Dr. Claire Ogata Marcel was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. She achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and her Master’s Degree in Human Physiology from the California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). Her medical illustrations were featured in many research publications and she provided the art for the physiology workbook used at CSUS. During her Master’s Degree Program, Dr. Claire immersed herself in research cardiology at the University of California, Davis Medical Center (UCDMC). This research included clinical studies for new anticoagulant drug therapies and development of laser angioplasty.
Dr. Claire received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1989 and her Orthodontic Certificate in 1991 from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her research at UCSF was in three different areas; AIDS, congenital craniofacial malformations, and bone cells (specifically osteoclasts and osteoblasts).
After a volunteer mission to Nepal with a Cleft Lip and Palate Team, and during an Assistant Professorship with the UCSF Division of Orthodontics, Dr. Claire opened an orthodontic specialty practice in Tracy. Her first Tracy office was built and opened late in 1992. It was located on Tracy Blvd. across from the Sutter Tracy Hospital. Later she moved her office to the three story glass building farther north on Tracy Blvd.
Since then and because of demand and Dr. Claire’s passion for Orthodontics, she has been able to treat a small group of patients in the Livermore office once or twice a month. Time swiftly passes amid lacrosse, soccer, scouts, and piano. Dr. Claire’s art career continues to develop. Lampworking glass, metal, wires, and found objects are currently her mediums-of-choice. There are also a few unfinished oil and acrylic paintings lingering in her small studio. Exercise has slowed to a game of golf or a walk with the dogs. If there are any extra bits of time, she pulls out her Kindle or a crossword puzzle.