The Good Housekeeping Medical Review Board

Nana Mireku, M.D., received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her medical degree from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. She completed her pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and her fellowship in Allergy and Immunology (Adults and Pediatrics) at the Detroit Medical Center/Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Mireku is board-certified through the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and is a fellow of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology ( FACAAI).

Jessica Hui, M.D., is board certified in allergy-immunology, internal medicine and pediatrics. She pursued undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, then medical school, residency and chief residency at Rush University Medical Center. After completing an allergy-immunology fellowship at National Jewish Health, she remained on faculty where she engages in clinical and translational research. Her area of interest is in origins of allergy, and she loves helping her patients and families in the management and treatment of allergic conditions.

Rigved Tadwalkar, M.D., is a consultant cardiologist with the Pacific Heart Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians and is board-certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, cardiovascular CT, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine. Dr. Tadwalkar received his M.D. from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., M.S. in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University and his B.A. from the University of Southern California in biological sciences and sociology. He finished his internship and residency in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the West Los Angeles VA Hospital.

Karol E. Watson, M.D., Ph.D. is a professor of medicine/cardiology and a board-certified, full-time cardiologist at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Watson received her undergrad degree from Stanford University, her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and her Ph.D. in physiology from UCLA. She completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology at UCLA and continued there as part of the UCLA Specialty Training and Academic Research program and as chief fellow in cardiovascular diseases at UCLA. Currently, Dr. Watson is director of the UCLA Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Health Program at UCLA, co-director of the UCLA program in preventative cardiology, and director of the UCLA fellowship program in cardiovascular disease.

Mona Gohara, M.D., is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist, Oberlin College-bred feminist, medical media expert, fashion fanatic, mom, wife and Virgo. Mona enjoys educating on skin health, skin cancer, skin of color and sun protection. Mona is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she chaired the social media task force, the Women’s Dermatologic Society where she served as president, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the DEI Work Group.

With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.

Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a Manhattan-based, board-certified dermatologist specializing in personalized, patient-centered treatment plans in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She graduated cum laude from New York University before going on to attend Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where she was a member of the highest honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. She then completed her internship in internal medicine at the renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Harvard Medical School in Boston and her dermatology training at New York University Langone Hospital, one of the top-ranked programs in the country.

Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., practices in both Scottsdale and New York. Dr. Lal is the only double fellowship-trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in America. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ+ health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric Dermatology and is on the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery's DEI committee.

Janiene Luke, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor practicing in Southern California. Dr. Luke specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology with expertise in hyperpigmentation, hair disorders and skin of color. She is active in several national societies, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Women’s Dermatologic Society, National Medical Association and Skin of Color Society where she serves as co-chair of the technology and social media committee.

Rita Kalyani, M.D., M.H.S., is an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. She graduated with an undergraduate degree from Harvard College and completed her medical degree, residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. She previously chaired the American Diabetes Association’s Professional Practice Committee, which oversees the organization’s clinical practice guidelines. Dr. Kalyani is also a co-author of the book Diabetes Head to Toe: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, and Living With Diabetes.

Dr. Krista Gonzales stands out as an exceptional endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist. Her medical journey is defined by a profound commitment to patient care and a deep understanding of the pivotal role lifestyle plays in overall health. As a distinguished Endocrinologist and educator at the renowned Pritikin Center, she has dedicated her career to empowering patients to regain control of their health and embark on transformative journeys.

Michelle M. Mielke, Ph.D., is chair of the department of epidemiology and prevention and a professor of epidemiology and of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Mielke works as a translational epidemiologist to further understand the etiology and epidemiology of neurodegenerative and other aging-related diseases. She directs a Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) on sex differences. Mielke is co-chair of the Sex and Gender Diversity Significant Interest Group for the Alzheimer’s Association Professional Interest Area.

Eric M. Ascher, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician. He completed medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and his family medicine residency and fellowship at Northwell Health. Dr. Ascher practices in New York City and focuses on preventative medicine and healthy lifestyles. He hosts a series on YouTube in collaboration with Northwell Health called Hack Your Health, where viewers are taught why household items may relieve their ailments. Dr. Ascher is an assistant professor of the Zucker Hillside School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell.

Tochi Iroku-Malize, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., F.A.A.F.P., is president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Iroku-Malize serves as founding chair and professor of family medicine for the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Hempstead, New York, and senior vice president and chair of the family medicine service line for Northwell Health. Dr. Iroku-Malize earned her combined bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Nigeria College of Medicine and Dentistry in Enugu. She completed residency training in family medicine at Southside Hospital. She earned her Master of Public Health in health policy and management from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Caroline Roberts, M.D., went to University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for both undergraduate and medical school. She continued her training at UNC-CH's family medicine residency program in their federally qualified Health Center Track, practicing in rural Caswell County at Prospect Hill Community Health Center, where she continues to see patients. In addition to her outpatient practice in Prospect Hill, she continues to provide care for families on UNC Family Medicine's Family-Centered Patient Care service.

