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

Dr. Lauren Poliakin is board certified in General Surgery with Fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery and board certified in Obesity Medicine. A native to California, Dr. Poliakin completed her undergraduate education at Loyola Marymount University, obtaining a degree in Biology. She attended medical school at St. George's University School of Medicine. Dr. Poliakin completed her General Surgery residency training at The Brooklyn Hospital Center-Mount Sinai in Brooklyn, NY and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. During her training, she developed a particular interest in obesity, surgical and medical weight management, nutrition, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery. My staff and I strive to provide the highest standard of care and compassion to each of my patients.

Karen Quirk, MD, FACS, is a highly-skilled vascular and endovascular surgeon on the team of providers at Coastal Vascular Center in Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley, California. She’s one of the few female surgeons in the field of vascular surgery, which only has a 10% female population nationwide.

Dr. Quirk was born and raised in South Korea and immigrated to America as a young teen. She graduated on the dean’s honor list with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of California in Berkeley. After graduating, she spent some time conducting basic scientific research on a therapeutic recombinant proteinase before going to medical school. Dr. Quirk earned her medical degree from the University of California Irvine School of Medicine, graduating with a variety of honors and research awards. 

She went on to discover her love and passion for surgery and completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Harbor–University of California Los Angeles Medical Center. She found herself particularly drawn to vascular surgery because of the field’s technical elegance, its capacity for lifelong relationships with patients, and its challenges in managing complex vascular diseases. This passion bloomed during her vascular surgery fellowship at the University of California San Diego Medical Center and continues to drive her in practice today.

Dr. Quirk has a reputation for outstanding surgical skills and compassionate patient care. She’s a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society for Vascular Surgery and is one of the few surgeons in Southern California capable of using fenestrated stent-graft technology to perform minimally invasive complex aortic aneurysm repairs. She manages the full spectrum of vascular disease at Coastal Vascular Center.

Outside of work, Dr. Quirk enjoys spending time with her two wonderful boys.

Gregory Albaugh, DO, FACS, is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon who’s been providing Ventura County with exceptional medical care since 2004. He’s the founding member and managing partner of Coastal Vascular Center, which has three convenient locations in Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley, California.

Dr. Albaugh completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He’s a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and holds board certifications in general surgery and vascular surgery. Prior to founding Coastal Vascular Center, he was the medical director at St. John’s Regional Medical Center Peripheral Vascular Laboratory and the Pleasant Valley Wound Care Center in Camarillo, California.

In his work at Coastal Vascular Center, Dr. Albaugh is regarded as a regional expert in complex limb revascularization, carotid endarterectomy, endovascular and open aortic surgery, wound care, and the treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. 

Outside of his medical career, Dr. Albaugh is a member of the United States Navy Reserve, where he serves as a commander and has a variety of awards and citations. He lives with his wife, Anne, in Ventura County. He looks forward to improving his patients’ quality of life at Coastal Vascular Center.

Dr. Lamb is a general surgeon dedicated to providing excellent, compassionate, efficient surgical care. She treats a wide variety of surgical diseases, many of which are listed below.

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.

Book an appointment with Sarvenaz Nouri, MD here.

Neal Handel, MD, a board certified Plastic Surgeon, has been in practice in Southern California for 45 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors. He received his MD from Yale University. Dr. Handel did his general surgery training at UCLA and Tulane, and completed his residency in plastic surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Dr. Handel underwent fellowship training in England and Scotland prior to entering practice in Los Angeles in 1980. 

As a Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine, he is actively involved in training young surgeons. A well-known leader in the field, Dr. Handel is often invited to lecture at professional meetings throughout the United States and around the world.

Dr. Handel has received numerous citations for excellence. He was selected in 2006 by CMagazine as one of the “ten best” plastic surgeons in California, was selected by Los Angeles Magazine (based on peer recommendations from other physicians) as one of Los Angeles’s “Super Doctors” for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; Dr. Handel was also listed by “Super Doctors” as a top doctor for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and chosen for inclusion on the prestigious “Castle Connolly Top Doctor” list for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Dr. Joseph Ku helps men and women in Riverside, California, improve their appearance at Precision Plastic Surgery. His masterful surgical skills and advanced techniques have earned the admiration of both his patients and his colleagues.

Dr. Ku earned his biochemistry and cell biology majors and Spanish literature minor in just three years from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He also received his medical degree from UCSD in 2000. While at the university, Dr. Ku entered the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa organization in honor of his high academic achievements.

After earning his medical degree, Dr. Ku completed his five-year general surgery program at UCSD. His budding passion for plastic surgery led him to conclude his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year.

His native roots of Southern California drew Dr. Ku back to Riverside, where he’s established a network of appreciative patients as President of Precision Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Ku holds double board certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He became a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery during his postgraduate surgery internship.

Dr. Ku is a current member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Medical Association, California Medical Association, and Riverside Medical Association. He’s also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has affiliations with the Riverside Community College, Corona Regional Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.

Board-certified general and bariatric surgeon Amir Mehran, MD, FACS, FASMBS, provides exemplary bariatric and general surgery at University Bariatrics in Thousand Oaks, California. 

A Duke University Medical School graduate, Dr. Mehran completed his surgery residency in New Jersey, followed by a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and Bariatric fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida. He served as the UCLA Bariatric Surgery Program Chief for several years, prior to establishing his own surgical program in the Thousand Oaks area.  

The name University Bariatrics reflects his goal of combining the integrity and values of his past academic career, with a new private practice that is focused on serving the community around him. Dr. Mehran has contributed to over 160 publications and presentations and has mentored numerous fellows, residents, and medical students. 

He is a member of multiple surgical societies and has served as the chair of surgery at Los Robles Medical Center. He has been a consultant for various regulatory agencies such as the Medical Board of California, as well as various surgical journals, the media, and the medical industry. In recognition of his dedication and efforts, his peers have repeatedly elected him to the Southern California Doctors list.

Donald Hastie, BC-FNP, is a highly experienced family physician at Genesis Surgery Center, with locations in Santa Ana and Foothill Ranch, California. With an impressive career spanning 25 years, Dr. Hastie has dedicated his life to providing exceptional medical care to his patients.

Dr. Hastie completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in 1976. He then pursued further education at the University of Phoenix in Arizona, earning degrees in 1985 and 1989. His commitment to excellence in healthcare led him to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where he graduated in 1999.

Patients consistently praise Dr. Hastie for his extensive medical knowledge and compassionate approach. His blend of expertise and empathy makes him a trusted and beloved physician in his community. Whether you're seeking routine family care or specialized treatment, Dr. Hastie is committed to ensuring the well-being of his patients at Genesis Surgery Center in Santa Ana and Foothill Ranch, California.

About Dr. Krahn

Western Bariatric, AMC is a bariatric surgery provider serving patients in the San Bernardino, Riverside, and surrounding areas of Southern California. Available surgeries and treatments include Roux En Y Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap Band, Medical Weight Loss, Body Contouring, and Hiatal Hernia Surgery. Douglas Krahn, MD, FACS is fellowship trained in general surgery and specializes in bariatric surgery. He is strongly dedicated to their patients and want to help each person live the healthy life that they deserve.

When patients arrive at Western Bariatric, AMC, the first goal is helping each person to determine their weight loss needs and goals. The doctors and staff at Western Bariatric, AMC can customize a weight loss plan for each person, whether it involves non-surgical options like the medical weight loss plan or surgical options like laparoscopic gastric bypass. Call to arrange a consultation anytime!