More recently, Dr. Kram has developed an interest and specialty in helping individuals achieve lasting weight loss – “weight loss for life” – using a nutritionally-sound, medically safe and proven method. His program differs from other programs available because it supports patients with coaching and also therapy, if needed or desired.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Kram is an attending psychiatrist at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center. During the past 12 years at the VA Medical Center, Dr. Kram has served as the Medical Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Service and the Medical Director of the Out-Patient Mental Health Clinic. He also provides direct clinical care to veterans with mental disorders.

In his General and Forensic practice, Dr. Kram is an experienced specialist in Industrial and Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatric Emergency Care, Psychopharmacology and the evaluation and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. He is often called upon to testify on these issues as well as in cases alleging Sexual Harassment. His other clinical specialty, the treatment of Obesity and Permanent Weight Loss comes from his personal experience as well as his clinical experience. Many psychiatric patients have problems with obesity because some medications used to treat major psychiatric disorders contribute to increased appetite and weight gain.

The “Weight Loss for Life” program Dr. Kram designed is both unique and comprehensive. He understands first-hand what it is like to struggle with weight loss. For most of his adult years he was a yo-yo dieter. He knows how frustrating and humiliating it can be when the same weight lost is again gained and it seems easier to give up than work through the blocks that are keeping you stuck. At times the battle against the bulge seems impossible to win. This is especially so when the other things in your life are manageable and satisfying or your life is burdened by stress. Dr. Kram can help you break the cycle and become a winning “loser.” His empathy and support are invaluable.

Recent studies have shown that lack of sleep contributes to disturbances in appetite and increased cravings for carbohydrates. Dr. Kram incorporates this research into his program. He believes that through a multi-disciplinary approach, as well as proper nutritional, educational and emotional support, anyone can achieve “weight loss for life.”

Dr. Kram received his B.A. from Columbia University and his M.D. from the School of Medicine of the New York State University at Buffalo. He completed post-doctoral training at the University of Miami and at the USC Department of Psychiatry. He is also an Affiliated Colleague on the Behavioral and Organizational Science faculty of the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA Geffen Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians as well as a member of the Southern California Chapter American Academy of Psychiatry and Law.

For fifteen years, Dr. Kram was on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers of Los Angeles and for ten years was Chairman of the Screening Committee of Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles. He has been a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy for Psychiatry and Law. Prior to his VA post, he was on the staff of Cedars-Sinai, Brotman Memorial Hospital, St. John’s Medical Center and Santa Monica Hospital.