Hiroshi Mashimo, M.D., Ph.D., is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School at Boston VA Medical Center and Massachusetts General Brigham. He graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his medical residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. He has authored over a hundred publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals including Nature, Science, Cell, PNAS, New England Journal of Medicine, Immunology, and Gastroenterology. He also serves on various editorial and grant review boards and is an international speaker on topics including disorders of brain-gut disregulation, microbiota, gut health, gastrointestinal stem cells and early cancer diagnosis.

Niket Sonpal, M.D., is a graduate of Medical University of Silesia-Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in internal medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the chief resident at Lenox Hill Hospital-Northshore LIJ Health System. He is also an assistant professor at Touro College of Medicine. Dr. Sonpal has completed his fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation.

Brooke Williams, D.O., is a board-certified internal medicine specialist who serves as a dedicated hospitalist in North Carolina. Having successfully completed her residency training in the south suburbs of Chicago, she also co-founded a nonprofit organization, Color of Medicine. This organization is committed to promoting diversity in medicine and STEM fields, with a particular focus on empowering underrepresented minorities. Dr. Williams passionately advocates for enhancing cultural competency and addressing racial health disparities within minority communities, displaying unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape.

Stefani Sassos is a registered dietitian, NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she oversees all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation for Good Housekeeping. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping's in-house fitness and exercise expert, and is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living.

Kristen F. Gradney, M.H.A., R.D.N., L.D.N., is a registered dietitian nutritionist and healthcare administrator in Baton Rouge, LA. As senior director of operations at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, she supports health equity and holistic healthcare in schools, community and medical practices. Gradney obtained a B.A. in sociology in 2001, and a B.S. in nutritional science in 2007 from Louisiana State University. She then completed a dietetic internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, and has worked as a registered dietitian in areas of inpatient and ambulatory care, culinary medicine, transplant and pediatric wellness. In 2016, she obtained a Master of Health Administration from Our Lady of the Lake College.

Laura Iu, R.D., is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, yoga guide and owner of Laura Iu Nutrition, a private practice in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics from New York University and completed her internship in dietetics at Weill Cornell and Columbia Medical Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She went on to work in New York City’s top hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Health. She believes that true health is all-encompassing, not an external measure via shape or size.

Rachel Lustgarten, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., is a registered dietitian in clinical practice in New York City. Rachel’s primary area of focus is medical nutrition therapy and weight control. She co-hosts the weekly Primary Care Medicine show on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, and served as a clinical dietitian at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and served as an advisor to the Weill Cornell’s Women’s Nutrition Connection monthly newsletter for 10 years. Rachel employs evidence-based nutrition counseling and behavior modification methods with her clients to achieve lasting weight loss. Rachel received a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, graduating with honors.

Melissa Prest, R.D., D.C.N., is a registered dietitian nutritionist and holds a doctor of clinical nutrition degree from Rutgers University. Melissa owns Kidney Nutrition Specialists, a nutrition practice dedicated to helping individuals living with chronic kidney disease, and is the foundation dietitian for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois where she focuses on disease prevention, health education and nutrition consultation.

Joan Salge Blake, Ed.D., M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., F.A.N.D., is a nutrition professor at Boston University and the host of Spot On!, the award-winning nutrition, health and wellness podcast. She was awarded the prestigious Whitney Powers Excellence in Teaching Award from the university twice and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic Media Excellence Award. Joan is the author of Nutrition and You, Nutrition and You: Core Concepts to Good Health and Eat Right The E.A.S.Y. Way. She is the co-author of Nutrition: From Science to You.

Angela Chaudhari, M.D., is an associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She received her M.D. from Northeastern Ohio Universities, completed her obstetrics and gynecology training at Washington University in St. Louis in 2004, and then completed a fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Florida Hospital, Celebration. She serves as the chief of gynecology and gynecologic surgery at Northwestern Medicine, overseeing surgical quality and patient safety. She is also the founder and director of the P2P Network, a physician peer support program, that provides emotional first aid for physicians experiencing professional burnout at Northwestern Medicine.

Mindy Goldman, M.D., has been practicing at UCSF for almost three decades and is currently a clinical professor and director of the UCSF Gynecology Center for Cancer Survivors and At-Risk Women. Her clinical expertise includes managing menopausal issues for women with cancer or at high risk, helping to alleviate side effects of hormonal therapies used to treat breast cancer, safe and effective treatments for induced menopause, vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction and guidance on screening and prevention for high risk women. She is also the co-founder and co-chair of the U’ilani Fund, a non-profit that provided funding to women with breast cancer for integrative and complementary care to improve quality of life.

Carolyn W. Swenson, M.D., is an associate professor and division chief of urogynecology and reconstructive surgery at the University of Utah. As a board-certified specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Swenson is an expert in the medical and surgical management of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and obstetric-related pelvic floor symptoms.

