The Hirshberg Foundation enlists USC in its fight against pancreatic cancer with $25,000 grant to fund new treatments

Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal of all cancers, but the least funded for research. According to American Cancer Society estimates, more than 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013, and nearly 38,500 will die. The incidence of this cancer has been slowly increasing over the past decade.

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, now in its 15th year, funds projects and programs designed to improve patient care, treatment and, ultimately, survival rates. In its quest to discover the biologic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer, the Hirshberg Foundation recently provided $25,000 to the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is the foundation’s first gift to USC. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

USC Legacy Circle members learn more about individualized cancer care

By Ina Fried

A frightened 39-year-old woman with young children was referred by a friend to the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital because of recurrent lung cancer. A multidisciplinary team, including a radiologist, pathologist, surgeon and oncologist, evaluated her case.

USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen Gruber (left) and Legacy Circle member Jim Bonorris at the Legacy Circle luncheon Photo/Steve Cohn USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen Gruber (left) and Legacy Circle member Jim Bonorris at the Legacy Circle luncheon
Photo/Steve Cohn

Within a week, the woman came to USC Norris, where a lung cancer expert performed minimally invasive robotic surgery. The pathologist performed molecular profiling of her tumor to determine which targeted drugs would be helpful to her.

When USC Norris Director Stephen B. Gruber, MD, MPH, visited the woman the day after surgery, “she was sitting up in bed laughing with her husband and eating ice cream,” he said. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

USC NORRIS HOSTS STOP CANCER

Ram Subramanyan, assistant professor of surgery, speaks at a June 13 STOP CANCER event at the Health Sciences Campus. The event, hosted by USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen B. Gruber, recognized STOP CANCER members for their many years of support, and provided an update on the progress of the USC Norris STOP CANCER awardees. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

OPHTHALMOLOGY FELLOWS FETED

Keck School of Medicine of USC ophthalmology fellows Anne Elizabeth Barañano, MD (left), and Jennifer Hu, MD (right), chat with Keck School Dean Carmen A. Pulifito, MD, MBA, at a party at the dean’s home. The June 26 event celebrated the graduation of the school’s retina fellows. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

In Memoriam: Kathleen Ann Burke, 66

Kathleen Ann Burke, a longtime research scientist at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, died June 30. She was 66.

Kathleen Ann Burke Kathleen Ann Burke

Born in in Newark, New Jersey, Burke graduated from Douglas College and received her Master of Science from Penn State. After graduate work at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked at USC for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2011.

As a scientist, she specialized in researching gene therapy, and managed two large labs. Her last project focused on developing a new therapy for AIDS patients. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

IGM HOSTS PUBLIC FORM

The Institute for Genetic Medicine recently hosted “Memories of the Way We Were,” a public forum on mental health issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Discussion topics at the June 22 forum included Alzheimer’s and dementia research and treatment, music therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, caregiver support, the effects of cross-generational interaction (seniors and preschool children), and new technological therapy options. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

Keck Medical Center to host blood management symposium

By Josh Grossberg

The Keck Medical Center of USC will host the annual meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM).

The theme for the annual meeting, which runs from Sept. 19-21 at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel, is “Patient Blood Management —From Bench to Bedside.” The event gives health care professionals from all over the world the opportunity to learn some of the latest trends and techniques in how hospitals can use less blood during medical procedures —or even none at all. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

Making connections is the goal of a growing Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee

Making connections is the goal of a growing Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee of the USC Health Sciences campus.

“Despite the fact that IPE activities were taking place on the Health Sciences Campus, most were occurring in silos,” remembered Eileen Eandi, IPE Committee chair and associate director of the Educational and Research Services Division at the USC Norris Medical Library. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

Researchers to study tobacco addiction in African-Americans

By Josh Grossberg

Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have been awarded a five-year, $1.8 million grant to study the links between genetics, tobacco addiction and withdrawal in African-Americans.

Adam Leventhal, assistant professor of preventive medicine and psychology and director of the USC Health, Emotion and Addiction Laboratory, will be the principal investigator of the study, which is being funded by the American Cancer Society.

“(African-Americans) have a lower rate of smoking,” Leventhal said. “And they smoke fewer cigarettes a day than whites, but they have a higher risk of cancer, which makes it critical to study the causes of nicotine addiction in African-Americans.” … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

ARTWORK FOR HEALING

Art can be a true healing agent, and USC’s collection recently grew thanks to the donation of “Dreams without Limits,” a painting by Howard Murad, CEO and founder of skincare manufacturer Murad.

… Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

USC rheumatology community seminar answers diagnosis, treatment questions on rheumatic diseases

By Amy E. Hamaker

Rheumatic diseases affect millions of people in the United States every year: Nearly 54 million have been diagnosed with arthritis; 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus; fibromyalgia affects an estimated 5 million U.S. adults; and scleroderma impacts an estimated 300,000 Americans.

To learn more about these conditions and what can be done to treat them, 150 rheumatology patients and their families gathered at the recent USC Rheumatology 6th Annual Community Seminar. The April 27 event, sponsored by Amgen and Genentech and held at the Mayer Auditorium on USC’s Health Sciences campus, gave the attendees a chance to share their insights and experiences with rheumatic diseases and get information from physicians from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. … Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|

Forum kicks off USC’s summer high school programs in stem cell research

By Cristy Lytal

More than 20 local students are enjoying a summer of hands-on experience in stem research laboratories, through the USC Early Investigator High School (EiHS) and the USC CIRM Science, Technology and Research (STAR) programs.

