We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Taras and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking involves stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and making decisions with potentially significant outcomes. Risk taking can also be the person who is an early adopter with their ear to the ground for “what’s next”! I did it outside my career with Tesla and now am doing it again with Lucid Motors. One of the most significant risks I have taken in my career was the decision to stop practicing obstetrics (delivering babies) and focus on menopause gynecology. The risk of giving up a stable source of income, losing a significant portion of my patient base, and pivoting to a new focus was daunting, but I knew it was the right decision for me.

Another risk that I took was going out of network (OON) for insurances to spend more time with my patients. The medical industry has become increasingly driven by profit margins, and the average visit time for a gynecologist is around 8 minutes. I felt that this was not enough time to truly listen to my patients and provide the level of care they needed. Therefore, I made the decision to go OON so that I could dedicate as much time as necessary to my patients without the pressures of insurance companies.
By focusing solely on menopause gynecology, I have been able to build a more fulfilling and specialized practice that aligns with my passion. Going OON has allowed me to provide a higher level of care to my patients and create meaningful relationships with them. These risks have also taught me the importance of being willing to step outside of my comfort zone and take a chance on something new.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a brand and a person, there are a few things that I want the world to know about me. Firstly, I believe in the power of TLC – a Tradition of Listening and Caring. This is something that I have learned through years of experience, both as a medical practitioner and as a human being. They say you have 2 ears and one mouth and should communicate in that ratio!

Another important aspect of who I am and what I stand for is my belief in being a trailblazer instead of a sheep. I have always believed that it’s essential to be innovative and to approach problems in new and unique ways. Whether it’s developing new treatments or techniques, or simply finding new ways to communicate with patients, I’m always looking for ways to push boundaries and break through barriers.
One of the things that I’m most proud of is my commitment to being non-judgmental about people’s issues. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and supported, regardless of their background or experiences. Instead of judging people for their problems, I always seek to find solutions to those problems. Whether it’s a medical issue or a personal struggle, I believe that there is always a way forward, and it’s my job to help people find that path.
An area where I’ve been able to make a significant impact is in the area of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) pellets, specifically the EvexiPEL for female impact on libido and mood. I’ve seen firsthand how this therapy has helped women regain control of their bodies and their lives, and I’m proud to be a part of that process. BHRT pellets have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including menopause symptoms, low libido, and mood disorders, and I believe that they have the potential to change the lives of many women.
I’m committed to providing quality care and support to all of my patients, and I believe that together, we can make a positive impact on the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

As we go through life, we all have people who play a significant role in our journey. Today, I want to dedicate my shoutout to a particular group of people who have been instrumental in my life – my team. It’s said that there is no ‘i’ in team, and this is undoubtedly true. Working together as a team requires collaboration, communication, and a shared goal. For me, my team includes my wife, kids, mom, dad (since past), and sisters, and especially my office-family. These are the people who have been with me through thick and thin, providing unwavering support and encouragement. They have celebrated my successes and picked me up when I’ve stumbled. They are the ones who have helped me become the person I am today.
But while having a strong support system is crucial, it’s also essential to recognize that we need to look out for ourselves. We are the only ones who can truly understand our own needs and goals. Therefore, we must surround ourselves with a team that recognizes the importance of self-care and individual growth. My team has always recognized this, and they have encouraged me to pursue my passions and goals, even if it meant taking risks or stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge my patients and friends, who have been some of my most significant cheerleaders and sources of referrals. They have been with me through my career journey, providing me with valuable feedback and support. Their encouragement has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me, and I’m grateful for their continued support.
In conclusion, having a good team is essential, but it’s also crucial to recognize the importance of looking out for oneself

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Greater Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with a wide range of attractions and activities to offer visitors. While it can be overwhelming to choose from the multitude of options available, there are several spots in the city that stand out as favorites. Here are some of my personal recommendations for places to take out-of-towners in Greater Los Angeles:
1. Sports: Take someone to a Kings, Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Angels, Chargers, Rams, LAFC or Galaxy game!
2. Car Show: Weekend car shows are too numerous to name! All free and usually million dollar cars displayed next to thousand dollar cars and every one proud of what’s theirs!
3. Lunch restaurants that showcase daytime PCH (Pacific Coast Highway): Small-The Sunset Restaurant (Malibu). Medium-Gladstones (Pacific Palisades). Large-Nobu (Malibu)!
In conclusion, while Greater Los Angeles can be daunting in terms of places to show out-of-towners, there are many spots in the city that offer a unique and unforgettable experience. From world-renowned museums and observatories to iconic beaches and streets, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse city.

Website: 818GYN.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/DrTaras

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtaras/

Twitter: Twitter.com/DrTaras

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ian-taras-md-woodland-hills-3

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.