E N D O W E D C H A I R S An honor bestowed upon a physician alongside generous donor funding to support innovative programs, technology, education, stafng, recruitment and more.
Hoag surpasses expectations every day. The quality of Hoag’s extraordinary, personalized care exceeds what most community hospitals can deliver, and there’s good reason. Community support allows Hoag to recruit and retain the most exceptional health care workers, provide the most advanced resources and deliver treatment in the most technologically advanced facilities—all right here in Orange County. At the core of that support is Hoag’s endowed chair model. More commonly seen at large, universityafliated teaching hospitals, endowed chairs are a rarity in the community hospital setting. Yet here at Hoag, as of 2021, more than $58 million in gifts have funded 20 endowed chairs. “These illustrious positions are more than a way of honoring some of our most innovative physicians,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD, President, Hoag Hospital Foundation. “Endowed chairs provide a source of sustainable funding for program development, technology implementation, research, education, recruitment and much more. They enable our physicians to advance their specialties and achieve their greatest potential while serving the Hoag community.” Through their adept stewardship, endowed chair holders enhance Hoag’s quality of care and reputation in each of their respective elds. “Our endowed chair holders are granted discretionary use of funds, allowing them to use their expertise toward the benet of their patients, the hospital and the
entire community,” said Robert Braithwaite, President and Chief Executive Ofcer, Hoag. “They use their funds in a variety of innovative ways, from speaking at conferences and educating the next generation in their specialty to conducting groundbreaking research and establishing new programs to better serve our community. Each of these physicians makes us proud to be part of Hoag’s health network that provides unparalleled care in our region.” Hoag’s endowed chair program has a ripple effect: By bringing novel technology and programs to Hoag, endowed chair holders train other physicians and health care workers whose paths may eventually lead them elsewhere. With the training they receive at Hoag, these young professionals exponentially improve patient care at each hospital – ROBERT BRAITHWAITE their career takes them, creating PRESIDENT AND CEO, HOAG immeasurable impact across the globe. The endowed chairs’ reach is also multiplied by cutting-edge clinical trials and novel therapies that bring patients from across the country and world to Hoag. This legacy of skill and excellence puts Hoag’s endowed chairs at the forefront of the health care landscape.
EACH OF THESE PHYSICIANS MAKES US PROUD
At the heart of this legacy are Hoag’s generous donors. Through their philanthropic support of Hoag’s endowed chair program, they’re enhancing world-class care and innovation at Hoag every day. The difference this makes in the lives of patients and families throughout the community is profound.
CONTENTS
3 9 15 17 19 21
Hoag Endowed Chair Timeline
Hoag’s Visionary Endowed Chair Donors
David Ahn, MD Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care
Robert Louis, MD, FAANS Empower360 Endowed Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Abhay Parikh, MD Eric & Sheila Samson Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Health
Michael Demeure, MD, MBA, FACS, FACE Otis Healy Family Endowed Chair in Applied Genomics
25 27 29 33 35 39
Michael Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR Ron & Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute
Melvin Silverstein, MD, FACS Gross Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Burton Eisenberg, MD Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Anthony Caffarelli, MD, FACC Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care
Allyson Brooks, MD, FACOG Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Women’s Health Institute
John Lipham, MD, FACS James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in GI Cancer
41 43 47 49 53 55
William Shankle, MS, MD, FACP Judy & Richard Voltmer Endowed Chair in Memory and Cognitive Disorders
Daniel Von Hoff, MD, FACP Margaret Givan Larkin Endowed Chair in Developmental Cancer Therapeutics
Jeffrey Yoshida, MD Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FACNM James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Molecular Imaging and Therapy
Subbarao Myla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, MMM, CPE Dr. Joel H. Manchester Endowed Chair in Interventional Cardiology
James Caillouette, MD Joan & Andy Fimiano Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
57 59 61 63
Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, MACC, FAHA, FESC Eric & Sheila Samson Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health
Robert Gorab, MD Tom & Mayumi Adams Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
Lisa Karamardian, MD, FACOG Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent
An Endeavor of Visionaries
3 3
HO HO AG A GE N ED NO DW OW ED E DC H CA H IARI RT ITMI M E LEILNI E NE
2007 2007
2011 2011
Grace Grace E. Hoag E. Hoag Executive Executive Medical Medical Director Director
Ron Ron & Sandi & Sandi Simon Simon Executive Executive
Endowed Endowed Chair, Chair, HoagHoag Family Family Cancer Cancer Institute Institute
Medical Medical Director Director Endowed Endowed Chair, Chair, Pickup Pickup
Donor: Donor: George George HoagHoag Family Family Foundation Foundation
Family Family Neurosciences Neurosciences Institute Institute
ChairChair holder holder 20072007 to 2011: to 2011: Robert Robert Dillman, Dillman, MD, FACP MD, FACP
Donors: Donors: Ron and Ron Sandi and Sandi Simon Simon
ChairChair holder holder 2013 2013 to present: to present: Burton Burton Eisenberg, Eisenberg, MD MD
ChairChair holder: holder: Michael Michael Brant-Zawadzki, Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR MD, FACR
2008 2008 Robert Robert & Georgia & Georgia RothRoth Endowed Endowed ChairChair for for Excellence Excellence in Cardiac in Cardiac CareCare Donors: Donors: Robert Robert and Georgia and Georgia RothRoth ChairChair holder holder 20082008 to 2018: to 2018: DiptiDipti Itchhaporia, Itchhaporia, MD, MACC, MD, MACC, FAHA, FAHA, FESCFESC
James James & Pamela & Pamela Muzzy Muzzy Endowed Endowed ChairChair in GIin Cancer GI Cancer Donors: Donors: James James and Pamela and Pamela Muzzy Muzzy ChairChair holder holder 2011 to 2011 present: to present: JohnJohn Lipham, Lipham, MD, FACS MD, FACS James James & Pamela & Pamela Muzzy Muzzy Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Surgery Surgery Donors: Donors: James James and Pamela and Pamela Muzzy Muzzy ChairChair holder holder 2011 to 2011 2020: to 2020: Aidan Aidan Raney, Raney, MD, FACS, MD, FACS, FACCP, FACCP, FACCFACC
2015 2015 JoanJoan & Andy & Andy Fimiano Fimiano Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in Orthopedic Orthopedic Surgery Surgery Donors: Donors: JoanJoan and Andy and Andy Fimiano Fimiano
2012 2012
ChairChair holder: holder: James James Caillouette, Caillouette, MD MD
2017 2017
Gross Gross Family Family Foundation Foundation Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Margaret Margaret Givan Givan Larkin Larkin Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Oncoplastic Oncoplastic Breast Breast Surgery Surgery
Developmental Developmental Cancer Cancer Therapeutics Therapeutics
Donors: Donors: GrossGross Family Family Foundation Foundation
Donors: Donors: Margaret Margaret and Tom and Tom Larkin Larkin
ChairChair holder: holder: Melvin Melvin Silverstein, Silverstein, MD, FACS MD, FACS
ChairChair holder: holder: Daniel Daniel Von Hoff, Von Hoff, MD, FACP MD, FACP
JudyJudy & Richard & Richard Voltmer Voltmer Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in Memory Memory and Cognitive and Cognitive Disorders Disorders Donors: Donors: JudyJudy and Richard and Richard Voltmer Voltmer ChairChair holder: holder: William William Shankle, Shankle, MS, MD, MS, FACP MD, FACP
Benjamin Benjamin & Carmela & Carmela Du Endowed Du Endowed
Newkirk Newkirk Family Family Endowed Endowed ChairChair in Aortic in Aortic CareCare
ChairChair in Urologic in Urologic Oncology Oncology
Donors: Donors: Jim and Jim Martha and Martha Newkirk Newkirk
2013 2013
Donors: Donors: Benjamin Benjamin and Carmela and Carmela Du Du
ChairChair holder: holder: Anthony Anthony Caffarelli, Caffarelli, MD, FACC MD, FACC
Dr. Kris Dr. V. Kris Iyer V. Endowed Iyer Endowed ChairChair in Diabetes in Diabetes CareCare
Ginny Ginny Ueberroth Ueberroth Executive Executive Medical Medical Director Director
Donors: Donors: MaryMary and Dick and Dick Allen,Allen, George George HoagHoag Family Family
Endowed Endowed Chair, Chair, Women’s Women’s Health Health Institute Institute
ChairChair holder: holder: Jeffrey Jeffrey Yoshida, Yoshida, MD MD
Foundation, Foundation, Margaret Margaret and Tom and Tom Larkin Larkin
Donors: Donors: Ginny Ginny and Peter and Peter Ueberroth Ueberroth
ChairChair holder holder 2013 2013 to 2017: to 2017: Daniel Daniel Nadeau, Nadeau, MD MD
ChairChair holder: holder: Allyson Allyson Brooks, Brooks, MD, FACOG MD, FACOG
ChairChair holder holder 2019 2019 to present: to present: David David Ahn,Ahn, MD MD
2019 2019
2021 2021
Eric & Eric Sheila & Sheila Samson Samson Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Melinda Melinda HoagHoag Smith Smith Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Health Health
Medical Medical Oncology Oncology
Donors: Donors: Eric and Eric Sheila and Sheila Samson Samson
