Each year, in our annual Top Doctors issue, Pasadena magazine honors the outstanding physicians in our community. Whether you’re stuck with the sni es or su ering a more serious ailment, the Pasadena area is one of the best places to be as chances are there’s a world-class care provider just minutes away.
In this issue, leading physicians in various specialties from A (Adolescent Medicine) to V (Vascular Surgery) are recognized for their superior medical care. And who
better to decide who has the best bedside manner, among other qualifications, than their peers? Practicing physicians submitted their nominations for those they felt worthy of the title 2025 Pasadena Top Doctor.
In partnership with DataJoe, who conducted the peer-to-peer survey, we compiled a listing of those medical professionals for recognition. All Top Docs are vetted through the California Medical Association to ensure they are currently licensed and under no investigation or sanction. All qualifying doctors with unblemished records become a Pasadena Top Doctor.
TOP DOCTORS 2025
ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
Bradley M. Bursch
Glendale Pediatrics Glendale 818-246-7260
Francisco Rivera Huntington Plaza Pediatrics Pasadena 626-795-7051
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Reyneiro Castro Huntington Asthma & Allergy Center Pasadena 626-793-6680
Asal Gharib Naderi
Keck Medicine of USCLos Angeles - Internal Medicine Los Angeles
Keck Medicine of USCUrology and GU Oncology Los Angeles Los Angeles 800-872-2273
VASCULAR / INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Stuart Schro Huntington Hospital Pasadena 626-397-5139
Babak Yaghmai
The Hill Medical Corporation Pasadena 626-772-4455
VASCULAR SURGERY
Sukgu M. Han
Keck Medicine of USCLos Angeles - Vascular Surgery Los Angeles 800-872-2273
Peter Lin
Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles Arcadia 626-275-9566
Fred A. Weaver
Keck Medicine of USCLos Angeles - Vascular Surgery Los Angeles 800-872-2273
2025 TOP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
rofiling the Best of the Best” in the asadena ealthcare Community
UCLA HEALTH
EXPERT PHYSICIANS, NEW CLINICS AND EXPANDED SPECIALTY CARE THAT TRANSFORMS HOW PASADENA STAYS WELL
Above: Doheny Eye Center UCLA Pasadena, (From Left) Angel Padilla, Dr. Alfredo Sadun, Dr. Bartly Mondino, Dr. Anne Coleman, Marissa Goldman, Dr. Vikas Chopra, Dr. Anthony Aldave
Opposite Page: (From Left) Dr. Steven Applebaum (UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care); Dr. David Schneider, Dr. Pamela Clark, Dr. Suzanne Cambou, and Dr. Maheen Siddiqi (UCLA Health Pasadena Pediatrics)
UCLA Health continues to strengthen its presence in Pasadena — expanding services, deepening community roots and earning top recognition for its physicians.
In March 2025, Doheny Eye Center UCLA celebrated the grand opening of its new Pasadena location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at . range rove Blvd. The move re ects UCLA Health’s commitment to delivering world-class eye care in a modern, patient-friendly space. From glaucoma and retinal diseases to ophthalmic genetics and pediatric ophthalmology,
the Doheny team offers advanced diagnostics, treatments and surgical care — all in one convenient location.
“All Doheny Eye Center UCLA clinicians are committed to providing compassionate care and advanced treatments that improve the lives of our patients,” says Alfredo Sadun, MD, PhD, vice chair of the Doheny Eye Centers Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA and one of nine Doheny physicians named to the Pasadena magazine 2025 Top Doctors list. Other Doheny honorees include Benjamin Bert, MD;
Photo Credit
:Charles Peloso
Photography TOP DOCTORS 2O25
Vikas Chopra, MD; Brian Francis, MD; John Irvine, MD; Monica Khitri, MD; Phillip Le, MD, PhD; Daniel Rootman, MD, MS; SriniVas Sadda, MD; Victoria Tseng, MD, PhD; Irene Tsui, MD and Victoria Yom, MD.
Their work is part of a broader network of UCLA Health services throughout Pasadena, which includes primary care, pediatrics, OB-GYN, oncology and mental health. These practices bring together nationally ranked expertise with a personalized, community-focused approach.
“Our patients don’t have to travel far to see an expert,” says Suzanne Cambou, MD, a pediatrician also named to the 2025 Top Doctors list. “We live and work in this community, and we care for generations of families who trust us to help their children grow up healthy and strong.”
Joining Dr. Cambou on the Top Doctors list from Pasadena Pediatrics are Pamela Clark, MD; David Schneider, MD; and Maheen Siddiqi, MD — all honored for their commitment to children’s health. Steven Applebaum, MD, an oncologist at UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care, was also recognized for excellence in cancer treatment.
