Surgical
oncology
Assessment and surgical management of selected cancers, with treatment planning shaped by each individual's diagnosis and care team.
A thoughtful approach
Experienced hands.
Modern care.
Thoughtful, specialist-led surgical care, grounded in clinical experience and guided by what matters most: the person behind every diagnosis.
01 / Who we are
Care that sees the whole person.
At Westside Surgical Associates, we believe excellent surgical care begins with listening. Our practice brings together specialist expertise, clear communication and an individual approach to help patients and their families navigate important decisions with confidence. From an initial consultation to follow-up care, we aim to make every step feel informed, considered and personal.
02 / Areas of care
Our specialties.
Focused surgical expertise, with a considered approach to each patient's needs.
Surgical
Melanoma
surgery
Surgical assessment and treatment planning for melanoma, with an emphasis on clear information and coordinated care.
Endocrine
surgery
Specialist consultation and surgical care for selected conditions affecting endocrine glands, tailored to each clinical situation.
General
surgery
Evaluation and management of a range of general surgical conditions, with a focus on appropriate, individualised treatment.
Our philosophy
Expertise with empathy, at every step.
We know that the prospect of surgery can bring questions and uncertainty. We take the time to explain the options, discuss potential benefits and risks, and work collaboratively with patients and their referring clinicians.
Our goal is simple: thoughtful decisions, clear expectations and attentive care throughout the surgical journey.
Information for patients
03 / Meet the team
Your surgeons.
Get to know the doctors behind Westside Surgical Associates.
Meena Said, MD, FACS
General & Endocrine Surgery
Dr. Meena Said is a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in endocrine surgery, specialising in thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal conditions.
Read full biography
Dr. Meena Said is a board-certified general surgeon with specialised fellowship training in endocrine surgery. Her practice focuses on the surgical treatment of thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal conditions, as well as a range of general surgical needs.
Dr. Said graduated summa cum laude from UCLA before earning her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her general surgery residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, followed by an endocrine surgery fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Said brings a strong foundation in clinical practice and surgical research to her work. Her approach emphasises thoughtful evaluation, clear communication and individualised treatment planning.
Richard Essner, MD, FACS
Surgical Oncology & Melanoma Surgery
Dr. Richard Essner is a board-certified surgeon specialising in surgical oncology, with particular expertise in melanoma, other skin cancers and head and neck malignancies.
Read full biography
Dr. Richard Essner is a board-certified surgeon specialising in complex surgical oncology, with particular expertise in melanoma, other skin cancers and head and neck malignancies.
He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed surgical training at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He subsequently pursued advanced fellowship training in surgical oncology at UCLA and Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Dr. Essner serves as Director of Surgical Oncology and Co-Director of the Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Research Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute. His contributions to clinical research and peer-reviewed medical literature reflect a longstanding commitment to advancing cancer treatment.
04 / Before your visit
Here to help you feel prepared.
Whether you are arranging your first appointment or preparing for a consultation, we want you to know what to expect.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Please contact our practice using the details below. Our team can explain appointment availability and whether a referral or supporting medical records are needed.
What should I bring to my appointment?
It can be helpful to bring your referral, identification, relevant reports or imaging, a list of medications and any questions you would like to discuss.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your surgeon will generally review your history, discuss your concerns and explain possible next steps. Any recommended investigations or treatment options will depend on your individual circumstances.
Do you work with referring clinicians?
We welcome communication with referring clinicians and aim to support coordinated care.
05 / Contact
Let's take the next step.
Our team can help with appointment enquiries, referrals and general questions about the practice. We look forward to hearing from you.
If you have an urgent medical concern, seek care from an appropriate emergency service. Please do not send sensitive medical information through general email.
Telephone
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Email
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Location
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Office hours
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