Darren Harris, a student at Lifeline Education Charter School, explained what the opportunity means to him at the USC Stem Cell Public Policy Education Forum, held in the Aresty Auditorium on July 12. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Ford honored for working with underrepresented minority students

By Josh Grossberg

He’s a respected researcher, prolific author, valued mentor, and selfless humanitarian.

For Henri Ford, professor of surgery, vice dean for medical education at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and vice president and chief of surgery at Keck School-affiliated Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, life’s journey has been one of learning, sharing and giving.

To honor his many contributions to healthcare, diversity and philanthropy, Ford was given the 2013 NMF Academic Medicine and Clinical Practice Award by National Medical Fellowships. The award was presented at the NMF Champions of Health Awards ceremony on June 26 in Los Angeles. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Keck student named to AAMC governing board

 

Mariya Kalashnikova Mariya Kalashnikova

By Jon Nalick

Keck School of Medicine of USC student Mariya Kalashnikova has been selected as the sole medical student representative to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) executive board.

The AAMC is governed by a 17-member board of directors, which manages the affairs of the association by providing strategic direction, fiduciary oversight and generative thinking.

Associate Dean for Student Affairs Donna Elliott said, “The Keck School of Medicine is honored to have one of our students, Mariya Kalashnikova, selected to serve … [she] will be the voice of all U.S. medical students and have a role in influencing medical education and health care policy on a national level.” … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

NEWMAKERS

… Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Forum kicks off USC’s summer high school programs in stem cell research

By Cristy Lytal

More than 20 local students are enjoying a summer of hands-on experience in stem research laboratories, through the USC Early Investigator High School (EiHS) and the USC CIRM Science, Technology and Research (STAR) programs.

Darren Harris, a student at Lifeline Education Charter School, explained what the opportunity means to him at the USC Stem Cell Public Policy Education Forum, held in the Aresty Auditorium on July 12. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Interdisciplinary health team shows how collaboration bolsters care

By Kukla Vera

Ninety-one-year-old Filomena Flores recently welcomed a very special group of USC students into her home.

Although her visitors came from seven different professional programs spanning the university — dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant practice and social work—they arrived as a team.

This meeting, led by an accompanying faculty mentor, was the first of a series aimed at teaching students to work collaboratively in examining the health issues facing Flores and identifying ways to improve her care. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

National ranking places USC hospitals among the best

Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital are once again ranked among the best hospitals in the United States in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” rankings. The hospitals have been included in the rankings since 2009, when the University of Southern California purchased the hospitals.

USC-affiliated Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, staffed exclusively by faculty physicians from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, also was named last month to U.S. News’ Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, and ranked in the top five in the nation. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Hinton named associate dean for vision science

David R. Hinton, M.D., professor of pathology, neurological surgery and ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been named the school’s inaugural associate dean for vision science. Hinton is a distinguished scientist and educator, and one of the world’s foremost experts on the biology of macular degeneration.

Hinton will spearhead the development of new vision science programs in education, training and research. He will also be responsible for coordinating vision research efforts that are located throughout Keck School departments, and between the Keck School and other departments and schools at USC. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|

Verdugo Hills Hospital joins the USC family

Len LaBella (left), CEO of Verdugo Hills Hospital and Tom Jackiewicz, CEO of USC Health, celebrate USC Verdugo Hills Hospital’s debut as the newest member of the Keck Medicine of USC family. They joined hospital employees at a July 24 celebration, featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band, a barbecue luncheon and decorations in cardinal and gold. Photo/Steve Cohn Len LaBella (left), CEO of Verdugo Hills Hospital and Tom Jackiewicz, CEO of USC Health, celebrate USC Verdugo Hills Hospital’s debut as the newest member of the Keck Medicine of USC family. They joined hospital employees at a July 24 celebration, featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band, a barbecue luncheon and decorations in cardinal and gold.
Photo/Steve Cohn

Cardinal and gold colors swept through the Foothill communities of Los Angeles in mid-July as the University of Southern California debuted its newest member of the Keck Medicine of USC family, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

A kick-off celebration luncheon was held for employees under a tent on the grounds of the hospital, where employees were greeted by Tom Jackiewicz, CEO of USC Health, and Len LaBella, CEO of Verdugo Hills Hospital.

Amid red and yellow balloons and festooned tables, the newest members of the Trojan family took time out to enjoy a barbecue feast and a visit by the Trojan Marching Band.

“This is a wonderful change,” said nurse Maral Atashian of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital’s Med-Surg Unit. “The future looks great for us!”

The acquisition of this Foothill communities’ hospital, which boasts a 40-year legacy of delivering health care to residents in the area, was part of a larger strategy to address the challenges of a changing health care environment. Keck Medicine of USC offers the size and resources, as well as the innovation to improve care and reduce costs, needed by community hospitals to remain viable and competitive.

The addition of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital expands and improves Keck Medicine of USC’s ability to deliver community-based services. … Read More »

July 25th, 2013|Announcements|