Find a Top Internist Near Me in Fountain Valley, CA – Book an Appointment Instantly

Huy Nguyen, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County, has deep roots in Irvine, California, one of the communities the practice proudly serves, along with Ladera Ranch, California.

Dr. Nguyen grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of California, Irvine. 

He then earned a master's in applied physiology and earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, one of the graduate schools of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. 

Back in Orange County, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, as well as his fellowship training in general cardiology, all at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, California.

He then moved to New York to complete his interventional cardiology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he was awarded Outstanding Interventional Cardiology Fellow of the Year.

Throughout the course of his training, Dr. Nguyen has given numerous lectures and presentations, and has authored publications in peer-reviewed journals on various topics in both general and interventional cardiology.  

He was involved with and participated in live case demonstrations at Mount Sinai Hospital, focusing on complex coronary interventions.

Dr. Nguyen believes in a patient-centric approach to cardiovascular care and focuses on the collaborative efforts with his patients in optimizing their outcomes.

In his spare time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, playing basketball, and surfing.

Brett Wertman, MD, FACC, is a triple board-certified cardiologist who is widely respected for his treatment and care for patients at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County in Ladera Ranch and Irvine, California.

Dr. Wertman, who twice has been named a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association, also leads the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Hoag Hospital Irvine in Irvine. 

An Orange County native, Dr. Wertman graduated summa cum laude and with Phi Beta Kappa Society honors in earning his Bachelor of Arts degrees in biochemistry and molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, Colorado.

Dr. Wertman then completed his medical degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, and went on to finish his internship and residency training in internal medicine at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

He completed his fellowship training in cardiology and interventional cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, also in Los Angeles.

Dr. Wertman has authored numerous publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and participated in live case transmissions to national meetings, demonstrating new techniques in the treatment of coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. 

Dr. Wertman is highly trained in the percutaneous treatment of valvular heart disease, including aortic valve replacement using the Edwards Sapien heart valve system, as well as mitral valve repair using the Abbott MitraClip™ system. He also has significant experience in other novel interventional therapies.

He looks forward to welcoming new patients and offering superior care to those returning to Coastal Cardiology of Orange County.

In Dr. Wertman’s spare time, he enjoys relaxing with his family, traveling, and exercising.

Teferi Mitiku, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Disease. He specializes in cardiac electrophysiology (EP) and provides the entire spectrum of arrhythmia treatments, including medical therapy, catheter ablation, and device-based therapy. Dr. Mitiku strives to provide compassionate care for his patients at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County in Irvine and Ladera Ranch, California.

Dr. Mitiku earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular cell and development biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), graduating magna cum laude. He went on to attend the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, receiving his Doctor of Medicine. 

He then completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Stanford University Hospital in Stanford, California, before completing cardiovascular medicine and electrophysiology fellowships at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

He previously served as the Director of Electrophysiology and an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

During his academic appointments, Dr. Mitiku enjoys teaching medical students, residents, and cardiology fellows. He was awarded Outstanding Teacher of The Year for three consecutive years and was granted entry into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Dr. Mitiku is affiliated with UCI Medical Center in Orange, California, and serves as the director of electrophysiology at Hoag Irvine Hospital in Irvine, California. At Hoag, He was awarded the top quality performer within the Cardiology peer group for 2019 and 2020. He is also a member of the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and the American Medical Association.

He looks forward to welcoming new patients and providing excellent care for those continuing at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County.

Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Medical Director for Omni Eye Care, with convenient locations in Covina and El Monte, California. With her extensive training, Dr. Lapsi is committed to providing the highest quality of ophthalmic care to her patients, utilizing the most recent medical and surgical advances. Her philosophy is to be actively engaged and dedicated to delivering this mission to her patients.

She attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, nationally recognized for its excellent training programs. Subsequently, she completed her residency at the University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology, a rigorous, top-tier program emphasizing a strong foundation in medical and surgical ophthalmology. At the University of Washington, she trained with many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists considered to be pioneers in the field.

Dr. Lapsi’s areas of interest include cataract surgery and glaucoma. Additionally, diabetic screening and macular degeneration care are central to her patient-centric approach. First and foremost, the goal of Omni Eye Care is to assist patients in maintaining excellent vision and eye health.  

When she is not practicing ophthalmology, Dr. Lapsi spends time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and photography, as well as traveling with her family. If you’re interested in ophthalmology services in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Lapsi is an exceptional eye physician and surgeon. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal eye health.

