Our Specialist

Dr. Atabak Allaei is a double board-certified physician in Vascular & Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, a distinction that reflects advanced training in both diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive image-guided treatment. He is an attending physician at both Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills and UCI Medical Center, and is the Medical Director of the California Thyroid Center.

Recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, Dr. Allaei has been at the forefront of non-surgical thyroid nodule care in California. He was among the first physicians in California to perform thyroid artery embolization, also known as TAE, offering select patients an innovative, incision-free alternative for treating symptomatic thyroid enlargement and nodules.

As a vascular and image-guided specialist, Dr. Allaei has extensive experience in thyroid radiofrequency ablation, thyroid artery embolization, and other advanced ultrasound-guided procedures. His background in both embolization and tumor ablation allows him to evaluate thyroid conditions with a highly specialized perspective and offer patients a broader range of minimally invasive treatment options.

Dr. Allaei’s experience extends beyond the thyroid. He has performed complex ablation and image-guided treatments involving the liver, kidney, bone, lung, uterus, pelvis, and vascular system. This broad procedural background gives him a unique advantage in treating thyroid nodules safely and precisely, especially in patients seeking to avoid surgery, scarring, or lifelong thyroid medication when appropriate.

With more than 7,000 ultrasound-guided and image-guided procedures performed, Dr. Allaei is respected for his technical skill, careful imaging evaluation, and ability to manage complex cases. His dual board certification allows him to combine expert image interpretation with precise treatment planning — an important advantage when performing delicate procedures near critical structures in the neck.

Originally from San Diego, California, Dr. Allaei earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He later pursued breast cancer research before earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York. He completed residency training in New York, followed by fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the prestigious Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Medical Center.

Patients choose Dr. Allaei not only for his recognized expertise, but also for his personalized, honest, and safety-focused approach to care. He takes time to understand each patient’s symptoms, review imaging carefully, and explain whether thyroid RFA, thyroid artery embolization, surgery, or observation is the most appropriate option. His goal is to provide advanced, minimally invasive thyroid care with precision, comfort, and long-term patient outcomes in mind.