A World-Renowned
Team of Fertility Doctors

One of the most accomplished physicians in his field, Dr. Sahakian has performed over 10,000 IVF procedures and is responsible for the birth of over 7,000 babies all over the world. Along with his colleagues, he pioneered the most revolutionary financial program in modern medicine.

Because of PFCLA’s consistently higher success rates, the clinic was willing to assume financial risk in treating intended parents with infertility. This program has forever changed the way reproductive medicine is practiced.

Meet Dr. Vicken Sahakian

Expertise

Dr. Sahakian’s central focus is treating same-sex partners and anyone with social infertility. One of his proudest accomplishments is that he has helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples achieve their dreams of having a family. The doctor also specializes in treating patients with advanced maternal age, including postmenopausal women seeking infertility treatment through egg donation. He is responsible for one of the oldest women on record giving birth at the age of 67.

Board Certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Dr. Sahakian taught at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UCLA Hospitals for over 10 years.

Languages

Dr. Sahakian is fluent in Arabic, Armenian, English, and French. 

Education and Experience

After receiving his Bachelors’ Degree in Biology with distinction from the American University of Beirut, Dr. Sahakian received his medical degree with honors from the same institution in 1987. He completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the largest University-owned hospital in the nation.

Following his residency, Dr. Sahakian completed his fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill. During his tenure there, he did extensive research in Endometriosis and was trained in all facets of Advanced Reproductive Techniques, including IVF and Third-party Parenting (egg donation and surrogacy). In 1993, he joined PFCLA. He has been the Medical Director since 1998.

Notable Affiliations/Achievements

Dr. Sahakian is a member of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

At his practice locations in Westwood and Glendale, Dr. Vicken Sepilian serves the greater Los Angeles area as an Infertility Specialist and Reproductive Endocrinologist.

Meet Dr. Vicken Sepilian

Expertise

Double board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Infertility & Reproductive Endocrinology, Dr. Sepilian specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving infertility and hormonal imbalances of the reproductive system. Because there are many factors that can affect a couple’s ability to conceive and carry a child to term, the doctor works with both men and women to uncover potential problems with their reproductive system that may hamper their ability to produce a child.

Education and Experience

Dr. Sepilian received his undergraduate diploma from Loyola Marymount University and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He performed his residency at Drexel University College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology before moving on to University of Texas Medical Branch Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, where he received his Fellowship.

As a regular guest on television and a leading healthcare consultant for the Armenian Executive Government, Dr. Sepilian works tirelessly to educate his patients on infertility issues. He remains accessible to his patients, answering their questions and working to diagnose and treat any reproductive or fertility issues that may be present. He uses all of the tools at his disposal to provide his patients with the highest quality of care possible.

Notable Affiliations/Achievements

Dr. Sepilian serves as a member of several medical societies and fellowships, including The American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, The Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and The Armenian American Medical Society. He is an active member of the community with a wide variety of volunteer experience, including co-founding the Glendale Health Festival to provide healthcare to those who are uninsured and underinsured.

Interests

In addition to his work and his commitment to public health, Dr. Sepilian loves world travel, photography, spending time with family, and participating in marathons and triathlons.

Dr. Ingrid Rodi is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A Clinical Professor (Voluntary) of OBGYN at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , she continues to be involved with clinical research.

Meet Dr. Ingrid Rodi

Expertise

Dr. Rodi has more than 30 years of experience caring for women and couples who want to realize their dream of being parents. She is an expert in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Reproductive Surgery and Reproductive Endocrinology. She is also certified by the Accreditation Council of Gynecologic Endoscopy for both laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery.

Languages

In addition to English, Dr. Rodi is fluent in German and Portuguese. 

Education and Experience

Dr. Rodi is a graduate of College and the Medical School of Brown University. She completed her Internship, Residency in OBGYN, and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance California. She actively pursues continuing medical education and training, in order to remain at the forefront of the subspecialty.

Dr. Rodi was in private practice for many years in Santa Monica, CA. For the last 5 years, she was full-time clinical faculty at UCLA. She is the former director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Century City Hospital. From 1985 to 2013 she was in private practice in Santa Monica, California.

Specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Dr. Rodi is the Past President of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society and has served on its board for more than ten years. She is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Society for Reproductive Surgeons, The Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Notable Affiliations/Achievements

Dr. Rodi has been chosen for Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors since the late 1990s. She received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the 1998 OBGYN Chief Residents, UCLA. In 2003, Dr. Rodi was awarded for Distinguished Service by the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society. In 2008, she was honored at Brown University after delivering The Charles O. Cooke, MD, Distinguished Visiting Lecture.

Interests

In addition to English, Dr. Rodi is fluent in Portuguese, German, and Spanish. She cares for patients from all over the world who seek her out for her expertise and individualized care. She does volunteer work for the Rape Treatment Center at the Santa Monica-UCLA and the Venice Family Clinic.

Dr. DeUgarte serves the greater Los Angeles area and throughout the United States, as well as international patients. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. DeUgarte speaks English, Spanish, French, and Romanian.

