STAFF PROFILES

Meet our Staff
Perhaps you know about the services we offer and you’ve met most of us over the years we have been in practice, but do you really know a lot about our staff?  Our guess is: probably not, so we thought you’d like to know a bit more about the very special staff members of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center who take such good care of you! 

We are proud of our caring staff as they have been with our practice for many, many years. This means that you don’t see constantly changing faces or voices when you visit us or call on the telephone. In November 2011, Gladys and Dr. Pugach celebrated their 13^th anniversary together! As impressive as that is, the # 1 position is still held Debbi, who in 2012 will have been with Dr. Pugach for 26 years! But, no matter how long each staff member has been at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, everyone comes to work each day with the same goal – to help our patients and bring you the latest in advanced, minimally invasive urology services. Together we have made it possible for us to earn the America’s Top Physician award for 7 years in a row

 

 
Gladys, Nursing & HIFU Coordinator

Gladys has celebrated her 13th year anniversary with Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center (PCUMC) in November 2011. When Gladys joined PCUMC in 1998 she had a vast amount of nursing experience in pulmonary (lung) medicine but not too much exposure (no pun intended!) to urology.  But Gladys has a wonderful mind and had a keen interest in urology.  In very little time she mastered all of the basics and is a key assistant to Dr. Robert Pugach.

Gladys continues her education and is learning the advanced techniques needed to assist Dr. Pugach with minimally invasive treatments for our urologic patients. Gladys is an an excellent assistant in surgical procedures. She is responsible for bladder testing (urodynamics) and biofeedback to treat bladder leakage (incontinence) problems.

Gladys has taken advantage of the many educational opportunities offered at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center and has travelled to conferences in different parts of the United States to study advanced courses in many areas of urological nursing.  This culminated in her membership in SUNA – the Society of Urological Nursing Association – in 2006.  Quite an achievement – it was recognition for her skill, talents and hard work.

Recently, Gladys and Dr. Pugach were invited to be on the "Seek Wellness" editorial board.  SeekWellness.com is a website owned by a group of professional health care providers and consumers to offer education and support to health care consumers to improve their level of wellness.  

Perhaps the most special part of all of Gladys’ advanced education and training was her trip to China with Dr. Pugach in 2007.  When Dr. Pugach was honored and invited to teach Chinese urologists about minimally invasive techniques in urology, Gladys was invited to be the teacher of Chinese urological nurses in the many procedures we are recognized for at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center.

Espy, Nursing/Surgical Coordinator

Espy joined Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center (PCUMC) in 2008 and quickly advanced to the practices' Surgical/Nursing Coordinator.  In this role, Espy is responsible for coordinating patient's surgical schedules and also assists Dr. Pugach with the minimally invasive in-office procedures.

Espy began her medical career with a desire to work with an OB/GYN, as she wanted to be a part of helping women to bring new lives into this world. But she finds her work with a urological practice very gratifying as she can see how the medical and surgical care provided by PCUMC helps patients to have a fuller, more active life.  Espy recalls an important experience when she first started working at PCUMC. There was a patient who had bladder problems and she was very uncomfortable. "We did some bladder treatments and after the second session she told me that she is so happy and that she feels so much better. It is rewarding to see patients come in when they are not feeling well and help them feel better."

When Espy interviewed with Dr. Pugach during her last month of nursing training, she was so surprised to learn about the many procedures that are done using minimal invasive technology and techniques. Procedures, such as the No Needle No Scalpel Vasectomy and Cool Wave for BPH. Espy was intrigued and wanted to learn more. "I have learned so much in the past few years and I enjoyed growing here and can’t wait to see what this office has to offer our patients."

Espy is fluent in English and Spanish.  You can count on her smiling face and calm demeanor to help you with your surgical and urological nursing needs. 
 

Debbie, Financial Counselor

It’s hard to believe but Debbie started working with Dr. Robert Pugach in 1986!  Debbie worked as Dr. Pugach’s nurse for 18 years before taking over the increasing complex medical billing and financial counseling for the practice.

Prior to joining Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, Debbie worked at Harbor UCLA Medical Center on the surgical floor before becoming a clinical nurse.  Debbie met Dr. Pugach when they both worked at CIGNA Health Plan and she helped him to start his solo practice in Long Beach, CA.

Debbie has seen the practice grow throughout the years and is excited to have been a part of the growth and development of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center.  In her own words, “it has been quite a ride, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.”  Debbie stays on top of the billing, coding and reimbursement requirements and regulations.   If you have any questions, about your health insurance or billing/reimbursement questions, Debbie is here to help.

Marcela, Front Office

Marcela joined Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center in 2008.  She works with Christina in the Front Office and is one of the smiling faces and the cheerful voice you see you call or come to our office.  Marcela is a vital part of our team and helps to ensure that you’re your appointments are scheduled, prescriptions are refilled, and that your care is coordinated with Dr. Pugach and the nursing staff.

Marcela enjoys her work and says, “the best part of the job is the patients, you meet people and you learn a lot of things every day. When patients come to the office they already know you and talk to you like you are a long time friend I like that.”

Marcela is fluent in English and Spanish.

Christina, Front Office

Christina also joined Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center in 2008. She has worked in healthcare for over 15 years. She works with Marcela in the Front Office and always has a smile and encouraging words for our patients. Christina understands that our patient's needs come first.  You can count on Christina to listen and care.

Christina was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and speaks, writes and reads Portuguese.  She also speaks Spanish. For Christina, one of the best parts of her job is "seeing how satisfied patient are once they experience the excellent care our team provides and the wonderful results they receive."
 

Staff Development Training and Events 

Christina, Gladys, Marcela and Espy enjoy a "Spa Day" at Glen Ivy

Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center's staff held their 2nd annual Staff Development Retreat in Huntington Beach in April 2009.  The retreat focused on quality patient initiatives, service improvements and skills development.

Staff Development Retreat, December 2007 - Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center’s staff spent a weekend at the beautiful Bar B Circle Ranch in Goleta, CA to discuss patient initiatives for 2008 and some well-earned R & R time!

Pictured left to right are, Christina, Marcella, Gladys, Dr. Pugach, Espy, and Yvette.

New Beverly Hills Office Open for Los Angeles  (CA) County Residents!