Denise Sharon
Dr. Denise Sharon is an accomplished sleep medicine specialist with nearly three decades of experience in clinical care, research, and education. She currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at USC’s Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and as an independent consultant at Pomona Valley Medical Center’s Adult and Children Sleep Disorders Center. In these roles, she trains fellows, residents, and students, oversees patient care, interprets sleep studies, and contributes to task forces and the development of clinical guidelines.
Dr. Sharon’s professional focus centers on sleep health, with particular expertise in restless legs syndrome (RLS) and adolescent sleep disorders. She is deeply committed to patient education, emphasizing the critical role of sleep in overall health and wellness. Her research and clinical work aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce symptom severity, and optimize treatment outcomes for patients with sleep disorders.
Her career began in psychiatry and neurophysiology in Israel, before transitioning to sleep medicine through specialized training at the Medical College of Georgia. She earned her MD in medicine in Israel, completed a PhD in Psychology at Temple University, and has held faculty and leadership roles at Tulane University and other institutions. A diplomate of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sharon is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Southern Sleep Society, California Sleep Society, International RLS Study Group, Hypersomnia Foundation, RLS Foundation, and the World Sleep Association. Her career reflects a blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, and dedication to educating the next generation of sleep medicine professionals.
• Università di Siena
• Tel Aviv University- M.D.
• Temple University- Ph.D.
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• Southern Sleep Society
• California Sleep Society
• International RLS Study Group
• Hypersomnia Foundation
• RLS Foundation
• World Sleep Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong passion for medicine and sleep health, the rigorous training and mentorship I received in Israel and Italy, and my dedication to advancing sleep medicine through research, teaching, and patient care.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up, no matter the challenges or setbacks along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering sleep medicine is to value yourself, persist through challenges, keep striving to improve, and embrace the opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is raising awareness about the importance of sleep for overall health while ensuring patients receive empathetic, evidence-based care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are curiosity and balance—pursuing excellence in my work while enjoying life through travel, concerts, and classical music.