Donor: Donor: George George HoagHoag Family Family Foundation Foundation
ChairChair holder: holder: DiptiDipti Itchhaporia, Itchhaporia, MD, MACC, MD, MACC, FAHA, FAHA, FESCFESC
2020 2020
ChairChair holder: holder: OpenOpen
Eric & Eric Sheila & Sheila Samson Samson Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Tom Tom & Mayumi & Mayumi Adams Adams Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
James James & Pamela & Pamela Muzzy Muzzy Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Gastrointestinal Gastrointestinal Health Health
Orthopedic Orthopedic Surgery Surgery
Molecular Molecular Imaging Imaging and Therapy and Therapy
Donors: Donors: Eric and Eric Sheila and Sheila Samson Samson
Donors: Donors: Tom Tom and Mayumi and Mayumi Adams Adams
Donors: Donors: James James and Pamela and Pamela Muzzy Muzzy
ChairChair holder: holder: Abhay Abhay Parikh, Parikh, MD MD
ChairChair holder: holder: Robert Robert Gorab, Gorab, MD MD
ChairChair holder: holder: GaryGary Ulaner, Ulaner, MD, PhD, MD, PhD, FACNM FACNM
Dr. Joel Dr. Joel H. Manchester H. Manchester Endowed Endowed ChairChair in in
Jeffrey Jeffrey M. Carlton M. Carlton Endowed Endowed ChairChair in Women’s in Women’s
Interventional Interventional Cardiology Cardiology
Health, Health, in honor in honor of Dr. ofAnne Dr. Anne M. Kent M. Kent
Donors: Donors: Colleen Colleen Manchester, Manchester, Ron and Ron Sandi and Sandi Simon Simon
Donor: Donor: Jeffrey Jeffrey Carlton Carlton Charitable Charitable Foundation Foundation
and more and more thanthan 20 additional 20 additional donors donors
ChairChair holder: holder: Lisa Karamardian, Lisa Karamardian, MD, FACOG MD, FACOG
ChairChair holder: holder: Subbarao Subbarao Myla,Myla, MD, FACC, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSCAI, MMM, MMM, CPE CPE Otis Otis Healy Healy Family Family Endowed Endowed Empower360 Empower360 Endowed Endowed ChairChair in Skull in Skull BaseBase and and
ChairChair in Applied in Applied Genomics Genomics
Minimally Minimally Invasive Invasive Neurosurgery Neurosurgery
Donor: Donor: Otis Healy Otis Healy
Donor: Donor: EMPOWER360 EMPOWER360
ChairChair holder: holder: Michael Michael Demeure, Demeure, MD, MBA, MD, MBA, FACS, FACS, FACEFACE
ChairChair holder: holder: Robert Robert Louis, Louis, MD, FAANS MD, FAANS
OF ORANGE COUNTY. FOR ORANGE COUNTY. SINCE 1952.
Whether a grateful patient, a longtime philanthropist or a local entrepreneur, donors to Hoag’s endowed chair program are visionaries unlike any other. Their commitment to innovation and patient care in their community is changing the future of health and wellness for generations to come.
GRATITUDE
HOAG’S VISIONARY ENDOWED CHAIR DONORS
9
Tom and Mayumi Adams
Mary and Dick Allen
Jeffrey Carlton Charitable Foundation
Benjamin and Carmela Du
EMPOWER360
Joan and Andy Fimiano
Gross Family Foundation
Otis Healy
George Hoag Family Foundation
GRATITUDE
“Endowed chairs provide a source of sustainable funding that enables our physicians to advance their specialties and achieve their greatest potential while serving the Hoag community.” Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD President, Hoag Hospital Foundation
10
While endowed chairs are a hallmark of academic institutions, they are rare in the community hospital setting. Thanks to our generous donors, Hoag has twenty endowed chairs, and the prestigious program continues to grow.
11
HOAG’S VISIONARY ENDOWED CHAIR DONORS
Colleen Manchester
James and Pamela Muzzy
James and Martha Newkirk
Robert and Georgia Roth
Eric and Sheila Samson
Ron and Sandi Simon
Ginny and Peter Ueberroth
Judy and Richard Voltmer
GRATITUDE
Margaret and Tom Larkin
12
HOAG’S ENDOWED CHAIRS Technology continues to fuel groundbreaking innovation in science and medicine. Across specialties, endowed chair holders at Hoag are implementing state-of-the-art technology in service of new surgical techniques, disease management and an enhanced patient experience. These expert clinicians look to the future of health care with clarity and imagination, and rmly establish Hoag as a national pacesetter.
INNOVATION A
David Ahn, MD Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care
15
Carrying on a Legacy of Diabetes Care as 90% of our patients,” Dr. Ahn
Endowed chairs are typically named for the
increasingly relies on advanced technology in addition to
said. “Signicantly, while most
donor, but the Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair
medical care and lifestyle modications. Fortunately for
specialties observed an overall
in Diabetes Care is named for one of Hoag’s
Hoag patients, Dr. David Ahn is both an endocrinologist and
decrease in patient visits during
most inuential physicians in his eld.
a tech guru. Dr. Ahn was an early adopter of smartphone
the pandemic, the decline at the
Dr. Iyer joined Hoag soon after completing a
apps, digital therapeutics, connected insulin pens and
Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center
fellowship in endocrinology at the University
virtual care models, and he stays on the leading edge of
was relatively small, presumably
of California, Irvine. While Dr. Iyer has served
new developments that empower patients with diabetes to
because we were already so well-
Hoag in numerous administrative and
improve their health and wellness.
versed in the interplay between
clinical capacities, he is best known for his
technology and patient care.”
impact in diabetes, which he has called “a
As program director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes
disease of the community.” As a patient
Center and steward of the endowed chair, Dr. Ahn initiated
Dr. Ahn has also directed endowed
with type 1 diabetes himself, Dr. Iyer offers
a two-year clinical trial gathering long-term safety and
chair funding toward hiring the
compassion alongside clinical expertise. In
usability data on Senseonics Eversense, a high-tech yet
Center’s research coordinator,
2012, Dr. Iyer was named executive medical
low maintenance 90-day continuous glucose monitoring
who assists in clinical studies and
director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes
system. When the study quickly reached patient capacity,
provides outreach, insulin pump
Center, applying his vision to enhance
the Center received permission to recruit additional patients.
training and continuous glucose
clinical, educational and support services.
monitoring training to patients
He also transformed the care of hospitalized
Dr. Ahn’s foresight for what he calls a “tech-tonic” shift in
with diabetes. In addition, the
patients with hyperglycemia at Hoag.
the delivery of care led the Diabetes Technology Society to
Center collaborated with Hoag’s
Most recently, Dr. Iyer assumed the roles of
select him to moderate international expert panels at recent
Digestive Health Institute in
senior vice president and chief physician
meetings. He also coauthored a report in the Journal of
establishing a weight management
development ofcer for Hoag Clinic,
Diabetes Science and Technology on how to best protect
program for patients with diabetes
reecting his extensive work in physician
people with diabetes from the impact of COVID-19. Even
and other conditions.
engagement. Dr. Iyer’s profound, widespread
before the pandemic, Dr. Ahn saw the potential for virtual
INNOVATION
For patients with diabetes, long-term management
impact inspired the establishment of the
visits to revolutionize health care. In 2019, he initiated a pilot
Dr. Ahn’s technical acumen
endowed chair in his honor, funding Hoag’s
telemedicine program for patients with gestational diabetes.
coupled with the endowed chair
ongoing commitment to bettering the lives
“When the pandemic escalated and doctors’ ofces closed,
funding keep Hoag at the forefront
of people with diabetes.
we were able to pivot rapidly to virtual visits for as many
of diabetes care.
16
Brain surgery may sound frightening, but Hoag patient Rebecca Baker was remarkably calm before having her brain tumor removed. That’s because she had a virtual hero on her side: Dr. Robert Louis. Since 2015, Dr. Louis has been integral in bringing experiential reality (XR) technology to Hoag and expanding its applications. Hoag is now the country’s highest volume center for a type of XR, augmented reality, in neurosurgery. Initially, Hoag surgeons used XR to prepare for brain surgery like a ghter pilot rehearses a mission in a ight simulator, allowing them to virtually “y-through” a patient’s brain. The extraordinarily clear visualization of blood vessels and tumors with XR far exceeds that of an X-ray or MRI. Soon after, patients like Rebecca Baker—whose meningioma brain tumor was causing her to confuse words like “pickle” and “chair”— began asking to don the high-tech glasses. “We started letting patients y through their own brain so they could better understand the plan prior to surgery,” Dr. Louis said. “Dr. Louis allowed me to walk through my brain around the tumor,” Rebecca
Robert Louis, MD, FAANS Empower360 Endowed Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
said. “He was just amazing. I knew I could trust him, and I was ready to go in the next morning to have at least part of the tumor removed.” Dr. Louis ultimately removed 99% of Rebecca’s tumor, and she quickly
returned to her active lifestyle, selling real estate and playing golf. Rebecca is among many Hoag patients who have beneted from the stress-reducing effects of preoperative XR, as documented by a three-year Hoag study. “In addition to improving their level of understanding and satisfaction, XR led to a signicant increase in patient retention rates because they felt more comfortable at Hoag,” Dr. Louis said.
