Supporting technology, innovation and the community
DEEPAK AND NANDINI CHOPRA
Board Notes
TOM O’HERN
Iwas born in the Midwest but spent my formative years right here in the South Bay. As kids we learned to care for each other, build resilience and engage with the community where we lived and played. Our family had a variety of medical events that brought us to Torrance Memorial Medical Center over the years.
Today, amid the chaos of raising four kids, my wife Lori and I have found ways to give back and support the communities we are part of. For me, it has been an honor to serve on the Torrance Memorial Foundation board since 2019. It’s a privilege to have a front-row seat and actively participate in various capital improvements and important health care initiatives for the betterment of our community.
Currently we’re working to raise $60 million for a much-needed expansion of the emergency department. With over 107,000 patient visits to the emergency department this year alone, it’s clear this expansion is more necessary than ever.
This state-of-the-art, two-story facility will nearly double the size of our existing footprint and provide 80+ treatment
Lori and Tom O’Hern attended the annual Holiday Festival gala, one of the ways they support Torrance Memorial.
spaces. The expansion project will begin early this fall and will take five years to complete, addressing the growing demand for emergency services while improving patient care.
It’s exciting to be part of Torrance Memorial and to watch it progress from a really good community hospital into a top 10-rated medical center in the state of California. Our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai helps us deliver on our core values of service, excellence, knowledge, stability and community. Giving back to the community by delivering exceptional care when it’s needed most is a great investment for us all, and I encourage you to get involved. •
Board of Directors
2024/2025
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MARK LURIE, MD, PRESIDENT
Retired, Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute
PHIL PAVESI, VICE PRESIDENT
Retired Aerospace Executive, TRW
GREG GEIGER, TREASURER
Principal, Westport Capital Partners, LLC
HEIDI HOFFMAN, MD, SECRETARY
Radiology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
JOSEPH HOHM, CPA/JD, OFFICER
Medical Accounting Service, Inc.
PATRICK THEODORA, OFFICER
Co-founder & Chair, DocMagic
MICHAEL ZISLIS, OFFICER
Owner, The Zislis Group
BOARD MEMBERS
CHRISTY ABRAHAM
Community Volunteer
JOHN G. BAKER
Founding Partner, The Brickstone Companies
NADINE BOBIT
Community Volunteer
HARV DANIELS
Retired Airline Executive
THYRA ENDICOTT, MD
Radiation Oncology, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
PAUL G. GIULIANO
President, Integrated Food Service
ALAN GOLDSTEIN
First Vice President, PVG Group, RBC
Wealth Management
RICK HIGGINS
Retired Technology Management
Professional
GINA KIRKPATRICK
Community Volunteer
SONG CHO KLEIN
Community Volunteer
CONNIE LAI, ESQ.
Board Chair, JI REN Primary School, Former Litigator, Musick Peeler
CRAIG LEACH
Retired President/CEO, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
RICHARD E. LUCY
Principal, Calstan Capital, Inc.
LAURIE MCCARTHY
Retired Investment Banker
W. DAVID MCKINNIE, III
Consultant, McKinnie Consulting
ERIC C. NAKKIM, MD
Emergency Medicine, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
TOM O’HERN
Retired CEO & Director, The Macerich Company
PATRICIA SACKS, MD
Retired Radiologist, The Vasek & Anna Maria Polak Breast Diagnostic Center
Torrance Memorial Medical Center treats all people equally without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability. The section 504 coordinator can be reached at 310-784-4894. If you do not wish to receive this publication, please contact marketing communications at 310-517-4706.
TORRANCE MEMORIAL CELEBRATES 41ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Find themed holiday trees, the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique and live entertainment—all under the big white tent December 3–8.
PUBLIC EXHIBIT AND BOUTIQUE SHOPPING HOURS
Tuesday, December 3 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 4
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – open to the general public
Senior Day #1 – free admission for seniors and the physically challenged, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, December 5
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – open to the general public
Senior Day #2 – free admission for seniors and the physically challenged, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, December 6 Closed to the public
Saturday, December 7
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission free with a new, unwrapped toy
Sunday, December 8
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FESTIVAL GALA Friday, December 6 6 to 11 p.m.