“Every patient deserves access to leading-edge cancer care close to home, says r. pplebaum. ere in asadena, they can find e actly that.
In fall 2025, UCLA Health will introduce a suite of new specialty services in Pasadena, including allergy and immunology, cardiology and cardiac imaging, dermatology, endocrinology, nephrology, neurology, pulmonology and rheumatology.
The expanded clinic space at 625 S. Fair Oaks Ave. will feature nearly 30 exam rooms, making it even easier for patients to access multiple services in one location. Bringing these specialties under one roo re ects what Pasadena families want — easier access to expert care without leaving the community. It’s about creating a health care home base where patients feel confident and supported.
Together, the existing and new practices will offer the expertise of an academic medical center with the warmth and accessibility of a neighborhood clinic.
From routine checkups for babies, children and adults to complex specialty care, UCLA Health is here for Pasadena — with top-ranked physicians, expanded services and a continued promise to deliver care the community can count on.
UCLA Health, multiple locations in Pasadena For more information: 310-825-2631 | uclahealth.org/locations
Photo Credit :Charles Peloso Photography
Photo Credit: SchlickArt
WARREN STOUT, MD
OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Stout is a world-renowned Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon who is recognized as an expert on cosmetic and laser surgical techniques. He specializes exclusively on the eye area and restores eyes to a more youthful, revitalized look, while carefully avoiding an unnatural, startled or surprised appearance. His work is guided by his aesthetic philosophy that values natural-looking results that seamlessly blend with his patients’ facial features.
Inherited family traits combined with aging often cause people to appear tired and disengaged, which doesn t re ect how they truly eel. This can be a negative attribute both professionally and socially. Like a restorative artist, Dr. Stout reduces the visible signs of aging so each person, while unique in their appearance, looks natural, confident and engaged.
Dr. Stout has 30 years of experience caring for men and women of all ages and ethnicities, including a subspecialty in Asian eyes. His patients include Nobel Laureates, Oscar winners, CEOs of multinational companies, physicians, and other notable individuals. Through a combination o training, experience, and artistic talent, he delivers a natural appearance tailored to each person’s goals. Dr. Stout is most honored by physicians and happy patients referring their friends and loved ones, and he takes their trust to heart.
He is consistently recognized as a Leading hysician o the orld, a Top octor in merica, and a Top octor in os ngeles and asadena. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and numerous other medical organizations.
Dr. Stout performs his cosmetic procedures in the privacy of the Laser and Ambulatory Surgery Center of Pasadena. Patients appreciate the privacy, comfort, and personalized care he provides as Medical Director at the surgery center.
Pasadena Towers
800 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 260, Pasadena, CA 91101
626.449.6494 | stoutlaser.com
MARTA RECASENS, MD, QME
MACULAR, RETINAL, VITREAL ASSOCIATES AND MARTA’S MEDISPA
Diseases and surgery of the macula, retina, Coma and vitreous and facial aesthetics
We live in a beautiful world, and the principal way we experience it, and each other, is through our vision. Protecting this most precious gift, our eyesight, is a tremendous responsibility. As a board certified, ellowship trained vitreoretinal surgeon, it is my goal to partner with you to preserve our most precious gift, our sight. Toward this, I have devoted my entire life to backing my dedication with the education and experience necessary to meet the responsibility with which I am entrusted to overcome sight threatening conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, and retinal detachments. Beyond the accolades, I am most proud o the appreciation re ected in my patients eyes in acknowledgement of the care I have extended them in preserving their vision.
Looking your best and aging gracefully is an art! About 12 years ago, at the request of many patients, ounded Marta s Medispa to help my patients age beautifully. Based on my expertise with laser treatments and further training, I per orm a ull array o individuali ed, non and minimally invasive treatments for face and neck rejuvenation.
or the last years, have served as a ualified Medical Evaluator in Ophthalmology for the State of California. In this role, I evaluate injured workers, including police and sheri o ficers, firefighters, and others who have ocular diseases and trauma.
1111 North Brand Boulevard, Suite 320, Glendale
818.552.2140
drmartarecasens.com
martasmedispa.com
2O25
COMPREHENSIVE DERMATOLOGY CENTER OF PASADENA
DERMATOLOGY
At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, patients receive expert, personalized dermatologic care in a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Sara Gaspard and Dr. Han Lee, the practice has grown to become the San Gabriel Valley’s premier destination for medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. ed by a team o board certified dermatologists, physician associates and experienced aesthetic professionals, Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena offers a full range of skin health services- from acne, rosacea, eczema and skin cancer treatment, including
Mohs micrographic surgery, to advanced cosmetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, injectables, body contouring and more.
