Dr. Villella, a native Long Islander, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, she backpacked through Europe and returned to enter New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. She was awarded the Russell C. McCaughan Educational Fund of the National Osteopathic Foundation Academic Excellence in Medicine Award during her second year of medical school.  Dr. Villella completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Winthrop University Hospital. She was awarded the Best Teaching Resident of the Year and performed ovarian and endometrial cancer research with Drs. Chalas and Pearl. Following residency, Dr. Villella was awarded a 2-year Henrietta Milstein post-doctoral fellowship at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital. During this time, she performed original research on the role of angiogenesis in ovarian cancer, as well as caring for gynecologic oncology patients. Subsequently, she completed a three-year fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. During that time, she completed numerous projects, presentations, and publications of her research. She has authored more than 25 research papers. She has presented numerous research papers or invited lectures at state and national meetings. In addition to her strong clinical and surgical skills as a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Villella has been recruited to LIGO to assist Dr. Pearl with expanding our active research program. Her main research interest includes the role of the immune response in ovarian cancer. She currently holds the title of Assistant Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at Stony Brook and Winthrop University Hospitals. Dr. Villella is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and board eligible in Gynecologic Oncology.

Dr. Villella resides in New York City where she enjoys the culture, diversity and numerous activities. Her interests include international travel, gourmet cooking, and running, including the New York City Marathon. She has strong ties to Long Island and is an excellent addition to our physician faculty.