Welcome, new Medical Advisory Board Members!

The Patty Brisben Foundation is excited to share that we have added three new members to the Medical Advisory Board. These individuals are some of the leading minds in their respective fields, and we are so grateful that they have chosen to contribute their time, skills, and knowledge toward furthering our mission.

Stanley E. Althof, Ph.D.

Stanley E. Althof, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida and Professor Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He and his two former partners were the 2005 recipients of the prestigious Masters and Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Althof has been instrumental in the development of sex therapy as a sub-specialty area. He has been in practice for over 40 years and specializes in treating men, women and couples with sexual and relationship problems.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Althof is an internationally recognized researcher and scientist. His research focuses on the psychosocial aspects of sexual dysfunction and its impact on men, women, and couples. He is the author of over 160 peer-reviewed publications and has helped develop guidelines for sexual problems, contributed numerous chapters to leading textbooks in psychiatry, urology, and sex therapy. He is a highly sought after lecturer and travels extensively both internationally and within the United States to present his research findings.

Karen Connor, PT, DPT, PRPC

Karen Connor, PT DPT, PRPC works as a pelvic health clinical specialist at University Hospitals. In addition to her doctorate, she is an OCS emeritus and holds a certification in pelvic floor rehabilitation. She has presented at local universities, community groups and professional organizations on topics including: Physiology of stress, yoga and the pelvic floor, pregnancy, and common pelvic floor dysfunctions. She has presented twice at University Hospitals Female Sexual Health symposium and recently presented at The Menopause Society’s yearly meeting.  A part-time professor at Cleveland State University, she co-authored “Sex in Your Sixties” in 2021. She has served as the Ohio representative and Volunteer Coordinator for the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association.   She also served as Vice Chair of the NE District of the Ohio Physical Therapy Organization. Her passion is demystifying and normalizing conversations on the pelvic floor and sexual function.

Anita Mikkilineni, MD

Dr. Anita Mikkilineni is an OBGYN at George Washington University, a sexual health expert, and a faculty member at the SAGA (Sexual Health and Gender Affirmation) Center. Known for her commitment to sexual health, education and advocacy, she is also actively involved in women’s health lobbying and activism. As the founder of the OBGYN Resident Advocacy Curriculum and the Rotation Director for the Resident Sexual Health and Gender Affirmation Rotation, she empowers the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing significantly to research and awareness in the field. Dr. Mikkilineni’s impact is felt both in the clinic and the broader community, promoting empowerment, informed choices and inclusive care.