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Clinical and health psychologist Elena Bagourdi, PhD, is the co-founder and program/clinical director of EXIS Youth. Located in West Los Angeles, California, Dr. Elena or Dr. B., as her clients call her, has expertise in the treatment of addictive behaviors, trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Since 1998, Dr. Elena has been working as a psychotherapist with individuals and their families. As the program/clinical director at EXIS Youth, Dr. Elena is highly invested in constantly expanding the therapeutic modalities used. She stays up-to-date and seeks out the most cutting-edge therapeutic approaches to incorporate into their existing program. This way, she can sustain the effectiveness of their program and further enrich its breadth.

Dr. Elena holds a PhD in clinical/health psychology, as well as a master’s in clinical psychology and organizational and economic psychology. She has a deep interest in her community, and she is on the board of local nonprofit organizations. Dr. Elena has also collaborated extensively with nonprofit organizations overseas. For instance, she co-led the World Health Organization (WHO)'s "mhGAP" pilot project in Greece on behalf of EPAPSY, a local nonprofit organization.  

In addition to EXIS Youth, Dr. Elena has a successful private practice as a psychotherapist.

Ashkan Lashkari, MD, is a physician at Wellness Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Lashkari offers personalized oncology and hematology care to patients at the practice’s offices in West Hills and Tarzana, California.

Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, by parents who were both dedicated educators, Dr. Lashkari knew at a young age that he wanted a career that would allow him to help others. He stayed close to home for his education, earning bachelor’s degrees in art history and molecular biology from the University of California at Los Angeles, and then remained at UCLA to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree.

During medical school, Dr. Lashkari developed a keen interest in cancer care, inspired by the discoveries of new treatments and the possibility of helping people with challenging conditions.

After an internal medicine residency at UCLA, Dr. Lashkari completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. He focused his time on learning how to design clinical trials and researching familial cancer syndromes. His vast experience allows him to provide high-quality, compassionate care to his patients.

Dr. Lashkari is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Medical Oncology, and the American Board of Hematology. Because of his ongoing dedication to knowing about the latest oncology treatments and advances, he retains active membership in the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He is also an assistant clinical faculty member at Olive View–UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, California.

Dr. Lashkari enjoying spending time with his wife and two daughters, traveling, running, visiting museums, playing tennis, and cooking. He speaks English and Farsi.

Christopher Ho, MD, is a physician at Wellness Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Ho treats cancer and hematology patients in West Hills and Tarzana, California, as part of the Wellness Oncology and Hematology medical team.

Dr. Ho was born and raised in Philadelphia. He earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he lettered in lacrosse, then returned to Philadelphia to earn his Doctor of Medicine from Temple University. While in medical school, he clerked at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, an experience that ignited his interest in medical oncology research.

After a residency in internal medicine at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Ho received subspecialty training in medical oncology and hematology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He served as chief fellow of medical oncology.

Dr. Ho is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Medical Oncology, and the American Board of Hematology. To keep up with the latest advancements in his specialties, he retains active membership in the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Ho has dedicated himself to the belief that the health of every one of his patients depends on a comprehensive, personalized approach to care that includes a combination of the latest treatment techniques and the personal touch of a physician who truly cares.

Because of his wide range of interests, including music, nutrition, calisthenics, Philadelphia Eagles football, and gourmet food, Dr. Ho is able to connect easily with his patients and share insightful conversations. He is a devoted family man, spending as much time as possible with his wife and two young sons. He speaks English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Omid S. Shaye, MD, is an oncologist and hematologist at Wellness Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Shaye treats patients at the practice’s medical offices in West Hills and Tarzana, California.

Dr. Shaye is a native of the San Fernando Valley. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, then remained at USC to complete his Doctor of Medicine.

During his residency and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the USC Norris Cancer Center, Dr. Shaye was chosen as chief fellow of medical oncology. He then established Wellness Oncology and Hematology in order to share the newest, most cutting-edge therapeutic options with cancer and hematology patients in the San Fernando Valley.

Dr. Shaye sees his role as the “quarterback of a patient’s care,” offering individualized treatments that can include options like targeted therapies, clinical trials, immunotherapies, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He spends time getting to know his patients and their families as he helps them along the road to wellness.

Dr. Shaye is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Medical Oncology. He is a member of the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, the Community Oncology Alliance, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He speaks English, Spanish, and Farsi.

