Meet the Team - Staff

Regina graduated from LAC/USC Medical Center School of Nursing in 1983. Her first nursing job was working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at LAC/USC Medical Center. She then moved on to Riverside County Hospital and Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside California where she continued to work in the NICU for 15 years.  Regina also has experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her life has been dedicated to being a nurse and a mother to two children.

Since 2006, she has been a full time chemotherapy nurse, mixing and administering chemo to a variety of patients with many different types and stages of cancer. She is an ONS Member and earns Continuing Education Credits from various accreditation agencies to update her knowledge regarding chemotherapy and other infusions that are available now and in upcoming medical breakthroughs. She treats her patients with compassion and respect and you will always hear her saying, “My patients come first!”

Dennis graduated cum laude with a BS in Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was trained at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and worked his way up to Laboratory Head of Cedars Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center Institute. Dennis joins Beverly Hills Cancer Center with more than 10 years of laboratory management experience. He has given numerous lectures, seminars and workshops at different state universities. He is an active member of many medical organizations, including CLMA, ASCP and CAP and an active participant in the Oncology Community Outreach program.

Dennis has received numerous awards and recognitions in the field of laboratory medicine. The Beverly Hills Cancer Center laboratory recently received a prestigious award from COLA – the Highest Commendation for Laboratory Excellence in 2008-2009.  We are honored to have Dennis as part of the team at Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

Judy has been in the medical field since 1987 but did not find her niche until April of 1989, when she started working with HIV/AIDS patients. Judy has worked with Dr. Michael Gottlieb, one of the pioneers in the HIV/AIDS field. Judy received her BS in Health Science in 2007 and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance.

A true believer in the happiness and well being of others, Judy's caring and amicable personality is known to make patients laugh and feel comfortable.  She puts her heart and soul into her work, and aims for the utmost, best patient care at all times.

Lida Arutyunyan, Medical Assistant

Lida has been a certified medical assistant for over 20 years.  She has worked in many different fields of medicine, making her very versatile.  Lida gained further experience at Westside Diagnostic Imaging Center where she was a Nuclear Medicine Assistant for 17 years. 

In addition to her expertise in caring for patients, Lida believes in going the extra mile in everything she does, in order to always provide the highest level of care to each and every patient.  A true team player, we are grateful to have Lida on the team at Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

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Denice brings over 30 years’ experience as a radiation therapist. Her career began with 12 years at the University of Chicago Hospital and encompassed all aspects of radiation therapy from treatment delivery to teaching students. She has facilitated workshops, spoken at state and national conferences, held office in related organizations and served on national committees representing radiologic technology and radiation therapists.  In keeping with our philosophy of “State-of-the-Art Medicine – State-of-Mind Healing,” Denice’s experience has proven that the best technology or patient care plan is only as good as the patient’s ability to tolerate it and the staff’s ability to deliver it. She brings compassion to Beverly Hills Cancer Center’s culture of care that allows her to deliver “high-touch with high-tech” radiation therapy, an asset to our team.

Eric G. Frank, PhD, DABR – Radiation Physicist

Eric holds a PhD in Medical Physics, which he received from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1984. He has also received an MS in Radiation Biophysics from Kansas University and a BS in Biology/Chemistry from Florida State University. In addition, Eric is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology. His experience includes founding his own medical physics consulting company, where he is now a managing partner with 15 external therapy sites and 33 sites providing HDR services with two transportable HDR units. Eric and his firm provide all services for radiation oncology, including 3D conformal, IMRT, acceptance testing, commissioning, etc. 

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Min Y. Leu, PhD – Radiation Physicist

Min is a graduate of National Tsing-Hua University in Taiwan, Republic of China, where he received his BS in Nuclear Engineering and his MS in Nuclear Sciences and Health Physics. Min also holds a PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Biomedical Physics and Radiation Therapy. As a radiation physicist, Min is also a member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the Southern California Chapter of AAPM and the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO).  

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Tim Haun, PET/CT Technologist

Timothy has been a radiologic technologist for 24 years and a nuclear medicine technologist for 17 years. He received his training at LAC-USC Medical Center for both modalities, winning academic and clinical achievement awards each year. Tim began his career with LAC-USC, where he assisted physicians with research protocols ranging from pediatric AIDS to myocardial perfusion imaging. Over the years, Tim has used his skills working with pediatric patients at CHOC and oncology patients at the Kenneth Norris Cancer Institute and USC University Hospital. Tim loves working with people and shares the compassion of Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

Sergei Sargsian, MRI Technologist

Biography coming soon. 

