Our Professionals

Paula R. Dhanda, M.D.

Paula R. Dhanda, M.D. is both a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as a Fellow of the American Surgeons. She is well known for her many years of service to the women of Lake County. During her medical education at SUNY Medical Center in Syracuse, New York she received two prestigious awards for teaching and performance. She brought those same skills to her next place of practice, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where she was active in teaching surgery to residents.

In 1990 she brought those accumulated skills to Lake County and initiated the performance of laparoscopic and laser surgeries to such an extent that they are now commonplace here. She continues to be instrumental in bringing new technologies to Lake County such as endometrial ablation, minimally invasive surgery, urinary incontinence treatment and hysteroscopic sterilization requiring no cutting.

It has always been Dr. Dhanda’s dream to build a center to offer her patients services that are healing and rejuvenating. Specialty Care & Surgery Center is the realization of that dream. Women can continue to receive comprehensive gynecologic care here. She also offers men and women’s cosmetic procedures and spa services in a beautiful, serene atmosphere in Kelseyville. Dr. Paula has privileges at Specialty Care & Surgery Center, St Helena Clearlake and Sutter Lakeside. Her motto echoes the medical societies of which she is a member; “Dedicated to a higher standard of care.”

Dr. Paula has privileges at Specialty Care & Surgery Center, St. Helena Clearlake Hospital, and Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

Dr. Dhanda is a global women’s health expert, the founder and medical director of Worldwide Healing Hands. In addition to her busy practice, she finds time to care for the homeless locally. She also travels globally training surgeons and education midwives. In 2017 she was invited to join the faculty of State University of New York Upstate Medical University as Clinical Assistant Professor to help develop a Global Women’s Health Fellowship.


AWARDS
Paula Dhanda, MD has received numerous awards for alleviating suffering and promoting wellness.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community
2022 Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Medical Association

CAPtivating Cause Community Hero Award
2019 Cooperative of American Physicians

Humanitarian  Award
Apr 2018 Medshare International

Humanitarian of the Year Award
Apr 2017 Medshare International

Community Leadership Award
May 2016 St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake

Unsung Heroes of Compassion
Feb 2014 His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Byron Whipple Award
Dec 2013

Real Hero
Apr 2013 American Red Cross

Humanitarian of the Year
May 2012 Stars of Lake County

Ruby Award
Mar 2011 Soroptimist International

Physician of the Year Mission Award
Nov 2010 Adventist Health

John R. Clarke, C.R.N.A.

John R. Clarke, C.R.N.A. (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) has over 30 years experience performing hospital based high risk anesthesia. After his training and graduation from Loma Linda University in 1980 he began his career by forming an anesthesia business providing anesthesia personnel to dental, plastic surgery, and oral surgery offices as well as hospitals in the southern California area. He relocated to northern California in 1990 so he could practice his specialty but also pursue his artwork.

His mainstay medium is watercolor on silk and he has created more than 400 paintings many of which still remain in Lake County. Since the formation of Specialty Care and Surgery Center he has labored to beautify its walls and surroundings with his paintings as well as provide anesthesia for those having surgery there.

"I appreciated how quickly I was prepped, taken to surgery and put under. There was no time to worry."

-- Katherine P.