At Commons Clinic, Dr. Ortega offers personalized cardiology care to adults in Santa Monica, California. Our mission is to prevent, diagnose, and manage heart disease through tailored treatment plans that prioritize your health and well-being.

Led by Dr. Ortega, a board-certified cardiologist specializing in preventive cardiology, our practice combines advanced technology with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional care.

Dr. Ortega earned a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of California, Davis. She went on to pursue her Doctor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, California, and completed her internship and residency. She served as chief resident at USC during her internal medicine residency and as chief cardiology fellow at Harbor-UCLA. 

She is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, with additional certifications in adult echocardiography and cardiovascular computed tomography. Dr. Ortega is an active member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and a recipient of multiple honors, including Physician of the Year at Harbor-UCLA and the Excellence in Primary Care Award from LAC+USC.

The practice of Jenica L. Ortega, MD, offers a full range of diagnostic and preventive services, including ECG/EKG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiac stress testing, and nuclear stress testing, as well as advanced imaging with CT angiography and calcium scoring. Our specialized programs in atrial fibrillation management, hypertension, lipid disorders, and heart attack prevention help you work proactively toward lasting heart health.

Recognizing the underserved cardiovascular needs of women, we also provide dedicated women’s heart health targeting changes throughout a woman's life, with targeted cardiovascular care around pregnancy, post-partum, the menopause transition, and beyond. Additionally, our preoperative risk assessments and comprehensive wellness evaluations ensure you receive tailored guidance for your anticipated outcomes.

To schedule your next appointment with Dr. Ortega, please use our online scheduler or contact our friendly staff today.

Daniel Norman, MD, is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine, and is the Medical Director at Santa Monica Sleep Disorders Center. He provides treatment options for a wide variety of conditions including snoring, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias, and more.

Dr. Norman is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience and graduated summa cum laude. From there, he attended University of California, Irvine College of Medicine, where he was again recognized for his academic excellence with an Alpha Omega Alpha distinction and acceptance to the National Dean's List. He then completed residency training in Internal Medicine, and a dedicated fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Harvard, and a Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship at UC San Diego.

Through his studies, Dr. Norman came to understand the impact sleep had on a person’s health, and developed an interest in the effective treatment of sleep disorders. Dr. Norman has been on the forefront of sleep medicine, as a principal investigator in numerous research studies, a lecturer at UCLA and at various national meetings, and an author of over 20 abstracts, book chapters, and scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.

MyWellnessMD, led by board-certified Internal Medicine physician Schehrezade Khan, MD, is dedicated to delivering exceptional care for adults in Los Angeles, California.

With an integrative and comprehensive approach to medicine, Dr. Khan creates a shared note that grants patients access to her consultation notes, allowing each person’s health plan to be a collaborative effort. A key aspect of Dr. Khan's mission is to educate and empower patients in their healthcare journey.

Dr. Khan’s educational path includes receiving her Doctor of Medicine from Shifa College of Medicine in Islamabad, Pakistan. She then completed her internal medicine residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in the United States. 

Her diverse background includes concierge medicine, health care consulting, and teaching at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She also has current hospital affiliations with Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, and Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

At MyWellnessMD, patients have access to excellent primary care, acute care, internal medicine, and longevity medicine. The practice also offers medical weight loss, preventive medicine, and women’s health services. 

Dr. Khan combines her medical expertise with a holistic understanding of whole-body wellness, providing comprehensive and personalized treatment. She goes out of her way to ensure that all patients feel seen and heard, fostering partnerships and proactive steps toward a future of wellness.

All appointments at MyWellnessMD are conducted virtually through telemedicine, providing convenient access to Dr. Khan’s medical expertise from the comfort of home or any location.

To learn more about the superior services offered at MyWellnessMD, contact the practice today by phone or online to schedule a telemedicine consultation.

Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician
Founder & CEO – Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Dr. Kinya Kamau, MD, is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Wellness & Wound Care, a physician-directed multi-state medical organization specializing in mobile wound care, chronic disease management, and telemedicine services.

With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kamau has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for medically complex patients through evidence-based care delivered directly at the bedside. Her work focuses on patients living with chronic wounds, diabetes, vascular disease, mobility limitations, and other conditions that interfere with healing.

