Our Staff
Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Afshin Bahador is a board-certified gynecologist and gynecologic oncologist who has been practicing in San Diego since 2004. Dr. Bahador received his Bachelors at the University of California, Irvine. He was then awarded a research fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, where he conducted cancer research leading to several publications. Subsequently, he completed his medical training at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, followed by residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and fellowship training in gynecologic oncology, at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. He has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his medical training in teaching, surgical excellence, and academic achievements. He was Section Head, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, at the City of Hope Cancer Center in 2003-2004. Subsequently, he moved to San Diego where he has been in private practice since.
As a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Bahador specializes in treating gynecologic cancers such as ovarian cancer, uterine/endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers, and management of hereditary cancer syndromes. He has expertise in cancer molecular profiling and personalized oncology. Dr. Bahador is recognized both locally and nationally as a leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and has performed more than 3000 robotics procedures. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including San Diego Magazine’s annual Top Doctor Award where his colleagues have voted him as one of the Top Doctors in San Diego for the last 15 consecutive years, a distinction that only a few doctors in San Diego have achieved.
As a diplomat of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, Dr. Bahador strongly believes in a patient centered approach that is inclusive of conventional medicine with strong emphasis on holistic and complementary philosophy.
What inspired you to become a physician:
“When I started college, I was interested in pursuing a career in the Computer Sciences. During my first year, I decided to do volunteer work at a local free clinic in Laguna Beach, CA. I started out as a front desk volunteer, then worked my way up to more complex responsibilities. By my sophomore year, I was a phlebotomist for the HIV clinic, ran the pharmacy, microbiology lab, trained other volunteers and organized community fund raising events. This volunteer experience changed my life! I had found my niche! The experience was amazingly gratifying and played a tremendous role in learning who I am. I continued volunteering during my medical training at free clinics in low-income communities of Los Angeles, where my patients taught me how to speak Spanish. I truly believe that I received the best medical and surgical training possible at the LA County Medical Center. The experience of serving the underserved communities shaped who I am today as a physician caring for cancer patients.”
Who are some individuals who have influenced you in your life.
“I am proud of my culturally diverse heritage. My parents instilled in me life’s most essential values. As a parent, I preach the same values to my children. I am grateful for my family, my friends, my colleagues, and my supportive staff who help me be a better doctor. I am grateful to my patients who, over the years, have taught me humility and how to be a better listener. I feel honored that they entrust me with their lives. I am inspired by the level of commitment that their spouses and families demonstrate throughout their cancer journey.”
What is your philosophy in treating your patients:
“We offer our patients the most advanced and up to date treatment options available, based on the current literature and guidelines. More importantly, we utilize the latest evidence to formulate a personalized treatment plan for each individual patient. Medicine, especially oncology, should be practiced as an art and not based on a cookbook approach. Our patients deserve to hear about all options and use our guidance to make individualized treatment decisions. I often say to my patients that “you are the captain of this ship, and we help navigate your journey”.
That being said, I also put strong emphasis on holistic and integrative medicine. I have dedicated years of education and training through the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and use the knowledge I have gained to teach my patients to become healthier all around. It is impossible to treat cancer with conventional therapies alone. I call it “Bahador’s 4-pillars of well-being: Nutrition, exercise, stress management and emotional well-being, and avoidance of environmental toxins.” Optimizing each pillar helps to build a stronger foundation of health. There’s not a more important time in one’s life to focus on these elements than when one is battling cancer or any other chronic illnesses. I regularly use the following analogy to drive this message home. One needs to think of oneself as a beautiful vibrant tree. If this tree starts showing signs of poor health through a dry branch or dying leaves, it is easy to cut the dry branch or pluck the dry leaves to temporary restore the tree’s beauty. However, chances are the tree will show manifestation of poor health again very soon. The tree needs to be nurtured at its roots to restore its health and beauty long term.”
What is the most important factor in a healthcare provider-patient relationship?
