In most cases women with breast cancer will have some sort of surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment. There are several breast cancer surgeries that our breast cancer surgeons specialize in, which include lymph node biopsy, lumpectomy, breast conserving surgery, mastectomy, breast reconstruction during mastectomy and breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Bedford Breast Center’s breast cancer surgeons are among the top surgeons in the field today, and we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area, every day.
Leslie F. Memsic, MD, FACS | Breast Cancer Surgeon
Dr. Memsic brings over 33 years of medical experience to her demanding surgical practice in the Los Angeles area. Breast cancer patients seeking treatment at the Bedford Breast Center uniformly praise her compassion and understanding as well as her miraculous surgical skill.
She has been recognized by her peers with multiple awards including Vitals “Most Compassionate Doctor” (received 5 years in a row), “Top Oncologist”, and “Patient’s Choice”; Castle and Connolly named her as one of “America’s Top 10 Doctors”, a prestigious honor, awarded to less than 3 percent of physicians nationally.
Heather Halpin Richardson, MD, FACS | Breast Cancer Surgeon
Dr. Heather Richardson has been caring for patients with breast disease since 2004.
“I can’t think of a better job. Very few people have an opportunity to use their hearts, hands, eyes, and ears every day with the goal of giving more time to mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives.”
She specializes in nipple-sparing mastectomies, breast-conserving therapy, and devised the Goldilocks Mastectomy technique with her previous plastic surgery colleague, Dr. Grace Ma.
Lisa B. Cassileth, MD, FACS | Breast Cancer Surgeon
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Cassileth divides her time between her private plastic and reconstructive surgery practice in Beverly Hills, and her duties as Clinical Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her signature Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction method is quickly becoming the standard of care for breast cancer patients throughout the country. She also mentors and trains surgical residents in the breakthrough breast reconstruction methods she herself has pioneered making her one of the best breast cancer surgeons Los Angeles has.
Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS | Breast Cancer Surgeon
Kelly Killeen is double board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery; she is known for stellar patient care and excellent results with a commitment to detail, and to putting her patients’ needs above all else. Dr. Killeen received her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California, and completed her residency in plastic surgery at the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed her residency in general surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles under the direction of Dr. Lisa Cassileth, where she was recognized for her outstanding academic achievement in surgery, leadership, and clinical performance.
Caroline Moss, MD | Board-Certified American College of Radiology
Dr. Caroline Moss is an expert physician who has experience and training from centers across the United States. She specializes in breast and women’s radiology. She has been practicing breast imaging since 1991 and specializes in mammography, ultrasonography and both ultrasound-guided and stereotactic biopsies. Dr. Moss is also trained in 3D Breast Tomosynthesis, the newest breast imaging technology. She especially enjoys the patient contact at Bedford Breast Center, since many areas of radiology don’t offer patient interaction. Prior to coming to Bedford Breast Center, she worked in offices that cared for women in underserved populations and still does so a few times a week. She is excited to be part of our expanding breast center and we are happy to have her as a member of the Bedford Breast Center where she counsels patients on mammogram and ultrasound findings as well as helps provide pinpoint accuracy to allow for cancer removal and diagnosis.
Dr. Moss is a native Californian. She trained in radiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and UCLA. She completed her CT/US/MRI fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles and also has special training in nuclear medicine.
Alyssa Watanabe, MD, FACR | Radiologist
Dr. Alyssa Watanabe holds a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and continued her training at UCLA, where she completed her residency in diagnostic radiology, and fellowships at the University of Washington and University of Southern California. Dr. Watanabe is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and she is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology. The recipient of numerous honors and awards, her work has been recognized by the Society of Breast Imaging, which awarded her with “Best Scientific Abstract” in 2020.
Combining her passion for breast imaging with a special interest in artificial intelligence research, Dr. Watanabe acts as Chief Medical Officer of CureMetrix – an AI software company focused on further advancing breast cancer screening capabilities. Additionally, she serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Radiology at USC and is an Executive Committee Member for the California Radiological Society.
Dora Afrahim, PA-C | Physician Associate
Dora Afrahim is a certified physician associate and breast specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies from the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine—consistently ranked as one of the top 10 PA programs in the country. Having trained extensively under Dr. Heather Richardson, Dora provides high-level, expert care specializing exclusively in breast health. She is fluent in Farsi and conversant in medical Spanish.
As a PA, Dora is uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive medical care under a physician. During your appointment with Dora, she will discuss your medical and family history, symptoms, and concerns, perform a breast exam and ultrasound, review your results, and determine if a follow-up visit is needed. If your results are irregular, the Bedford Breast Center team may schedule an appointment for you with Dr. Richardson or Dr. Memsic.
“Cancer is such a common disease, and we likely all know someone impacted by it. I got into medicine because I find it incredibly rewarding to take care of people during their most vulnerable time. I have the distinct ability to connect with patients on a personal level and enjoy being by their side on the path to recovery.”
Dora enjoys staying active through cycling, reformer Pilates, and Orange Theory. As an avid cook, she loves discovering seasonal ingredients at her local farmer’s market. Dora values the importance of patients’ overall well-being and promoting a healthy mind, body, and soul. Before joining Bedford Breast Center, she volunteered at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
Anna Darin, PA-C | Physician Associate
Anna Darin graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in biology and a minor in microbiology. She then attended the PA Program at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine where she graduated with honors and was recognized for significant academic achievement, leadership, research, and community/professional service. During her time at USC, she assisted in developing and running a new student-run medical clinic. She has conducted microbiology research that is published in the American Society for Microbiology Journal. Anna has held committee positions within the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) and volunteered extensively with Healing Hearts Across Borders (HHAB). She brings a wide breadth of knowledge gained from her prior experience in emergency medicine and general surgery. She has undergone extensive training with Dr. Heather Richardson to become a breast specialist that practices the highest level of patient care.
Anna is a dedicated and compassionate medical provider. As a PA, she will take your medical history, perform a breast exam and ultrasound, and discuss your results with you. Anna focuses on developing treatment plans that are backed by evidence and are also tailored to the individual goals and needs of each unique patient. She is empowered to work alongside the smart and talented providers at the Bedford Breast Center to provide exceptional care for patients.
When Anna is not working, you can find her surfing in Ventura with her family, hiking, or taking a yoga class. She is passionate about traveling the world and immersing herself in different cultures. Anna enjoys cooking and creating new, healthy, and delicious dinner recipes.
Ruzanna Katabyan, RDMS | Ultrasound Technologist
After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from California State University of Northridge, Ruzanna immediately enrolled in Casa Loma College where she graduated as Valedictorian in 2013, earning her degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She joined our team after gaining significant experience in the area of breast imaging and brings with her a compassion and calmness that our patients need when facing health concerns. She feels honored to be making a difference in the physical and mental well-being of our patients.
Ruzanna loves being an Angeleno and spends her spare time exploring the city, from local art shows, festivals, and concerts, she enthusiastically pursues it all.
“I got into the medical field because I am fascinated by the human body, it is truly incredible. I love having the opportunity to learn new lessons each day, not just from science but from the many personalities that come from all walks of life that I have the privilege of meeting daily.”
Bedford Breast Center Serving Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles areas.
To schedule a consultation with one of our breast specialist, please call (310) 278-8590 or request a consultation online.
– Bedford Breast Center
Leslie F. Memsic, MD, FACS