The team is committed to combining medical e cellence with a patient first philosophy. Every treatment plan is customi ed to re ect the individual needs, goals and lifestyle of each patient, whether they are managing a chronic skin condition or seeking to enhance their natural appearance.
The practice is also known for investing in cutting-edge technology, offering the latest FDA-approved treatments such
as AviClear for acne, Sofwave for skin tightening and Emsculpt Neo for body sculpting, along with a curated selection of clinical skincare products.
With a deep-rooted connection to the Pasadena community, Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena takes pride in its reputation for exceptional care, clinical expertise and long-standing patient relationships.
Huntington Pavilion
625 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 200 & 220 Pasadena, CA 91105
626.793.7790 | compdermcenter.com
From left, front row: Han Lee, MD; Sara Gaspard, MD Back row: Ivy Lee, MD; Courtney Rubin, MD; Benjamin Tran, MD
TINA STORAGE, MD
GASTROENTEROLOGY
T T T
Dr. Tina Storage is a board certified, ellowship trained gastroenterologist speciali ing in the treatment o unctional digestive diseases. he brings a depth o clinical e pertise and a whole person approach to her role at dventist ealth lendale s dvanced Center, an award winning tertiary care destination, where she treats patients with unctional bowel disorders and in ammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease.
er clinical e pertise includes general gastroenterology, as well as comple conditions such as celiac disease gastroesophageal re u disease gastrointestinal bleeding in ammatory bowel disease B B small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and unctional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome B . he also per orms colorectal cancer screenings and a ull range o endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, sigmoidoscopies and enteroscopies.
r. torage approaches care with a ocus on identi ying root causes. n addition to o ering the latest procedures and medications, she incorporates the broader conte t o a patient s health by e amining microbiome balance, nutrition, physical activity, stress and the gut brain connection. er comprehensive care model integrates evidence based medicine with innovative, new to market treatment options to create personali ed care plans.
ith a reputation or clinical e cellence and a deep commitment to holistic, patient centered care, r. torage remains at the ore ront o gastrointestinal innovation delivering world class care in a trusted, community setting.
r. torage earned her medical degree with lpha mega lpha honors rom the avid e en chool o Medicine at C . he completed her internal medicine residency at tan ord niversity and returned to C or her gastroenterology ellowship, where she served as chie ellow and earned the Compassionate Care ward upon graduation. he later oined the aculty at C as an assistant clinical pro essor in the field o digestive diseases. he also holds advanced training through the nstitute or unctional Medicine and is a certified practitioner in gluten ree nutrition.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit AdventistHealth.org/TStorage
CHRISTOPHER J CHARBONNET, MD
PAIN MEDICINE
As a twenty-year practicing pain management physician, I try to understand the debilitating impact of chronic pain on individuals. Chronic pain impacts not only the individual, but family, loved ones, and multiple aspects of society. Chronic pain is an undertreated and misunderstood chronic disease with unfortunate stigmas attached.
Like many chronic disease states, there is not a single easy solution. I am driven to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to help patients find relie and improve their unction. oals vary with the individual, but generally speaking, improving social, occupational, recreational, and emotional outcomes are the most desired by patients. I take a patient centered approach to pain management, tailoring treatment plans to my patient’s unique needs and goals. Over my career, treatments options have changed significantly.
From the days of only offering medications and simple injections techniques, there are safer more effective medications and minimally invasive options to address orthopedic and neurological pain problems to modulate noxious pain signals. As I have learned, there is usually a treatment option for most patients and the hope for improvement can never be taken away from the individual.
I continually seek innovative solutions and collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals to ensure my patients receive the best possible care. I have been very fortunate to work in a community that has multiple resources to offer patients to promote healing. It is privilege to have the trust of patients and their families as I help guide them on their journey towards health and wellness.
TOP DOCTORS
SEVAG BALIKIAN, MD JUSTIN A. CHEN, MD
LA KIDNEY
As top nephrologists in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Sevag Balikian and Dr. Justin A. Chen offer expert treatment for patients struggling with kidney disease, high blood pressure, and uid electrolyte disorders.
ith o fices in asadena and lendale, their practice, idney, has earned a five star ealthgrades rating, o ering acute inpatient care, chronic kidney disease management, dialysis management, outpatient care, and patient education. The goal o idney goes beyond treating disease. Instead,
r. Balikian and r. Chen strive to guide and empower patients with chronic disease to achieve a better uality o li e.