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Michael Dishon, Ph.D
Clinical Psychology*

Michael has been a licensed psychologist since 1983. He has treated individuals, couples and families, and he developed extensive expertise in psychological assessment. In addition, he serves as an assistant clinical professor at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and as a clinical supervisor at the Southern California Counseling Center. He recognizes that dealing with disease puts additional demands on people’s coping capacity as well as their family and support system. Consequently, his focus with patients is on strengthening their coping ability in times of stress.

He is available by appointment only. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine*

Heather has over 15 years’ experience as an acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritionist and Reiki master. At her clinic in Los Angeles, she treats a variety of illnesses, specializing in gynecology, mental health/addiction, digestive disorders and pain management. Her patients range from newborns to the elderly, celebrities to college students. Because of her expertise, Heather is a frequently invited guest speaker on television and radio shows, at local colleges and Whole Foods. She has been published and featured in several magazines. Heather’s unique holistic approach to healing encompasses all aspects of her patients’ needs, allowing the best possible results. Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac, is a leading healthcare advisor and acupuncturist who has also worked with many celebrities over the past decade, including Coldplay, Korn, Carmen Electra, Carmit of The Pussy Cat Dolls, Dave Navarro and James Black.

Carolyn Katzin, M.S., CNS
Nutrition Consultant*

Carolyn is a nutritionist with 25 years’ experience. Educated at the University of London and UCLA, Carolyn's expertise includes the emerging field of nutritional genetics, or nutrigenomics. Her graduate degree involved research into this discipline. Carolyn is a lead volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She is a member of the national nutrition, physical activity and cancer control advisory group and a member of the California Division Board. Her work with cancer patients began in 1985 at The Wellness Community in Santa Monica and she remains on their professional advisory board. Her practice now includes a nutritional genetic profile providing optimal dietary advice and expanding her telephone and Internet-based practice. Her book The Cancer Nutrition Center Handbook is available at our facility, and is complimentary for all of our patients. This is an invaluable guide for cancer patients and their families in need of specific nutritional advice.

She is available by appointment . Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

Loretta Miller, Massage Therapist/Masseuse*

Loretta is a certified massage therapist who began at Beverly Hills Cancer Center as a volunteer. After two months of volunteering and sharing her gentle healing touch, she was asked to join our staff. Her soothing voice and healing touch help patients feel energized and balanced, with a better sense of well-being. Loretta is currently taking advanced classes in massage therapy to further her education.

Mitra Kahrizi-Rund, Licensed Clinical Social Worker*

Mitra has been practicing and helping clients for over 16 years. Her passion is working with patients diagnosed with cancer and teaching their families adequate coping skills in addition to specializing in grief counseling. Her additional skills include sensitivity to immigration issues. Mitra also has extensive experience working with patients by providing them with assistance for discharge planning in order for patients to reach their maximum potential in healing. 
Mitra has several community relations such as being a member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Iranian American Psychological Association (IAPA). She's also a field instructor at USC School of social work and an ongoing consultant at several Adult Day Health Care Centers. She is also fluent in Fasi which is a well needed addition here at the Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

She is available by appointment only. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

Tracey Butler, Director of Operations

Tracey began her career in Oncology in the early 1990's and has worked in all aspects of Oncology including Radiation Therapy, Oncology Sales, Process Consulting, and has worked with large independent Insurance contractors to help build Oncologic offerings, all prior to becoming Director of Operations for Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

Tracey is very active on the National and International Oncology and Imaging Societies.  She is Co-Chair of the Reimbursement and Economics Committee and is a member of the Advocacy Committee for the Society of Radiation Oncology Administrators, a member of HealthCare Compliance Association, the American Society for Radiologic Technologists, Association of Cancer Executives, and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, to name a few.  She was awarded Professional of the Year in Radiation Oncology for 2009 from Cambridge Who's Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs.  Her position as Director of Operations allows her to utilize her past experiences in the overall functioning of a Comprehensive Center that is committed to providing compassionate care with the highest level of quality and state of art equipment as well as comforting the mind, body, and soul.

Rebecca Saidfar, Front Office Supervisor

Rebecca received her BS from Towson State University, received her MA from University of Maryland and completed her education with a certificate from Warshaw Institute of Office Management. After completing her studies, she gained over 11 years of experience working in medical office management. Rebecca has a passion for helping others, and as the front-office supervisor for Beverly Hills Cancer Center, she enjoys helping people compassionately through the healing process. Her warm and friendly smile is sure to welcome any patient.

Bethlehem Ande, Medical Receptionist

Beth began working as a medical receptionist six years ago at Tenth Street Pediatrics. She later joined Comprehensive Urology Medical Group at Cedar Sinai, where she was able to work more directly with patients in scheduling as well as checking them in and out. After her studies at Bryman College in Medical Billing, she joined Beverly Hills Cancer Center’s front-office staff. Her helpful personality and sweet smile while assisting patients with scheduling and preauthorizations have been wonderful additions.

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