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Featured Speakers

Every month, experts in prostate cancer share their time and expertise with us in online meetings that are intended for anyone who wants to learn more about prostate cancer: patients, partners, families, friends, and their medical teams. Speakers cover a wide range of prostate cancer topics, from testing and diagnosis to advances in treatment and living with your disease. Every live presentation is followed by Q&A.

Presentations are usually on the fourth Thursday of the month, with occasional "fireside chats" of about 20 minutes at the beginning of Tuesday support group meetings.

Most presentations are recorded and can be found in the Presentations Library.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Robotic Focal HIFU: A Non-Invasive Option in the Management of Prostate Cancer

You are invited to attend this virtual event with Urologist, Ali Afshar, MD, for a discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and a non-surgical option available at Providence St. John’s. Learn more about Focal One Robotic HIFU, which is one of the latest non-invasive, high-intensity focused ultrasound that allows urologists to precisely target the diseased portion of the prostate without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue, minimizing side effects and preserving quality of life.

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Dr. Afshar earned his Medical Degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2011. He completed an internship in general surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center from 2011 to 2012, followed by a residency in urology at the same institution from 2012 to 2016. 

To further enhance his expertise, Dr. Afshar pursued a fellowship in advanced robotics, Dr. Afshar pursued a fellowship in advanced robotics, laparoscopy, urologic oncology, and endourology at the University of Southern California from 2016 to 2017. Dr. Afshar has been practicing in San Fernando Valley since 2017 while also maintaining clinical privileges at Providence St John's Hospital and Cedars Sinai Hospital. He is an attending urologist at Cedars Sinai Hospital and is actively involved with the current urology residency teaching program. 

By combining his extensive training, clinical experience, and dedication to staying at the forefront of urological advancements, Dr. Afshar provides his patients with the highest level of compassionate and comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. He attributes his success to a supportive upbringing, a commitment to humility and education, and a deep respect for his colleagues in the medical field. 

Ali Afshar, M.D.

Urologist

losangelesurology.com 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Discover Your Radiation Toxicity Risk with PROSTOX

What if you could predict radiation side effects before treatment begins? By analyzing your unique genetics, you can make smarter, more informed decisions to avoid side effects and safeguard your quality of life for years to come.

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Dr. Weidhaas, a co-founder of MiraDx and professor at UCLA, leads translation research in radiation oncology. Her pioneering research led to the co-discovery of the KRAS-variant, a strong predictor of cancer risk, tumor biology, and treatment response. She co-founded MiraDx and MiraKind to empower individuals with meaningful health information. Joanne completed her oncology training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and previously served as Chief of the Breast Cancer Radiation Service at Yale Cancer Center. She completed an MSM at Stanford University during a sabbatical at Yale. She moved to UCLA as Professor and Division Head, Translational Research, in 2014. Her dual role as a clinician and researcher applies genetic breakthroughs to patient benefit. She currently resides in the LA area with her husband and three children.

Joanne Weidhaas, MD, PhD, MSM

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Single-Port Robotic Prostatectomy, Latest Experience with Focal Therapy

Learn about the latest in robotics - SINGLE port surgery.

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Daniel Park is a graduate of the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine PA Program. His training involved rotations at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. His education also included general surgery training at the Yale School of Medicine/Norwalk Hospital. He completed his medical training in 1996 and graduated with honors. He also holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the USC Price School of Public Policy where he graduated with honors and is a member of the Upsilon Phi Delta National Healthcare Honor Society. He completed a fellowship with the University of Lynchburg in Virginia for his Doctor of Medical Science degree. Dan was in private practice for ten years before being recruited back to his alma mater by the department’s own chairman, Dr. Inderbir S. Gill, in 2010 where he now serves as full-time faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology, Director of Clinical Operations, and Director of the PA Fellowship in Clinical Urology. He has been first author and co-author of several urologic abstracts and peer-reviewed journals. Dan is a regularly invited guest lecturer for the American Urological Association national and sectional meetings and is also an active member. He also serves as adjunct faculty and preceptor for the Keck School of Medicine PA Program housed within the Department of Family Medicine.

Daniel Park, DMSc, MHA, PA

Prostate Forum of Orange County

© 2025 Prostate Forum of Orange County, CA

501(c)(3) Organization

About Us

The Prostate Forum of Orange County, CA is a non-profit organization that provides information, education and hope to men with prostate cancer, their families, friends, and caretakers. We offer online prostate cancer support group meetings and presentations by prostate cancer experts. 

Learn More About PFOC >

Contact Us

prostateforumOC@gmail.com

Prostate Forum of Orange County

1519 East Chapman Avenue, #380

Fullerton, CA 92831

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