Ruth Ortaz, M.D., is a professor of clinical medicine at the New York University School of Medicine and is on the Faculty of NYU Langone Health. She specializes in taking care of people with all stages of breast cancer and those at risk. Dr. Oratz is an advisor to several national breast cancer advocacy organizations, including breastcancer.org, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, CancerCare, Young Survival Coalition, Moving For Life and Sharsheret. Dr. Oratz served as chair of the Medical Advisory Board of Susan G. Komen, Greater NYC, from 2008 to 2012, and on the National Board of the YWCA, USA.

Whitney Casares, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician, author, speaker and full-time working mom. She’s a boots-on-the-ground advocate for the success of women in the workplace and at home. Dr. Casares is a Stanford University-trained private practice pediatrician whose expertise spans the public health, direct patient care and media worlds. She holds a master of public health in maternal and child health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her work focuses on moving modern moms from feeling conflicted to centered. Dr. Casares practices pediatrics in Portland, Oregon.

Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T. is a licensed physical therapist, international speaker and owner of Karen Litzy Physical Therapy, PLLC. Through her work as a physical therapist, she has helped thousands of people, including Fortune 500 CEOs, royalty and celebrities, overcome painful conditions, recover from surgery and feel stronger than ever before. As the host of Healthy Wealthy and Smart, a top-200 podcast on Apple Podcasts, she has interviewed influencers in the worlds of health, medicine and entrepreneurship. She also shares how she has prevailed with her own experience of chronic pain.

Lauren R. Natbony, M.D., is the medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York and an assistant clinical professor of neurology in the Department of Headache and Facial Pain at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is board certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and in headache medicine by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties. Dr. Natbony has an extensive background in treating adults, adolescents and children with a wide array of headache and facial pain disorders. She is a frequent speaker at national headache conferences and has authored many articles, book chapters and research publications.

Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, speaker and the author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. Her book was endorsed by Deepak Chopra. Carmichael specializes in high-functioning people and emphasizes learning how to glean the healthy benefits from life’s challenges to increase fulfillment, productivity and well-being.

Oona Metz, L.I.C.S.W., is a clinical social worker, certified group psychotherapist and a fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association who practices in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to her practice, where she specializes in treating women navigating divorce, she writes and speaks on relationships, divorce and group therapy locally and nationally.

MeiLan K. Han, M.D., M.S., is a professor of medicine and the chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care at the University of Michigan. Dr. Han received her medical degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Michigan. Dr. Han has also completed a master's degree program in biostatistics and clinical study design at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She also serves on the scientific advisory committees for both the COPD Foundation and the American Lung Association. She is currently a deputy editor for the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Carolyn M. D’Ambrosio, M.S., M.D., F.C.C.P., is the Vice Chief for Fellowship Training in the section of pulmonary and critical care medicine and an associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine. She is an expert in sleep medicine, chairing the Sleep Medicine Board review course for the American College of Chest Physicians and is an associate editor for CHEST Pulmonary Journal's sleep medicine content. In addition to teaching and clinical work, Dr. D’Ambrosio has conducted research on sleep and menopause as well as sleep and breathing in infants. he recently co-authored the book Comfort the Kid! on infant sleep and parent bonding.

Ashima Makol, M.B.B.S., M.D., is a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic, where she chairs the Connective Tissue Disease Subspecialty Group and directs the Scleroderma/Raynaud and the Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy Clinics. She completed her internal medicine residency at Michigan State and her rheumatology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Makol’s research focuses on vascular and cardiac manifestations in systemic sclerosis, healthcare utilization in SSc, and various aspects of ILD in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. She is actively engaged in clinical trials for skin, lung and vascular disease in scleroderma.

Alon. Y. Avidan, M.D., M.P.H., H.A.A.N., F.A.A.S.M., is a professor of neurology at UCLA where he serves as director of the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center. He completed his neurology residency at the Georgetown University Medical Center and fellowship in sleep medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a diplomate in the Specialty of Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Raj Dasgupta, M.D., is an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine. He practices at the University of Southern California, where he is an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program and the associate program director of the sleep medicine fellowship. Dr. Dasgupta is an active clinical researcher and has been teaching around the world for more than 20 years.

Chris Winter, M.D., is a neurologist and sleep specialist in Charlottesville, VA. He works with both adults and children to help improve their sleep in addition to having worked with numerous professional sports and military organizations. He is also the author of the best-selling book The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It, as well as his new book The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder — And How to Help.

Rekha Kumar, M.D., is a practicing endocrinologist in New York City and served as the former medical director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Dr. Kumar has lectured internationally on the topic of the medical assessment and treatment of obesity. She has published several papers and textbook chapters in her field and serves as an associate editor of the journal Obesity. Dr. Kumar’s areas of expertise include the clinical assessment of patients’ obesity and metabolic syndrome, the effect of obesity on reproductive health and fertility, as well as thyroid disease and metabolic bone disease.