USC professors recieve NIH funding for clinical trial of Alzheimer’s drug

By Kukla Vera

USC Professors Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD, of the USC School of Pharmacy and Lon Schneider, MD, MS, of the Keck School of Medicine of USC are principal investigators of a newly funded study from the National Institutes of Health, aimed at testing promising drugs for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

The USC project, “Allopregnanolone Regenerative Therapeutic for MCI/Alzheimer’s: Dose Finding Phase 1,” is the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of using allopregnanolone (Allo), a natural brain steroid, in treating mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, as part of an intensified national effort to find effective interventions for the degenerative brain disease. … Read More »

October 2nd, 2013|Announcements|

Ajay Vyas promoted to deputy health-care compliance officer

By Tania Chatila

Ajay Vyas, JD, has been promoted to deputy health-care compliance officer, effective Sept. 3. In his new role, Vyas is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the compliance programs for Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and the Keck Medical Center of USC.

He is also the compliance plan provider for USC Care Medical Group, the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and the USC School of Pharmacy.  … Read More »

October 2nd, 2013|Announcements|

Excellent results from Keck Medicine laboratories

Laboratory members often go far beyond promoting discovery. They promote a stronger Keck Medicine community by raising funds and sharing award-winning images. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

Stephanie Hall appointed CMO of Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital

By Tania Chatila

The two hospitals of Keck Medicine of USC will welcome its new chief medical officer on Oct. 1, with the appointment of veteran physician leader Stephanie Hall. Hall currently serves as chief medical officer of LAC+USC Medical Center, a position she has held since 2006.

As CMO for Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, Hall will report to hospitals’ CEO Scott Evans. She will provide critical oversight of clinical initiatives, and will play an active role in ensuring the delivery of safe, quality, efficient care to patients, while also representing the interests of faculty physicians. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

USC teams with CIRM to celebrate Stem Cell Awareness Day

By Cristy Lytal

For the millions of people around the world who suffer from incurable diseases and injuries, Stem Cell Awareness Day is a time for hope.

In honor of the occasion, USC Stem Cell is joining institutions and educators from around the world in hosting a series of public events to raise awareness and celebrate this promising field of medicine in partnership with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

Willliam Gorenstein appointed new chief financial officer of Keck Medicine of USC

By Tania Chatila

William Gorenstein William Gorenstein

William M. Gorenstein, CPA, has been appointed chief financial officer for Keck Medicine of USC, leading financial operations for the entire medical enterprise, and playing a key role in managing the system’s financial accountabilities, sustainability and long-term fiscal goals.

“This is a new role for our Keck Medicine senior team and one that is crucial to our journey forward, especially as we expand our system’s reach through ongoing investments and strategic partnerships,” said Tom Jackiewicz, MPH, senior vice president and CEO for USC Health, to whom Gorenstein reports. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

CHLA doctors make 7,500-mile house call to treat children with deformities

By Josh Grossberg

There were too many young patients, too far away. So instead of bringing them to the doctors who could help them, the doctors decided to make a house call.

That house call meant a team of plastic surgeons from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) traveled 7,500 miles to Jordan, where they operated on dozens of children with physical deformities too complicated to be treated by doctors at the King Hussein Medical Center in Amman. And the team paid for all of it out of their own pockets.

More than 80 complex cases were reviewed the first clinic day. In all, the team of surgeons operated on 44 kids in four days, including a 10-hour facial bipartition procedure. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

5K ‘Stash Dash for prostate health

Runners raced out of the starting gate at the 4th Annual LA Prostate Cancer 5K, held on Sept. 15 on the University Park Campus. Dubbed the “‘Stash Dash,” the event was held to raise money to help turn the page on the fight against prostate cancer. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

USC researchers to study national tobacco product regulations

By Leslie Ridgeway

Despite decades of efforts to control its use, tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. USC is one of 14 academic institutions designated to receive significant funding to contribute to a new, first-of-its-kind regulatory science tobacco program intended to support tobacco product regulations.

The Keck School of Medicine of USC Department of Preventive Medicine will receive $20 million over five years, establishing one of 14 Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) in Los Angeles. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

NBA center Jason Collins gets candid at the Keck School

By Sara Reeve

When NBA center Jason Collins came out as a gay man on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, he became a cultural icon — the first openly gay athlete playing a major American team sport.

During the first of the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture series, Keck School of Medicine Dean Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, interviews NBA player Jason Collins on his coming out as an openly gay athlete. (Photo/Steve Cohn) During the first of the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture series, Keck School of Medicine Dean Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, interviews NBA player Jason Collins on his coming out as an openly gay athlete.
(Photo/Steve Cohn)

“I am definitely not alone,” said Collins. “Statistically speaking, there are [gay athletes] in all sports.”

