Two Nurses Honored for Outstanding Care • Thanks from Our Patients • Community Events
Paula Dhanda, MD
Dr. Paula Dhanda, OB Medical Director
at St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, has
practiced obstetrics and gynecology in
Lake County for more than 19 years.
She is a fellow of the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as a
fellow of the American Surgeons. During her
medical education at SUNY Medical Center in
Syracuse, N.Y., she received two prestigious
awards for teaching and performance. She
brought those same skills to her next place
of practice, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in
Los Angeles, where she was active in
teaching surgery to residents.What drew you to Lake County?
I was looking for a place that really needed doctors, where I could make a difference. When I came here in 1990, Lake County had no OB/GYN physicians. Most of the women were leaving the county for OB/GYN care. I was practicing in Beverly Hills at the time, and before that I was in New York.What's the best thing about practicing at St. Helena Hospital Clearlake?
We have great doctors and a great hospital staff. We give personalized care and get to know our patients. The hospital administration is supportive and has provided us with the latest technology and equipment.Why did you pick OB/GYN as your specialty?
I love surgery. I'm double-board-certified in OB/GYN and surgery. There are only about 70 gynecologists in the United States that are double-boarded in surgery and OB/GYN. I do a lot of advanced laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, and I brought this type of surgery technique to Lake County. I've also taught other surgeons here how to do some procedures.If you weren't a doctor, what would you be doing?
I couldn't even imagine doing anything else! I love what I do. I love taking care of women and helping them improve their lives.What's the one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in India. I'm Indian. I also have two adopted children who I delivered.What characteristic do you value most in others?
Strong character.Who are your heroes?
Mother Teresa and Gandhi.What lesson from your mom or dad do you still live by today?
My parents taught me that you can accomplish anything in life. They really made us believe that there are no limits.Are you a techie? What kind of gadgets do you have?
I love my iPhone. It's my newest favorite gadget.What's your favorite local restaurant?
We like to go to Ting's Thai in Hidden Valley and the Saw Shop in Kelseyville. But my favorite place to eat is my house. I'm a really good cook, especially Indian food, which you can't get around here.What would you like us to know about your family or interests outside of medicine?
Cooking is my favorite thing to do for relaxation. When I'm not cooking, I'm playing with my children, who are 8 and 10. The other thing that's really important in my life is focusing on the positive. That's what I try to share with people around me when they're depressed or sad. Don't focus on yourself; focus on somebody else and what you can give to them.
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