Dr. Balikian and Dr. Chen are both board certified in nephrology and internal medicine. r. Balikian completed his medical training at C arbor Medical Center r. Chen at C avis Medical Center. Together, the team maintains pro essional a filiations with untington ospital, C ospital rcadia, lendale dventist Medical Center, , resenius Medical Care, a ita, . . enal Care, and C erdugo ills ospital.
Their pro essional memberships include the merican ociety o ephrology, the ational idney oundation, the nternational ociety o eritoneal ialysis, the rmenian merican Medical ociety, the lendale Memorial oundation Board, and lpha mega lpha. The practice has been honored as a Pasadena maga ine Top octor or 2014 through 2025.
r. Balikian and r. Chen s past charity work includes serving the outhern Cali ornia omen s ealth Con erence and the lendale ealth estival, as well as giving numerous community lectures to educate the public and raise awareness o kidney health and medical innovations.
960 East Green Street, Suite 107, Pasadena
626.352.0010 | 818.580.0010
lakidney.com
MORGAN HUANG, MD
OPHTHALMOLOGY
HUANG OPHTHALMOLOGY CENTER
Dr. Morgan Huang, is a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, glaucoma care and comprehensive eye health. He earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and completed his medical education at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Huang completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Rochester, followed by fellowship training in glaucoma at the Massachusetts ye and ar nfirmary, arvard Medical School.
Dr. Huang’s honors and recognitions include Super Doctor (2012–2023); Pasadena magazine Top Doctors (2010–2012, 2014, 2016–2022); Consumers’ Research Council of America Top Ophthalmologists (2011–2017); chief resident, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester; Independent Order of Odd Fellows (student fellowship); and the Wilmer Institute o phthalmology. e is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a diplomate of the board.
His greatest personal achievement: “Building longterm, trusting relationships with my patients has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” says Dr. Huang. “It’s incredibly gratifying when patients trust me enough to re er their amily members. also find great ulfillment in hearing how restored vision helps them regain independence and return to what they love— moments like those remind me why I chose this path.”
Dr. Huang, who is committed to community care and often provides pro bono services, offers this advice: “It’s easy to take vision for granted — until subtle changes remind us how essential it is. Don’t dismiss those changes as normal aging. Glaucoma, for instance, can affect anyone and often shows no early symptoms. While vision loss can’t be reversed, early detection allows us to manage it and prevent further damage. Routine eye exams are a simple, powerful way to protect your sight.”
650 West Duarte Road, Suite 100-D Arcadia, CA 91007
626.446.6682
morganhuangmd.com
BRENT MOELLEKEN, MD, FACS
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Associate Clinical Professor Of Surgery ivision lastic urgery, C
A Super Doctors Hall of Famer with 15 consecutive years on the list, a Castle-Connolly and a Newsweek/Statista Top Doctors in America with multiple appearances across media including as a featured member of the “Extreme Makeover” team, Dr. Brent Moelleken is a double boardcertified lastic and econstructive surgeon, but an innovator at heart.
Trained at Harvard, Yale, UCSF and UCLA, Dr. Moelleken has pioneered procedures from LiveFill®, autologous fat-fascial grafts, to short incision USIC® & LUSIC® cheeklifts, to the natural-appearing 360 Facelift® and more. “While true perfection can never be achieved, through constant innovation—new procedures, new equipment, and attentive, responsible care—results continually improve,” says Dr. Moelleken, pointing to the LBAM, an implant- free breast augmentation using viable tissue rather than injected fat, and his Hybrid Tummy Tuck®, a short incision tummy tuck or fit moms.
Touting a surgeon s ability to fi a patient s specific issue within several hours and “change lives for the better,” Dr. Moelleken is uniquely positioned to do just that. He is one of only three specialty-trained surgeons in the world to complete the year-long Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at UCLA, with the results of his protocols published extensively in peer- reviewed journals and presented internationally.
“Continue to improve by innovation in every aspect of life,” advises Dr. Moelleken, who in addition to offering his patients world-class patient care and outcomes, is actively involved with disenfranchised communities. He started the About Face Surgical Foundation to serve children and young adult victims of accidents and crime and volunteers at the VA Hospital, assisting veterans with complex wound and cancer issues.
120 South Spalding Drive, Suite 110, Beverly Hills 601 East Arrellaga Street, Suite 103, Santa Barbara 310.273.1001 | drbrent.com @drbrentmoelleken
RAMI APELIAN, MD, MPH, FAES, RPNI AND M LORRAINE PURINO, MD
GENERAL NEUROLOGY, HEADACHE MEDICINE, EPILEPSY, NEUROMUSCULAR MEDICINE
HUNTINGTON HEADACHE AND NEUROLOGY
At Huntington Headache and Neurology, our treatment team is focused on providing comprehensive care across a spectrum o neurological diseases. ur multispecialty, board certified neurologists have more than 45 years of combined experience in managing headache disorders, epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, neuromuscular disorders, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, memory loss and dementia, and multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Rami Apelian attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he earned his medical degree (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH). He completed his residency and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at the University of Southern California. Dr. Apelian is board certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, epilepsy and headache medicine, and is ualified as a egistered hysician in Neurovascular Interpretation (RPNI). He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society (FAES) for his contributions to the education and care of epilepsy.
