society. 

His commitment to patient well-being is evident in every interaction. Using a patient-centered approach to health care, Dr. Hussain continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those he serves at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire.

Dr. George T. Pisimisis, with his extensive 20-year tenure in vascular and endovascular surgery, recently held the position of Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at The University of Texas.

Dr. Pisimisis began his illustrious medical career upon graduating from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. He further honed his skills through diverse fellowships at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, IL. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and pursued a vascular surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

His academic and leadership endeavors are noteworthy. Dr. Pisimisis served as the Medical Director of the Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair Program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and led the Vascular Ultrasound Lab at Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, he held a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in Interventional Radiology at The University of Texas. His committee roles have included participation in Acute Critical Care at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Pelvic Sarcoma Center of Excellence.

Dr. Pisimisis’ professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. The University of Nebraska lauded him as an Outstanding Surgery Resident, and he was acknowledged as one of the Top 1% physician performers in 2018 by UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. His academic brilliance was evident during his studies in Athens, where he was honored for ranking in the top 5% of his class. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic presented him with the Clinical Research Excellence Award in Vascular Surgery.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Pisimisis has authored over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and numerous book chapters. His dedication to education is demonstrated by his mentorship of more than 90 residents and fellows, significantly contributing to their professional growth and the broader medical community.

Francis Essien, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.

Dr. Essien's zeal for the art and science of medicine and surgery began as a teenager at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.

An interest in providing excellent patient care brought Dr. Essien to the United States to pursue a natural calling in the surgical specialty.

Passionate about cutting-edge, advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic surgical technology, Dr. Essien’s knowledge and expertise give patients the advantage of a faster recovery. 

The surgeon’s more cosmetic approach also offers less pain and a quicker return to a happier and more productive lifestyle.

Dr. Essien is highly skilled in various procedures, most frequently performing laparoscopic surgery for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, laparoscopic hernia repairs, hiatal hernia repairs, minimally invasive endocrine surgery, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and laparoscopic colon resections for benign and malignant conditions.

Dr. Essien also performs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric bypass, and revision bariatric procedures.

With a passion for Bariatric surgery, Dr. Essien helps patients achieve their goals of a healthier weight while eliminating the medical illnesses associated with excessive weight and enjoying a better quality of life.

Dr. Essien believes in an individualized and holistic approach to improving the health and wellness of patients.

Outside of caring for patients, Dr. Essien enjoys spending time with family at home, cooking, traveling, cycling, and playing golf.

I am a triple-board certified surgeon with expertise in general, colorectal and trauma/ critical care surgery. Born and and raised in Brazil, I completed my medical education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

In high school, my passion for Biology, Math and Physics led me to pursue medicine for its challenging and exciting nature. Working in the operating room, I take great satisfation in promptly addressing my patient's concerns through surgical interventions.

My frequent surgical procedures involve colorectal cancer removal, anorectal surgery (including hemorrhoids and fistulas), and hernia repair. With over two decades of surgical experience in Murrieta and Temecula, I am committed to providing patients with top-notch care and a positive treatment experience. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FASCRS), I continuously strive to integrate new technologies into my practice. 

Beyond my medical pursuits, I enjoy traveling with my family, watching movies, reading, operating my drone, and capturing aerial photographs.

 

I am Dr. Kaylene Barrera, and it my absolute pleasure to be a surgeon in this community. I grew up in Southern California and got interested in Medicine when I was young. My mother had initially wanted to be a social worker, but then went back to school to become a nurse and would ask me to help her study by quizzing her with flashcards.

This led me to college at the University of California, Irvine and medical school at the University of Southern California, where I was fortunate to work with some amazing mentors that inspired me to go into surgery.  My surgical training continued at the State University of New York, Downstate in Brooklyn where I trained at county and university hospitals.  Again, I was blessed to have the most amazing mentors that taught me not only the technical aspects of surgery but the importance of dedication to our patients.  I appreciated how as a surgeon, one could be involved in every aspect of a patient's care, contribute to scientific breakthroughs and be a patient advocate.  Sharing what I have learned and experienced as a surgeon,  I have published 9 peer reviewed publications, 33 national presentations, and four book chapters.  I also have written about impact of meaningful issues such as drug shortage and the opioid epidemic, as these have a profound impact on my patients lives.

Thank you for choosing Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, looking forward to the opportunity to help you in your wellness journey

Brian Tiu, MD, is a board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.