$450 per person
All activities are located at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Blvd. in Torrance. $5 general admission; children 5 and younger are free. For general information call 310-517-4606. To purchase special event tickets call 310-517-4703. Visit TorranceMemorial.org/holidayfestival to purchase tickets or view the entertainment schedule.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL COLLECTS TOYS FOR TOTS
Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival will once again support the annual Holiday Toy Drive of the Torrance Police Department and Fire Department. On Saturday, December 7, collection bins will be placed inside the Holiday Festival tent. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy, which will help children in need have a joyous holiday season. Those who bring an unwrapped toy (one per person) will receive free admission to the Holiday Festival. After the festival, the departments will deliver the toys to families in the South Bay.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
All proceeds benefit Torrance Memorial’s emergency department expansion.
HEROES TREE
Honor a hero in your life—physician, nurse, staff member, department, patient or community member—with recognition at the 12-foot decorated tree in the Grand Lobby of the Lundquist Tower.
Donation levels:
$5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100
Patron Profile
26 Deepak and Nandini Chopra celebrate 46 years of marriage and mindfully count their blessings of faith, family, friends and community. 26
Progress Notes
10 Rehabilitation services teams play a vital role in offering therapies to enhance recovery
13 Medical Teaching Hospital Program launches an opportunity for internal medicine residents of Cedars-Sinai
14 The Lundquist Tower celebrates a decade of healing
16 Caring Companions is a new program providing an important service in the continuum of care
18 Technological advancements happening at Torrance Memorial
Cover
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL
NEVEUX
On the
Deepak and Nandini Chopra at home in Palos Verdes
Clinical Spotlight
20 Early detection is key to stopping and curing lung cancer
Every Donation Counts
24 Pediatrics coloring book, Vistas for Children annual grant awarded to the teen program of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center, Dunkin’ honored health care heroes, LA Galaxy and LAFC soccer clubs give back
Ambassadors Corner
32 John and Karen Odom are surviving, recovering, thriving and living the life of their dreams
Future focus
34 Tim and Mary Richardson pledge millions to leave a lasting legacy
35 How to make a bequest; 2025 financial health seminars
yppa play-by-play
36 Emergency medicine physician Dr. Jenny Luo lives life to the fullest through global travel and helping those in need
In Your community
38 Ambassador event: Embracing the Beauty of Aging
39 Emergency fundraising at O’Herns
40 38th annual golf tournament
44 Heritage Society luncheon
46 Patrons appreciation evening
50 YPPA summer party
52 YPPA trivia night
53 Wine procurement party
54 Irving M. Levine and Family celebrate the naming of Torrance Memorial’s mother and baby department
55 A Recipe for a Better You: Health Essentials program Supporters
58 Torrance Memorial gives special thanks to our many supporters
Patrons magazine welcomes your feedback at
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Prestigious awards are earned, and Torrance Memorial Medical Center has again been recognized as a Best Hospital for 2024–2025 for the 13th year by U.S. News & World Report
This year our rankings remain the 9th highest ranking hospital for overall hospital quality in California and 4th in the Los Angeles and Orange County regions
This year, we are nationally ranked in orthopedics and OB-GYN and high-performing in six specialties. We also rank high-performing in 16 of 20 conditions and procedures areas.
2024–2025 HIGH-PERFORMING SPECIALTIES
• NEW Orthopedics – Ranking #37 in the nation
• NEW OB-GYN – Ranking #43 in the nation
• Diabetes endocrinology
• Gastroenterology and GI surgery
• Geriatrics
• Neurology/neurosurgery
• Pulmonologist lung surgery
• Urology
RANKING IN THE TOP 3% SHOWS WE ARE DELIVERING ON OUR VISION TO PROVIDE PATIENT-CENTERED CARE WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALITY AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
It means we are honoring our promise to deliver our core values of Service, Excellence, Knowledge, Stability and Community.
NATIONALLY RANKED SPECIALTIES
and
2024–2025 HIGH-PERFORMING CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES
• Back surgery (spinal fusion)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Colon cancer surgery
• Diabetes
• Gynecological cancer surgery
• Leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Hip fracture
• Hip replacement
• Kidney failure
• Knee replacement
• Lung cancer surgery
• Pneumonia
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Stroke
SOUTH BAY’S BEST
We are honored our community has once again voted Torrance Memorial Medical Center as the BEST hospital in the South Bay. Readers also voted us BEST: Cancer Treatment Center, Medical and Hospital Groups, and Nutrition Services. We were also voted FAVORITE: Knee Center, Medical Supply Store (HealthLinks), Local Outpatient Pharmacy, Physical Therapy Center, Urgent Care Facility and Workplace.
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
Torrance Memorial Medical Center joins an elite group of hospitals that received 5 stars from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for overall hospital quality rating.
CMS is the federal agency providing health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS works in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality, equity and outcomes in the health care system.
