Dr. Emily Iker is a director of Lymphedema Center in Santa Monica for over two decades since MLD certification, from Prof. Albert Leduc, the world-renowned lymphologist. She is the leader in diagnosis, treatment and management of lymphedema not only on scientific level but understands lymphedema on personal level. She developed secondary lymphedema during her surgical residency which was the turning point leading her into PM&R at New York Medical College. She is a lymphology researcher, lecturer, teacher and mentor. She is a member of ISL, ESL, American College of Phlebology, Czech and Slovak lymphological society and NLN. In addition to her busy clinical medical practice and research involvement, she is a happy mother of twins.

Emmaline Shirley Mauritson is a physician assistant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California who specializes in the field of lymphedema. She completed her physician assistant education at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in 2022. She was drawn to lymphedema because it represents a longstanding gap in medical care; lymphedema remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and a significant source of suffering for patients. She is enthusiastic about patient advocacy and providing compassionate, whole-person care, and is inspired by the resiliency of her patients. She works alongside reconstructive microsurgeons at Cedars-Sinai to provide comprehensive lymphedema care that integrates conservative therapy, surgical interventions, and long-term surveillance. She takes an active role in research and with the collaborative efforts of the team at Cedars-Sinai, she hopes to contribute to breakthrough treatments for lymphedema. She is proud to represent Cedars-Sinai, a LE&RN Comprehensive Lymphedema Center of Excellence.

Simon Kang, DNP, NP, is a Nurse Practitioner at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Health in San Francisco, California. He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2020.

Simon began his career as a surgical oncology hospitalist at Mayo Clinic, where he developed a strong foundation in complex patient care. He has since transitioned into his current role specializing in lymphedema management. His interest in lymphedema care was driven by a recognition of the widespread gaps in awareness and understanding of the condition—both among patients and within healthcare systems—and the significant impact it has on quality of life.

He is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while also emphasizing education for individuals, families, and healthcare communities. His practice incorporates the latest advancements in diagnostic imaging and treatment approaches for lymphedema.

At UCSF, Simon works closely with a reconstructive microsurgeon to manage lymphedema patients and supports a surveillance program for breast cancer patients. He is actively collaborating with other lymphedema centers to help develop and enhance UCSF’s lymphedema program. Additionally, he is involved in the application process for designation as a LE&RN Comprehensive Lymphedema Center of Excellence.