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So far Mitch Medina has created 564 blog entries.

USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center 40th anniversary

As USC celebrates the 40th anniversary of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Weekly will run in each issue through the end of the year items highlighting key moments in the history of the institution.

On May 10, 1979, ground is broken for the new site of the Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Research Institute. At the time, the effort was described as the “largest building project in the 99-year history of the University.” … Read More »

June 21st, 2013|Announcements|

Students present research at annual MD/PhD symposium

By Sara Reeve

As Tom Buchanan, vice dean for research of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, welcomed the room full of MD/PhD candidates to the annual USC-Caltech MD/PhD symposium, he had a very simple message — doing good science will make you happy.

“To me, at its core, science is fun,” he stated. “There are incredibly complicated structures in the world out there, and as a scientist, you get to figure out how the world works. … And medicine at its core is a real opportunity to do good for society. With an MD/PhD, you can make a difference in the way medicine is practiced. You can have an impact on a very large number of people while doing science, and I can’t think of a better thing than that.” … Read More »

June 21st, 2013|Announcements|

Research points to prospective treatment for Alzheimer’s patients

By Sara Reeve

A USC team of scientists has published research that highlights a new potential therapeutic agent for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have found that a mutant protein helps to bind amyloid beta peptide in the brain more efficiently than a wild type — or naturally occurring — version. Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) is a primary component of amyloid plaques — deposits found in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients — and most researchers believe it plays a central role in the development of Alzheimer’s. … Read More »

June 21st, 2013|Announcements|

For patients, a thoughtful gesture makes all the difference

By Josh Grossberg

Keck Hospital of USC patient Jennifer Sutherland shows off the beaded necklace given to her by USC volunteers in recognition of her courage and inspirational attitude. Photo/Jon Nalick Keck Hospital of USC patient Jennifer Sutherland shows off the beaded necklace given to her by USC volunteers in recognition of her courage and inspirational attitude.
Photo/Jon Nalick

Jennifer Sutherland gently touched the beaded necklace as it was clasped around her neck. A piece of jewelry could hardly make up for what she had been through, but the gesture and the thought behind it made her cry softly.

During an informal ceremony at Keck Hospital of USC in May, CEO Scott Evans told her that the gift was a way to remember that even though she would soon be leaving the hospital after two months, she had friends who would be there for her.

“This gives you something to hold onto and look at,” Evans said. “It’s a token to say we’re here with you all the time.” … Read More »

June 21st, 2013|Announcements|

In Memoriam: Don Harper Mills, 85

Don Harper Mills, a longtime clinical professor of pathology and psychiatry at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, died May 21. He was 85.

Don Harper Mills Don Harper Mills

Mills, who taught at the Keck School and was a past president of Salerni Collegium, was also a practicing attorney. He served as medical director of the County of Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Program, devoted to claims management for the public hospitals and clinics in the county. … Read More »

June 21st, 2013|Announcements|