The methodology used to calculate overall star ratings 1–5 (5 being the highest measurement of excellence) involves multiple steps to select, standardize and calculate scores based on Care Compare measures. Using a seven-step process, the overall rankings are then weighted based on measured groups of mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals measured, only 10.4% receive this prestigious 5-star hospital quality rating!
LANTERN AWARD REDESIGNATION
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) redesignated Torrance Memorial Emergency Department the 2024 Lantern Award. The Lantern award showcases an emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. EDs are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to care of patients and the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a symbol of our commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
NEWSWEEK’S AMERICA’S BEST MATERNITY HOSPITALS 2024
Torrance Memorial Medical Center has been recognized as part of Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024. High-quality maternity care, provided from pregnancy through birth and postpartum, is key to the long-term health of newborns and women who give birth. We are honored and proud to receive this accomplishment. Newsweek and Statista have partnered to identify this elite group of only 404 leading hospitals in the field of maternity. The list is based on three pillars of a nationwide online survey from doctors, health care professionals and hospital managers, results from patient experience surveys and hospital quality metrics
Based on the analysis results, Torrance Memorial is recognized as America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024, reinforcing our reputation of high-quality maternity care, excellent childbirth and postpartum care. The award list was announced on May 8 and is currently available on the Newsweek website.
JOINT COMMISSION GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL — LABORATORY AND POINT-OF-CARE TESTING ACCREDITATION
Torrance Memorial Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Laboratory and Point-of-Care Testing Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Torrance Memorial underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in late April. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance with laboratory standards spanning several areas including blood administration, point-of-care, critical result notification (RN–MD), pathology and performance improvement. The surveyors also conducted on-site observations and interviews. Congratulations to the laboratory team, point-of-care areas and staff who were involved during the survey process.
PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN PATIENT HEALING
WRITTEN BY LAURA ROE STEVENS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX
When a patient survives what once felt insurmountable—a life-threatening disease or a traumatic accident—euphoria from the successful outcome can quickly dissipate into fearful thoughts about the future. Will they be able to resume “normal” life and activities? How much stronger can they realistically get? Will they truly heal? And what can they expect once they are back at home or work?
It’s essential to recognize each patient’s journey to recovery is unique, and thriving and enjoying life as a survivor is possible. That’s where rehabilitation therapy plays a vital role in a patient’s healing and quality of life.
CUSTOMIZED TREATMENTS
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Rehabilitation Services offers a 360-degree, comprehensive program of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic services to return patients to their physical best following illness, injury or surgery. Torrance Memorial’s nationally recognized programs provide rehabilitative treatments
for nearly all needs—including emergency room care, post-op care and home services.
“When you come to Torrance Memorial for rehabilitation therapy, our expert team evaluates your condition(s), needs and goals before creating a specific program just for you,” explains physical therapist Tracey Mullan, Torrance Memorial’s director of rehabilitation services.
Whether a patient requires occupational, physical or speech and swallowing therapy—or a combined therapeutic approach—the therapists treat each patient uniquely, utilizing proven therapeutic techniques to treat a host of needs. The 108 talented therapists and staff members provide each patient with an individualized
treatment plan—from simple to complex.
“We see a wide variety of patients and treat all age groups at the hospital. Our therapists can assist more people than most realize,” Mullan says.
For instance, the rehab team assists children with speech and genetic swallowing disorders—as well as adults recovering from strokes, neurological conditions, heart attacks, cancer, orthopedic surgery and more. They also help patients with less complicated conditions, such as sports injuries and arthritis.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
The experienced rehabilitation therapists at Torrance Memorial often think outside
Front: Von Llave, OT, Marina Shelton, SLP, Tracey Mullan, PT, director of rehabilitation services. Back: Lynn Riley, PT, Benito Hernandez, PT, Cindy Keus, PT
the box to better assist patients with multiple health issues. For instance, a cancer survivor who had positive outcomes with surgery, chemo and radiation treatments may seek physical therapy to ease frozen muscles around the shoulders, chest and neck that cause pain, headaches, sleep disruption and limited mobility.
During the consultation, the patient reveals difficulty chewing and mentions joint pain in her hands and wrists—a common side effect of post-treatment medications. Her therapist takes note of the patient’s swollen arms and legs due to stagnant lymph flow. This patient will benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach with a swallowing specialist, a lymphedema expert and a certified hand therapist to ease joint pain.
