Rebecca Rivara, MD

My life’s mission has been to close gaps in healthcare disparities, particularly in women’s health. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, I focus on teen pregnancy, cervical cancer prevention, diabetes in pregnancy, and physician wellness. Growing up in Los Angeles, I witnessed firsthand the impact of social and educational inequities, which shaped my path into medicine. As a nontraditional student who began as a surgical technician, I later earned my Bachelor of Science and medical degree from UCLA and completed residency at Kern Medical. I founded a private practice in Kern County, mentoring staff toward advanced careers in healthcare and business. Now Clinical Director for Women’s Health Services at TrueCare, I lead initiatives in prevention and community engagement while advocating for equity through leadership and policy work.