Dr. Apelian has served as an educator and leader in many medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Epilepsy Society, American Headache Society, Armenian American Medical Society, California Association for Nurse Practitioners Pasadena Chapter, Louisiana State Medical Society, and numerous pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Dr. M. Lorraine Purino attended medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, where she earned her medical degree (MD). She completed her residency at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration and a fellowship in neuromuscular diseases at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is board certified in neurology, neuromuscular medicine and electrodiagnostic medicine.
Dr. Purino serves as secretary/treasurer of the Los Angeles Neurological Society, vice chair of the Department of Medicine at USC Arcadia Hospital, and president of the Women’s Physician Organization of the San Gabriel Valley. She is also actively involved in clinical trials and research related to the evolution of treatments in neurological disease.
289 West Huntington Drive, Suite 301, Arcadia, CA 91007 626.714.1215 | huntingtonheadache.com
JEN CHOW, MD
FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
THE CHOW CENTER
SURGERY
The most important aspect of my practice is the individualized care with which my staff and I treat our patients. We provide a uniquely personalized experience in a boutique environment. Everyone who visits is given my full attention without concern or artificial time limits or pressure to move quickly.
am a double board certified surgeon, attending medical school and residency at Yale before having my fellowship training in New York. I have super-specialized in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, though also have broader training in head and neck surgery. Because my background and training allows me to provide comprehensive care, am able to o er a wide range of both nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive treatments.
n almost years o practice, have success ully kept my ocus on uality, rather than uantity, of care. Though I have largely avoided advertisements, have been ortunate to have robust growth through word of mouth from my patients themselves. I am especially grateful for the many long term relationships my staff and have built with those we treat, o ten lasting a decade or more.
The ace is a ascinating, three dimensional puzzle that provides endless challenges and opportunities in my facial plastic surgery practice. roviding compassionate, insight ul care in a warm, riendly environment has been e tremely rewarding, and look orward to providing new and innovative treatments in the future.
301 West Huntington Drive, Suite 114, Arcadia
626.447.3223
chowcenter.com
PALLAVI KAVETY, DDS
BOARD-CERTIFIED DIPLOMATE OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
PASADENA CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Pallavi, a board certified diplomate o pediatric dentistry, has been recognized as a Top Dentist by Pasadena magazine and Los Angeles magazine. Earlier this year, Pasadena magazine named her as the Face of Pediatric Dentistry in Pasadena. Her practice was also named Best Orthodontist by the readers of Pasadena Weekly. A leading children’s dentist in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Pallavi earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from USC and completed her pediatric dentistry specialty training at NYU.
She takes a conservative, child-centered approach to care— earning consistent five star reviews and praise rom amilies throughout the region. Her clean, modern, and child-friendly o fice eatures state o the art technology and provides a ull range of pediatric dental services, including preventive care, cleanings, sealants, white fillings and crowns, cavity arresting medication, traditional braces and Invisalign, emergency appointments, and sedation dentistry.
Dr. Pallavi accepts PPO and HMO insurance plans, as well as Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal.
2620 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 626.600.7171 | pasadenachildrensdentistry.com
WILLIAM D. SHIPMAN III, MD, PHD
DERMATOLOGY | SKIN & BEAUTY CENTER, PASADENA
Dr. Shipman brings a blend of science, artistry and compassion to dermatology in asadena. board certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at USC, he is an expert in skin of color, hidradenitis suppurativa, hair loss, lasers, advanced cosmetic treatments and clinical research.
At Skin & Beauty Center in Pasadena, Dr. Shipman provides care for complex medical skin conditions and state-of-theart cosmetic procedures, ensuring each patient receives a personalized plan grounded in the latest science. His research—spanning hidradenitis suppurativa, wound healing and autoimmune skin diseases—has been published in leading journals, helping shape the future of dermatology.
After earning degrees from Morehouse College and Weill Cornell Medicine, and completing a dermatology residency and postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University, he chose Pasadena as the place to offer world-class dermatology. Whether treating disease or enhancing appearance, he is dedicated to achieving healthy, radiant results for every patient.
301 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 302, Pasadena, CA 91105
