Dr. Beth Y. Karlan

Dr. Beth Y. Karlan, MD, is a pioneering figure in gynecologic oncology and serves as the Vice Chair of Women’s Oncology at UCLA Health. She earned her medical degree from Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She followed that with a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA. Board-certified in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Karlan provides expert care for patients with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and rare gynecologic cancers. She practices at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan and Santa Monica medical centers, offering both in-person and telehealth consultations.

She is internationally recognized for her work in ovarian and hereditary cancer research. Dr. Karlan has led clinical trials investigating novel therapies for ovarian cancer, including PARP inhibitors and targeted immunotherapies. She co-chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, where she plays a critical role in shaping funding priorities and mentoring emerging investigators. Her research extends to cancer genetics, focusing on BRCA and Lynch syndrome, and she has contributed key findings that have informed screening and prevention guidelines. With more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, she is known for translating genetic insights into improved early detection and personalized treatment approaches.

In addition to her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Karlan excels as an educator and institutional leader. She mentors medical students, residents, and fellows and plays a central role in UCLA’s tumor boards and multidisciplinary care teams. She is frequently invited to present at national and international conferences and has received multiple awards for her contributions to gynecologic oncology and women’s health. Through her patient-centered clinical care, leadership in hereditary cancer research, and commitment to mentorship, Dr. Karlan is recognized as a top expert in gynecologic oncology.