“There are so many important factors and it’s likely that every healthcare professional will choose a different answer. I feel that a healthcare provider needs to LISTEN to their patient. Much like I have learned to be a better husband and a better parent over the years, I’ve also learned to be a better listener as a doctor when interacting with my patients. It has been and it will continue to be a work in progress. However, I feel that this important factor has allowed me to become a better doctor over the years.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of work:
“I really enjoy going on hikes with my family and our dog. I love camping and fishing. I really enjoy playing basketball and running. And I make it a point to play music in the operating room to bring positive energy.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Natsai Nyakudarika is a gynecologic oncologist committed to providing exemplary patient care through evidence-based medicine and individualized treatment plans that empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their health. Dr. Nyakudarika specializes in complex pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and comprehensive care for ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. In addition to minimally invasive surgery - conventional and robotic laparoscopic surgery, and sentinel lymph node biopsies - she is skilled at radical cytoreductive surgeries. Dr. Nyakudarika also frequently consults on hereditary cancer syndromes, pre-cancerous conditions and complex benign gynecologic matters, including fibroids and endometriosis.
Dr. Nyakudarika received her Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and completed her medical training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She received her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of California, San Francisco, where she received multiple teaching awards. Dr. Nyakudarika subsequently completed her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Olive View Medical Center, where her research focused on identifying genomic and molecular markers that are predictive of aggressive cancer behavior and assessment of social needs that are associated with poor outcomes in patients with gynecologic cancers. She has presented her research at numerous meetings and conferences, including annual meetings of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the Western Association of Gynecologic Oncologists. Dr. Nyakudarika’s research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including Cancer and Molecular Biology.
Excellence in patient care is the central tenet of Dr. Nyakudarika’s practice, and she approaches challenging diagnoses and treatment plans with thoughtfulness, empathy, and respect for the unique needs of each patient and their loved ones. She honors the trust that patients have placed in her through education and guidance to empower them to make informed decisions that address their individual goals and values. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her husband (who is an avid sailor and surfer) and her dog, riding her Peloton, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.
BOARD CERTIFICATION
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) – Obstetrics and Gynecology Active Candidate
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) – Gynecologic Oncology Active Candidate
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- Princeton University. A.B. Molecular Biology, 2008
MEDICAL EDUCATION
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. M.D., 2014
INTERNSHIPS
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2015
RESIDENCIES
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018
FELLOWSHIPS
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)/Olive View Medical Center (OVMC). Gynecologic Oncology, 2021
Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Chang is a board-certified gynecologist and gyn oncologist who has been practicing in California for several years. She specializes in complex pelvic surgery and in providing comprehensive care in uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers, and other complex gynecologic conditions. She is an experienced surgeon in radical cytoreductive surgeries as well as in minimally invasive procedures, specializing in both robotic and laparoscopic approaches. Dr. Chang prides herself in providing complete and patient centered care. She is known for being a compassionate and empathetic provider and works with her patients to develop a specific treatment plan together. She is committed to providing the best care for her patients, keeping up to date on the latest research and therapeutics available for treating gynecologic cancers.
Dr. Chang received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Duke University. She received her medical degree from the University of Virginia. She completed her internship and residency in Obstetrics in Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her fellowship was completed at both the University of California Los Angeles and at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She has won several awards for her research throughout her career, including the Foundation for Women’s Cancer 2019 Ovarinnovate: Ovarcome Research Excellence Award.
Dr. Chang worked in a private practice setting in Walnut Creek, CA, for several years. She decided to move to San Diego to be closer to family and enjoy the best weather in the world!
Outside of work Dr. Chang enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cheering for Duke Basketball, and traveling to new places
Born and raised in San Diego, Nicole has always focused on healthy living, outdoor activities and focusing on the importance of family. Her Father immigrated from Zacatecas, MX and instilled a keen sense of tenacity, respect, and optimism that she focuses daily. She completed my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD). She served as president of the pre-physician assistant club while at UCSD and graduated cum laude. As a research and medicine focused University, she knows that UCSD inspired her to become a lifelong learner and challenge seeker. Nicole completed her extensive pre-physician assistant clinical hours in physical therapy where she learned the fundamentals of physiology/anatomy, and importance of both nutrition and mental well-being in the recovery process. Nicole completed her master’s in physician assistant studies on the east coast at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Nicole graduated cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Eta Honors Society. She participated in NYIT’s Leukemia and Lymphoma philanthropic events in community education and advocacy.
