Gynecologic Cancer Care Team

Hoag’s Nutrition Services provides comprehensive nutrition counseling and support to breast cancer patients and survivors. Comprised of two dedicated registered dietitians, Denise Lohman, RD and Jessica Tamashiro, RD, the Cancer Institute dietitian team is dedicated to helping patients meet their nutritional goals and understand the valuable relationship between good nutrition and health.

These services are all available free of charge to Hoag Family Cancer Institute patients. To learn more about Hoag’s Nutrition Services, or to schedule an appointment with one of the registered dietitians, please call 949-764-8369.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides a dedicated team of genetic counselors that offer risk assessment counseling and genetic testing to individuals with a personal or family history of breast cancer. Approximately 400 new patients are seen each year through the Hereditary Cancer Program.

Gynecologist specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. If you are going through treatment, your Gynecologist will play an important role in your treatment plan.

Hoag has an exceptional team of experienced and caring Gynecologist who offer specialized care for those diagnosed with Gynecologic cancer.

View our full list of Hoag Gynecologists for more information.

Lisa N.Abaid, M.D.

Robotic and traditional surgical management of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers with simple and radical hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy, trachelectomy (removal of the cervix), and radical parametrectomy.

Lisa N. Abaid, M.D., MPH, FACOG, FACS, is a gynecologic oncologist in Newport Beach and a member of Gynecologic Oncology Associates. As a gynecologic oncologist, she treats cancers of the female pelvis, primarily ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer.

Dr. Abaid is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Gynecologic Oncology. She is an AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimaly Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) designee. Dr. Abaid received extensive training in robotic surgery during her fellowship and has an interest in minimally-invasive approaches in the treatment of all gynecologic cancers, especially uterine and cervical cancer, and early ovarian cancer. She has extensive experience in robotic-assisted hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and oophorectomy. In addition to performing robotic surgery for gynecologic cancers, she also treats patients with some benign conditions such as severe endometriosis and large uterine fibroids.

John V. Brown, M.D.

Surgical procedures for cancers of the uterus/cervix/ovary, complicated pelvic surgery.

Dr. Brown completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA after a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington. He is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Brown is an AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimaly Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) designee.He has been on staff at Hoag Hospital since 1990 and has been performing robotic procedures since 2006. As the Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, he is committed to minimally invasive procedures and has extensive experience in robotic surgery for early cancers of the ovary as well as endometrial and cervical tumors. He has been the author or co author on many publications and has spoken at national medical meetings regarding the benefits of robotic surgery.

Alberto A. Mendivil, M.D.

Surgical procedures for cancers of the uterus/cervix/ovary, complicated pelvic surgery.

Alberto A. Mendivil, M.D. is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimaly Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) designee. Dr. Mendivil obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology and Neurosciences from the University of California, San Diego before receiving his medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Mendivil's internship and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology were at the University of California, Irvine. His Fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology was completed at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Mendivil has extensive training in all aspects of gynecologic surgery including advanced laparoscopy and robotics. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive surgical staging of gynecologic cancers and fertility sparing cancer surgery using the da Vinci® robot.

Medical oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. If you are going through treatment, your medical oncologist will play an important role in your treatment plan.

Hoag has an exceptional team of experienced and caring medical oncologists who offer specialized care for those diagnosed with gynecologic cancer.

View our full list of Hoag Medical Oncologists for more information.

Nurse navigators provide helpful information and resources for you. This type of personalized support is a unique facet available at Hoag that brings knowledge and comfort to patients.

Nurse navigators are committed to providing a smooth and coordinated process of care, while giving you the information and support you need to make decisions about your treatment.

