History
Our Successful History…
Women’s Cancer Research Foundation
Dr. Micha began conducting clinical research trials at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian immediately after opening his private practice in 1985, appreciating the fact that investigative studies would enhance new treatment options, benefit patients’ quality of life and improve upon the cure rates for women with gynecologic cancer. The following year, Dr. Mark A. Rettenmaier joined the medical practice and became intimately involved with studying innovative clinical oncology medications. Dr. John (Jeb) Brown became a partner in the medical practice in 1990, maintaining the strong commitment toward conducting prominent clinical research. The three physicians have collaborated with several of the major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic hospitals and affiliated physicians in an attempt to improve upon the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer. Since 2007, Dr. Lisa Abaid and Dr. Alberto Mendivil have become active clinical research physicians, designing investigative trials encompassing novel surgical techiniques and chemotherapy agents in the treatment of gynecologic cancer. Dr. Jessica Rhee also joined the medical practice to provide specialty care for women with breast cancer.
The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) originated from the Gynecologic Oncology Associates (GOA) Charitable Foundation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to clinical research. Since the GOA Charitable Foundation was restricted to accepting financial assistance from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with whom they were collaborating, many of their research studies became financially burdensome. Consequently, Dr. Micha founded the WCRF, which is a public 501-3 (c) nonprofit foundation; all research is conducted via sponsorship of the WCRF. Henceforth, Dr. Micha has expanded the WCRF with the inclusion of Dr. Bram Goldstein to conduct academic studies, Research Director, Katrina Lopez, who directs and supervises all clinical research trials in conjunction with Senior Research Coordinator, Marie Wabe, and Carlina Thomas, who serves as the WCRF Executive Director.
Currently, the efforts of the WCRF are primarily funded through clinical research trials, corporate sponsorship and private donors. The WCRF has developed into a comprehensive research facility, or as Dr. Micha says, “a one-stop shop,” which provides uncompromising continuity of care and superior treatment for all of their patients afflicted with gynecologic and breast cancer.
Dr. Micha May 2011