UCLA Health – Palos Verdes Primary & Specialty Care

Above L to R: Robert Reiss, MD; Michelle Sangalang, MD; Hanbyul Choi, MD; Hyunah Poa, MD; KimNgan Nguyen, MD | Not pictured: Kunal Patel, MD; Maija Sanna, MD; Shih-Fan Sun, MD

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Services Offered

• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Geriatric medicine
• Neurosurgery
• Social work
• Care for All Ages 

The primary care physicians at UCLA Health are here for you in all stages of your life. As the point person for your health care, your PCP should be your first point of contact. Whether you’re sick, injured or have a general health concern, you’ll receive outstanding, individualized care. Our PCPs include doctors who are board-certified in internal, family and geriatric medicine, meaning we’re qualified to care for everyone in the family. We build strong relationships and deliver personalized, well-rounded care.

Lifelong Care

Michelle Sangalang, MD: There is a saying that family medicine provides care from the cradle to the grave, and this has been very true for me. A rewarding part of my job is being with patients in happy times, like the birth of their first child, and through difficult times, like the passing of a sibling or parent. These are such important moments that build strong relationships. Many of my patients have been with me for over a decade. I am grateful for our time together.

Dedication to Care

Robert Reiss, MD: I have dedicated my life to medicine and enjoy caring for my patients. Outside the office, I volunteer weekly to provide tattoo removal services to individuals who are working to change their lives and become productive members of society. Additionally, I have been actively involved for many years with events that support funding medical research dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Finding a cure for inflammatory bowel disease is personally important to me, and I am honored to be recognized later this year for my efforts to make a difference in this important area of medical research.   

Supporting Our Health

Hanbyul Choi, MD: Some things that I recommend to my patients to support their health include having a hobby to enjoy outside of the busyness of life. Laugh often; laughter is excellent medicine. Be thankful. And try to have media-free time before sleep.

Continuity of Care

Shih-Fan Sun, MD: Continuity of care refers to consistent and organized delivery of health care services over time. This is important for patients to maintain their health, especially those with chronic medical conditions. UCLA Health provides continuity of care through multiple dedicated primary care physicians, who will maintain a long-term relationship with patients and help coordinate all aspects of their health care, including necessary care with specialists.

Technology Impact

KimNgan Nguyen, MD: Technology has positively impacted my practice and health care. It has allowed patients to have direct access to test results and message the office through our online portal. Additionally, patients have access to telemedicine, which allows a convenient way to see their doctor. Along with other providers, I have adopted the use of an AI scribe in our clinical care, allowing me to connect with the patient rather than the screen of a computer.

Get Moving

Maija Sanna, MD: Physical activity is one of the most essential aspects of maintaining both mental and physical health. The mantra “If you don’t use it, you lose it” is even more important as we age. Coupling exercise with regular visits to your primary care doctor is the best way to improve one’s longevity and quality of life. 

A Medical Career

Hyunah Poa, MD: I’ve known since middle school that I wanted to be a doctor. I almost majored in music, but my mother suggested I could become a doctor and still play violin. She was right. I still love music and occasionally play in a community music group or ensembles and thoroughly enjoy my career as a physician. For those interested in the medical profession: Have healthy stress-relieving habits such as good sleep, healthy nutrition, regular exercise, music/arts and social support. Seek out mentors in your field of interest. Get exposure in order to see if you actually enjoy the medical field. Life is a journey, not a destination. Remember to live life fully and with grace toward yourself and your loved ones.

Local Specialty Care

Kunal Patel, MD: I am a neurosurgeon and have enjoyed extending my practice in Westwood to include the South Bay. I manage neurosurgical issues for patients in our Palos Verdes clinic. For patients requiring surgery, I coordinate surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. I enjoy working with the primary care physicians who have great relations with our South Bay patients, and I am happy to be able to provide local specialty care, which allows patients requiring neurosurgical care to decrease travel and wait times for specialty services.