Pain is a universal experience. It can be sharp, dull, constant, or fleeting. But for some, it lingers, becoming a daily struggle. Dr. Reza Ray Ehsan has spent his career helping people manage and overcome pain.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” he says. “My father was a family physician, and I saw how much he cared for his patients. That had a huge impact on me.”
Dr. Ehsan is a highly experienced anesthesiologist and pain management specialist based in Los Angeles. With over 30 years of experience, he has treated countless patients, using both traditional and cutting-edge methods to relieve pain. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Anesthesiology Department at LA Downtown Medical Center.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Ehsan grew up in San Jose, California. His father was a role model, a doctor who prioritized his patients’ well-being. Watching his father work inspired him to pursue medicine.
He started his academic journey at California State University, Long Beach, earning a degree in chemical engineering. But his true calling was medicine. He attended medical school at Central University of the East and later completed his internship at the State University of New York in Brooklyn.
He then trained in anesthesiology at Loyola University of Chicago, where he also specialized in cardiothoracic anesthesia and interventional pain management.
“I was always drawn to the science behind pain,” he explains. “Anesthesia is more than putting people to sleep for surgery. It’s about controlling pain in a way that allows patients to heal and function.”
A Career Dedicated to Pain Management
Dr. Ehsan has spent most of his career working in Southern California. He has led anesthesiology departments at multiple hospitals, including Sherman Oaks Hospital, Encino Hospital Medical Center, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital.
His expertise goes beyond surgical anesthesia. He specializes in interventional pain management, which focuses on using procedures, rather than just medication, to treat chronic pain.
“Pain is complex,” he says. “It’s not just physical—it affects your mental and emotional health, too. My goal is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.”
Dr. Ehsan is board-certified by the American Academy of Pain Management. Over the years, he has helped patients suffering from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, and post-surgical pain.
A Humanitarian Approach
Despite his busy career, Dr. Ehsan has always made time for humanitarian work. He has provided free medical services in the Caribbean and Mexico, treating patients in underserved communities.
“I believe every doctor has a responsibility to give back,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate in my career, and I want to use my skills to help people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to medical care.”
He is also a member of Doctors Without Borders and has volunteered to provide anesthesia services for children with cleft lip and palate deformities.
In California, he has worked with the Children and Paternal Services Program (CPSP), ensuring that children and families receive proper medical care.
A Balanced Life
When he’s not in the operating room or volunteering, Dr. Ehsan enjoys staying active. He plays volleyball, runs, and hikes.
“Exercise is important for everyone, not just for physical health but for mental well-being, too,” he says. “I always encourage my patients to stay as active as they can.”
Looking Ahead
Dr. Ehsan’s approach to pain management is always evolving. He stays up to date on the latest research and technology, ensuring that his patients receive the best possible care.
“Medicine is always changing,” he says. “What worked 20 years ago might not be the best option today. The key is to keep learning and improving.”
His career has been shaped by a deep sense of compassion and curiosity. Whether he’s treating a patient in Los Angeles or volunteering abroad, his goal remains the same: to reduce suffering and improve lives.
“I’ve seen firsthand how pain can take over a person’s life,” he says. “If I can help someone get even a little relief, it makes all the difference.”
Read more:
The Science of Pain: Dr. Reza Ray Ehsan’s Journey in Medicine