BIOTE PROVIDER

With her background in Public Health, Dr. Norene Norris-Walsh is able to provide patient education in maternal – fetal care, preventive medicine, and stress reduction. She has served as assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.

“With evolving complexities of a woman`s life, depending on which stage of life she is in, there exists a specific practice of medicine unique to each woman.”

At Saddleback Memorial Medical Centers she has served on numerous committees including the Perinatal Committee, Emergency Department Committee, and Physician Wellness Committee.

Her undergraduate training was performed at University of San Diego. She then traveled to New Orleans where she simultaneously earned a Masters degree in Public Health with her medical degree at Tulane University. Dr. Norris-Walsh completed her residency training at UCLA-Harbor. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Norris-Walsh is happily married and has three wonderful children. There is never a dull moment at their home.

Languages:

French, Spanish

With more than 20 years of experience performing gynecological surgeries, Dr. Marc L. Winter has invested his energy in developing and offering less invasive procedures to his patients. Not only does Dr. Winter see referrals from outside Orange Coast Women`s Medical Group, but he also gives lectures, publishes papers and instructs other doctors on minimally invasive gynecological techniques.

Dr. Winter has been practicing in Laguna Hills since 1989. He specializes in robotic surgery and has experience performing complex hysterectomies, myomectomies and sacrocolpopexies with the use of the da vinci robotic surgical system. He has worked extensively with the use of graft materials to enhance pelvic reconstructive surgery (treating bladder, rectal, uterine, and vaginal prolapse).

Dr. Marc Winter has performed over 400 robotic surgeries at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) in Laguna Hills. Dr. Winter and SMMC have been designated one of only twenty-three epicenters, or national training sites in robotic gynecologic surgery for Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the da Vinci robot. At the SMMC training ground, Dr. Marc Winter teaches surgeons nationwide the latest in robotic surgical techniques. Patients can expect the most advanced care and excellent clinical outcomes.

Dr. Winter completed his residency training at the University of California at Irvine College of Medicine where he is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor.

Professional Affiliations:

Diplomat, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists

Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons

Orange County OB/GYN Society

Carolyn is certified in women’s health and has been a Nurse Practitioner at OCWMG since 1994.

She decided to specialize in women’s health when she was a Registered Nurse (RN) in Labor and Delivery and felt she could help women in good times and in difficult times.

Beverly has a Master’s degree in nursing and has been a Nurse Practitioner since 1983.

She has been with the practice since the beginning, working for OCWMG doctors May and Audell since 1990. She is proud to share that Dr. Audell and Dr. May delivered her children at Saddleback Memorial.

Beverly takes pleasure in treating, educating and interacting with patients. She enjoys working with outstanding doctors, nurses and staff. “If you don’t love your job, then why are you doing it?”

Her hobbies include socializing and going to lunch with good friends.

Dr. Raffo received a Bachelor of Science degree from Agnes Scott College (a small women`s college in Georgia). She received her medical degree from University of California, Irvine, where she also completed her residency training. Dr. Raffo has been in practice with Orange Coast Women`s Medical Group since 1997.

“The excitement and diversity of obstetrics and gynecology is what attracted me to this specialty. I find it very rewarding to help my patients with their individual medical needs. Part of my responsibility as a physician is to provide education and options to my patients. I believe each patient has the right to be the ultimate decision maker in her own care. This can only be achieved if she understands the necessary information and has a mutually trusting relationship with her doctor.”

“The rewards of educating and caring for women of all ages are immense. It is a privilege to be part of that unforgettable moment in a woman’s life as she gives birth. The close relationships I have formed with many of my patients bring me great satisfaction. As we journey through life’s experiences together, it is gratifying to play a role in women’s healthcare. Being a mother and a wife helps me relate to many of the issues my patients face.”

Dr. Raffo has a special interest in high-risk obstetrics and laparoscopy. Originally from Alabama, she has been a resident of Orange County since 1985. She lives locally with her husband and two sons.

“Entertaining friends and family brings me great enjoyment. I also enjoy traveling. Much of my free time is spent watching my boys play sports, particularly football and baseball. A new passion of mine is exercising. I finally started to practice what I preach and I am feeling the benefits of more energy what all of us need more of.”

Professional Affiliations:

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists

Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons

Angelika Priestley, M.D. was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Dr. Priestley attended medical school at Ross University and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Priestley then joined a private practice in Tucson, Arizona where she specialized in minimally invasive procedures including robotic surgery.

“I find the most reward in serving patients through significant moments in their lives, such as the joys of first pregnancy to the changes of menopause and every challenge in between.”

Dr. Priestley is married with two children. She enjoys traveling, cooking, yoga and spending time with her family at the beach.

Languages: German and Greek

Dr. Susan Mendelsohn has been in private practice in the Laguna Hills area since 1990. She says the excitement, warmth and feeling in her heart of being the first one to actually touch a new life and bring it safely into the world will never change.

“I chose obstetrics and gynecology because I could relate to women on a one-to-one basis, and I wanted to be able to go through life changes with them from childbearing through menopausal years.”

She has a special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery, including hysterectomy and myomectomy. At Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Mendelsohn is a member of the Women`s and Children`s Case Review Committee and has served on Memorial Care`s Best Practice Team since its inception.

