Meet the CERT Specialists

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

• Jeff Chang, MD
• Sanjay Agarwal, MD
• H. Irene Su, MD

UC San Diego Division of Reproductive Endocrinology physicians play a pivotal role in the Center for Endometriosis Research and Treatment (CERT). Drs. Chang, Agarwal and Su have special training in the hormonal aspects of endometriosis and are experts in the medical management of endometriosis. They will individualize care to improve the quality of life for women with endometriosis by using appropriate hormonal manipulations and surgical treatments.

Gynecology

• Homer Chin, MD
• Christine Miller, MD
• Michael McHale, MD

Robotic surgery is a recent advance in the surgical management of endometriosis. It allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery in many situations where previously more invasive procedures, such as laparotomy, were necessary. Drs. Chin, Miller and McHale are expert gynecologic surgeons using robotic and non-robotic techniques to maximize the outcomes. These techniques minimize the invasiveness of complex endometriosis-related surgeries.

Pain Medicine

UC San Diego Center for Pain Medicine offers a range of unique services for managing chronic pain associated with endometriosis, ranging from complex medication management to interventional nerve blocks. Our physicians make every effort to tailor the treatment plan to the patient’s personal needs and objectives. They offer patients with endometriosis the most advanced pain treatment options available to reduce pain and suffering and restore quality of life.

Reproductive Psychology

• Katie Hirst, MD
• Amber Rukaj, LMFT

An important, although commonly ignored aspect in the management of a woman with endometriosis, is attention to her psychological health. Understandably, women with endometriosis may have psychological needs that, when addressed, can lead to an improved sense of well-being and efficacy of other treatments. Dr. Hirst, a psychiatrist, and Amber Rukaj, a psychologist, are experts at addressing the psychological needs of women with endometriosis.

Integrative Medicine

• Gordon Saxe, MD, PhD

The use of non-conventional or alternative therapies – such as a whole food, plant-based diet, yoga, acupuncture and herbs – to treat women with endometriosis is not new. It is uncommon, however, to have these integrated into a center dedicated to the care of women with endometriosis. UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine physicians are highly experienced in the care of women with a variety of health concerns, including endometriosis.

Urogynecology

• Charles Nager, MD
• Emily Lukacz, MD

Endometriosis can lead to severe bladder-related pain and other problems. Drs. Nager and Lukacz in the UC San Diego Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery are experts in the assessment and management of women’s bladder and pelvic floor problems.

Gastroenterology

• Nedret Copur-Dahi, MD

Endometriosis can lead to a variety of bowel-related symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Copur-Dahi is a gastroenterologist who has special training in the care of women with these bowel-related problems.

General Surgery

• Sonia Ramamoorthy, MD

Women with endometriosis occasionally suffer from extensive bowel adhesions (scar tissue) that can produce symptoms of bowel obstruction. Dr. Ramamoorthy, a highly regarded bowel surgeon, is certified both by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is well versed in minimally invasive bowel surgery, including surgery to remove bowel adhesions.

Research

• Warren Foster, PhD

Conducting endometriosis-related research is an important part of the mission of UC San Diego Health System’s Center for Endometriosis Research and Treatment (CERT). Read more about Dr. Foster and our research.