17
The True Reality of XR, VR and AR in the Medical Setting Experiential reality (XR) encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality. In VR, participants use high-tech glasses to view a three-dimensional simulation
Dr. Louis’ initiatives as the Empower360 Endowed
of an image or environment that is entirely
Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive
computer-generated. In AR, the computer-
Neurosurgery include:
generated images are overlaid on real-world images to improve, or augment, the viewer’s
•
Launched NurtureVR program to reduce peripartum mood and anxiety disorders
interact with the components simulated by AR.
and pregnancy-related pain
In a medical setting, each of these approaches to XR allows patients, doctors and other health
•
Implemented use of VR technology for
care providers to visualize aspects of the
inpatient treatment of acute pain and
human anatomy, physiology and pathology
anxiety on both Hoag campuses
in vivid, unprecedented detail. Funding from philanthropic group EMPOWER360 has allowed
•
program to reduce burnout and work-
Dr. Louis to pioneer Hoag’s expansion of XR
related stress in nurses
across multiple specialties, including heart and vascular, orthopedics, cancer, mental health, pain management and women’s health.
Studied the use of a home-based VR
INNOVATION
understanding. Mixed reality allows viewers to
•
Collaborated with other institutions on a study using VR to train patients with low back pain in home-based pain management skills
•
Hosted alongside international experts in “Hoag Advances in Clinical Virtual Reality” annual symposium
18
Fatty liver disease affects an estimated 80 to 100 million Americans, an often-asymptomatic disease approaching epidemic levels. Today, Orange County patients with fatty liver disease can be treated at Hoag’s unique, comprehensive bariatric program, launched under the leadership of Dr. Abhay Parikh. The focus of the program is prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis, cancer or liver failure. Hoag’s program differs from others in the county in its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. “We receive referrals from many specialties across the hospital,” said Dr. Parikh. “Our team confers and collaborates on patient care, giving patients assurance that we are taking the best approach. Ultimately, we help our patients lose weight, improve their pulmonary function and cardiac health and reduce the incidence and adverse effects of fatty liver disease.”
Abhay Parikh, MD
The bariatric program is just one component
Eric & Sheila Samson Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Health
of Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute, which has elevated Hoag’s gastrointestinal care to the level of leading centers in Los Angeles and around the world. The Institute was launched as a collaborative initiative to ensure Hoag patients receive prompt diagnosis and the
highest level of care, regardless of the root causes of their digestive health issues. In another collaborative effort, Dr. Parikh is working with Robert G. Louis, MD, FAANS, Empower360 Endowed Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology with gastrointestinal procedures. VR has proved effective in pain management
19
and stress reduction. As such, it can eliminate the need for narcotics and opiates during certain GI procedures, reducing recovery time and allowing patients to drive to and from procedures. Dr. Parikh is also creating a series of professional development courses in the eld of gastroenterology, expected to serve audiences of up to 150 physicians per course. “These courses will elevate our program’s visibility and reputation while providing valuable educational material to our colleagues,” Dr. Parikh said.
Back in January 2019, Dr. Parikh went
“We have found telehealth to be
to the Consumer Electronics Show with
a positive option in the eld of
the explicit intention of investigating
gastroenterology as it expedites
secure, reliable platforms for telehealth.
care, saves time and promotes
He envisioned the future of telehealth
patient satisfaction,” Dr. Parikh
well before the COVID-19 pandemic
said. “An unanticipated benet to
made it a necessity. As an early adopter
us as physicians is being able to
of the platforms Doxy.me and Doximity,
get a glimpse of a patient’s home
Dr. Parikh was well-positioned to serve
environment, including possible
his patients during the pandemic. He
barriers to optimal health care.
and his team saw some 800 patients
Therefore, we anticipate continuing
remotely, nding additional benets
to offer telehealth to our patients, all
beyond the quarantine.
while the landscape in this area is
INNOVATION
Beyond Convenience: Enhancing Gastroenterologic Care with Telehealth
constantly changing.”
20
As program director of the Hoag Precision Medicine Program, Dr. Michael Demeure is spearheading Hoag’s efforts to advance the adoption of genomic proling and targeted cancer therapies for patients. As part of these efforts, Hoag has partnered with several biotech companies to bring novel diagnostics and therapeutics to the community. At Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomics, a unique in-house venture within precision medicine, Dr. Demeure leads a multidisciplinary team that includes a clinical genomics scientist, molecular pathologist, genetic counselors and a medical geneticist. Through a recent partnership with the Hyve, a genomic computing and informatics company, the applied genomics team at Hoag has established its own platform on the cBioPortal for Cancer to create a database of genetic mutations in Hoag patients that will assist their physicians in reviewing patient cases and suggesting the most effective cancer treatments. For patients at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, genetic proling can assist Hoag’s medical oncologists in identifying personalized cancer therapies targeted to their specic cancer. A testament to the exacting nature of Dr. Demeure’s work, patients whose options have previously been exhausted, and who often have no hope of new or advanced cancer therapies, may be able to receive amended treatment plans and even
Michael Demeure MD, MBA, FACS, FACE Otis Healy Family Endowed Chair in Applied Genomics
experience remission. One such patient of Dr. Demeure’s, a woman with recurrent thyroid cancer, arrived in his ofce with a large tumor in her neck that made even swallowing difcult. Dr. Demeure’s rst course of action was to conduct a simple needle biopsy. Genetic sequencing of the biopsy revealed that the patient had a rare genomic fusion, which was driving her tumor, and for which a targeted drug is effective. With Dr. Demeure’s help, and just two pills a day, the patient’s tumor decreased in size so that she can now swallow normally.
21
The Future of Precision Medicine mapping for referencing genomes and even
Spectrometry, a technology generously funded by
in cancer surgery and research, specializes in
detects epigenetic modications. In short,
Hoag Innovators, a group of entrepreneurs and
endocrine cancers. He leads several clinical trials
TGS, which was recently used to sequence the
community leaders catalyzing innovation at Hoag
at Hoag focused on these tumors and related
remaining 8% of the human genome that could
through engaged philanthropy. This new tool,
mutations. Dr. Demeure’s vision for the future
not be sequenced in the original human genome
by which Dr. Demeure is taking a personalized
of precision medicine and applied genomics
project, has the potential to improve the accuracy
approach to post-treatment surveillance, analyzes
at Hoag requires staying at the forefront of
of genetic sequencing, allowing physicians a
patients’ exosomes—small vesicles produced by
new developments in genetic sequencing and
better view of the forest through the trees.
cancer cells that contain DNA, RNA, microRNA,
bioinformatics. This means looking to a third
INNOVATION
Dr. Demeure, an internationally recognized expert
lipids and proteins—to identify cancer recurrence
generation of next-generation sequencing (NGS)
Dr. Demeure’s work doesn’t stop there. New
at the earliest possible stage. What’s more
platforms, improving computational biology
initiatives include bringing innovative trials to
impressive is that it only requires a noninvasive
support at Hoag and automating what is
Hoag that evaluate new genomic tests aimed at
blood or urine test. With the data provided, Dr.
currently done manually to interpret sequence
identifying cancers earlier. His latest laboratory
Demeure can determine whether conventional
reports. An advantage of third-generation
interest is developing a method to isolate and
treatments are working and immediately alter a
sequencing (TGS) is its ability to recognize genetic
study the proteins in extracellular vesicles
patient’s therapy if adjustments need to be made.
variants obscure to current NGS technologies.
produced by cancer cells using Matrix-Assisted
At the genome level, TGS improves long-range
Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass
22
The best health care institutions are made up of the most innovative clinicians and brightest researchers. Through recruitment, mentorship and program development, Hoag endowed chair holders are dedicated to employing and cultivating top talent. Their stories are ones of commitment and vision in the name of exceptional patient care.
PEOPLE
Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki is a catalyst for progress. He has inuenced numerous renowned clinicians and afliated staff to bring their expertise to Hoag, where they have helped create acclaimed programs in patient-centered facilities, armed with the latest technology, helping countless people in search of innovative treatments. Through his recruitment efforts, more than a dozen expert physicians have joined the Hoag team. He also helped create the institute model with Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (PFNI), a format of health care delivery that integrates specialized services with population health. With PFNI, Dr. Brant-Zawadzki built a comprehensive, world-class center for neurosciences, where he serves as its founding executive medical director. With his endowment, Dr. Brant-Zawadzki continues recruiting and empowering physicians at the top of their elds to lead unique programs in service of the Hoag community and beyond. Each program
Michael Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR Ron & Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute
of the Institute is a physician-led, multidisciplinary service focusing on a specic condition and accountable for outcomes important to the patient. One of these recruits is PFNI’s newest endowed chair holder Dr. Robert Louis, a neurosurgeon pioneering the use of virtual and augmented reality technology. As director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program, Dr. Louis credits
25
Dr. Brant-Zawadzki’s mentorship with enabling him to develop his passion for experiential reality at Hoag. “He told me that I’d be able to build the exact career path I wanted to build,” Dr. Louis said of Dr. Brant-Zawadzki’s appeal to join Hoag. “I’ve been fortunate to have him as a mentor.”
