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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. 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. Sprague is a dedicated and experienced board-certified internal medicine physician with a strong background in hospitalist medicine. He has over a decade of expertise in patient-centered, adult acute care in both hospital and clinic settings. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Arizona. Dr. Sprague delivers high-quality, compassionate care, with a special interest in improving patient outcomes.

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.

Dr Taleen Akopian is a Primary Care Physician, Board-Certified in Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA and medical training at Touro University in Nevada. She subsequently completed her Internal Medicine residency at Huntington Hospital, where she also served as the Chief Resident. Dr Akopian is passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on preventative care and the management of chronic disease. She aims to establish long lasting relationships with her patients.

Dr Akopian was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and is proud to be serving in the community that she calls home. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exercising, and reading.

Anna Arakelyan, MD, is a passionate and dedicated physician who goes above and beyond for her patients at Elevate Health Group. She is devoted to providing outstanding care for the people of Glendale and Burbank, California, and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Arakelyan grew up in a family of engineers and has always been the curious kind. She was born in Armenia and moved to the United States at the age of 15. Her passion for medicine became evident during her high school years after she started volunteering at local hospitals. She immediately felt that taking care of patients was a gift that she had.

Dr. Arakelyan received her undergraduate degree from the University of California Irvine (UC Irvine), after which she attended Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados, where she earned her medical degree. 

She completed her internal medicine residency training at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, finishing her last year at White Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Arakelyan is always loved by her patients due to the unique connection that she is able to develop with them. Her special interests include preventative medicine, obesity medicine, and addiction medicine. 

Dr. Arakelyan is a true patient advocate. Her oath is to help as many people as possible.

Lina Acopians, DO, is a board-certified internist with a passion for preventative care. She believes in effective communication and teamwork with all her patients at Elevate Health Group in Glendale and Burbank, California. 

As a Los Angeles native, Dr. Acopians attended the University of California Irvine for her undergraduate degree, followed by the University of Southern California for her master’s in global medicine. Dr. Acopians completed her medical training at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, where she graduated magna cum laude. She did a residency at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena where she served as Chief Resident. 

Since completing her training, Dr. Acopians is excited to be back home to serve her local community. She prioritizes trusting relationships with her patients and believes that patients know their bodies best. She listens to patients and helps them achieve and maintain health goals through empathy and evidence-based practices. 

In her spare time, Dr. Acopians enjoys gardening and baking.

Dr. Arazin Minasian is a Los Angeles native who is dedicated to serving his community through a patient-centered approach. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from UCLA, he obtained his medical education at Keck School of Medicine of USC. He went on to complete an Internal Medicine residency at the LAC+USC Medical Center, where he combined his passion for health care and working with an underserved patient population. Dr. Minasian believes strongly that an open and honest relationship with patients and their families produces the best individualized and evidence-based care.

Marina Tovmasian, FNP-C, is an exceptional family nurse practitioner at Elevate Health Group in Glendale, Burbank, and La Canada, California. 

Raised in Los Angeles, California, Marina has been a proud member of the Elevate Health Group team since 2017. She joined the team as a medical assistant, building on her passion for healthcare. 

With a desire to further her education, Marina received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University. She returned to Elevate Health Group as a registered nurse. Working with patients more directly, Marina returned to school to study ways to provide more direct care to her patients. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, California. 

Marina believes in going above and beyond for her patients at Elevate Health Group. She is dedicated to providing outstanding care to the Glendale, California, community, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Hayk Vahe Papukhyan, born in Yerevan, Armenia, is a dedicated physician known for his excellence in medical care and scholarly pursuits.

Graduating from Yerevan State Medical University in 2014, he later pursued further training at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Michigan, specializing in Internal Medicine from 2018 to 2021. Now, as an Internal Medicine Physician at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and Elevate Health Group, he continues to provide compassionate care while mentoring future medical professionals globally.

