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Weight management can feel like a rollercoaster ride—full of ups, downs, and confusing advice. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the biggest weight management myths out there. Myth 1: Carbs Are the Enemy Carbs often get a bad rap, but not all carbs are created equal. Complex carbs found in whole […]
Weight Management Myths: Busted! Read More »
When people think of diabetes, they often think of sugar. But managing diabetes is about so much more. It involves understanding how your body uses insulin, the role of diet and exercise, and how to live a full, healthy life despite the diagnosis. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an
Diabetes: It’s More Than Just Sugar Read More »
Your thyroid might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to your health. Located in your neck, this butterfly-shaped gland plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and even your mood. If you’re feeling sluggish or having trouble losing weight, it might be your thyroid waving a little red
The Secret Life of Your Thyroid: What You Didn’t Know Read More »
Tarek Hassanein, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, FAASLD is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology. At Innovative Medical Solutions, Dr. Hassanein and his multidisciplinary team provide expert, compassionate care for a full spectrum of liver and gastrointestinal conditions, including viral, autoimmune, metabolic, and cancerous diseases. Patients benefit from advanced non-invasive diagnostics, leading-edge therapies, and a collaborative model of care that prioritizes both health and quality of life.
A nationally recognized leader in liver disease, Dr. Hassanein specializes in alcohol-related liver diseases, viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and the care of patients before and after liver transplantation. Founder of the Southern California Liver Centers, he is now partnering with Innovative Medical Solutions in Los Angeles to expand access to advanced liver and gastrointestinal care. He also served as Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and played a pivotal role in establishing three major liver transplant programs, broadening access to life-saving treatments across the region.
Recognizing the complexity of liver and gastrointestinal diseases, Dr. Hassanein developed a program called Health and Liver Optimization (HALO)—a unique process that promotes liver regeneration and empowers patients to actively partner in their care and achieve their long-term health goals.
Adriana Ponce, a dedicated and bilingual Nurse Practitioner from East LA, was inspired by her sister, a
medical doctor in Guadalajara, Mexico. Starting as a candy-striper (hospital volunteer) in high school, she
progressed to become a medical assistant and then a nurse for 30 years. Now, with unwavering
compassion and expertise, she excels in patient care, making a profound impact on the lives of her
patients. Her ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish further enhances her patientcentered approach, ensuring that every individual receives personalized care and understanding.
Adriana’s passion to help her fellow man and better the world one patient at a time drives her to go
above and beyond in providing compassionate healthcare and advocating for the well-being of her
diverse community.
During her tenure as an OR nurse, Adriana gained invaluable experience in surgical procedures,
mastering the intricacies of patient care in high-pressure environments. Her commitment to excellence
and patient safety earned her the respect and trust of her colleagues and superiors alike.
Stepping into the role of Director of Nursing, Adriana’s exceptional leadership shone through as she
guided and mentored her nursing teams, fostering a culture of compassionate care and continuous
improvement. Her dedication to patient advocacy and quality healthcare made a lasting impact on the
hospital and the community it served.
Now, as a Nurse Practitioner, Adriana seamlessly integrates her vast nursing experience with her
advanced practice skills to deliver comprehensive and empathetic care to her patients. Her diverse
background in nursing, combined with her bilingual proficiency, enables her to connect deeply with
patients from various backgrounds, ensuring they receive the utmost attention and support on their
healthcare journey.
Dr. Sam Hessami is a double board-certified physician with nearly 25 years of clinical and academic experience, including six years as a healthcare executive. He has held progressive leadership roles as Division Director, Residency Program Director, Fellowship Program Director, System Patient Safety Officer, and Chief Medical Officer in a variety of healthcare settings. Dr. Hessami attended New York Medical College for his Doctor of Medicine and graduated from West Virginia University, School of Medicine for his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hessami also completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. He earned his Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) – Executive Program from Ohio University.
Dr. Lawrence Wang is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with over 30 years of experience. He completed his medical training at Indiana University and residency at UC Irvine. He has held positions at Kaiser Permanente, Hoag Hospital, and in private practice, and has served as a clinical professor and president of the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine. Recognized consistently as a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly (2011–2024), Dr. Wang is licensed in California and Nevada and continues to provide expert care in neurology and rehabilitation medicine.
Board-certified in Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine, Dr. Samra Vazirian is a dedicated neurologist based in Torrance, California, currently practicing at Providence Medical Associates. With medical training from Tehran University and extensive postgraduate education at top U.S. institutions including Harvard, UCLA, and UT Southwestern, Dr. Vazirian brings world-class expertise to her patients. She specializes in general and neuromuscular neurology and offers a wide range of advanced procedures such as EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies, Botox therapy, and nerve blocks.
Dr. Vazirian is also a respected educator, mentor, and speaker, contributing to the field through teaching roles at UCLA, Harvard, and international humanitarian organizations including UNICEF and UNHCR. Her research has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and national conferences, with special interest in neuroinflammation, neuromuscular disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. She is actively involved in community education and professional development through lectures and Grand Rounds.
Dr. Mohammad Ahraz Hussain is a board-certified nephrologist, celebrated for his profound dedication to advancing kidney health and transplant medicine. Licensed to practice in both California and Texas, Dr. Hussain began his illustrious medical career after graduating from Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan. He further solidified his expertise with a fellowship in nephrology and transplantation, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Transplantation. His scholarly journey is complemented by a rich educational background that includes a Doctorate of Science from Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and previously at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Dr. Hussain passionately imparts his knowledge to the next generation of medical professionals. He has also held significant leadership roles, such as the Medical Director at Riverside Community Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Program, where he was instrumental in spearheading innovative patient care initiatives and enhancing treatment protocols.
