Southern California Reproductive Center

For over 20 years, the Southern California Reproductive Center has been helping people pursue and attain their dream of parenthood. Their physicians are among the most experienced in their field, having been instrumental in the development and ongoing evolution of in vitro fertilization and advanced surgical techniques. They have achieved among the highest fertility success rates in the country, making possible the birth of nearly 5000 babies to couples who thought they would never experience the joy of having a family.

Each of their comprehensive reproductive centers offers cutting edge surgical & laboratory techniques, from their state- of-the-art surgery center to their in-house pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) facility. To date, their laboratory director has trained scores of embryologists to perform PGD and embryo fixation, enabling other centers to benefit from this promising new technique. Because of their extensive experience with the fertility treatment, they recognize that each journey is unique. With compassion, understanding, and excellent medical care, they can help you realize your goal. Your medical and emotional needs are integral components of your treatment, and therefore, their first commitment is to you, your well-being, and to your goal of parenthood. To find out more please call (866) 569-9690

Mark W. Surrey, MD, FACOG, FACS

Co-founder and Medical Director of the Southern California Reproductive Center, Dr. Mark Surrey is a leader in the field of fertility and reproductive medicine, including reproductive surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dr. Surrey, a reproductive endocrinologist, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. He serves as Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Dr. Surrey is past president of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), the largest association of minimally invasive gynecologists in the United States, and the leading organization of its kind worldwide. He is also past president of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, the premier society of IVF specialists in the western United States.

Dr. Surrey is a prolific researcher, authoring numerous publications for leading peer-reviewed journals including Fertility and Sterility and the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.

As a fertility expert, Dr. Surrey is committed to supporting each patient’s ability to have a successful pregnancy and the healthiest baby possible. Voted one of the “Top 100 Health Professionals” and listed in “Best Doctors in America,” Dr. Surrey’s ability to help people achieve their fertility goals has made him a physician of choice for patients from all over the world for more than 25 years. This has led him to pursue rigorous training in pelvic reconstructive surgery, microsurgery and laparoscopic surgery, IVF and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Used in IVF procedures, PGD allows embryos to be screened for single gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and Tay-Sachs disease. Many more human diseases are caused by defects in a single gene. PGD can help avoid miscarriage and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Dr. Surrey is also pursuing research that can improve embryo implantation, reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies and advance the success of embryo transfer.

Dr. Surrey earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his M.D. from George Washington University. Following an internship and residency at UCLA Medical Center, he completed a research Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and an Infertility Fellowship at the University of London, Hammersmith Hospital. He trained in preimplantation genetic diagnosis at the University of London and Monash University, Melbourne.

Hal C. Danzer, MD

Co-founder and partner of the Southern California Reproductive Center, Dr. Hal Danzer is an expert in reproductive medicine, including reproductive endocrinology, women’s health and fertility issues. As one of the most respected specialists in the Los Angeles area, over the years Dr. Danzer has helped countless patients fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.

Dr. Danzer, a reproductive endocrinologist, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and serves on the faculty of the UCLA Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship Program. He is also Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Among his hospital appointments, Dr. Danzer served as Reproductive Endocrinologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, as well as Attending Physician in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Danzer has been a longtime expert on women’s health issues. He has co-authored books on Natural Family Planning and Premenstrual Syndrome. He has also authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Fertility and Sterility and the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

As a fertility researcher, Dr. Danzer is interested in strategies that enhance a patient’s chances of having a successful pregnancy, reduce the potential for miscarriages, lower the risk of genetic disorders and avoid the complications associated with multiple births. He believes that for most in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients under 35 years old, single embryo transfers are optimal, and that these can best be achieved by pairing expert skills with advanced technologies.

Dr. Danzer was named on of the Top 10 Fertility Specialists in the country by Parent Magazine. He has served as an expert on television and for legel proceedings, as well as a consultant for the Department of Consumer Affairs regarding women's health and reproductive endocrinology.

People dealing with fertility and its challenges are sometimes given several medical options to consider. Dr. Danzer helps his patients become familiar with different modes of treatment, including how to transition from a strategy they may have already pursued to another with a greater likelihood of success. He also finds that alternative therapies such as acupuncture can have positive results in some patients.

Reducing stress improves pregnancy rates, and Dr. Danzer finds that the personalized continuity of care approach at the Southern California Reproductive Center helps to reduce anxiety and create a sense of confidence that his patients appreciate.

Dr. Danzer earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of San Francisco and his medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Following his internship at the University of Southern California Medical Center, he pursued his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he earned a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology.

Wendy. Y. Chang, MD, FACOG

Dr. Wendy Chang is a skilled and experienced specialist in reproductive endocrinology, with a special focus on the hormonal basis of women’s infertility. Fluent in English, Mandarin and French, with proficiency in medical Spanish, she brings a wealth of research and clinical expertise to benefit each patient she treats.

A board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Chang serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Chang has a considerable scientific background, both in the laboratory and the clinic. She has given many oral presentations and invited talks about her clinical research on polycystic ovary syndrome and in vitro fertilization. Dr. Chang has presented her investigations at meetings of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Endocrine Society and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, among others. She has published many scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Fertility and Sterility and Human Fertility, as well as clinical publications such as Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause. Dr. Chang is also author of “Evaluation and Treatment of the Infertile Couple” in the reference Textbook of Reproductive Medicine, published by Appleton & Lange.