Dr. Tiu always knew he wanted to be a doctor. Growing up, he volunteered at various hospitals and medical centers, which spurred his interest in medicine.

Dr. Tiu studied at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, earning his medical degree. Then, he completed a surgical residency at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and a vascular surgery fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center, also in Brooklyn. 

These experiences inspired Dr. Tiu to pursue a career in vascular surgery. Dr. Tiu thinks vascular surgery is the most interesting field of medicine. As an expert in the field, he does everything from minimally invasive procedures, like angiograms, to open procedures, like removing blockages and performing bypasses.

Dr. Tiu loves making a difference in his patients' lives. He never rushes appointments and makes time to explain each vascular diagnosis in-depth. Specifically, he explains the natural course of diseases, including where they originate, why they occur, and what can be done to improve them.

Craig Owens, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.

Dr. Owens studied at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, earning his medical degree. Then, he completed a transitional year internship at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Massachusetts.

Before entering private practice, Dr. Owens completed a general surgery residency at the Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium in Loma Linda, California, receiving extensive training in all aspects of surgical care. 

Dr. Owens is knowledgeable in various surgical techniques and specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. 

He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta; Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California; and Menifee Valley Hospital.

When he isn’t meeting with patients or performing operations, Dr. Owens enjoys golfing and car racing. He also believes in continuing education and stays abreast of advances in surgical techniques and technologies.

Dr. Owens is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He welcomes anyone needing general surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.

Bolaji Nafiu, MD, FACS, is a double-board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates. 

Dr. Nafiu studied at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria, earning his medical degree. After graduation, he moved to the United States. He completed a general surgery residency at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Willowbrook, California, and a vascular surgery fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut.

As a general and vascular surgeon, Dr. Nafiu treats various medical conditions, including blood clots, carotid artery disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. He also treats aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease.

He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar, California; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta in Murrieta, California; and Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California.

Dr. Nafiu is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. He welcomes anyone needing vascular or general surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.

Olivia Mac, MD, is double board certified in general surgery and surgical critical care. 

Dr. Mac grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles County and attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. After medical school, she returned to California to complete her general surgery residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center/Kaiser Permanente Fontana and then a surgical critical care fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. 

Dr. Mac became a surgeon so that she could use her skills to help others, as surgeons in the past have helped those in her family. 

In her free time outside of the office, Dr. Mac enjoys baking, playing the piano, and playing with her cats.

She looks forward to welcoming both new and returning patients to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.

Sarvenaz Nouri, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in weight loss and bariatric surgery. She is committed to helping patients at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates achieve long-term weight loss success by providing the most effective and safe surgical techniques. 

Dr. Nouri understands that each patient’s weight loss journey is unique and partners with them to choose a weight loss surgery that best fits their goals, leading to long-lasting weight loss and achieving their best personal health outcomes.

She believes it is a privilege to be part of each of her patient’s weight loss journey. She loves witnessing first-hand how bariatric surgery transforms patients’ lives and improves their health. In addition to performing weight loss surgery, Dr. Nouri performs a variety of abdominal surgeries, including reflux surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, and hernia repair.

Dr. Nouri earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her residency training in general surgery at Riverside University Health Systems in Southern California. She obtained fellowship training in robotics and bariatric surgery at Reading Tower Health Hospital in Pennsylvania. She also serves as a Robotics medical director at Corona Regional Medical Center.

Outside of work, Dr. Nouri enjoys weightlifting, sailing in the Pacific Ocean, and watching crime dramas on Netflix.

Hege Johnsen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, providing complete surgical care to patients in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Menifee, California.

Dr. Johnsen studied at Albert Szent-Gyorgi Medical University in Szeged, Hungary, earning her medical degree. She then moved to the United States and completed a residency in general surgery.

Dr. Johnsen brings more than 20 years of experience to the practice. She specializes in general surgery but has a special interest in breast surgery and inguinal hernia repair without mesh (shouldice procedure).

Outside of Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, Dr. Johnsen holds appointments at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar, California; Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California; Menifee Valley Hospital in Menifee, California; and Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California; and Loma Linda University Medical Center. 

Dr. Johnsen is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She speaks English and Norwegian fluently, allowing her to serve the practice’s diverse clientele. 

Dr. Johnsen welcomes anyone needing general, breast surgery, hernia repair or cholecystectomy to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.