Dr. Mendelsohn graduated with honors from New York University School of Medicine. She completed postgraduate training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. A diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Mendelsohn`s professional affiliations include American Medical Association, American Medical Women`s Association, and American Associates of Gynecological Laparascopy.

She is the proud mother of three children who keep her busy in her free time with school and sports activities.

Professional Affiliations:

Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists

Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons

As a board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Elizabeth Johnsons interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, management of abnormal Pap Smears/ Colposcopy, adolescent medicine, menopause management and general obstetrics. She works hard to involve her patients in a dynamic discussion about their health care needs and strives to provide comprehensive, evidence – based medicine, and surgical options to women throughout all phases of their lives.

“I find listening to patients, and ensuring that they are active participants in their care, provide the most successful treatment path.”

Dr. Johnson completed her premedical education at the University of Colorado in 1995. After working in research at The Children`s Hospital of Philadelphia for two years, she attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where, in 2001, she earned her medical degree with an area of concentration in women`s health and the Luba Robin Goldsmith Award for excellence in obstetrics and gynecology. She went on to complete her OB/GYN residency at Northwestern University in 2005. There she was recognized for excellence in resident teaching, research and compassionate patient care.

Dr. Johnson and her family have made San Clemente their home.

Dr. Johnson provides excellent patient care to the residents of her community and she enjoys contributing to the growth of the Talega office.

Professional Affiliations:

Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Enjoying all aspects of women””s health, Teresa Whitman became board certified as an NP after completing the Women””s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Harbor/UCLA. Previously working in labor and delivery at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Teresa then began working as an NP in women””s health, practicing for the last seventeen years in Newport Beach. Finding ultrasound to be a significant asset, Teresa also earned certification in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.

Teresa””s interests include adolescent health, pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss, routine gynecologic care including annual examinations and contraception, and menopause concerns including traditional and “bio-identical” hormone replacement therapy and maintenance of healthy bone density.

Living in Orange County with her husband Mike, Teresa enjoys family ski trips with their two children and gardening.

Alisa has extensive experience in both Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She has 14 years of clinical experience and has delivered over 1,000 babies in her career.

She has worked in Atlanta, Georgia;

San Diego, California;

and,

for the past 5 years, here in the Denver metro area.

Alisa combines her clinical expertise with an up-to-date academic excellence as she is currently a professor at Regis University teaching nursing students.

She is not only sharing her knowledge and experience with students, but continuing her own education pursuing a Doctorate degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Alisa’s passion is communicating with her patients and treating both their physical and emotional concerns.

As of now, Alisa will see patients on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

She will be delivering babies at Swedish Hospital.

In addition to Obstetrics, Alisa will be providing Gynecologic care and BioTE therapy in our office.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
North American Menopause Society

Mary O’Toole
M.D.
Accepting New Patients
“With an open-minded philosophy towards women`s care.”
Dr. O`Toole feels that the patient should play an active role in making decisions of her own medical care. She is especially noted for her interest in women`s health, including but not limited to infertility, osteoporosis, and menopause, as well as the challenge of obstetrics.
After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, she attended the University of Health Sciences, at Chicago Medical School. She received her medical degree in 1985, and then completed an internship in internal medicine at Los Angeles County University of Southerna California Medical Center and her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Women`s Hospital at Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Following the completion of her residency, Dr. O`Toole moved to Orange County and began her Obstetrics and Gynecology practice. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. O`Toole is a member of the North American Menopause Society.
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Dr. O`Toole had the opportunity to live in different areas all over the United States, as well as the Orient while she was growing up. Dr. O`Toole is now married and has a son and a daughter. She enjoys many activities and sports, including running, swimming, and skiing. She is an avid reader and loves to bake. She looks forward to living in the Orange County area, caring for her patients, for many years.
Sees Patients in Irvine 16105, Laguna Hills, San Clemente

One of four sisters, Dr. Aszterbaum has always cherished the bond between women and she knew at an early age that it was her duty to care for people. It comes as no surprise that her path led her to a career in obstetrics and gynecology which provides her an opportunity to interact with women of all ages and help them through their physical, social and emotional needs. Dr. Aszterbaum chose to join Hoag because of the exceptional care that is provided to patients. She is glad to be able to offer the entire Hoag network of physicians, services and facilities to her patients in order to provide them with the best in health care. According to Dr. Aszterbaum, “I am a resident of Newport Beach and it is a natural fit for me to give back to the community I live in. I have always referred friends and family to Hoag, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Hoag family.” In her practice, Dr. Aszterbaum is committed to giving 100% of herself to her patients. She strives to partner with her patients to provide high-quality health care and enjoys treating women through all stages of life as well as multiple generations of the same family. She engages with her patients on both a personal and professional level to ensure they feel comfortable and well informed during their visits. Practicing for over 30 years, Dr. Aszterbaum has extensive experience with special interests in minimally invasive robotic surgery and treatment of pelvic endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Aszterbaum is the recipient of the 2021 and 2022 Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and completed her residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She has undergone extensive training in many areas of gynecology including robotic surgery and pellet therapy. A wife and mother of three grown children., Dr. Aszterbaum enjoys fitness training, weight training, swimming, running and cycling with her family when she is away from the office.