Dr. Chang received her bachelor’s in biology from UCLA, her master’s in biology from California State University, Fullerton, and her medical degree from the University of California, Davis. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School and affiliated training programs at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital, Boston. She also completed a three-year Clinical Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. She is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Outstanding Resident Surgeon Award from the American Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Chang has been recognized by her fellow physicians as a Southern California “Super Doctor.”

Dr. Chang is a strong believer in education for herself and her patients. With new scientific findings announced constantly in reproductive medicine, she values staying abreast of developments in reproductive endocrinology, in vitro fertilization and other pertinent topics. Keeping current ensures that her diagnoses are scientifically accurate, and that she can always provide the most effective treatment options available. For her patients, she finds that being educated about the issues increases their understanding and level of confidence, so that they can enjoy the greatest possible benefit from their treatment.

Dr. Shahin Ghadir, MD

Dr. Ghadir is dedicated to helping patients overcome their reproductive challenges and infertility issues to achieve their goal of having children. Dr. Ghadir’s fluency in English, Spanish and Farsi, combined with a lifetime of interactions with the diverse communities of Los Angeles, give him a unique cultural sensitivity that puts his patients at ease.

Dr. Ghadir, a reproductive endocrinologist, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. He is currently Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

A popular and well-liked fertility specialist, Dr. Ghadir was featured in a Los Angeles Times article entitled, “Doctors Who Still Answer Your Calls.” In fact, Dr. Ghadir makes every effort to return all calls that same day, to keep in touch with his patients and answer their concerns.

Among his medical interests, Dr. Ghadir is particularly committed to helping patients who want to retain their future fertility options when preparing for medical treatments that can affect reproduction, such as chemotherapy. He is a volunteer speaker with Fertile Hope, a national, nonprofit organization (now part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation) providing education, support and hope for cancer patients whose medical care raises risks of infertility. He also serves as a speaker for the Healthy Family Community Awareness Lecture Program and Extend Fertility, a woman-run company that provides egg freezing services.

Dr. Ghadir has conducted considerable original research on women’s health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), intramural fibroids in fertility, intra-uterine adhesions, responses to hormonal therapy, and pregnancy and sexual frequency, He frequently lectures on topics of interest in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, including PCOS, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility cryopreservation (egg and embryo freezing).

Dr. Ghadir has given numerous professional presentations and published research papers in peer-reviewed journals including Fertility and Sterility and The New England Journal of Medicine, as well as clinical journals such as Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause. He is a contributing author of the Infertility section of the new McGraw-Hill reference, Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis and Treatment.

Dr. Ghadir is familiar to ABC News and BBC News television viewers as an expert speaking on such topics as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, egg freezing and embryo transfer. Spanish-language viewers will recognize him from appearances on Telemundo and Univision Nightly News. He has also been quoted in print media including the Los Angeles Times and the Antelope Valley Press. Additionally, Dr. Ghadir also served as a consultant for the infertility section of the bestselling pregnancy guide, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”

Dr. Ghadir earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude in psychology from UCLA, and his medical degree from the Central University School of Medicine, where he graduated summa cum laude and was ranked first in his class. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles, as well as a three-year subspecialty Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the combined UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center program. He has received many academic awards and honors over the years, including a distinguished residency teaching award and community services recognition award.

Dr. Ghadir understands that many of his patients, such as members of the lesbian and gay community, have special concerns about becoming parents. He believes that SCRC, with its considerable access to fertility resources and affiliations with donor centers and surrogacy services, offers his patients the best chances of success.

Carrie Wambach, MD, FACOG

Dr. Carrie Wambach is the most recent Reproductive Endocrinologist to join Southern California Reproductive Center. A native of Chicago, she has made Los Angeles her home since 2000.

With a research background in immunology of pregnancy, Dr. Wambach has given numerous professional presentations, and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals including Fertility and Sterility. She has co-authored two book chapters on menstrual disorders and premature ovarian failure. Her clinical interests also extend to recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation and oncofertility.

Her poster presentation was in the top ten at the annual American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference in 2011.

Dr. Wambach is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Wambach earned her bachelor degree at the University of Michigan, and her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine. She completed her residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as a fellowship at UCLA, which included time at Southern California Reproductive Center.

Types of Infertility Treatments Offered at SCRC’s Los Angeles Area Locations:

- Non-Surgical Fertility Treatments

- Surgical Infertility Treatments

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) comprise perhaps the most advanced set of infertility treatments available in the fertility specialist’s toolkit. These sophisticated techniques, performed in SCRC’s Los Angeles fertility clinic and IVF laboratory, have made pregnancy a reality for thousands of couples who thought they could never conceive. Some of the ART procedures available at SCRC include:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Embryo Transfer (ET)
• Blastocyst Transfer
• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
• Sperm Retrieval
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
• Donor Sperm Program
• Egg Donation Program
• Semen & Embryo Cryopreservation
• Assisted Hatching (AH)

Other Infertility Treatments:

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) Treatment
• Infertility Acupuncture
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)