Creating a Specialized Neurosciences Stronghold Through Innovation Programs and specialized services within the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute focus on an array of conditions and disorders including, stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and more. In a major achievement for Hoag, Dr. Brant-Zawadzki Rehabilitation Center meeting a vital need for patients recovering from neurologic or orthopedic issues, traumatic brain injury or stroke. Additionally, with his vast experience in research and innovation of medical
PEOPLE
led the establishment of the Fudge Family Acute
technology, Hoag’s Center for Research and Innovation has ourished under his leadership. Dr. Brant-Zawadzki created Hoag’s Marilyn Herbert Hausman Advanced Technology Pavilion, and recently, the Center for Accelerating Technology and Life Sciences Transfer (CATALiST). This endeavor is an entrepreneurial engine for co-development of devices and pharmaceutical and software products with health industry businesses, in partnership with Hoag’s physician experts. Dr. Brant-Zawadzki credits Hoag’s growing national recognition in specialized care and innovation to the incomparable support of Hoag’s unique philanthropic community who partner with Hoag to deliver world-class care.
26
At some of the most respected medical centers across the nation, 57 Hoag-trained oncoplastic breast surgeons are changing the lives of countless women with breast cancer. These are the graduates of a unique fellowship created by Dr. Melvin Silverstein. Through these highly coveted fellowships, Dr. Silverstein passes down the oncoplastic technique he pioneered in the 1980s as a superior alternative to disguring lumpectomies. “The Gross Family Foundation has allowed me to continue my unwavering commitment to educating the next generation of surgeons and to elevate Hoag’s expertise in this important specialty,” said Dr. Silverstein, who is also the medical director of the Sue J. Gross Comprehensive Breast Center. Under his leadership, the fellowship draws some of the best and brightest to Hoag—for the 2021-22 year, Hoag matched with its top three choices from more than 80 qualied applicants. The endowed chair supports the fellows’ research and their attendance at key conferences, such as the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS). Recent cutting-edge poster presentations and talks by Hoag fellows include sentinel lymph node biopsy; the accuracy of needle biopsy; and intraoperative radiotherapy in the augmented patient. Fellows’ participation in conferences afrms Hoag’s role as a leading educator of surgeons
Melvin Silverstein, MD, FACS
in today’s sophisticated world of breast surgery.
Gross Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
The endowed chair further allows Dr. Silverstein to continue his leadership in the eld beyond educating fellows. He launched the Hoag Hospital Surgical Innovation Forum at ASBrS, drawing some 2,000 attendees to learn about new advances and innovations from leading researchers in the eld. Through an agreement with ASBrS, Hoag will continue to host this forum at the annual meeting, maximizing exposure and prestige for the Hoag Breast Program.
27
Education remains at the heart of Dr. Silverstein’s mission as an endowed chair holder. “I am gratied that the vast majority of fellows educated in oncoplastic breast surgery at Hoag follow my path and become both educators and practitioners themselves,” he said.
First Oncoplastic Breast Fellow Builds Her Career on Compassionate Care She was Hoag’s very rst Muzzy Family
Sarah and her husband, Hoag
Endowed Fellow in Oncoplastic Breast
gastroenterologist Paul Korc, MD,
Surgery in 2014, and today, Dr. Sadia
tapped their network of colleagues for
Khan personies the vision of her
recommendations.
she is a practicing oncoplastic breast
“Dr. Khan’s name kept popping up on
surgeon and director of Integrative
different people’s lists,” said Sarah, the
Breast Oncology at Hoag. Dr. Khan
mother of three young boys. She felt
also leads an interdisciplinary team
comfortable and condent with
for the Hoag Healing: Breast Cancer
Dr. Khan, who was then pregnant with
Survivors Program, which empowers
her rst child.
PEOPLE
mentor, Dr. Melvin Silverstein. Now
breast cancer survivors to make lifestyle changes to promote ongoing wellness
“I was coaching her through being a
and thrivorship.
cancer patient, and she was coaching me on how to be a new mom,” said
Among the numerous patients who
Dr. Khan. So committed was Dr. Khan
have beneted from Dr. Khan’s
to Sarah’s care that after her son,
skilled, compassionate care is medical
Zain, was born three weeks early, she
colleague and emergency physician
interrupted her maternity leave to
Sarah Lopez Korc, MD. During the
perform Sarah’s surgery.
COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah was diagnosed with triple-negative breast
“My breast surgeon saw me as an
cancer, an aggressive form of cancer
individual, with children, who is a
requiring chemotherapy and surgery.
physician,” said Sarah, who is now
In search of the best care available,
cancer-free.
28
As overseer of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Burton Eisenberg takes great care in the operations and development of Hoag’s cancer disease site-specic programs. A major function of his role is centered on the recruitment of cancer experts across the country who are leading cancer care and research into the future. This takes vision, and if you ask any of the physicians he’s recruited since joining Hoag in 2013, the rst thing they’ll tell you is that Dr. Eisenberg has it. Dr. Eisenberg’s recruits include cancer rock stars Drs. Jeffrey Yoshida, Daniel Von Hoff, Michael Demeure and Gary Ulaner—all of whom are Hoag endowed chair holders in their own right. Dr. Eisenberg hired Hoag’s rst clinical genomics scientist, Sourat Darabi, PhD, MS; initiated the use of genomic patient data in all tumor conferences; oversaw the implementation of Hoag’s rst molecular tumor board; expanded Hoag’s radiation oncology program with the recruitment of Dr. Shane Lloyd; and brought on Hoag’s urologic oncology and gynecologic oncology teams. Over the course of his tenure, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute has created a robust and efcient translational research arm, bringing bench research bedside, and has launched programs for melanoma,
Burton Eisenberg, MD
sarcoma, high-risk detection
Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute
and screening, precision medicine, endocrine cancer, prostate cancer surveillance and molecular imaging and therapy, to name a few.
The growth Dr. Eisenberg has driven at Hoag doesn’t stop there. Due to his direction and guidance, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute has been ranked in the top 10% of cancer
29
centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2018. Hoag is the only cancer center in Orange County to treat patients with LUTATHERA®, a form of liquid radiation for metastatic neuroendocrine cancer, and it’s the rst in Orange County to use a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Linear Accelerator (MRI-LINAC), which combines magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, with radiotherapy to treat cancers throughout the body. Dr. Eisenberg’s vision for Hoag also included the opening of Hoag Irvine’s Cancer Center, which increased access to imaging and treatment to patients throughout South Orange County. As Hoag expands, Dr. Eisenberg continues to play an
PEOPLE
instrumental role in Hoag’s acceleration to the vanguard of cancer research and innovation.
Cell Therapy Trials Use the Body’s Own Immune System Among the many initiatives Dr. Eisenberg has
activate and enhance the body’s own immune
response rates and is quickly advancing to
spearheaded is the growth of Hoag’s Cell Therapy
system to ght cancer cells. Used in combination
phase II. Through the Cell Therapy Program,
Program. He recruited Drs. Chaitali Nangia
with chemotherapy, NK cells recognize and
both physicians are shaping the future of
and Tara Seery, codirectors of the program and
target cancer cells in the body. This is currently
cancer care for patients at Hoag, which is one
experts in the clinical application of adoptive cell
the most advanced treatment option available
of only a few sites in the country to offer NK cell
therapy for cancer. Both physicians are leading
for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer,
technology. “I can’t imagine bringing clinical
clinical trials at Hoag using natural killer (NK)
the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death
trials to an academic institution at the same
cell therapy—Dr. Nangia for patients with triple-
in the United States. Dr. Seery’s clinical trial, one
speed; there are typically so many roadblocks.
negative breast cancer and Dr. Seery for patients
of Hoag’s largest trials as of 2021, has drawn
At Hoag, physicians have a refreshingly ample
with pancreatic cancer.
patients from the US and abroad.
amount of support from administration, which makes delivering high-quality care more
The amazing feature of this unique
For patients with triple-negative breast cancer,
immunotherapy technology is how NK cells
Dr. Nangia’s phase I trial is also seeing amazing
effective,” said Dr. Nangia.
30
WORLD CLASS. RIGHT HERE.