Dr. Jonathan Leiterman, a distinguished audiologist at Innovative Medical Solutions, has devoted his career to mastering the complexities of hearing and balance disorders. A board-certified audiologist and licensed hearing aid dispenser, he received his Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University, followed by a Doctorate of Science in Audiology from Montclair State University in New Jersey.
With a deep-rooted passion for audiology, Dr. Leiterman’s expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of hearing care, including digital amplification, dizziness assessment, tinnitus evaluation, and central auditory processing evaluation. His dedication to the field was sparked by a personal connection—living with a hearing-impaired friend during college, which exposed him to the everyday challenges faced by those with hearing loss. This experience inspired him to pursue a career where he could make a significant impact.
At Innovative Medical Solutions, which emerged from the esteemed Parker Hearing Institute of Beverly Hills in 2008, Dr. Leiterman is committed to utilizing his extensive knowledge and innovative techniques to improve the quality of life for his patients. His approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care in their journey towards better hearing and balance.
Dr. Armita Sadeghi is a neurologist specializing in autonomic disorders and headache medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Reno School of Medicine, followed by a neurology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and fellowships at Montefiore Medical Center and UTSW.
Dr. Sadeghi holds active medical licenses across Texas, New York, and California, and is certified by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Her commitment to excellence is evident in her receipt of multiple awards, including the Travel Award from the International Headache Academy and the Standing Innovation award at Cedars Sinai.
A polyglot, Dr. Sadeghi is fluent in English, Farsi and Turkish, enhancing her ability to serve diverse communities. Her technical skills include specialized procedures in neurology such as SPG block, nerve block injections, and autonomic testing.
Dr. Sadeghi’s career is characterized by a passionate commitment to improving patient care through clinical excellence, education, and research. Her professional and empathetic approach makes her a valued member of the medical community and a trusted physician.
Youssef Tanagho MD, MPH, completed fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine. Prior to this, Dr. Tanagho completed his residency program in Urology at Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Tanagho received dual bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Cultural Anthropology as well as master’s degree in Anthropology at Stanford University. He graduated from Stanford with academic distinction and was selected to the Phi Beta Kappa chapter of Stanford University. Dr. Tanagho completed his medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School and received an academic scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Health at Harvard University.
At an early age, Dr. Tanagho wanted to become a person whose life work would fulfill a mission, desiring to be involved in people’s lives and health. “Most importantly, I wanted to specialize in a field in which I could see my patients’ quality of life improve. Urology affords me the opportunity to impact my patients’ lives in a very tangible way,” states Dr. Tanagho.
Commenting on how he approaches patient care Dr. Tanagho states, “I view my patients not as cases or appointments, but as individuals with real concerns and anxiety. My role is to alleviate their anxiety by addressing their unique concerns and recommending a course of action to improve their quality of life. Healing occurs not just in the operating room but in the course of a trusting relationship established between a patient and a physician.”
Dr. Tanagho is the author of more than 75 urological publications and has given dozens of presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Tanagho is board certified by the American Board of Urology.
Dr. Rana Taherian, M.D., is a double board-certified physician known for her exceptional dedication and comprehensive approach to patient well-being in the world of Rheumatology. Dr. Taherian’s journey is marked by rigorous training, hands-on experience, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation.
With over two years of intensive fellowship training at the esteemed University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dr. Taherian has immersed herself in the intricacies of rheumatological diseases. Her expertise extends to the management of even the most complex cases, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. As a compassionate team player, Dr. Taherian has directly contributed to the care of patients with a wide array of variant and challenging rheumatological conditions.
An outstanding milestone in Dr. Taherian’s fellowship journey was her active participation in specialized clinics dedicated to systemic sclerosis and spondyloarthritis. Guided by the mentorship of esteemed attending physicians, she meticulously honed her skills, enabling her to deliver targeted and impactful care to patients grappling with these intricate conditions.
Dr. Taherian’s dedication to holistic patient care is further demonstrated through her proficiency in performing intricate procedures. Her active participation in ultrasound clinics during her PGY5 year equipped her with the expertise to perform intra-articular injections, aspirations, and soft tissue injections. Dr. Taherian’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by her contribution to HIV clinics, where she gained significant experience in managing rheumatological diseases among HIV patients.
Dr. Taherian’s academic journey began at the Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), where she laid the foundation for her medical career. This journey culminated in dual board certifications from the American Board of Rheumatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine, underscoring her commitment to excellence and patient care.
Dr. Hussain’s research is both extensive and impactful, with numerous publications in prestigious medical journals and presentations at major international conferences. His work primarily focuses on enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in nephrology, particularly concerning kidney transplant outcomes and the management of complex renal disorders. Noteworthy contributions include his studies on hyponatremia post-LVAD implantation and the integration of non-contrast cardiac computed tomography in patients with end-stage renal disease.
What truly sets Dr. Hussain apart is his empathetic approach to patient care, inspired by firsthand insights into the complexities faced by those with kidney diseases. His international experience, having held research positions at renowned institutions like Stanford University and Imperial College London, provides him with a unique global perspective on medical care. Dr. Hussain’s commitment to his patients is not just about treating kidney disorders but also about improving their overall quality of life, making him a trusted name in nephrology.
Dr. Nora Bedrossian, M.D., is a distinguished Endocrinologist with a passion for advancing patient care through her expertise in internal medicine. Armed with a comprehensive background in biochemistry and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr. Bedrossian has honed her skills through extensive training, including a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at LAC+USC Medical Center.
Her commitment to excellence is underscored by board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Driven by a desire to contribute to medical knowledge, she actively engages in research, focusing on thyroid function testing, hypothyroidism management, and pregnancy outcomes.