She is here to:

• Answer your questions
• Listen to your concerns
• Help with referrals
• Be an advocate on your behalf

Michelle Booth, B.S.N., R.N., is the clinical nurse navigator for gynecologic cancer patients at Hoag. She has been a registered nurse for 13 years, and has dedicated her career to the treatment of cancer patients. Michelle began her career in pediatric hematology/oncology, and specialized in the administration of high dose chemotherapy and blood products. She has been involved in childhood cancer research, and helped co-found a non-profit fundraising organization to raise money for cancer research. Throughout her career in oncology, Michelle has cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She worked as a charge nurse in an outpatient infusion center, where she directly administered chemotherapy, and was involved in clinical trials with an onsite research department. She also spent over five years in radiation oncology, assisting patients through treatment, including high dose rate (HDR) treatments for gynecological cancers, as well as specialized radiation treatments for breast cancer patients. Michelle is dedicated to helping patients and families through their journey by providing education and resources, and feels blessed to be a part of the caring Hoag cancer team.

Radiation oncologists specialize in radiation therapy. At Hoag, all of our radiation oncologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. They will discuss the role of radiation therapy as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Visit Hoag Radiation Oncology for details about Hoag’s radiation oncology team and services.

Craig Cox, M.D.

Dr. Craig Cox is a Radiation Oncologist and the Medical Director of the Radiation Oncology department at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. He completed a Radiology Oncology residency at Sanford University in 1987, and continued to practice in Stanford and the San Jose area until 1989, until he relocated to Orange County and joined the Medical Staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Dr. Cox completed medical school at the University of Nevada followed by an internship at Highland General Hospital. Dr. Cox is a board certified radiation oncologist through the American Board of Radiology since 1987, and brings a great deal of experience and radiation leadership to Hoag cancer patients.

Peter Chen, M.D.

Dr. Peter Chen is a Radiation Oncologist within the Radiation Oncology department at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with high honors and a second bachelor’s degree in rhetoric with honors and high distinction in general scholarship from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Chen then completed a master’s degree in biomechanical engineering at Stanford University and a fellowship at the Stanford School of Engineering. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he also completed an internship in internal medicine at UCLA San Fernando Valley Program and a residency in radiation oncology at UCLA.

Dr. Chen received additional training at UCLA’s comprehensive cancer center, including experience with Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy (Novalis), HDR, CT Simulation and Conformal Therapy (AQSim, Theraplan, ADAC), IMRT, and Prostate Brachytherapy. He was also chief resident before joining Hoag in 2004.

He is a diplomate with the American Board of Radiology and is California State-certified for radiopharmaceutical delivery. Dr. Chen is involved with many clinical research projects on stereotactic radiosurgery and radiation oncology, and is an integral leader in the administration of intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT). He is an invited speaker and lecturer across the United States on topics including external beam radiotherapy and radiation oncology.

Brian Kim, M.D.

Dr. Brian Kim is a Radiation Oncologist within the Radiation Oncology department at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at the California Institute of Technology(Caltech), where he graduated with honors. He then completed his medical degree from UCLA and went on to complete an internship at the UCLA San Fernando Valley Internal Medicine Program and a residency at the UCLA Radiation Oncology program. Dr. Kim has been affiliated with Hoag’s Radiation Oncology department since 2005 and is board-certified in radiology and therapeutic radiology.

He is a former clinical instructor of third-year medical students at the David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and has been a long-time active member of many community and philanthropic organizations in Southern California.

Dr. Kim is a member of many international professional societies including American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Brachytherapy Society (ABR). Other Southern California association memberships include the Orange Country Korean Medical Society, Los Angeles Radiologic Society (LARS), Southern California Radiation Oncology Society (SCROS) and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Korean American Graduate Medical Association.

He is involved with many clinical research projects and is widely published in medical journals and publications. Dr. Kim presents at several national and international conferences including the Southern California Radiation Oncology Society, European Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and American Radium Society Conference.

Hoag offers clinical social workers as a support to you during your breast cancer journey. This caring and professional team provides one-on-one support, and directs you, or family and friends, to helpful resources within Hoag and the community.

Hoag’s breast cancer social workers include:

• Caitlin Glenn, M.C.S.W.
  
• Mona El Kurd, L.C.S.W.
  

Hoag’s social workers can be reached at 949-7-CANCER (722-6237).