In addition, shadow conditions spurred from the patient’s painful conditions limiting exercise, sleep and range of motion must be addressed. Has the patient gained significant weight? Do they exhibit signs of pre-diabetes? Are they depressed? If so, the patient will need referrals for further testing or to see a psychologist for depression/anxiety.
“Our therapy staff have a diverse scope of expertise and evaluate all patients’ needs to optimize treatment plans, find additional resources and maximize outcomes for success,” explains Mullan. “It is also important to communicate what skilled therapists should not be ordered for—to dress and/or groom patients, perform as a personal trainer, or for patients who are at their functional baseline.”
She says the ultimate goal for all the rehabilitation therapists—no matter the approach, specialty or treatment plan—is to help patients move from simply enduring their painful conditions to living well, enjoying life and navigating their future with support and confidence.
A RANGE OF SERVICES
The medical center’s rehabilitation services department offers a full range
of therapeutic services. Each type has a unique function and purpose:
Physical Therapy (PT) – According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists are trained and licensed movement experts who can diagnose and treat a large range of injuries, disabilities and health conditions. Therapists aim to improve a person’s range of movement and quality of life and to prevent further injury or disability.
At Torrance Memorial, two-thirds of PT treatment is done at the West Tower for orthopedic diagnoses and even more at South Bay Ortho Rehab. More physical therapists work in America than ever before, and the number of certified therapists has doubled since 2022. For patients who suffer from a wide range of conditions—including sports injuries, disabilities, traumatic accidents, lymphedema, neurological disease and other mobility challenges—PT has proven to be an integral part of recovery.
Speech and Swallowing Therapy –
The Torrance Memorial speech and swallowing rehabilitation program offers a comprehensive range of services. Therapists assist people of all ages, from young children to seniors.
Evaluation and treatment services are available for speech and language disorders,
neurological conditions, geriatric-related conditions, swallowing disorders and voice and articulation disorders. Therapists work within the hospital (all units) and with outpatients, including those undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer.
“The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) team provides assessment and treatment for patients with various diagnoses and utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to serve our patients best. The acute-care SLP therapists work with the radiology team when performing videofluoroscopic swallow studies and collaborate with respiratory therapists when working with patients with tracheostomy tubes,” explains speech pathologist Jennifer Karmelich.
The SLP team works with radiation oncology staff to complete baseline swallow evaluations for patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer. SLP therapists work with physical and occupational therapists to provide functional treatment for both pediatric and adult outpatients.
“As a team, we value the patients and the goals they have set for themselves, and we include their family members in optimizing treatment outcomes,” Karmelich adds.
Occupational Therapy (OT) – This therapy aims to help individuals with injuries or disabilities regain independence
Speech therapist Jayme Stolz practices “s” sounds with triplets Emma, Milly and Kate Kamienski.
A THERAPIST WILL BASE REHAB PROGRAMS AROUND THE OCCUPATIONS THAT MATTER MOST TO A PERSON.
and self-sufficiency in performing daily living skills, such as eating, dressing and working. OT provides individualized rehabilitative treatment, as well as assistive devices and durable medical equipment evaluations. Patients and families are instructed on the proper and safe use of appropriate equipment to improve safety and independence.
“Occupational therapy treatments are individually tailored to improve a myriad of physical, neurological and psychosocial issues that may have developed from an accident, surgery, or a developmental or medical condition,” says occupational therapist Wanda L. Weimer.
Torrance Memorial’s OT team has established treatment regimens for hand injuries, upper-extremity orthopedic or neurological conditions, arthritis, traumatic brain injuries, stroke and Parkinson’s disease, developmental delays, lymphedema, cancer, ergonomics and difficulties with daily activities.
A therapist will base rehab programs around the occupations that matter most to a person. Depending on the setting, these occupations can look quite different on the surface.
For instance, in a school setting, occupational therapists focus on developmental milestones and help children develop skills to function appropriately in a classroom. For in-home health, therapists prioritize home safety and create occupationbased treatments—allowing individuals to safely navigate their home activities and environment. In an outpatient clinic, treatments
address upper-extremity injuries that limit performance at work, at home, or in a sport or hobby.
When it comes to acute care, occupational therapists focus on assessing and treating patient activities of daily living skills, assisting in early mobilization, and performing therapeutic interventions that directly impact a patient’s chances of recovery and their overall discharge plan.
Certified Hand Therapists – The OT team also includes three certified hand therapists who assist with hand and wrist issues. There are only 6,044 certified hand therapists in America today. The Torrance Memorial team has recently developed an effective new treatment protocol in decreasing hand pain in breast cancer patients who suffer when taking Aromatase inhibitor medications.
