Our Clinical Team

Our entire team is committed to excellence in all aspects of our care and we achieve this through decades of education and research and by being at the forefront of rapidly changing technology and medical advances. We all strive to bring this excellence to each and every patient in an empathetic manner and in a relaxed and caring environment.

Darius Schneider MD, PhD

Cardiologist

Dr. Schneider is a double board-certified endocrinologist and internist with a passion for all aspects of endocrinology and the transformative power of medical technology. His training across Germany and the United States has given him deep expertise in managing the full spectrum of endocrine disorders, from all subtypes of diabetes and thyroid disease to complex adrenal, pituitary, and bone conditions.

A dedicated researcher, Dr. Schneider earned his Ph.D. in pancreatic islet transplantation and, as a Fulbright fellow, conducted influential research in diabetes immunology at the prestigious La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology. While his research background gives him a unique perspective on endocrine disease, his clinical focus is on bringing the latest breakthroughs directly to his patients.

Dr. Schneider is at the forefront of technological innovation in endocrinology. At Diabetes and Endocrine Associates, he was instrumental in bringing several “firsts” to the region:

  • He established the first center in Southern California to offer radiofrequency ablation (RFA) , a non-surgical treatment for thyroid nodules.

  • The practice was among the first to utilize Tzield (teplizumab) , a groundbreaking therapy to delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

  • They were also early adopters of the Senseonics implantable CGM (Eversense) , offering patients an alternative to traditional continuous glucose monitors.

Dr. Schneider is dedicated to continuing the legacy of his mentors, Dr. Daniel Einhorn and Dr. Raymond Fink, by providing state-of-the-art clinical care. His expertise spans diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal and pituitary conditions, bone health, and advanced diabetes technologies.

Clinical Expertise & Certifications

  • Board Certified: Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (ABIM)

  • Advanced Certifications:

    • Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) – AACE

    • Advanced Training Certification in Type 1 Diabetes – Endocrine Society / JDRF

    • Advanced Training Certification in Bone and Mineral Disease – Columbia University

Education & Training

  • 2004: MD, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany

  • 2007: Doctorate (PhD), Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen

  • 2004-2009: Internal Medicine Residency, University of Heidelberg, Germany

  • 2009-2011: Endocrinology Fellowship, University of Heidelberg, Germany

  • 2011-2014: Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology

  • 2014-2016: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego

  • 2016-2018: Endocrinology Fellowship, University of Washington, Seattle

Languages Spoken

English, German, Romanian, Italian, French, Spanish

Selected Publications & Speaking

Dr. Schneider has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and serves as a reviewer for the Endocrine Society and the ABIM. He is a frequent speaker and workshop leader at major conferences, including ADA Scientific Sessions and the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting. For a full list of publications, please [click here] .

Mba Uzoma Mba MD, PhD

Endocrinologist

Education and Training

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (MD), VA

  • Graduate Medical Education at Virginia Commonwealth University Health, VA

  • The Scripps Research Institute (PhD), La Jolla, CA

  • Fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA

Contributions to Science

1) The Proto-oncogene PKCι regulates the alternative splicing of Bcl-x pre-mRNAShultz JC, Vu N, Shultz MD, Mba MU, Shapiro BA, Chalfant CE.Mol Cancer Res. 2012 May;10(5):660-9. doi: 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-11-0363. Epub 2012 Apr 20.

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2) MicroRNA profiles in allograft tissues and paired urines associate with chronic allograft dysfunction with IF/TAScian MJ, Maluf DG, David KG, Archer KJ, Suh JL, Wolen AR, Mba MU, Massey HD, King AL, Gehr T, Cotterell A, Posner M, Mas V.Am J Transplant. 2011 Oct;11(10):2110-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03666.x. Epub 2011 Jul 27

3) Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors mediate neuromodulatory functions in the CNSSim-Selley LJ, Goforth PB, Mba MU, Macdonald TL, Lynch KR, Milstien S, Spiegel S, Satin LS, Welch SP, Selley DE.J Neurochem. 2009 Aug;110(4):1191-202. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06202.x. Epub 2009 May 31

Sara Turner Cooper PhD, PA-C

Physician Assistant in Endocrinology

ara enjoys the continuity of care, relationships with the patients, and involving patients in creating successful treatment plans. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, desire to help others, ability to learn and understand complex material, and dedication to patient education and care are an asset to our offices. The science and critical thinking aspects of endocrine care are also very appealing to her due to her science background. In addition to her experience in endocrinology, she previously completed a PhD from Purdue University and pursued a post-doctorate position at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Her previous research focused on immunology and zoonotic diseases, with several peer reviewed publications.

Education and Training

  • Mercyhurst University, Master’s Degree – Physician Assistant

  • University of Alaska (Fairbanks), Postdoctorate

  • Purdue University, PhD

  • Pomona College, BA – Biology

Our Wonderful Staff Members

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Trinec Carpenter

Office Manager

Patricia Seifert

Radiology Technologist and DEXA Fairy

Lisa Moreno

Prior Auth Specialist

Miroslava Aguilar

Clinical Coordinator (La Jolla)

Our Clinical Research Team

Marcy Shores

Clinical Research Coordinator