Meet Dr. DeUgarte

Expertise

Catherine DeUgarte, MD is a highly recognized and experienced specialist in the treatment of infertility with more than 18 years of experience and thousands of healthy babies born.

Education and Experience

She completed her combined BA/MD program at the Boston University School of Medicine and graduated as a physician in 1998. She then traveled to the West Coast where she completed an OBGYN residency at UCLA and a combined fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCLA/Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles in 2005. She then joined the Henry Ford Medical Group in Detroit and held a position as a senior staff physician in the REI division. In 2007 she returned to Los Angeles where she worked as an assistant Medical Director at PFCLA.

From 2015-2022, Dr. DeUgarte had her own practice, CMD Fertility, offering a personalized and caring approach to patients and infertility. She along with her team brings that experience and care back as a physician at PFCLA.

Notable Affiliations/Achievements

Dr. DeUgarte is a member of several prestigious organizations in the field, including:

• American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• American Society of Reproductive Medicine
• Pacific Coast Reproductive Society

The successes of Dr. DeUgarte’s treatments have helped her attain a position as a volunteer clinical professor at UCLA where she teaches residents and fellows at the UCLA/Olive View Medical Center – Infertility Clinic.

She has published multiple articles in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and she has received a number of awards for her contributions in the field of infertility and sexual dysfunction.

During her UCLA fellowship her thesis on Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis earned her the Prize Oral Presentation at the 2005 PCRS Conference as well as multiple presentations at national and international meetings.  In June 2015, she received the Service Award from Fertile Action for her selfless service to oncofertility patients.

An expert in her field, Dr. Evans has received numerous awards such as Pasadena Top Doctor, Los Angeles Times Best Docs in Southern California, and Top Doc Los Angeles. She has discussed reproductive health issues on the Discovery Health Channel and NPR, and lectures on preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening at UCLA. She has also published numerous articles on women’s health topics.

Meet Dr. Michele Evans

Expertise

Board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dr. Evans specializes in in vitro fertilization (IVF), recurrent pregnancy loss, LGBTQ+ family planning, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), oocyte donation and cryopreservation, advanced reproductive technologies for advanced maternal age, Preimplantation Genetic testing (PGT), surrogacy and primary ovarian insufficiency.

Education and Experience

Dr. Evans received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA). She completed Medical School and a Residency Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loma Linda University. Upon graduation, she received many honors, including the Humanitarian Award, Women in Medicine Award, Resident Teaching Award, and Top Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology Award.

Following her training, Dr. Evans worked as a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Loma Linda University, and in a private practice in Washington state. After two years in private practice, she entered a Fellowship Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Upon completion of her Fellowship, Dr. Evans worked for seven years as a Reproductive Specialist at the Huntington Reproductive Center (HRC) in Pasadena before joining PFCLA in 2011.

Notable Affiliations/Achievements

Dr. Evans is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

An acclaimed academic, seasoned clinical professional, and avid adventurer, Dr. Gerard Celia is the Executive Lab Director at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles. With over two decades of expertise in molecular physiology and reproductive science, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.

Expertise

Dr. Celia is recognized by the American Association of Bioanalysts as a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD), Clinical Consultant (CC), and Technical Supervisor. His work involves the intersection of patient care, laboratory management, and academic research, and he is deeply committed to advancing reproductive health science.

Education

Dr. Celia earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, after which he pursued a PhD in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics from the College of Medicine, University of Vermont. His gratuate research focused on implantation and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. He further honed his skills as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Ob/Gyn at the same institution. In 2023, Dr. Celia augmented his repertoire by obtaining an MBA from the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary.

Honors and Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Celia's work has been awarded by prestigious institutions, including the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, the New England Perinatal Society, the University of Vermont, and the American Physiological Society. He has also served as the President of the College of Reproductive biology, The President of the Society of reproductive Biologists and Technologists, and on the board of the American Society for Reprodutive Medicine.

Publications

Dr. Celia's significant contributions to scientific literature have been acknowledged by numerous top-tier scientific journals. His work has been published extensively, enhancing the field of reproductive health science.

Teaching Experience

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Celia has taught at various esteemed institutions including George Washington University, The University of Virginia, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Brown University, serving as an Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and mentor to physicians pursuing a fellowship Reproductive Endocrinology. His goal is to inspire the next generation of health professionals.

Personal Interests

Outside of the lab and classroom, Dr. Celia is an outdoor enthusiast and adventurer, enjoying a variety of activities such as equestrian pursuits including dressage, jumping, and polo, snowboarding, motorcycling (particularly Harley Davidsons), hiking, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. He also has a passion for travel, adding a unique perspective to his worldview and professional outlook.

Affiliations

Dr. Celia holds board certifications as a Clinical Consultant, High Complexity Laboratory Director, and Technical Supervisor from the American Association of Bioanalysts. At Pacific Fertility Center, Dr. Celia brings his passion for reproductive health, strategic managerial skills, and a dedication to patient care, ensuring that individuals and couples are afforded the best chances of starting a family.