Rehabilitation therapy – whether OT, PT or SLP—has the multifaceted benefit of being both recuperative and preventive. The critical and immediate aspect of therapy is to assist patients with balance, mobility, strength, flexibility or recovered speech, motion or ability. On the other hand, therapy has the ripple effect of prevention by thwarting shadow health conditions that often appear months and years after injury, illness, surgery and/or disability. It’s important to address the big picture of a person’s recovery plan—and that is what the Torrance Memorial rehabilitation therapists do best. •
REHABILITATION BY THE NUMBERS
108
Number of therapists and support staff, including therapists certified in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech and language pathology (SLP)
72% 83%
PT mostly treats orthopedic diagnoses, making up 72% of PT evaluations in the West Tower and 83% at South Bay Ortho Rehab
75%
Percentage of OT evaluations that include hand therapy, performed by 3 certified hand therapists
5,315
Number of treatments provided by pediatric OT/PT/SLP therapists last year, for 700 patients
3% and 7%
Certified lymphedema therapists work within OT and PT, making up 3% of the PT volume and 7% of the OT workload
6 + 1
The ergonomic program consists of 6 OT professionals and 1 from PT who perform worksite assessments for Torrance Memorial employees at the request of management
3
Number of PT professionals in the growing vestibular program
Neurological diagnoses (including strokes and parkinsonism) are seen in the West Tower by therapists from PT, OT and SLP
15%
Percentage of patients evaluated off-site by South Bay Ortho Rehab who receive pelvic floor therapy - comprising 15% of the volume
INAUGURAL MEDICAL TEACHING HOSPITAL PROGRAM
Hospitalist services and ambulatory primary care medicine are areas of excellence, strength and quality of care for Torrance Memorial Medical Center. We are excited to announce the recent launch of our inaugural medical teaching hospital program. The goal is to provide access to our health system by offering this opportunity to internal medicine residents from Cedars-Sinai.
Supervised by Torrance Memorial physicians, residents will work two-week rotations that include inpatient hospitalist services, ambulatory primary care at the El Segundo location, and specialty and urgent care training. This prestigious program, aligned with the Cedars-Sinai Health System, will promote the adoption of new diagnostic practices and therapeutics.
The long-term vision is to grow the program to offer Cedars-Sinai residents rotations in other service areas. We are also evaluating the potential to develop a fellowship rotation after residency. The program could create a future pipeline for physician recruitment down the line. By offering this opportunity, Torrance Memorial builds on its reputation for advancing high-quality health care in our community. •
A DECADE OF HEALING
SINCE THE TORRANCE MEMORIAL LUNDQUIST TOWER OPENED IN 2014, IT HAS EVOLVED TO MEET THE SOUTH BAY’S HEALTH CARE NEEDS—PROVIDING A HEALING SPACE DEDICATED TO PATIENT COMFORT AND ADVANCED, COMPASSIONATE CARE.
WRITTEN BY LISA BUFFINGTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHEAL NEVEUX
In November 2014, Torrance Memorial Medical Center opened the Lundquist Tower—a seven-story, 390,000-squarefoot, $480 million tower designed to meet the community’s health care needs for years to come. As the hospital prepares to celebrate the Lundquist Tower’s 10th anniversary, the facility continues to provide a healing environment where members of the South Bay community can receive advanced, compassionate care.
“From design to occupancy, the Lundquist Tower project was seven years in the making,” says Connie Senner, who has served as director of construction at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for 23 years. “We knew we needed a new building that met state requirements for earthquake safety, but we also wanted to create a
The success of the Lundquist Tower is due to the power of its people, including (from left) Jaleesa Amezaga, RN; chief medical officer Zachary Gray, MD; president and CEO Keith Hobbs; director of construction Connie Senner; volunteer Lori Haig; and Tracy Bercu, MD.
space that would allow Torrance Memorial to raise the bar on patient experience and state-of-the-art clinical care.”
According to Senner, one of the first priorities was upgrading from double-occupancy to all-private patient rooms. “From a clinical standpoint, private rooms addressed our needs for infection prevention and privacy. But from a patient experience perspective, it allowed us to create a more comfortable, private and restful environment for patients and their families.”
A TEAM EFFORT FROM START TO FINISH
After deciding on the best location for the new tower—at the site of a former medical office building on the hospital campus—the team began making plans to acquire the building, increase parking, develop a budget and decide on the project’s guiding principles.