In a wide-ranging discussion with Keck School of Medicine of USC Dean Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA. Collins discussed his coming out process, a phone call with President Barack Obama, on being a role model and his future in the NBA. … Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

Board of Overseers member lends support to USC Norris 40th anniversary celebration

By Leslie Ridgeway

Keck School Board of Overseers member Deborah Lanni is a presenting sponsor at the 40th year celebration gala for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Keck School Board of Overseers member Deborah Lanni is a presenting sponsor at the 40th year celebration gala for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Philanthropist and Pasadena resident Deborah Lanni has pledged $250,000 as a presenting sponsor to support the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is celebrating its 40th year with a gala celebration this fall.

The event, titled “40 Years of Progress — Discovering New Cures” will take place Friday, Oct. 11, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Westin Bonaventure hotel. Award-winning comedian and actor Martin Short will emcee, and there will be special musical entertainment.

The goal of the event is to raise more than $1 million for cancer research at USC Norris while looking back on breakthroughs and successes and looking forward to the future of cancer research. … Read More »

September 23rd, 2013|Announcements|

Three scientists to share 2013 Massry Prize

By Jon Nalick
As any courier knows, delivering a package on time is just part of the equation. But it also has to be delivered to the right place.

The same is even more true inside a human cell, where timely, accurate deliveries of chemical messages, proteins and fuel mean the difference between life and death for the cell—and between health and disease for the body as a whole.

The winners of this year’s Meira and Shaul G. Massry Prize are a trio of scientists — James Spudich, PhD, Michael Sheetz, PhD, and Ron Vale, PhD — who have deciphered how cells deliver key molecular components to the right place at the right time. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Young adults make a difference in research, patient care

Young adults are the future of health care, and nowhere is that more evident than on USC’s Health Sciences Campus. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Genomic Cancer Medicine seminar coming to Health Sciences Campus

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is presenting an all-day seminar on genomic medicine:

Genomic Cancer Medicine: The Power and the Promise
Oct. 18, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Aresty Auditorium … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Three scientists to share 2013 Massry Prize

By Jon Nalick

As any courier knows, delivering a package on time is just part of the equation. But it also has to be delivered to the right place.

The same is even more true inside a human cell, where timely, accurate deliveries of chemical messages, proteins and fuel mean the difference between life and death for the cell—and between health and disease for the body as a whole. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Changes at “The Weekly”: Less is More

19.25_TWIn the previous edition of The Weekly, we announced that we would be publishing biweekly starting with this issue. Many of you who pick up The Weekly at campus newsstands or receive it in the mail will continue to see us in print every two weeks.

If you want more of The Weekly, you can find us at www.theweekly.usc.edu. It’s another way for you to catch up on the latest news from the Health Sciences Campus and other Keck Medicine of USC locations. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Expert surgeon to co-direct USC comprehensive spine center

By Alison Trinidad

USC has recruited renowned spine surgeon Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, to join its faculty as co-director of the USC Spine Center, a multidisciplinary program offering comprehensive services for spinal disorders.

An international leader in spine care with expertise in the surgical treatment of all neck and back disorders, Wang joined Keck Medicine of USC on Sept. 1 as chief of orthopaedic spine surgery at the Keck Medical Center and professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Four new specialists bolster ear, throat patient services at Keck Medicine of USC

By Alison Trinidad

USC has recruited four physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect hearing, balance, speech, swallowing, sleep and facial function to join its faculty physician practice. … Read More »

September 18th, 2013|Announcements|

Bicyclist rides 10,500 miles to raise funds, awareness for cochlear implants

By Amy E. Hamaker

Early childhood is a time for discovery, playing with friends and learning more about the world. But for Jacob Landis, it was also a time for that world to go silent.

Two-year-old Landis took his first hearing test when his mother felt that his speech development was slower than normal. Landis’ hearing was compromised, and over the next three years, his hearing continued to deteriorate — he was fitted with his first hearing aids in kindergarten. By fourth grade, Landis had lost his hearing entirely.

After more than 600 appointments with otolaryngology doctors, audiologists and other specialists, Landis was finally referred to John Niparko, MD. In June 1999, Niparko performed cochlear implant surgery on Landis, who was just 10 years old. … Read More »

September 14th, 2013|Announcements|

Keck School student receives NAMME scholarship

By Elise Herrera-Green

Sheila Lau, a second-year student in the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Primary Care Physician Assistant Program, has been selected to receive a 2013 National Association of Medical Minority Educators (NAMME) Scholarship. Lau was one of only eight students in the nation selected for this scholarship. … Read More »

September 14th, 2013|Announcements|