He performs hundreds of innovative cardiovascular and thoracic surgical techniques annually, but Dr. Anthony Caffarelli, director of the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center at Hoag, would rather keep patients out of his operating room. Dr. Caffarelli is deeply committed to raising awareness regarding prevention, symptoms and support for patients with aortic dissection. Difcult to diagnose, aortic dissection requires rapid intervention to prevent mortality. To that end, Dr. Caffarelli launched Hoag’s well-attended annual Aortic Disease Awareness Event for patients and leads the continuing education of Hoag’s team at the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center. Designated “aortic champions” from different specialties attend national conferences and stay abreast of developments to better serve patients, which helps keep Hoag’s aortic dissection operative mortality rate at 15%, well below the national average of 20-30%. Since the root cause of about 25% of thoracic aneurysms is genetic, Dr. Caffarelli created a position for a genetic counselor to serve the aortic center twice weekly. “By identifying hereditary factors in our patients, we are also helping family
Anthony Caffarelli, MD, FACC Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care
members who may be at risk,” Dr. Caffarelli said. Hoag also enrolls patients in the Montalcino Aortic Consortium, an international registry that is advancing the understanding of genetic causes of aortic disorders. “We are improving the diagnostic criteria for more than two dozen conditions
and helping in the discovery of genetic variations that predispose patients to aortopathy,” said Dr. Caffarelli. The endowed chair supports Dr. Caffarelli’s multifaceted approach to risk assessment, early diagnosis and effective treatment of aortic disease, potentially saving countless lives.
33
Hoag Dream Team Guides Patient in Lifelong Journey Patients at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart &
that he had Marfan syndrome. Christian
Vascular Institute call Drs. Anthony Caffarelli and
himself was diagnosed at age six, but he knows
David Liang, program director of the Marfan
he is in good hands at Hoag. Ranked in the top
Syndrome and Related Conditions Program,
5% nationwide for aortic surgeries, Hoag’s Marfan
the dream team. The endowed chair supports the
Syndrome and Related Conditions Program
program, which also serves patients with
provides the lifelong care and surveillance
Loeys-Dietz syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos
patients like Christian need. Christian became
syndrome and similar aortic risk factors.
a Hoag patient at age 18, when he suffered a continuously monitored by Dr. Caffarelli and his
exponentially since the 2021 release of the movie
team, Christian underwent open-heart surgery
Tick, Tick…Boom! based on the life of Jonathan
in July 2020 to replace an aortic valve with a
Larson, creator of the highly acclaimed musical
mechanical valve.
PEOPLE
spontaneous collapsed lung. Now in his 20s and Awareness of Marfan syndrome has grown
Rent. Tragically, Larson died of aortic dissection at age 35 on the morning of the show’s rst
“They were originally going to try to save the
performance. On two emergency room visits
aortic valve,” said Christian, who is on a rst-
earlier that week, doctors missed the diagnosis,
name basis with Dr. Caffarelli. “But the tissue
likely attributable to Marfan syndrome.
was so thin, and Tony made the decision to do a mechanical valve in the middle of the surgery.”
Larson’s story highlights the importance of identifying and monitoring Marfan syndrome,
Despite major surgery, Christian said his recovery
which affects about one in 5,000 people. In these
was easy. “I’m attributing it to Tony, his incredible
patients, a gene mutation limits the body’s ability
expertise and professionalism,” he said, calling
to form connective tissue, resulting in a high risk
his care team a “second family.” That “family”
of aortic dissection.
represents one of the few subspecialties of its kind, providing integrated care and support for
Hoag patient Christian D’Angelo has experienced
Christian throughout his lifelong journey.
this rsthand. Like Larson, Christian’s father died suddenly of aortic dissection at age 40, unaware
34
From the most joyous occasions like childbirth to the most serious ones like breast cancer treatment, Orange County women at all stages of life turn to Hoag for superior health care. Hoag’s reputation as a leader in women’s health care has soared since 2015, when Allyson Brooks, MD, was named the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Women’s Health Institute. “Philanthropy allows us to continue expanding and enhancing the spectrum of quality services we provide to the women of Orange County,” Dr. Brooks said. Indeed, it has facilitated the development of a vast array of comprehensive, integrated programs for women in areas such as maternal child health, minimally invasive surgical gynecology, pelvic health, breast health and more. Dr. Brooks has stewarded funds toward numerous programs that address women’s health care needs including: •
Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, two locations offering an integrative approach to healthy living
•
Breast & Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program, in collaboration with Hoag’s Early Risk Assessment (HERA) Program
Allyson Brooks, MD, FACOG Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Women’s Health Institute
•
Maternal Mental Health Program, providing pre- and postpartum services
•
Hoag Pelvic Health Program, for conditions like pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
•
Hoag Healing: Breast Cancer Survivors Program, offering education and empowerment
35
Dr. Brooks has also recruited many of the highly respected
As Important as a Prenatal Checkup: Maternal Mental Health at Hoag
physicians who lead these programs. With her oversight, the Fudge Family Birthing Suites opened in 2020, bringing
As a professional therapist, Samantha Dino
“For us, quality of care is reected not only
labor and delivery back to Irvine for the rst time since 2010.
expected to be mentally prepared for her third
in measurable outcomes but also by patient
The suites and services were designed based on input from
pregnancy. She was wrong.
well-being,” said Dr. Allyson Brooks. Under her leadership, the endowed chair supports
women Dr. Brooks and her team interviewed and include midwifery for the rst time at Hoag. During the pandemic,
“I experienced a lot of perinatal anxiety
four core principles: screening for maternal
Dr. Brooks directed funding toward virtual programming,
because I’m 42 and had three miscarriages,”
depression, connection to support services,
which, she said, “exceeded our wildest dreams. We found that
said Sam, who gave birth in October 2021.
early intervention and community education.
events were both cost-effective and well-attended.”
“I knew right away, especially as a therapist,
Dr. Brooks said demand soared during the
I needed to get help.”
pandemic. “In 2020, we saw a 15% increase in patients, which we attribute to heightened
Today more than ever, the endowed chair allows women to access care specically tailored to their needs at Hoag.
But it was harder than Sam anticipated to nd
levels of anxiety, isolation and fear.”
specialized perinatal help, until she found the Sam was also impressed with Hoag’s
was a game-changer,” said Sam. She told her
postpartum follow-up, slaying what she calls
therapist, “It feels like I’ve been out to sea, but
“the depression demons” through virtual
you’re on a ship, and you’ve just plucked me
therapy sessions. Her advice to other
out of the water.” Sam has been on board with
mothers-to-be: “Getting help for perinatal
Hoag ever since, taking advantage of individual
mental health is as important as going to all
therapy, psychiatry, massage and other services
your prenatal checkups.”
PEOPLE
Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program. “That
through the Maternal Mental Health Clinic at the Hoag for Her Center for Wellness.
36
At Hoag, novel therapies meet patient care through advanced translational research—when physicians apply scientic discoveries, or bench research, in clinical practice. With a growing number of cutting-edge clinical trials to their names, endowed chair holders are at the forefront of their specialties. The outcomes of their trials are changing the landscape of medicine and standards of care for generations to come.
RESEARCH
With over 26 articles and textbook chapters published between 2019 and 2020 alone, Dr. John Lipham has a capacity for tackling advanced research alongside a robust gastrointestinal clinical practice that is unmatched. His specialty is the treatment of gastroesophageal reux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. GERD occurs when stomach acid, or occasionally bile, leaks backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing irritation in the lining of the esophagus. About 20% of patients with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus, a reaction to the repeated injury of acid reux that further damages the esophageal lining. If left untreated, these conditions can have serious cancer-related repercussions. To spread awareness of these conditions and their link to esophageal cancer, Dr. Lipham cohosts free, quarterly community education events at Hoag. With a handful of his peers around the country, Dr. Lipham also created the rst ever American Foregut Society, which held its inaugural meeting in March 2019, drawing 325 attendees. Dr. Lipham has focused his efforts at Hoag on building a world-class gastrointestinal cancer program, turning Hoag into a destination for effective, best-in-class treatment. Stewarding funds from the endowed chair, he supports a
John Lipham, MD, FACS James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in GI Cancer
comprehensive gastrointestinal team, including a research fellow and nurse practitioner. Patients travel across the United States, Canada and as far as Australia to be seen by Dr. Lipham and his team. The research fellows gain
39
unique experience through Hoag’s program, which serves them in applying to incredibly competitive foregut fellowship programs. Through both his clinical practice and research, Dr. Lipham’s goal remains the same—enhancing treatment and improving patient care on a broad scale.
First In-Human Pilot Trial at Hoag Uses Patients’ Own Plasma
is the high recurrence rate of hiatal hernias, a condition caused by a collagen deciency in the tissue surrounding the diaphragm that results in the upper part of the stomach pushing up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias worsen symptoms of GERD
RESEARCH
One of the greatest challenges in treating reux disease
and increase patients’ risk of cancer. Approximately 30-40% of patients suffer recurrence within ve to 10 years of hiatal hernia repair surgery. To decrease the rate of recurrence and improve longterm outcomes, Dr. Lipham and his team launched the rst-in-human pilot trial at Hoag to examine the use of patients’ own platelet-rich plasma during hiatal hernia repair surgery. Doing so stimulates collagen and blood vessel growth, accelerating repair of esophageal damage. Hoag is the only site to offer phase I of the trial, and early results have led to approval and funding of phase II by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Lipham’s innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize foregut surgery.