The Ghaly Center is the place for men and women living in Torrance, California, to experience healthcare solutions that let them live better — and longer. Under the leadership of Fouad Ghaly, MD, the center provides top-notch services in regenerative medicine.

Dr. Ghaly is one of the most influential physicians working in regenerative medicine therapies. He has participated in numerous regenerative medicine conferences all over the world. He has also collaborated with a distinguished, international group of leading physicians, researchers, and scientists on various projects. These projects include presentations on regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, tissue-specific stem cell research and enhanced external counterpulsation.

Dr. Ghaly created the Ghaly Center for Regenerative Medicine in 1995 to focus his attention on this relatively new field. He incorporates innovative scientific research, alternative therapies, state-of-the-art technology, and conventional medicine to create customized treatment plans. He’s passionate about educating and guiding each patient.

Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Medical Director for Omni Eye Care, with convenient locations in Covina and El Monte, California. With her extensive training, Dr. Lapsi is committed to providing the highest quality of ophthalmic care to her patients, utilizing the most recent medical and surgical advances. Her philosophy is to be actively engaged and dedicated to delivering this mission to her patients.

She attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, nationally recognized for its excellent training programs. Subsequently, she completed her residency at the University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology, a rigorous, top-tier program emphasizing a strong foundation in medical and surgical ophthalmology. At the University of Washington, she trained with many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists considered to be pioneers in the field.

Dr. Lapsi’s areas of interest include cataract surgery and glaucoma. Additionally, diabetic screening and macular degeneration care are central to her patient-centric approach. First and foremost, the goal of Omni Eye Care is to assist patients in maintaining excellent vision and eye health.  

When she is not practicing ophthalmology, Dr. Lapsi spends time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and photography, as well as traveling with her family. If you’re interested in ophthalmology services in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Lapsi is an exceptional eye physician and surgeon. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal eye health.

Dr. Daniel Brelian is a gastroenterologist at Downtown Gastro Medical Group in Los Angeles. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is passionate about helping patients recover from a wide range of digestive ailments and conditions.

Dr. Brelian received his bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

He has worked in some of the most innovative and prestigious medical centers in the nation, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Georgetown University Hospital, and New York University. Before opening his private practice, he was a physician at the Pacific Alliance Medical Group.

Dr. Brelian’s work has appeared in numerous medical journals, including Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Committed to the latest research and training, he is also a member of many professional organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).

At Downtown Gastro Medical Group, Dr. Brelian helps patients recover from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, acid reflux disease, Crohn's disease, and more. With a commitment to the most excellent quality of patient care, his patients feel supported and empowered to live their healthiest lives.

Dr. Richards earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his medical degree from UCLA. Extending his training, he had the honor of a summer internship with Travis Windsor, M.D. who was a pioneer in electrocardiography (EKG technology). He then completed a 3 year residency in Internal medicine in the UCLA/VA program. His emphasis in preventive medicine and health promotion is in keeping with our practice philosophy.

Dr. Banafshe earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and he then completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. Dr. Banafshe is sought after for his warm manner, capacity to listen and ability to clearly discuss medical issues so that he and his patient can effectively participate as a team in making decisions about care.

Youram Nassir, MD, is a world-renowned hematologist and oncologist serving patients at Cancer Care Institute in the Mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles, California. With 22 years in practice, Dr. Nassir applies his unrivaled understanding of cancer care to the effective treatment of brain, lung, liver, pancreas, prostate, ovarian, breast, leukemia, multiple myeloma, colon, stomach, head and neck cancer, and lymphoma. His multidisciplinary, collaborative approach and persistence have helped save countless lives over the last two decades, winning him recognition within his community and the medical field.

Many people discover their passion later in life, but Dr. Nassir has always been firmly devoted to the science of healing. From the early age of fourteen, he knew he would pursue a career in the medical field. 

His formal post-secondary education began in Canada at the University of Toronto. After completing two years of undergraduate studies, he moved to the United States to finish his degree at UCLA, one of California’s top research institutions. Dr. Nassir’s time at the University of California, Los Angeles, was integral in his future success as an esteemed physician. His passion for the healing arts fueled his studies, earning him acclaim among his peers and educators.

By the time Dr. Nassir graduated magna cum laude from UCLA in 1992, he was well-traveled, steeped in the knowledge of medical research, and eager to continue pursuing his passion for healing. Upon completing his undergraduate studies at UCLA, Dr. Nassir enrolled at the prestigious Cornell University Medical College in New York, one of the country’s most renowned medical schools. Here, he received the highly respected American Foundation for Urological Disease Research Scholarship for his outstanding performance in the program.

