Maternal Child Health

Women’s Health Institute Proudly Announces Two New Endowed Chairs

Thanks to the Jeffrey M. Carlton Charitable Foundation and the Al & Mary Ann Schoellerman Foundation, the establishment of two new endowed chairs in women’s health and neonatology are continuing to enhance Hoag’s programs and services for women and families throughout our community. Endowed chairs, rare at community hospitals, are made possible through the generous giving of donors who share in Hoag’s commitment to not only providing the highest quality care right here in Orange County but also advancing standards of care across the country.

Lisa M. Karamardian, MD, FACOG

Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent

An active member of Hoag since 1996, Dr. Karamardian previously served as the chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Hoag and was a founding physician and past president of Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates in Newport Beach.

Dr. Karamardian is experienced in high-risk obstetrics, including multiple gestations and pregnancies that are the result of advanced reproductive technologies such as IVF. Committed to utilizing less invasive surgical options to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, she treats women throughout their lifetime with an emphasis on wellness and a passion for menopause care. As an endowed chair holder, Dr. Karamardian will carry forward the remarkable legacy of Dr. Anne Kent, who delivered over 10,000 babies before retiring in 2020, and will ensure Hoag patients continue to have access to the most advanced treatment options in women’s health.

Jeffrey M. Carlton, founder of Press Forge, was known by his staff and community as a generous philanthropist and a man of great character. By establishing the Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent, Mike Buxton, trustee of the Jeffrey M. Carlton Trust, believes Jeffrey’s legacy of care will create added impact in the community for the benefit of countless women and families.

Vladana Milisavljevic, MD, MS, FAAP

Al & Mary Ann Schoellerman Endowed Chair in Neonatology

Dr. Vladana Milisavljevic joined Hoag in September 2020 through Hoag’s collaborative partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County. As chief of neonatal services and medical director of Hoag’s 21-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Dr. M, as she is affectionately known, is expanding the NICU’s capabilities and advancing patient care for Hoag’s smallest and most vulnerable patients. In addition to providing specialized medical care through state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Milisavljevic’s goal is to deliver mental health support to families facing the challenge of having their baby spend their first days or months of life in a hospital.

The Schoellerman family have long been supporters and advocates for Hoag’s NICU, providing vital funding for technology and programming that ensures infants at Hoag receive the best care available. Through the endowed chair, Dr. Milisavljevic will further establish Hoag’s NICU as a destination for best-in-class neonatal care. With roughly 10% of newborns requiring some level of NICU care, Hoag’s NICU expansion is poised to fill a critical need.