She started her career in aesthetic dermatology and gained a wide array of hands-on procedural focused skills. Nicole was also a clinic director of an outpatient clinic dedicated to overall patient wellness, nutrition, and fertility support. She enjoyed her previous positions and teams she participated in but was overjoyed when given the opportunity to work in a field honoring her true goal since graduating PA school. Since an early age, Nicole has wanted to practice in the field of women’s health. Having family members affected by gynecologic oncology has driven her to learn more about how she can make an impact in their honor. She understands how daunting a cancer diagnosis can be on both the patient and their family and understands the importance of how an astute and empathetic provider can impact the healing process during that uncertain time. She is eager to support, motivate and care for her patients at South Coast Gynecologic Oncology in San Diego.
In her spare time, she enjoys participating in yoga sculpt classes, hiking with her dog Zoe, listening to various podcasts, and cooking healthy meals.
Growing up in a family full of nurses, Phoebe has always known she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. She was born in the Philippines, and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was just 4 years old. At a young age, her parent’s instilled the importance of hard work and dedication, which she has always incorporated into her academic pursuits. Now as a Nurse Practitioner, these qualities have become the core of her practice; as well as providing compassionate, holistic, patient-centered care. She attended undergraduate school at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing. While in school, she spearheaded the re-establishment of the Student Nurses Association and served as the Treasurer of the committee. She was also inducted into the Nursing Honors Society, presented with the staff recognition award, and graduated as summa cum laude. She started her nursing career at NYU Langone Health, where she worked in a variety of units from the emergency department to the operating room, which aided in cultivating her knowledge/skill set associated with surgical procedures, critical thinking, and collaborative patient care. As an operating room nurse, she was introduced to gynecological oncology, and quickly took an avid interest. In fact, she became a preceptor to help educate new staff members about this particular surgical specialty. This time allowed her to become familiarized with the different types of surgical treatments related to Gynecologic oncology. Going into her 5th year as an operating room nurse, Phoebe decided to advance her nursing degree, as well as move across the country from the New Jersey/New York area to San Diego, California. During this time, she became a travel nurse and landed a travel nurse position at Sharp Healthcare, while finishing up her Master’s Degree. She enjoyed her time at Sharp, so after 6 months of travel nursing she took a permanent position at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns as an operating room nurse. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Nursing at Walden University, and earned her certification as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, AGNP-C. Her clinical rotations with Gynecology in graduate school coupled with the exposure she gained from working in a Women’s Surgery unit, heightened her interest in women’s health even more. It’s safe to say that working with this patient population for most of her career, women’s health has always had a special place in her heart. She looks forward to advocating and supporting her patients at South Coast Gynecologic Oncology as they go through their treatment journey.
On her days off, she values spending time with her son and husband. Pickle ball, tennis, traveling, and exploring new places are her favorite activities.
Lauren completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, earning a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, with a minor in Psychology. After graduation, she worked as a medical assistant in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She went on to earn a Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies from Chapman University in Irvine, CA. During this time, she was inspired by the strength and resilience of her patients, which further fueled her dedication to pursuing a career in gynecologic oncology.
Born and raised in San Diego, Lauren was eager to return home after completing her studies. Her commitment to gynecologic health and cancer care led her to join South Coast Gynecologic Oncology, where she serves as a compassionate and trusted point of contact for patients. In her role, Lauren is committed to providing supportive, empathetic care to patients as they navigate their healthcare journeys, always striving to make a positive impact.
Outside of work, Lauren loves spending time with family and friends. From hiking and snowboarding to scuba diving, she loves any opportunity to connect with nature. She loves trying new local restaurants, exploring the city, and making the most of all that San Diego has to offer.