Dr. Kamau leads a physician-directed wound care program that delivers advanced bedside wound management in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and private residences across multiple states. Her model integrates Internal Medicine expertise, regulatory compliance, and structured clinical workflows to improve healing outcomes while supporting healthcare facilities with Medicare-aligned documentation.

Her mission is simple but powerful: provide compassionate, evidence-driven care that restores health, mobility, and dignity for patients living with chronic wounds.

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Professional Credentials

Dr. Kamau brings more than two decades of medical experience in Internal Medicine and complex chronic disease management. Her clinical background includes extensive experience caring for medically fragile adults in hospital, outpatient, and post-acute care settings.

She has dedicated much of her career to treating patients with:

• chronic wounds

• diabetes

• vascular disease

• renal dysfunction

• mobility limitations

These conditions frequently impair wound healing and require a comprehensive medical approach.

Dr. Kamau earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, where she developed a strong academic foundation in internal medicine, complex disease management, and patient-centered clinical care.

She later completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma, where she refined her expertise in diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions affecting adult patients.

Following residency, Dr. Kamau completed advanced fellowship training in nephrology, expanding her expertise in:

• kidney disease

• hypertension

• electrolyte disorders

• metabolic conditions

• systemic illnesses that influence wound healing

Dr. Kamau currently maintains active medical licenses in multiple U.S. states, allowing her to oversee physician-directed wound care services across diverse healthcare environments including:

• skilled nursing facilities

• assisted living communities

• rehabilitation centers

• private residences

Through Midwest Wellness & Wound Care, she leads a multi-state physician wound care program designed to deliver advanced bedside wound treatment while maintaining strict alignment with Medicare documentation standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

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Quick Credentials Summary

Board Certification
Internal Medicine

Medical School
University of Nairobi – Doctor of Medicine

Residency Training
Internal Medicine – University of Oklahoma

Fellowship Training
Nephrology- University of Oklahoma

Clinical Experience
20+ years in Internal Medicine and complex chronic disease management

Clinical Focus

• Mobile wound care

• Chronic wound management

• Diabetic wound care

• Pressure injury management

• Post-acute care medicine

Practice Model

Physician-directed mobile wound care and telemedicine services

Practice Leadership

Founder & CEO – Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Practice Settings

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Assisted living communities

• Rehabilitation centers

• Private residences

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Medical Education and Training

Dr. Kamau earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, where she developed a strong foundation in internal medicine, complex disease management, and patient-centered clinical care.

She later completed her Internal Medicine residency training at the University of Oklahoma, where she further refined her expertise in diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions affecting adult patients.

Internal Medicine training provides a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected systems that influence healing. Conditions such as:

• diabetes

• cardiovascular disease

• kidney dysfunction

• malnutrition

• vascular compromise

frequently contribute to delayed wound healing.

Dr. Kamau’s training enables her to evaluate wounds within the full medical context of the patient rather than focusing solely on the skin surface. This systemic perspective forms the foundation of her approach to chronic wound management.

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Board-Certified Internal Medicine Expertise

As a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Kamau approaches wound care through the lens of whole-patient medicine.

Chronic wounds rarely exist in isolation. They often develop because of underlying physiologic dysfunction that impairs tissue repair.

Common systemic contributors include:

• diabetes and poor glycemic control

• peripheral vascular disease

• venous insufficiency

• cardiac disease

• renal impairment

• malnutrition

• neuropathy

• immobility

• medication side effects

• chronic inflammation

By addressing these root contributors alongside local wound treatment, Dr. Kamau’s approach improves healing potential and reduces the risk of complications such as infection, hospitalization, or limb loss.

This integrated medical strategy is a key differentiator between physician-directed wound care and fragmented treatment models that rely solely on topical wound management.

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Founder of Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Dr. Kamau founded Midwest Wellness & Wound Care to address a critical gap in post-acute medicine.

Many patients with chronic wounds live in environments where transportation to specialty wound clinics is difficult or unsafe. Skilled nursing residents, assisted living residents, and homebound individuals often experience delays in wound evaluation simply because they cannot easily travel to outpatient facilities.

The mobile wound care model solves this problem by bringing advanced wound care directly to the patient.

Under Dr. Kamau’s leadership, Midwest Wellness & Wound Care provides physician-directed bedside wound care services that allow patients to receive specialized treatment in the environment where they live.

