Dr. Stephen Severance received both a B.A. in English and his Medical Degree from Cornell University in New York State. Following a year of internship at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, his education was interrupted by two years in the military, including one in Vietnam. He returned to complete an Internal Medicine Residency at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the combined University of California, Irvine-Long Beach V.A.
Hospital program, again interrupting his training for one year teaching positions at LAC-USC MC and later at Long Beach V.A. Hospital, where he served as Assistant Director of Gastroenterology program.
He entered private practice in Long Beach in 1977, being busy enough by 1983 to join in partnership with Dr. Barry Zamost in the formation of the Long Beach Gastroenterology Associates. Early in his career, Dr. Severance had sufficient time to author a handful of journal articles and three chapters in medical books. His focus in later years has been on practicing, studying and teaching his specialty, which in recent years focuses increasingly on liver disease (Hepatology). Dating back to November 2006 issue of Los Angeles Magazine, his name has appeared frequently on the various internet or print directories for "Best MDs" including "Best Doctors", "Top Doctors" and for the fourth consecutive year in the forthcoming January 2011 issue of Los Angeles Magazine listing "SuperDoctors". His greatest satisfaction continues to be teaching, and he remains Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Severance is very happily married to Nikole Severance, sharing together by previous marriages two daughters, three sons, and three grandchildren. He also shares with her a passion for physical fitness, including roller-blading, jogging, swimming, weight training, hiking, and yoga activities which he hopes will allow him to continue practicing his specialty for many years!