“We knew our clinical team members needed to be involved in the project design from the beginning,” says Senner. “Every other week for a year, we held design meetings that included members of our medical/surgical, progressive care, ICU, imaging, nursing and surgical teams—so everyone could give their input to ensure clinical and workflow needs were being addressed.”
“We really focused on creating workflows and spaces that supported the kind of care we wanted to deliver—especially for our nurses,” says Zachary Gray, MD, chief medical officer at Torrance Memorial.
After the building design was finalized, documents were submitted to the state for approval. In the meantime, Senner and her team took the building plans and created a 3D model of the tower’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Throughout the process they worked to keep staff, physicians, volunteers and the community updated on the tower’s progress.
“We went out in the community and talked about the project,” says Senner. “We also sent weekly emails to the Torrance Memorial team and created a series of 32 construction update videos.”
In 2013, Melanie and Richard Lundquist donated $50 million to the project—demonstrating their commitment to supporting enhanced access to advanced health care in the South Bay.
A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
When the Lundquist Tower opened—at a remarkable $10 million under budget and six months ahead of schedule—the staff, patients and community were ready. “We spent a year planning for our transition to the new facility,” says Senner. “After our transition plan was approved by the California Department of Public Health, we conducted three months of staff education to test workflows and ensure the process went smoothly.”
On November 16, 2014, Torrance Memorial team members moved
more than 150 patients to the Lundquist Tower, and they haven’t looked back since. “The Lundquist Tower is representative of how Torrance Memorial has evolved and adapted to new technology and patient needs to create an environment where patients and team members can thrive,” says Senner.
“Torrance Memorial has always been able to punch above its weight class in terms of patient experience and comfort,” says Dr. Gray. “The Lundquist Tower represents one more way the hospital can outperform on these levels.”
LEAPING INTO THE FUTURE
Building from scratch made accommodating the newest imaging and operating room technology easier, allowing Torrance Memorial to leap ahead and still have room for future expansion.
“The Lundquist Tower is a dynamic addition to our regional medical center. And as a result, our patients can receive all the care they need right here without traveling outside the South Bay,” says Keith Hobbs, Torrance Memorial’s president and CEO. “During COVID-19, we were able to scale up to meet patient demand, and we recently opened a new interventional radiology suite to provide increased access to specialized care. But best of all, we still have the capacity for growth as the needs of our community evolve.”
“When you make this type of investment in a health care facility and revisit it over the years, there are sometimes things you might wish you would have done differently,” says Senner. “But thanks to the efforts of our entire team, the Lundquist Tower still feels timeless. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years.” •
LUNDQUIST TOWER FEATURES
The Lundquist Tower is a state-of-the-art health care facility that includes:
• 256 private patient rooms
• ceiling-mounted lifts in 70+ patient rooms
• 18 surgical and interventional treatment rooms, including the South Bay’s first hybrid operating room
• an outdoor, centrally located Healing Garden
• 16.5 acres of convenient on-campus parking
• staff lounge areas with access to natural light
CARING COMPANIONS
PROVIDING A COMPASSIONATE WITNESS FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE ALONE DURING THEIR FINAL HOURS
WRITTEN BY MELISSA BEAN STERZICK
In early 2024, Torrance Memorial quietly implemented a specialized program to help a rare type of patient. For its many awards and accreditations—including a CMS 5-star rating for overall hospital quality—one important service had been missing.
While most people have friends or family stay with them during their final hours of life, some patients do not have those connections. For others, their closest relatives are unable to visit them or live too far away to arrive in time.
Caring Companions: A No One Dies Alone (NODA) program takes an important place in the hospital’s continuum of care. It unites staff and volunteers to activate and carry out a plan that ensures no patient will die alone.
During his rounds and through interactions and study with other hospital chaplaincies, Rev. Jan Arthur Lee, a chaplain in the Torrance Memorial spiritual care office, saw the need to provide a human presence for patients who are alone during their final days.
“It is our privilege to sit with them as they die, to be a gentle presence and offer a gesture of hospitality to the very end,” he says. “There is something sacred and beautiful about it.”
Rev. Lee and the hospital’s bioethics director, Andy Shen, MD, initiated the research and development of the program, networking with other hospitals that have NODA programs and creating an interdisciplinary team that includes the spiritual care office, palliative care, clinical education, marketing and communications and volunteer services.
The mission of Caring Companions is to ensure dignity, compassion and support for dying patients by offering bedside companionship to anyone who is alone at the end of life. Dr. Shen says Caring Companions is uplifting to the entire medical center—patients, physicians, nurses and staff members.
