Surgeon Will Join Rady Children’s in Orange by 2027
Fetal surgeon Dr. Payam Saadai will transition to a full-time role at the Orange facility in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Fetal surgeon Dr. Payam Saadai is set to join the Fetal Care Center of Southern California in Orange. Dr. Saadai will begin supporting the program in a part-time administrative capacity this fall before joining full time in early 2027.
Why it matters
The hire coincides with the planned opening of a special delivery unit at Rady Children’s Health in Orange. This expansion aims to enhance the center’s prenatal surgical capabilities for patients across Southern California.
Dr. Payam Saadai brings 16 years of medical experience to his new role. He currently serves as Chief of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery at UC Davis Health and is board certified in pediatric and general surgery.
The players
Payam Saadai
He is an experienced fetal surgeon and the site principal investigator for the CuRe Trial which investigates prenatal stem cell therapies.
Rady Children's Health
It is a pediatric healthcare provider with facilities in Orange that is currently expanding its fetal and surgical care offerings.
The details
Dr. Saadai, a Newport Beach native, is also the site principal investigator for the CuRe Trial, which researches stem cell therapy for the prenatal repair of myelomeningocele. His expertise will bolster the surgical team at the Fetal Care Center of Southern California as it prepares to launch its new special delivery unit.
Timeline
Dr. Saadai begins part-time administrative support in fall 2026.
Dr. Saadai joins Rady Children's full time in early 2027.
Health Landscape
The appointment of the CuRe Trial's site principal investigator signals a major commitment to advanced prenatal medicine at the facility. This move positions the hospital to compete as a premier hub for complex fetal surgical interventions within Southern California.
Families in Orange will gain access to specialized fetal surgical expertise as the hospital expands its prenatal care services. Patients seeking advanced treatments like stem cell therapy for myelomeningocele may see expanded local options once the new unit and team are fully established.
The takeaway
The addition of a specialized surgeon to the local medical staff highlights a regional trend of consolidating complex pediatric care under one roof. Patients should monitor hospital announcements for the upcoming opening of the special delivery unit to understand new care pathways.
Further reading
For more updates on medical advancements, visit the Children’s Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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