40
Throughout his career, board-certied neurologist Dr. William Shankle has been regarded as a leading expert in the management and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological degenerative conditions. Under his leadership, Hoag launched the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute’s Orange County Vital Brain Program, a comprehensive approach to the education, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Since its inception in 2010, the program’s mission has been to dispel the common misunderstanding that nothing can be done to prevent or delay memory loss or cognitive impairment. This program empowers the community by providing education, memory assessments, risk factor management and resources for physicians. Under Dr. Shankle’s guidance, a comprehensive triage and clinical research team, uses the most sensitive cognitive assessment tools to detect the rst stage of mild cognitive decline leading to development of Alzheimer’s disease. The team then tailors the best possible prevention and treatment options for each patient.
William Shankle, MS, MD, FACP Judy & Richard Voltmer Endowed Chair in Memory and Cognitive Disorders
Dr. Shankle works to revolutionize the clinical measurement of human brain function in order to better differentiate between age and disease-related changes. Through the program and its patients, Dr. Shankle
is working toward developing and implementing practical, sensitive tools for asymptomatic and early symptomatic detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
41
The Orange County Vital Brain Program brings resources to the ngertips of anyone who needs them, whether it’s someone who thinks they may be predisposed to memory and cognitive disorders or family members of those already living with them. Dr. Shankle has placed an emphasis on community education and prevention, and the program provides several components to better serve the Orange County community, including:
•
A series of educational seminars offered for free to the public
•
A physician education and support program to implement the highest standards of care in cognitive assessment and treatment
•
Online resources for the public to identify, track and reduce Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders risk factors that threaten their cognitive health
•
Full-time professional resources to counsel the public about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis and treatment
•
A referral service for directing the public to medical and community resources as needed
RESEARCH
Program Promotes Cognitive Health Through Education and Prevention
42
Through these studies, Dr. Von Hoff stewards the endowed chair in its three missions: •
Obtain the best new therapeutic agents and technology for initial phase I clinical trials for patients
Dr. Von Hoff is an internationally recognized leader in
•
Discover and implement new methods for early cancer detection
oncology research and clinical practice with more than 40 years of experience, 350 new anticancer agents investigated, and 700 papers published. He even served on President George W. Bush’s National Cancer Advisory
•
Recruit and mentor the next generation of physician clinical investigators
Board from 2004-2010. “By providing these treatment options at the Hoag Family “He’s a remarkable person who’s made historical and
Cancer Institute, patients often don’t need to leave the area for
amazing discoveries and shaped cancer care over
the latest treatments,” Dr. Von Hoff said.
the years,” said Diana Hanna, MD, one of the clinical investigators he mentors at Hoag.
Among the research programs underway are collaborative efforts with other Hoag departments toward earlier detection of cancer. A study in conjunction with Hoag’s Precision Medicine Program is using textural analysis to determine if
Daniel Von Hoff, MD, FACP
pancreatic cancer can be detected on CAT scans long before
Margaret Givan Larkin Endowed Chair in Developmental Cancer Therapeutics
Molecular Imaging & Therapy Program to obtain promising
clinical symptoms arise. The team is also working with Hoag’s new anti-tumor antibodies for clinical trials. The numerous clinical trials in which Hoag participates include investigations of an intratumor vaccination that could attract immune cells to tumors; an agent that may harness a patient’s immune system to engage natural killer cells; and many other agents
43
Under Dr. Von Hoff’s leadership, Hoag physicians and
that appear to shrink different types of tumors. The endowed
their patients now have the opportunity to participate
chair facilitates Hoag’s involvement in these promising
in numerous groundbreaking studies of promising new
studies, many with immediate benet to Hoag patients and
approaches to diagnosing and treating cancer.
long-term benet worldwide.
Mentorship Allows Young Researcher to Impact Cancer Care Early in her medical training at UC Davis and fellowship at USC, Diana Hanna, MD, knew she wanted to engage in clinical research throughout her career. Under the mentorship of Dr. Von Hoff, Dr. Hanna is establishing a reputation in her own right. Now an author on some 30 published studies, Dr. Hanna engages in phase I clinical trials on an array of innovative treatments. The endowed chair makes possible this remarkable opportunity for Dr. Hanna to further her research, not just advancing her career but beneting patients at Hoag.
within the oncology network so that I can grow with the program and help see new, promising therapies for the future,” Dr. Hanna said. More immediately, for patients at Hoag, “we are able to provide access to
RESEARCH
“As a mentor, Dr. Von Hoff has helped build relationships
therapies that are being administered in novel ways and treatments that are not yet FDA-approved but are showing increasingly promising results. I’m passionate about extending the reach of these novel therapies into the community. What better place to see that vision come through than Hoag?” she added. Patients enrolled in the trials may be those for whom standard treatment has not been successful. But Dr. Hanna says novel therapeutics or treatments often augment standard treatment. “We’ve had multiple patients who have done better on the treatment from these trials than the previous lines of therapy they’ve had in the past,” she said. That’s a signicant benet to Hoag patients, right here in Orange County.
44
WORLD CLASS. RIGHT HERE.
As program director of urologic oncology for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Jeffrey Yoshida plays a key role in the growth of site-specic programs for urologic malignancies, including prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancers. For Dr. Yoshida, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is key. “It’s crucial to the treatment of all urologic cancers. And it’s rare that patients have access to a whole team of specialists in one practice,” said Dr. Yoshida. Building such a team is integral to his strategy for advancing urologic oncology at Hoag. Dr. Yoshida works alongside Robert Torrey III, MD, and Jeffrey Bassett, MD, all fellowship-trained urologic oncologists focused on individualized treatment plans for patients. Together, they utilize the latest in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques to offer patients cutting-edge advancements in cancer care that aim to improve quality of life. Dr. Yoshida’s expertise in robotic surgery started early on in his fellowship when he had access to one of the rst da Vinci robotic units in the western United States. By the end of his fellowship year, he had completed more robotic
Jeffrey Yoshida, MD
surgeries than 99% of physicians in the
Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology
country at the time. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Dr. Yoshida brought robotic surgery to Hoag in 2008 and has performed over 3,000 robotic surgeries to date.
Further testament to his clinical agility is Dr. Yoshida’s focus on research. Most recently, he collaborated with Dr. Gary Ulaner, James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Molecular Imaging and Therapy, to enroll 58 patients with prostate
47
Hoag Becomes Only Non-Academic Medical Center to Offer NIH Trial For men with low-risk prostate cancer, treatment often comes in the form of active surveillance. Because prostate cancer grows so slowly, this alternative to radiotherapy or surgery grows, the patient receives treatment. If it doesn’t—more waiting and watching. cancer in Dr. Ulaner’s PyL PSMA PET/CT scan trial, which investigated microscopic recurrence of prostate cancer.
As a measure of active surveillance, Dr. Yoshida brought patients
Patients who once traveled to Germany for treatment can
with low-risk prostate cancer Hoag’s rst ever vaccine trial in
now come to Hoag for the radiologic technology made
2015. The phase II PROSTVAC trial studied the effectiveness of
available by the trial. In under a year, this trial and a second
immunotherapy to prevent the progression of prostate cancer.
for microscopic metastasis at the time of diagnosis were
Supported by funds from the endowed chair, the trial drew patients
successfully completed. Dr. Yoshida believes partnering with
throughout California and even across the country. When just one
fellow endowed chair holders like Dr. Ulaner is an opportunity
spot remained in the trial, it was lled by a man who traveled from
to expand Hoag’s research capabilities and take his practice
the East Coast to enroll. Participants were followed for a three-
to the next level.
year period to assess the impact of the vaccine. Sponsored by
RESEARCH
involves the regular monitoring of a prostate tumor. If a tumor
the National Cancer Institute, the trial put Hoag in the echelon of renowned universities across the country as the only non-academic medical center in the country offering the trial. Also having launched Hoag’s prostate cancer early detection program for high-risk men and a state-of-the-art active surveillance program for low-risk cancers, Dr. Yoshida’s commitment to world-class, compassionate patient care continues to enhance the lives of countless men across Orange County and beyond.