“Rev. Jan has said the program is ‘good for the soul of the institution,’ and that’s a powerful statement,” he says. “After experiencing a few of the vigils myself, I felt that play out in real life.”
The program is designated for individuals who are expected to die within 48 to 72 hours and are without family or friends to stay with them until the end. It is set in motion when a registered nurse, palliative care provider, case management provider, physician, social worker or spiritual care provider identifies a patient in need.
Then, nursing or medical staff activate Caring Companions with a phone call to the Volunteer Services office, which notifies its volunteer pool and creates a schedule of three-hour shifts. The scheduler will also share the schedule with the charge nurse of the patient’s unit. During nights and weekends, the on-call bioethics doctor will organize vigils.
“It’s very reassuring and comforting for the hospital staff, especially the nurses, when they have a dying patient—knowing if they can’t spend time at the bedside, someone else can stay with the patient,” says Dr. Shen. “And it gives the doctor comfort knowing their patient is being well loved and cared for, and not just medically. A doctor can’t be there, but they want to know someone is there for the patients when they are dying.”
The first group of volunteer companions received training in February, and four patient vigils have taken place at the hospital since. Another training is planned for late summer. Rev. Lee says nurses and hospital staff involved in these vigils have shared their gratitude and relief.
“The nurses absorb a lot. This alleviates the caseload of a nurse to reserve their strength for other patients,” he says. “We can pick up that emotional, spiritual, existential weight.”
Mary Matson, director of service excellence, patient
BUTTERFLIES ENCOMPASS
A SPIRITUAL MEANING OF TRANSFORMATION, REBIRTH, LOVE AND THE HUMAN SOUL. BEFITTINGLY, THE BLUE BUTTERFLY SYMBOLIZES THE MISSION OF THE CARING COMPANIONS PROGRAM.
THE MISSION OF
CARING
COMPANIONS IS TO ENSURE DIGNITY, COMPASSION AND SUPPORT FOR DYING PATIENTS BY OFFERING BEDSIDE COMPANIONSHIP.
experience and volunteer services, says Caring Companions is evolving and growing. Each vigil has taught participants more about the needs of dying patients and the program’s potential to meet those needs.
Caring Companions volunteers are instructed on the use of personal protective equipment, isolation protocols, safety and confidentiality. They are also trained about the dying process, ways they can comfort the patient and how to care for their own feelings throughout the experience.
Any information available about the patient’s preferences or beliefs is shared with the volunteers, with related resources included in a binder for companions. “With the information we have, we are respectful of what the patient would and wouldn’t want. This is not a religious program, but we know health and healing involve all aspects of the individual,” Matson says.
Caring Companions volunteers and team members debrief after a patient’s vigil. They share what they learned, what improvements could be made to the process and how their involvement affected them.
“At first, volunteers are worried about what they should do. The beautiful thing is everyone brings their own special humanity to how they spend time with the patient,” says Dr. Shen. “Those who’ve experienced the process have universally talked about how emotionally powerful it felt to be part of these vigils.”
At present, Caring Companions are selected from Torrance Memorial’s current volunteers. “We started with our volunteers because they are known to us and can add this periodic assignment to their current weekly schedule. We’ve reached out to inform and encourage inpatient care teams to use this resource,” Matson says. “And we’ve received wonderful feedback from staff, who have always done their best to tend to patients in these circumstances before Caring Companions. They are proud and grateful we have this program.” •
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
WRITTEN BY JULIE TAYLOR
At Torrance Memorial, exciting advancements in technology are revolutionizing patient care, making health care more personalized and proactive. We are also enhancing campus safety and security to keep pace with these innovations—ensuring every patient receives the highest quality of care.
But we would be remiss if we did not mention the recent CrowdStrike global software outage that affected more than 4,000 devices and servers at Torrance Memorial. The worldwide outage for Microsoft Windows users was not a cyber incident, but it did render our Windows workstations inoperable. The disruption was felt by not only hospital systems but also other enterprise industries like airlines, banking and telecommunications. Our outstanding IT department quickly deployed a task force with strategies to remediate the situation and reduce patient and staff impact on elective procedures, outpatient testing and other services.
CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY
Torrance Memorial is committed to keeping our staff, patients and visitors safe on our medical center campus. Last year we engaged an outside security consultant to assess the need for additional security measures to improve safety across our health system. Based on their findings and recommendations, we made several changes to further enhance security. With a significant investment in facility infrastructure and security personnel, the Torrance Memorial main campus now includes:
• E911 system – With just a click of a button, our staff can deploy a housewide panic software alarm program and emergency intercoms to announce emergency codes and initiate an immediate response from the security team. The software identifies the user’s location, letting security personnel know where assistance is needed. Once activated, the system immediately sends realtime notifications to security, managers and relevant authorities. The software also ensures confidentiality by only sharing information with authorized personnel. The initial rollout began in June starting with Tag and Go devices. Non-Tag and Go devices will follow.