This model improves:

• access to care

• early wound detection

• treatment timeliness

• interdisciplinary communication

• patient comfort and safety

It also allows physicians to observe real-world factors affecting wound healing, including mobility limitations, pressure exposure, nutritional status, and environmental risks.

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Multi-State Medical Practice

Dr. Kamau currently holds active medical licenses in numerous states across the United States, allowing her organization to expand access to physician-directed wound care services across diverse regions.

States where Dr. Kamau is licensed in over 40 states. 

Operating across multiple states requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, payer policies, and state medical board requirements.

Dr. Kamau’s leadership includes oversight of:

• multi-state physician licensing

• Medicare credentialing

• payer enrollment

• corporate practice of medicine compliance

• telemedicine regulations

• Medicare Administrative Contractor policy alignment

This regulatory fluency allows Midwest Wellness & Wound Care to expand safely while maintaining strict compliance with healthcare laws and reimbursement guidelines.

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Mobile Wound Care: Bringing Advanced Treatment to the Bedside

Mobile wound care represents a major advancement in how chronic wounds are treated.

Traditional wound care models rely heavily on outpatient clinics or hospital-based services, which can create barriers for medically fragile patients.

Dr. Kamau’s physician-directed mobile wound care model places advanced wound care directly at the bedside.

Patients may receive care in:

• skilled nursing facilities

• assisted living communities

• rehabilitation centers

• long-term care facilities

• private residences

By eliminating transportation barriers, patients receive faster evaluations and more consistent follow-up.

Early intervention is one of the most important factors influencing wound healing outcomes.

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Chronic Wounds Treated

Dr. Kamau’s clinical program manages a wide range of wound conditions commonly seen in post-acute medicine.

These include:

Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Neuropathy, vascular compromise, and metabolic dysfunction contribute to tissue breakdown.

Pressure Injuries
Prolonged pressure restricts blood flow and damages tissue.

Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous insufficiency and edema lead to chronic lower extremity wounds.

Arterial Ulcers
Poor arterial circulation limits oxygen delivery to tissues.

Post-Surgical Wounds
Incisions may fail to heal due to infection or systemic illness.

Traumatic Wounds
Skin tears and injuries are common in elderly populations.

Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Persistent wounds require a comprehensive medical approach.

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Structured Wound Evaluation

Every wound evaluation follows a standardized clinical protocol that includes:

• precise wound location documentation

• wound length, width, and depth measurement

• tissue type identification

• exudate evaluation

• periwound assessment

• infection surveillance

• perfusion evaluation

• pressure offloading strategies

This structured methodology supports accurate monitoring of wound progression and Medicare-compliant documentation.

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Advanced Wound Treatment Modalities

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include:

• conservative sharp debridement

• antimicrobial dressings

• moisture-balance therapy

• collagen-based wound matrices

• compression therapy

• edema management

• negative pressure wound therapy

• cellular and tissue-based products when appropriate

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Medicare-Aligned Documentation

Providing wound care in long-term care environments requires careful adherence to Medicare documentation standards.

Dr. Kamau’s program emphasizes:

• medical necessity documentation

• CPT coding accuracy

• ICD-10 diagnosis specificity

• Local Coverage Determination adherence

• wound progression documentation

• treatment response monitoring

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Telemedicine Services

In addition to mobile wound care, Dr. Kamau oversees telemedicine services that expand access to medical care.

Services may include:

• primary care consultations

• chronic disease follow-up

• medication management

• behavioral health support

• preventive care evaluations

Telehealth allows patients to receive ongoing medical support between in-person visits while maintaining continuity of care.

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Commitment to Patient-Centered Care

At the center of Dr. Kamau’s work is a commitment to improving the lives of patients living with chronic wounds and complex medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wound Care Physicians What does a wound care physician do?

A wound care physician specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, venous leg ulcers, arterial ulcers, and non-healing surgical wounds. They provide advanced wound treatments, debridement procedures, and medical oversight to support healing.

When should someone see a wound care physician?

Patients should see a wound care physician when a wound does not improve after several weeks of standard treatment, or when conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or immobility increase the risk of delayed healing.

Can wound care physicians treat patients in nursing facilities?

Yes. Many wound care physicians provide bedside services in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and private homes to ensure patients receive timely evaluation and treatment.