PROVIDER Q&A
Elena Forster: From Russia, with love (and excellent credentials)

One of HMF’s physician assistants has just a bit more training than the typical PA. In her native country, she was a medical doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat diseases.

After relocating to the United States, she reinvented her career to focus on aesthetic medicine, and has become an asset to HMF.

Name?

Elena Forster, PA-C

PA means "physician assistant," but what’s the "C"?

It stands for "certified." In addition to earning a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University in Pomona, I passed the exam given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Bet you’re glad that’s over!

Certification never really ends. PA-C’s must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take the recertification exam every six years.

Which HMF physicians do you assist?

I work with Dr. Cavender and Dr. Takahashi in dermatology. Under their supervision, I treat wrinkles, excess hair, acne, rashes, and other conditions.

What part of the job do you most enjoy?

Cosmetic procedures, because they change a patient’s appearance, and boost self-confidence. I like helping people look their best, especially with injectable fillers and pulsed light treatments.

You were a doctor in Russia. How does the medical field differ there?

To start, anyone who is interested in studying medicine must spend many hours volunteering at hospitals. No medical school will accept you if you have not invested the volunteer hours as a teenager. This is to find out if medicine is a good fit.

I attended Stavropol State Medical Academy and my first paying job was my medical residency. Then I spent two years working at a regional sports medicine center in Stavropol.

Is anyone in your family a doctor?

Almost everyone. My father is a cardiologist, my mother and brother are gynecologists and my sister-in-law is a pediatrician.
How did you decide to join HMF? My husband and I live in Arcadia and our two children see HMF pediatricians. I liked the doctors and the organization. When I heard about an opening, I applied. I started in August of 2007.

What do you do outside the office?

I stay very busy with my children. My son is 8, and my daughter is 3. When I have the time, I enjoy knitting and crocheting…and I do a lot of cooking from scratch.

Do you watch any of the medical shows on TV?

"House" is my favorite. The main actor is British, but does an American accent very well. We like "Scrubs" too.

If patients want to try speaking Russian with you, what should they say?

When I say "How are you?," they can reply "Harosho, a kak ty?" which is "Fine, and you?"

Spasibo!

You’re welcome!