The story of our practice is deeply connected to the history of orthodontics in Westwood Village. For more than four decades, Dr. Mark Collons dedicated his professional career to serving patients in the Westwood community. He began practicing in Westwood Village in 1975, building a practice that would eventually become an important part of his professional legacy.
Dr. Mark Collons’ years in Westwood represent a remarkable commitment to his practice and the people he served. After more than 40 years of practicing in the area, he made an important transition in 2016 when he sold his practice to Dr. Lisa Gao.
For Dr. Gao, taking over the practice meant more than simply continuing an established orthodontic office. It meant becoming the steward of a legacy that Dr. Mark Collons had built over many years.
Since taking over the practice, Dr. Gao has worked to honor the foundation established by Dr. Mark Collons while creating a new chapter for the practice. The transition represents a meaningful connection between the history of the practice and its future.
Dr. Mark Collons is also a proud USC Trojan and has remained actively involved with the USC alumni association. His connection to USC and the Westwood community has been an important part of his life and professional journey.
The relationship between Dr. Mark Collons and Dr. Gao reflects the special meaning behind a professional legacy. A legacy is not simply about who started something; it is also about the person who takes responsibility for carrying it forward.
That connection became especially meaningful during Dr. Mark Collons’ recent visit to the practice.
This past week, Dr. Mark Collons returned to visit the office and see the new space. During his visit, he was impressed by what he saw and expressed how proud he was of Dr. Gao and everything she had accomplished.
Most importantly, Dr. Mark Collons shared how happy he was that Dr. Gao had taken over his legacy. His words were a meaningful reminder of the trust and responsibility that came with the transition in 2016.
Seeing Dr. Mark Collons return to the practice created a special moment for Dr. Gao and the team. It was an opportunity to recognize where the practice came from while appreciating how it has continued to evolve.
Today, the work that began with Dr. Mark Collons’ practice in Westwood Village continues through Dr. Gao. When Dr. Mark Collons sold the practice to Dr. Gao in 2016, it marked an important transition and the beginning of a new chapter.
Dr. Mark Collons’ recent visit to the new office made that connection especially meaningful. He was impressed by what he saw and expressed how proud he was of Dr. Gao and everything she has accomplished since taking over the practice.
For Dr. Gao, continuing the practice means respecting its history while bringing her own vision and dedication to its future. Dr. Mark Collons’ visit was a special reminder of how meaningful that transition has been.
At Westwood Orthodontics, we are proud to recognize Dr. Mark Collons, his many years of service in Westwood Village, and the foundation he established beginning in 1975.
As the practice moves forward, we remain grateful for its history, inspired by what has been built, and excited for the future.