48
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FACNM James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Molecular Imaging and Therapy
When Hoag recruited Dr. Gary Ulaner from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the fall of 2020, the future of cancer detection and treatment came with him. Dr. Ulaner’s superpower is unlocking the secrets cancer cells keep. The key is designing molecules that bind to those found within and on the surface of specic types of cancer. Particles emitting lowlevel radiation can then be hitched to the specially designed molecules and, when infused into a patient’s bloodstream, cause cancer cells to glow brightly on a PET scan. This is molecular imaging, and it allows Dr. Ulaner an incredibly sensitive form of detection at the cellular level—tumors onetenth to one one-hundredth the size of those found on a CT scan can be identied. For breast cancer patient Kimberly Reinika and many others like her, Dr. Ulaner’s work makes all the difference in determining the best course of treatment. Kimberly was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer after nding a lump in her right breast. Her treatment plan was quickly established; she would undergo surgery, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy and radiation. But before treatment began, Kimberly was referred to Dr. Ulaner for molecular imaging. He found what others could not—unfortunately, Kimberly’s cancer
49
had already metastasized to her bones. She was upgraded to stage four breast cancer. Her previous treatment plan would have been ineffective. The beauty of Dr. Ulaner’s approach, however, is that molecular technology can not only nd cancer but also treat it. For each patient, he creates a unique therapy based on the same lock and key strategy he employs for imaging but this time, with high-level radiation. Due to its expressly designed and targeted nature, molecular therapy
Molecular Imaging & Therapy Program Launches NIH-Funded Cancer Trials at Hoag
delivers radiation directly to cancer cells without damaging Dr. Ulaner, named the 2022-2023 president
Before celebrating the rst year of
day, Kimberly is managing her cancer.
of the American College of Nuclear
the program, Dr. Ulaner opened three
Medicine, established Hoag’s Molecular
additional trials, some in collaboration
Dr. Ulaner is helping Hoag shape a vision for the future of
Imaging & Therapy Program and
with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Emory
cancer care that pioneers an era of innovative clinical trials and
launched four cutting-edge clinical trials
University, bringing the total to seven. All
advanced precision medicine unheard of in the community
within his rst six months at Hoag.
three are funded by the National Institutes of Health: a Zr-pertuzumab imaging trial
hospital setting. Made possible in large part by the generosity First phase II CD38-targeted
for breast cancer; an FACBC and PSMA
to train the next generation of cancer experts through the
myeloma trial in the United States,
imaging trial for breast cancer; and an
Muzzy Family Endowed Fellowship in Molecular Imaging and
funded by the National Institutes
FDG trial in neurohistiocytosis. What’s
Therapy, in support of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
of Health
more, Dr. Ulaner has plans to activate
of the Muzzy family, Dr. Ulaner will expand his work at Hoag
RESEARCH
surrounding healthy tissue. With just two customized pills a
•
four new trials to benet patients with •
First estrogen receptor (ER)-
prostate, breast, lung and melanoma
targeted imaging trial in California
malignancies in 2022. In the next several years, Dr. Ulaner aims to have an array
•
First prostate-specic membrane
of molecular imaging and therapy trials
antigen (PSMA)-targeted imaging
available to patients with virtually every
and therapy trial in Orange County,
type of cancer.
recently approved by the FDA •
First immune cell-targeted trial for immunotherapy patients in Orange County
50
The legacy of any true world-class health care institution is one of passing the torch—to the next generation of physicians, to patients who feel empowered to take charge of their health, to the community. Endowed chair holders are shaping Hoag’s legacy through preeminent fellowship programs, patient education and community outreach. By passing on their knowledge, they’re impacting countless lives and elevating Hoag to even greater heights.
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
Subbarao Myla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, MMM, CPE Dr. Joel H. Manchester Endowed Chair in Interventional Cardiology
53
The Apple Watch does a lot more than tell time; it appears to save time, too. That saved time can be life-saving in cases
Patient Experience Journey Videos Offer Pre-Procedure Assurance
of heart attack and atrial brillation (AFib). Clinical studies When patients report to one of the cardiac
Watch can be used for early detection of heart attack and
catheterization laboratories at Hoag’s Jeffrey
AFib. Dr. Myla equips at-risk patients with Apple Watches that
M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, they
record heart tracings and send them to a doctor who can
take comfort in knowing what to expect.
determine whether a heart attack is imminent.
That’s because Dr. Myla spearheaded the production of several patient experience
“We believe that by providing early detection, the Apple
journey videos. These educational videos
Watch will help us direct patients to the emergency room
reassure patients and alleviate anxiety prior
sooner, thereby preserving heart muscle,” Dr. Myla said.
to procedures in the cath lab and other areas
“That will reduce complications, like heart failure, shock and
of the Institute.
arrhythmias, and achieve better results.” Each video begins with an introduction from Similarly, Dr. Myla and his team are researching the Apple
the patient’s own doctor and is followed by a
Watch’s validity in early detection of AFib, the number one risk
virtual tour led by the Institute’s staff.
factor for stroke. When AFib is detected, treatment with blood
The videos simulate a patient’s journey from
thinners is highly effective in preventing stroke. Roughly one-
the registration area, to pre-op, to the cath
third of adults over the age of 70 are affected by AFib.
lab or operating room. After hearing detailed information about the planned procedure,
A self-described “tinkerer” who has long been interested in
patients gain additional reassurance by
technological innovation and product improvement, Dr. Myla
seeing the recovery area. “The links are
plans to direct the endowed chair funds toward additional
accessible online so patients and family
studies. As director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory
members can have their questions answered
at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Myla
whenever they arise.” Dr. Myla said he hopes
wants to investigate a novel medicine that can protect the
the video series will serve as a pilot for other
kidneys from damage which occasionally results from the
areas of Hoag.
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
conducted by Dr. Subbarao Myla indicate that the Apple
iodine used in angiograms. He also aims to train more of his colleagues in robotic stenting and embark on clinical trials in that area. Overall, Dr. Myla aims for Hoag to rival the nest medical institutions in the nation. “Whether it is a device iteration or a process innovation, Hoag has always been at the forefront of medical advancements,” he said.
54
For many physicians, performing approximately 400 joint replacement surgeries annually would comprise an impactful career. For Dr. James Caillouette, a founder of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), those surgeries are just one facet of his profound impact at Hoag and beyond. Dr. Caillouette holds a long-standing commitment to education, exemplied by his role in founding an independent high school in 2000 in addition to teaching HOI’s Orthopedic Arthroplasty Fellows and orthopedic surgeons worldwide. The endowed chair supports a second HOI fellowship Dr. Caillouette initiated in 2020 focused on health policy and management. Through the fellowship, Dr. Caillouette aims to better align health care administrators and clinicians. “I felt that if we could expose aspiring health care administrators to a clinical environment in their early years, providing a better understanding and appreciation for that side of the equation, it would reduce the traditional friction,” Dr. Caillouette said. “They could be nimbler and more transformative in how they provide care, and they could drive value. That
James Caillouette, MD Joan & Andy Fimiano Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
means better outcomes, better patient experiences and lower total cost of care.” In its rst two years, the Health Policy & Management Fellowship
became highly sought after, largely because of that clinical exposure as well as the “privademic model” Dr. Caillouette created, blending key elements of an academic medical center in Hoag’s private setting. Young Lee took a leap of faith as the inaugural fellow in 201920. “It was a unique opportunity since I would have more say
55
in how the fellowship was shaped, and I could really tailor the experience,” said Lee, who is now a “value based analyst” lead at Hoag focused on balancing quality and costs. “Oftentimes, health care can be seen and felt as stagnant,” he added. “Many organizations and individuals are either too comfortable or afraid to push that boundary, but with this fellowship with Dr. Caillouette, nd that health care of the future.” As the 2021-22 fellow, Hannah Bagot described the fellowship as “boots on the ground,” appreciating time she spent in surgery centers, for example, implementing a new human relations system while observing clinical processes. “It’s important for people in policy and administration to have a physician advocate for them, and that’s what Dr. Caillouette has done,” Bagot said. “He included me in some high-level meetings where it’s just so interesting to see the structure at HOI.” She added that bringing the health policy management and orthopedic surgery fellows together as a cohort provides a valuable interdisciplinary perspective. “Together, we’re looking to make health care better and nd points of synergy,” she said. “Education is a transformative force for improving the state of the world,” Dr. Caillouette said. He hopes his educational model will spread across different disciplines at Hoag. “The privademic model as a hybrid model could be a prominent and profound opportunity for Hoag
Surgeon. Educator. Innovator. Leader. Dr. James Caillouette is all of these. As founder of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute and a board member of the Hoag Clinic, Dr. Caillouette has had what he calls a “hybrid” career. At its core is Dr. Caillouette’s commitment to enhancing the value of health care, in part through education. The endowed chair signicantly funds endeavors toward that mission. These include: Adult Reconstruction Hip & Knee Fellowship at HOI, enrolling two fellows each year The endowed chair supports fellows’ salaries, conference attendance and vital research studies. Health Policy & Management Fellowship, enrolling one post-master’s fellow each year Fellows learn administrative strategies for better outcomes and enhanced value of health care, working alongside administrators and clinicians across two campuses: Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and HOI.
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to
Endowed Chair Expands the Reach of Hybrid Career
Annual health care economics symposia at HOI Focused on strategies to promote value-based health care, the symposia draw national and international speakers to educate both administrators and clinicians in the macroeconomics of health care.
to set itself apart,” he said.
