Lawrence David Platt, M.D. – Your Trusted Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
When it comes to ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child during pregnancy, you need a specialist with unparalleled expertise and a compassionate approach. Doctor Platt, Lawrence David Platt, M.D., stands out as a distinguished figure in maternal-fetal medicine. His extensive education, decades of experience, and numerous accolades solidify his position as a leading expert in the field. For those seeking the highest level of care, understanding Dr. Platt’s background and accomplishments is crucial.
Comprehensive Education and Training of Dr. Platt
Dr. Platt’s journey to becoming a renowned maternal-fetal medicine specialist began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, demonstrating his early commitment to scientific rigor. He continued his medical education at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, where he obtained his medical degree. This rigorous training provided him with a broad understanding of medicine before specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
His dedication to specialized knowledge led him to Sinai Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, for both an internship and a residency in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His exceptional performance and leadership potential were recognized when he was selected as Chief Resident, a testament to his clinical skills and peer respect. Dr. Platt further honed his expertise by completing a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the prestigious Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. This intensive fellowship provided him with specialized skills in managing high-risk pregnancies and complex fetal conditions. His commitment to academic excellence was further demonstrated when, upon completion of his fellowship, he was offered a full-time faculty position at USC, rapidly achieving the rank of full professor in just seven years.
Board Certifications and Academic Appointments of Dr. Platt
Dr. Platt’s qualifications are underscored by his prestigious board certifications. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the National Board of Medical Examiners, signifying his comprehensive knowledge and competence in these areas. Furthermore, he holds a sub-specialty board certification in maternal-fetal medicine, confirming his advanced expertise in this specialized field.
In addition to his thriving private practice, Dr. Platt remains actively involved in academic medicine as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. His commitment to teaching and mentoring future generations of doctors highlights his dedication to advancing the field. His leadership extends to significant roles at major medical institutions. He served as chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and vice chairman at UCLA. Currently, Dr. Platt is an attending staff member at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Reagan Medical Center, and co-directs the division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. These positions demonstrate his continued influence and leadership in prominent medical centers.
National and International Leadership Roles of Dr. Platt
Dr. Platt’s influence extends far beyond Los Angeles. He is a recognized leader in numerous national and international professional societies. He serves on committees and Boards of Directors for major organizations, including the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. His involvement in these organizations demonstrates his commitment to shaping the direction of maternal-fetal medicine on a global scale. Furthermore, Dr. Platt contributes to broader health initiatives, serving on the Biomarker Discovery Project Oversight Committee of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. He is also deeply committed to improving pregnancy care through his foundational roles. He is a founding board member and current treasurer for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Foundation, now known as the Pregnancy Quality Foundation, and a board member of the Pregnancy Foundation. His past presidencies of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Los Angeles OB/GYN Society, and chairmanship of the OB/GYN Assembly of Southern California further attest to his leadership and respect within the medical community.
Honors, Accolades, and Research Contributions of Dr. Platt
Dr. Platt’s career is marked by a plethora of honors and accolades, reflecting his exceptional contributions to medicine. He has been consistently recognized for his clinical excellence, named annually to the “Best Doctors in Los Angeles” by Los Angeles Magazine and “Best Doctors in America” by Health Magazine. His alma mater, Wayne State University, honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has bestowed upon him the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award and the Joseph H. Holmes Pioneer Award in Clinical Sciences, acknowledging his pioneering work in ultrasound. In 2008, Dr. Platt received the prestigious Ian Donald Gold Medal Award from the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, becoming only the fourth American to receive this international honor.
Dr. Platt’s commitment to advancing medical knowledge is evident in his active involvement in research. He has served as principal investigator in numerous NIH and WHO studies, focusing on critical areas such as prenatal diagnosis and treatment, ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology, biophysical assessment of fetal condition, and ultrasound screening for ovarian cancer. His influence extends to medical publications as a founding editor of the highly respected international journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an active reviewer for numerous publications and has held editorial board positions for esteemed journals including the Journal of Maternal-Fetal Investigation, Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Journal of Reproductive Sciences, Polish Journal of Gynecological Investigations, and Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Platt’s extensive scholarly contributions include authorship of over 350 peer-reviewed scientific articles, abstracts, and book chapters, along with four books and various educational materials.
Janet Horenstein, M.D.
Dr. Janet Horenstein, also a highly respected member of our team, brings her own unique expertise to patient care. Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Horenstein’s local roots resonate with many patients in the Los Angeles area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, San Diego, and furthered her education with medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. Her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles provided her with a strong clinical foundation.
Driven by an interest in high-risk pregnancies, Dr. Horenstein pursued a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Los Angeles County / University of Southern California. During this fellowship, she developed a keen interest in ultrasound, fetal evaluation, and fetal procedures, becoming a published expert in ultrasound diagnosis during her time as an Associate Professor at LAC/USC. Since transitioning to private practice in Los Angeles, she has focused on consultative ultrasound and fetal procedures, offering specialized diagnostic services to her patients. Dr. Horenstein is also committed to global health, recently volunteering in Ghana with ISUOG to teach essential obstetric and gynecological ultrasound to healthcare providers, aiming to improve maternal mortality rates. She is an active member of organizations including ACOG, SMFM, AIUM, and ISUOG, reflecting her dedication to her specialty and ongoing learning.
Paola Aghajanian, MD
Dr. Paola Aghajanian is a valuable addition to our practice, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in obstetrics and gynecology. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley. She completed medical school at UC San Diego, followed by residency at UCLA and a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at USC, demonstrating her commitment to top-tier training.
Prior to joining our practice, Dr. Aghajanian served on faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she held significant leadership positions including Director of Labor & Delivery, Director of the Accreta Team, and Director of Obstetric Simulation. Board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, she achieved the rank of Associate Professor at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Aghajanian is a member of SMFM, ACOG, and the Pacific Coast Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys cooking, reading, nature walks, travel, and spending time with her family.
Eloise O’Donnell, MS, RD, CDCES
Eloise O’Donnell, MS, RD, CDCES, is our dedicated in-house dietitian, nutritionist, and diabetes specialist, providing crucial support for our patients’ nutritional needs. She earned her Master of Science degree in Nutrition from California State University at Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California at Santa Barbara.
Eloise designs personalized nutrition plans focusing on preconception, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition, as well as weight management, exercise, diabetes management, and special diets. Her past experience includes eleven years in corporate wellness, where she developed the “Worth-It!” diabetes education program, significantly improving participant health outcomes. Eloise is passionate about empowering clients to make positive changes through tailored action steps and empathetic communication.