Dr. Papukhyan's research in critical care medicine and cardiovascular health has been published in prestigious journals and presented at national conferences. He is also recognized for his leadership in quality improvement initiatives, particularly in managing conditions like deep vein thrombosis and congestive heart failure. A member of professional societies like the American Heart Association and the American College of Physicians, Dr. Papukhyan's unwavering dedication to medicine inspires colleagues and reflects his commitment to advancing healthcare standards.

Narineh Yermian, DO, is an internist practicing primary care at Elevate Health Group, located in Glendale, La Canada, and Burbank, California. 

Dr. Yermian is a Glendale native who completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California Santa Cruz and medical training at Touro University in Nevada. Her residency was completed at the Riverside County Hospital - Riverside University Health System, where she spent her last year as a Chief Resident.

Dr. Yermian is excited to return to the community she grew up in to practice holistic, evidence-based and patient centered care. She is dedicated to integrating lifestyle and preventative measures with advanced medical treatment. She encourages patients to assume control of their health and offers tailored guidance and support to reach their health goals. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Yermian or another member of the team at Elevate Health Group, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today. 

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.

Elevate Aesthetics is a premier wellness and aesthetic practice that is part of Elevate Health Group. Located in Glendale, a city in Los Angeles County, California, the skilled staff, overseen by medical directors Garen Derhartunian M.D. and  Narbeh Tovmassian, MD, offer natural aesthetic results for men and women of all ages.

The Elevate Aesthetics providers take a conservative approach to aesthetics to give patients more effective results over time. Those struggling with unwanted facial or body hair, lines, wrinkles, sun spots, stubborn fat pockets, and other signs of aging can rely on Elevate Aesthetics for exceptional care.

The practice utilizes the latest advances in cosmetic technologies and treatments, including Morpheus8, Galderma, Allergan, EMSCULPT NEO®, SkinPen® microneedling, Sculptra®, fillers, Botox®, and more, to perfect patients’ skin and make them appear many years younger without downtime.

The experts at Elevate Aesthetics encourage clients to do what’s right for them instead of choosing the quickest, easiest approach, trusting the process to achieve highly effective anti-aging results over time. They personalize each anti-aging treatment to ensure superior results.

To schedule a consultation at Elevate Aesthetics, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

Natalie MacLean, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is an experienced rheumatologist at Kaplan MacLean Rheumatology in Encinitas, California. She provides specialized care to patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and all other rheumatologic conditions. 

Dr. MacLean received her medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Rheumatology from the University of Alberta. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. She is also a member of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. 

Dr. MacLean holds her undergraduate Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Mount Allison University and her Masters of Medical Sciences - Oncology from the University of Alberta. She is a professional microscopist and worked in biomedical research at the University of Victoria and the University of California San Diego prior to her medical training.

Before forming Kaplan MacLean Rheumatology, she was Clinical Lecturer and Rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta, where she enjoyed teaching students and residents. Her friendly nature, enthusiasm and genuine passion for her patients provided her with the reputation for being able to connect easily with them, providing comfort during often stressful times or sharing a laugh.

Dr. MacLean is a fitness and food enthusiast, which she admits are sometimes at odds with each other. She looks forward to meeting you at your next appointment. 

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.

Robert L. Stephenson, MD, is a board-certified internist practicing in Encinitas, California. He’s been providing expert, up-to-date, patient-focused care for over 35 years. Dr. Stephenson and his friendly staff can usually accommodate same-day or next-day appointments.

Dr. Stephenson earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, where he graduated 2nd in his class of 192 medical students. He went on to serve his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.

Dr. Stephenson offers a wide range of adult health care services including diagnostic testing and management of chronic diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. He also provides comprehensive men’s and women’s health screenings and services. In addition, he offers mental health screenings and helps patients who have depression, anxiety, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In addition to providing expert, personalized care, Dr. Stephenson helps patients learn about their bodies and health care needs. He always makes time to ensure that patients have the information and knowledge they need to make the best possible decisions about their health care.

Dr. Stephenson is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans. Appointments are available by calling the practice or booking online.