56
Dr. Dipti Itchhaporia is a leader whose reach spans across continents. At Hoag, she is the director of disease management for the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, a position she has held since 2001, adding to the Institute’s prestige as one of the most acclaimed cardiovascular care destinations on the West Coast. In addition to leading this preeminent program at Hoag, she is a visionary who is harnessing her global inuence to transform patient care in the community. She is the immediate past president of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), where she led the 54,000-member organization on its mission to transform cardiovascular care. As the group’s 70th president and the rst South Asian American to hold the role, she continued her legacy as a trailblazer and charged forward in her vision to address social determinants of health and improve access to underserved patients. “We must prove ourselves as leaders to achieve this vision of a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes,” she said. Because of her longtime dedication, she earned the Master of the American College of Cardiology designation, which recognizes those who have served with distinction, providing leadership within ACC’s programs and committees and demonstrating excellence in education, clinical practice and scholarship. She served as the Chair of the ACC’s Health Equity Taskforce, which focuses on reducing systemic and structural barriers that cause health disparities and on
Dipti Itchhaporia MD, MACC, FAHA, FESC Eric & Sheila Samson Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health
addressing social, economic, educational and environmental conditions that inuence the cardiovascular health of individuals, families and communities. Dr. Itchhaporia also has an interest in cardiovascular disease in women, focusing on emerging risk factors and medical
57
and lifestyle interventions to prevent coronary heart disease. Through countless presentations and educational workshops, Dr. Itchhaporia has shared her expertise as an interventional cardiologist with physicians and experts all over the world, broadening clinical knowledge and elevating the importance of increasing general access to health care. Leveraging her decades-long experience and widespread organizations, Dr. Itchhaporia brings an ardent spirit of transformational change to Hoag to elevate patient care.
Enhancing Care through Technology and Innovation Through the endowed chair,
equity. With the lessons learned from
With her support, she is helping
Dr. Itchhaporia is working to launch
the COVID-19 pandemic,
bolster relationships with leading-
new methods of care that involve
Dr. Itchhaporia envisions the newfound
edge technology companies, all
the latest and most promising
ways that remote monitoring of
of which are advancing patient-
digital technologies, including
patients can be used to further
centered solutions that have real
those in telehealth and virtual care,
promote access for more people
implications for the delivery of
remote monitoring and the use of
seeking health care. Through her
cardiovascular care heading into the
AI technology. Most recently, she
leadership and collaboration with
future. Dr. Itchhaporia’s commitment
has concentrated on technology
the ACC, she has worked toward
to innovation in the United States
and innovations to help achieve the
innovating best practices for device
and abroad means patients of the
Quintuple Aim: improved patient
and application makers to promote
Jeff rey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular
experience, better outcomes, lower
deeper understanding of products
Institute receive the very best that
costs, clinician well-being and health
that manage cardiovascular health.
cardiovascular care has to offer.
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
partnerships with leadership
58
For Drs. Matthew Dufn and Michael Hunter—Adult
implants. In service of Dr. Dufn’s interests and talent,
Reconstruction Fellows (2020-2021) at the Hoag
Dr. Gorab established a biomechanics research partnership
Orthopedic Institute—training under Dr. Robert
with the University of California, Irvine’s Department of
Gorab was not only an opportunity to hone their
Mechanical Engineering. This partnership allowed Dr. Dufn
skill sets as surgeons but also collaborate on exciting
to collaborate with engineering students at UCI to create a
new research. Ranked in the top 30 best orthopedic
novel long bone design that minimizes plate movement for
hospitals in 2021-2022 by U.S. News & World Report,
long bone fractures.
the Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) is a high performer in spinal fusions, hip fractures and hip and
Dr. Hunter, interested in understanding the impact of
knee replacements. Dr. Gorab, one of HOI’s founding
COVID-19 on elective orthopedic surgery, implemented a
physicians, is actively involved in surgeon education.
COVID-19 screening protocol and evaluated its impact on
His rst initiative as an endowed chair holder was to
post-surgical transmission during the resumption of elective
support Drs. Dufn and Hunter. But for Dr. Gorab,
surgery. His study allowed Hoag to better understand the
supporting the education of fellows goes beyond
impact of the pandemic on elective orthopedic surgery and
funding; it also means guiding them in developing
better track patients before surgery and into recovery.
their research interests and preparing them for their future—in the operating room and in understanding
Both fellows are condent they received training they couldn’t
the costs of running a hospital and a private practice.
have gotten anywhere else. “The team at HOI is incredibly supportive and made up of some of the best surgeons I’ve
During his fellowship, Dr. Dufn, who trained as an
ever seen—Dr. Gorab in particular. With his mentorship, I came
engineer before pursuing medical school, was eager
out of the program ready for my career, with a comfort level
to employ his background to develop new orthopedic
beyond that of many of my peers. There’s not one case I’ve come across in my new job that I’ve needed help with,” said Dr. Dufn. Dr. Hunter added,
Robert Gorab, MD Tom & Mayumi Adams Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
“Dr. Gorab gave us insight into a world beyond operative orthopedics, which was a special aspect of our fellowship as compared to many others across the country. I’m happy to have him as a mentor and friend. He was a large part of my decision to stay on staff at Hoag and work with fellows in the future.”
59
Performing over 550 joint replacement procedures each year, Dr. Gorab is one of the most sought-out orthopedic surgeons in the region. Not only is he a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, the California Orthopaedic Association and the Western Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Gorab is widely published and presents at conferences both nationally and internationally. As a consultant for
DePuy Synthes, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices group, Dr. Gorab recently helped design and develop the latest hip and knee replacement implants now extensively used throughout North America and abroad. Outside of surgery, training fellows and the design and development of orthopedic implants and procedures, Dr. Gorab’s passion for education extends into the community. Through the Back to Play Program, hosted
by the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, high school students have the opportunity to learn about various careers in health care. The event includes a theatrical reenactment of a mock surgery that follows an athlete from the time of injury through the health care process until he can get “back to play.” In his role as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gorab, alongside Drs. Gardner and Prietto, talks with students after the performance about his career path.
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
Innovation and Education Extend Dr. Gorab’s Reach
60
For more than 25 years, obstetrician and gynecologic surgeon Dr. Lisa Karamardian has been dedicated to seeking out the newest and most innovative techniques to care for women. Dr. Karamardian is board-certied in obstetrics and gynecology, specializing in high-risk obstetrics. She focuses her work on patients with multiple gestations and pregnancies as the result of advanced reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Dr. Karamardian has been president of Pacic Women’s Healthcare Associates and was one of its founding partners. As an active member of Hoag since 1996, she was formerly the chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Throughout the years, Dr. Karamardian has always been one to jump at the chance to learn new, cutting-edge techniques and procedures for her patients. “About 15 years ago, I was invited to receive training in Florida from skilled laparoscopic surgeons and learn the new laparoscopic techniques for hysterectomies, and then brought them back to Hoag,” Dr. Karamardian recalls. With Hoag’s support, these Florida experts were soon in
Lisa Karamardian, MD, FACOG Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent
California teaching Hoag’s OB-GYNs the procedure. “This was before robotics was really starting, and it allowed Hoag to stay at the forefront of doing more minimally invasive techniques,” she said.
61
That trend has continued with Dr. Karamardian implementing more minimally invasive procedures, beneting her patients. She describes herself as a facilitator, with the responsibility to inform a patient about all treatment options needs. If there’s a new procedure on the horizon, Dr. Karamardian wants to explore it and help deliver to her patients the best care possible.
Paying Tribute to a Shared Passion for Women’s Health Dr. Karamardian’s endowed chair is one
“I think what Dr. Kent brought to the
where they were because they always
that honors her friend and colleague
table and what everybody admired
saw my name along with Dr. Kent’s.”
of decades, Dr. Anne Kent, a fellow
about her was that she was one of those
gynecologist and obstetrician.
consistent individuals you could always
As an endowed chair holder,
rely on,” Dr. Karamardian said. “She
Dr. Karamardian envisions staying
The two worked side-by-side for years, up
was your epitome of what you would
dedicated to seeking out the latest, most
until Dr. Kent’s retirement after a career
envision a committed physician to be.
innovative treatments with the backing
of more than 30 years. Throughout her
She was always there for her patients on
of the hospital who’s always stood by her
decades of practice, Dr. Kent delivered
a personal level.”
side. “At Hoag, I have always felt like I’ve
over 10,000 babies, touching the lives of
PHYSICIAN & PATIENT EDUCATION
and guide them to what is best for their
had the support to explore,”
a remarkable number of women and
Since Dr. Kent’s retirement in 2020,
children throughout Orange County.
Dr. Karamardian has felt the impact of
Dr. Karamardian feels honored to
continuity of care even more. She now
“What I really want to do with this
hold the chair that carries Dr. Kent’s
cares for many of Dr. Kent’s patients.
endowed chair is continue caring for the
namesake, her colleague whom she
“It denitely gives them a sense of
women in our community and providing
holds in such high regard.
comfort that this is a continuation of
them the best treatments that modern
Dr. Karamardian said.
health care offers.”
62
What we do today shapes all our tomorrows. The forethought of those who visualized the endowed chair program at Hoag has transformed countless lives. The physicians who are trusted to steward this generous funding relentlessly aim to improve the human condition. And the forward-thinking supporters who have given selessly enable that perpetual endeavor. Hoag’s endowed chair program is one made up of visionaries. They not only want more for the future, but they act toward making it a reality. The tremendous support directly from the community Hoag serves elevates its care to the level of national acclaim. Through the drive and pioneering spirit of its community of supporters, Hoag has become a force, bringing wellness to the people who rely on us every day. Hoag’s endowed chairs set the standards.