“ She has always been very positive and can bring out the best in me ,” he says . “ She always makes me feel better no matter the challenge .”
Beyond their practice , Aliff and Lao are invested in their community and professional growth . Aliff serves as chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) West Virginia Section , leading initiatives to address health care disparities and improve outcomes for women and children . Her work includes advocating for safety bundles in obstetric care and advancing resources for menopausal women . She also serves on the board of the West Virginia Women ’ s Alliance that lobbies for changes that will directly benefit women and children in the state . Lao organizes the ACOG West Virginia annual meeting and mentors young surgeons , a role he finds deeply fulfilling .
“ I have WVSOM students rotate with me , and I have worked with the CAMC OB / GYN residents for over 20 years ,” he says . “ Teaching surgery and watching young surgeons grow is incredibly rewarding .”
The couple ’ s connection to West
Virginia runs deep , shaped by a shared love for its people and natural beauty .
“ The state has defined me ,” Aliff says . “ My hope is to contribute to the betterment of a place that has nurtured me and my family .”
Lao agrees , noting his decision to accept a position in Charleston over the one in New York City that he had already signed a contract for .
“ I have never regretted that decision ,” he says . “ West Virginia , especially Charleston , has offered me a home , profession and a great place to raise my family .”
Despite Aliff and Lao ’ s demanding careers , family remains their greatest achievement . Both credit their children as their proudest success .
“ They are fiercely loyal , loving and community oriented ,” Aliff says .
Looking to the future , Aliff and Lao remain committed to advancing women ’ s health care in West Virginia . Aliff hopes to see quality care accessible to all women in the state , while Lao embraces the rapid advancements in surgical technology that continue to improve patient outcomes . •
Destigmatizing Conversations Around Menopause
In August 2024 , Dara P . Aliff , D . O ., and Michael Lao , M . D ., co-owners of Premier Women ’ s Health Specialists , were asked to be part of a group speaking with Halle Berry and Senator Shelley Moore Capito regarding the Advancing Menopause and Mid- Life Women ’ s Health Act .
The legislation calls for the federal government to spend more on clinical trials on menopause as well as the hormone therapy that is used to treat hot flashes and other symptoms .
The act also aims to strengthen education resources and workforce training on menopause and encourage public health spaces to better address midlife women ’ s health issues .
“ As West Virginia ’ s population ages , this will have a huge impact on our state ,” says Aliff .
This piece of bipartisan legislation would put $ 275 million toward research and education around menopause , the significant hormone shift that women experience in middle age . The ultimate goal is to advance care in menopause through this improved funding for studies and by encouraging the FDA to advance more clinical trials that are ready . This would be done by expanding the use of traditional therapies and encouraging new product development .
“ We hope to specifically find alternative therapies for women with a history of breast cancer or other contraindications to traditional therapies ,” Aliff says . “ We also want to work on studies specific to treating decreased libido . There are several products for men , but no proven , effective options for women that are FDA approved .”
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