Anita Nelson

Anita Nelson, MD is a Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. She joined in 2016 and holds adjunct roles at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Professor Emeritus). Her primary affiliations include the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Education: B.A. Economics (Occidental College, 1970), B.S. Biology (UC Irvine, 1977), M.D. (UCLA School of Medicine, 1981), followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Harbor-UCLA (1981-1986).

Research focuses on Women’s Health and Contraception, including contraceptive efficacy studies, postpartum contraception strategies, and management of menstrual disorders. Notable research areas include injectable contraceptives’ effects on body weight and comparative studies of birth control methods.

Her publications (2015-2016) highlight advancements in intrauterine devices, new contraceptive development, and adolescent sexual health. She has secured grants for studies on contraception access, metabolic syndrome in pregnancy, and reproductive life planning.

Awards include multiple Southern California Super Doctors listings (2010-2011), Excellence in Education (2012), and the Distinguished Physician Award (2014). She has held leadership roles such as Medical Director for Women’s Health programs and chairs key committees on medical education and clinical protocols.

Active in professional organizations like ACOG and the Pacific Coast Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, she also contributes to community initiatives through organizations like the Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health.