Dr. Nassir’s academic career at Cornell University was reaching new horizons when his father was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 prostate cancer. To be near his family during his father’s final months, Dr. Nassir made the difficult decision to transfer his medical schooling to UCLA. As he supported his father through his cancer treatment, he witnessed the vital role that oncologists play in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Through this pivotal, first-hand experience, Dr. Nassir realized his calling in the field of oncology.

After receiving his Doctor of Medicine from the UCLA School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Nassir continued his medical training as an intern and resident for the next three years at UCLA Medical Center. In 1999, he chose to attend USC Medical Center and Norris Cancer Center as a hematology and oncology fellow, where he completed his hematology/oncology fellowship under the guidance of world-class mentors in both fields.

Dr. Nassir has been in practice for more than twenty years. He currently practices at his private practice, Cancer Care Institute, and is independently affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His success in his field can be attributed not only to his exceptional medical training and unshaken persistence but also to a deep and personal understanding of cancer and patient care.

Dr. Nassir understands that there is no such thing as “standard cancer,” so there shouldn’t be a standard approach to treating the disease. Instead, he takes a highly individualized, collaborative approach to patient care, offering novel therapies that are uniquely suited to your needs and circumstances. 

As cancer is a chronic disease, Dr. Nassir provides long-term care to help ensure the most positive possible outcomes. He has a unique understanding of the disease and stays with you and your family every step of the way, offering therapies, treatments, and dietary advice to help you make guided, well-informed decisions about your care. 

Today, Dr. Nassir’s reputation is widely celebrated in his community. Ratings from his patients and their families consistently spotlight his expertise and unyielding, compassionate approach. He is known as a gifted doctor and a compassionate man who strives daily to deliver hope and save lives.

In regard to his life mission and work, Dr. Nassir notes, “My hope is to continue to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, to turn incurable cancer from a death sentence into a chronic, manageable disease where people can live much longer and have satisfying lives.” Dr. Nassir is fortunate and humbled to have the opportunity to bring hope to cancer patients through individualized care and targeted cancer therapies.

Steven Kamara is a diligent and compassionate physician specializing in internal medicine. Dr. Kamara speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew, Farsi, and Arabic fluently. He attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to receive his medical degree and completed his postdoctoral education at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Dr. Kamara treats patients at his private practice in Los Angeles and also takes care of patients in the hospital at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Olympia Hospital. He is a Medical Director at nursing facilities and also takes care of patients at the nursing home.

Joseph E. Pierson, MD began his professional career with undergraduate studies at UC Irvine. He attended medical school at UCLA, then went on to complete his residency at Emory University Grady Memorial Hospital with an emphasis upon Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. He is currently a member of the clinical staff at Southern California Hospital. He is also affiliated with California Hospital Medical Center, Silverlake Hospital, Gardena Memorial Hospital, and many more throughout the Los Angeles area. 

Dr. Pierson is the Medical Director and CEO of Allied Health Solutions Medical Group. In this role, he strives to provide Comprehensive Inpatient and Outpatient Care services for adults and children as well as to provide Women’s health and preventive health care within several communities.

Dr. Pierson's main objective is to develop a broader system of health care, improve the health of the general population, improve healthcare outcomes, and increase efficiency within a Medical Home Model. He strives to develop a robust system through strategic partnerships among physicians, specialists, hospitals, and community health centers.

Outside of his passion for his practice, Dr. Pierson enjoys billiards, traveling, bicycling, chess, and competitive sports.

Dr. Neil Katchman is a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, after completing his Bachelor of Arts at Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Katchman has extensive experience in both hospital and clinical settings, including affiliations with Community and Kindred Hospitals across the Los Angeles area. With over four decades of medical practice, he is committed to providing comprehensive care, drawing on his background in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and clinical research.

Raised in Glendale, CA, Dr. Derhartunian has always had a passion for medicine.  Growing up in the tight community, he spent most of his childhood helping his father at a local pharmacy.  There, he not only learned a vast array of different pharmacokinetics, but also strengthened the bond with the community in which he dreamed of serving.  Dr. Derhartunian's career began in Glendale at R.D. White Elementary School where him and Dr. Tovmassian became instant friends.  He then went on to complete his education at Woodrow Wilson Middle School followed by Glendale Senior High School.  After obtaining a Bachelors in Science in Biochemistry from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Dr. Derhartunian attended Ross University Medical School.  He completed Internal Medicine Residency at NYU-Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.  His main focus in medicine is a preventative approach with a focus on evidence based medicine.