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Dr Sharma Bishop MD earned her medical degree and graduated with Honors from St George’s University in Grenada. She completed her Internal medicine residency at Trinitas Regional Medical Center/Seton Hall University/ RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey. She specializes and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She has many years of experience in primary care outpatient clinics, managed care, urgent care, hospital medicine and telemedicine. She practiced Internal Medicine for years in Riverside County and currently practices in Orange County, California. She held hospital privileges at various hospitals in Riverside County. Dr. Bishop has experience in oversight of administrative responsibilities, academic medicine, risk adjustment and quality care outcomes. She has years of experience as supervising physician and Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in Riverside County and Medical Director in Central California. She is currently Medical Director in Orange County CA.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Dr. John Farag is a dedicated medical professional with a passion for holistic and integrative medicine. His objective is to utilize his skills and experience to serve humanity, focusing on the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Farag's extensive professional experience spans from 2000 to 2021. He served as the Regional Senior Medical Officer for the CareMore Medical Group Health Management Organization, covering Southern California, Arizona, and Tennessee. During this time, he gained expertise in various medical areas, including inpatient and outpatient medicine, skilled nursing home medicine, geriatrics, and end-of-life care transitions to hospice.

Before that, from 2004 to 2007, he practiced at Clinica Medica San Miguel, where he specialized in outpatient medicine, internal medicine, and family practice, with a focus on the senior population.

His journey in medicine began as a Medical Officer on Duty at the Veterans Administration in West Orange, New Jersey, from 2003 to 2004.

Dr. Farag completed his Internal Medical Residency at New York Hospital, Queens, New York, between 2000 and 2003.

Throughout his career, Dr. Farag has earned various certifications, including a medical license from the California medical board, DEA recertification (awaiting approval), Internal Medicine Board Certification, and completing the UCSF Physician Leadership Program. He has also successfully passed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, as well as obtained the ECFMG Certification and Emergency Medical Technician certification.

His education includes graduating from the Ross University School of Medicine in the year 2000. He also studied at Loyola Marymount University, West Coast University, Glendale Community College, and La Canada Flintridge High School.

Beyond his professional life, Dr. John Farag possesses a diverse range of personal interests. Born on January 10, 1973, in Long Beach, California, he is fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic. He enjoys engaging in fitness activities such as soccer, basketball, hiking, swimming, and cycling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Moreover, Dr. Farag is actively involved in volunteering at Saint Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Irvine, where he dedicates his time to helping the youth. His commitment to serving others extends to missionary work, as he engaged in a mission from 2021 to 2023, focusing on supporting the youth of North Africa through the integration of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This reflects his dedication to both medicine and humanitarian causes, demonstrating a well-rounded individual committed to making a positive impact on the world.

We are thrilled to welcome Jenna Knapp, PA-C, to our team!

Jenna is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant who recently graduated from Western University of Health Sciences. With a strong foundation in medicine and a genuine passion for patient care, she brings fresh insight and energy to our practice. Her clinical interests span primary care, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic treatments, making her a well-rounded provider with a personalized approach to wellness.

Born and raised in Orange, California, Jenna has deep roots in the community and is proud to serve the very neighborhoods she grew up in. She is an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange, where she finds joy in community service, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially on weekends filled with country music and outdoor adventures. She loves hiking with her dog, discovering new trails, and staying active through regular workouts. A lifelong learner, Jenna is also committed to ongoing education and frequently pursues advanced training in innovative therapies to continue growing as a provider and better support her patients' health and wellness goals.

Jenna is passionate about helping others feel and function at their best—whether that’s managing chronic conditions, enhancing natural beauty, or guiding patients on their wellness journey. Her kind demeanor, clinical excellence, and patient-centered philosophy make her a valued addition to our team and a trusted partner in your healthcare.

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.

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.

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.

The concierge practice of Alexis Peraino, MD, INC. offers individualized care and personal attention to help patients achieve ultimate wellness. Serving adults in Westlake Village, California, Dr. Peraino takes time with each patient to learn about all aspects of their health. This thorough examination helps her get to know the entire person so she can offer effective preventive care.

Because Dr. Peraino sees a limited number of patients, she can really devote time and resources to their wellness, longevity, and disease prevention. She uses evidence-based medicine strategies to optimize all factors affecting a person’s health, including nutrition, physical activity, and other aspects of lifestyle.

The concierge practice also provides comprehensive internal medicine services, including diagnosing and treating acute conditions like the flu, a rash, or sore throat. She can also help you manage chronic disease and improve symptoms to avoid complications and live as healthy a life as possible. 

Call today or use this website to schedule a consultation online to benefit from Dr. Peraino’s dedicated care. With her help, patients can achieve the best health possible.

LAGUNA BEACH AESTHETICS

 

Adrienne O’Connell, DO, is a native to the San Francisco Bay area and an expert aesthetic and wellness specialist at Laguna Beach Aesthetics, an aesthetics and wellness clinic in the heart of Laguna Beach, California.   

Dr. O’Connell also has advanced training certificates in Aesthetic procedures including PRP for the “Vampire Facelift” and hair rejuvenation. She gained advanced skill in Botox, Dermal Fillers, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, skin rejuvenation and resurfacing with CO2 lasers and light therapy, microneedling and PRP – platelet rich plasma.  

At Laguna Beach Aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center, you will meet with Dr. O’Connell herself for a consultation and all procedures are performed by her.  Each visit and procedure are tailored to you specifically by Dr. O’Connell.

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