• CrowdStrike to monitor and detect ransomware attacks.
• Improved camera systems, including nearly 500 cameras strategically located around the medical center campus.
• A new weapons detection system as part of the emergency department expansion project.
• More security personnel posted around the main campus.
EVERBRIDGE
Everbridge is a mass notification system that can send emergency notifications and important updates to all Torrance Memorial employees during a disaster or emergency incident. During a critical event, when every second counts, we will use Everbridge technology to send out real-time alerts with instructions to every Torrance Memorial employee enrolled in the notification system.
The goal is to have 100% of employees enrolled. At the time of the CrowdStrike outage we had a 30% adoption rate of employees who had updated their cell phone numbers to be reached during an emergency. The CrowdStrike outage brought an opportunity to reevaluate the enrollment process of this emergency platform. Beginning in October, all Torrance Memorial employees are required to enroll in Everbridge through the annual exam process.
INTRODUCING TONIC:
NEW CHECK-IN PROCESS
Our ambulatory patients can now streamline their visit with Torrance Memorial’s new seamless, contactless check-in process, Tonic. We recently invested in this fully HIPAA-compliant, real-time mobile patient intake and contactless check-in platform to provide an easy and engaging way for patients to complete intake consent forms when it’s most convenient for them.
This process is currently available in select Torrance Memorial Physician Network offices, the breast diagnostic and imaging centers, as well as rehab, offering pre-visit online check-in. More offices will provide this service in the
AI
coming months. With our secure online patient intake platform, patients will now do less paperwork and save time before appointments by being able to check-in online from home.
How does it work?
• Once an appointment is confirmed, a text message containing a link to our online check-in platform is sent. Click the link to begin.
• Verify your demographic details, review or upload identification and insurance cards—all before your scheduled appointment.
• Upon reaching the physician’s office, patients confirm their arrival by scanning the provided QR code at the
Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, is becoming more widely used in health care. Gina Sulmeyer, MD, executive director of medical informatics, refers to AI as “augmented intelligence” because it isn’t replacing the physician’s role in health care. It’s just adding to it and helping it.
AI is the capacity of machines to memorize and learn from experience, “think” and create, assist and augment decisions that influence the health of our patients. It is the use of machine and deep learning, natural language processing and other AI-enabled tools to improve patient care. This intelligence can help doctors and other medical professionals make more accurate diagnoses, develop treatment plans and, importantly, make health care more proactive and predictive, giving us a brighter future in patient care.
For over 10 years, we have been using AI in medicine at Torrance Memorial. AI technologies, like Rapid AI, collaborate with Cedars-Sinai neurosurgeons to provide a clinical workflow solution for our Telestroke program. The da Vinci robotic surgical system has been in use, creating more precise and better surgical outcomes, and the newer Ion technology is a robotic-assisted system for minimally invasive biopsies.
Torrance Memorial uses Nuance Lung Cancer Screening to extract data from imaging reports and clinical history to identify patients requiring early screening/intervention. Riverain Technologies uses AI to enhance imaging detection of lung nodules. Dragon Medical One AI technology uses a voice-to-text dictation system to learn accents, spelling and pronunciation techniques as it listens.
This summer we piloted a program through Oracle Clinical
entrance or utilizing one of the office iPads.
If they didn’t have the opportunity to check-in online beforehand, they can utilize the online pre-registration platform in the patient waiting area. They simply scan the QR code using their own device or utilize one of our clinic’s iPads. Patients then relax and await their provider.
Digital Assistant in our Torrance Memorial Physician Network primary care offices. The AI-powered voice recognition technology automatically records key elements of the physicianpatient encounter to interpret the information and generate a clinical note. The goal is to assist physicians with taking actions such as placing orders or adding diagnoses from the information in the conversation.
By installing the application on either an iPhone or Android, the physicians can record a private patient conversation. The AI technology processes the human conversation and connects the patient’s prior clinical history with notes from the physical exam and a plan of care—creating a draft note. This note enables a physician to quickly review and approve the clinical documentation produced. Both the original conversation and the edited note are stored side by side in the chart so you can look at both.
Dr. Sulmeyer explains, “This has been in beta testing for over a year, and the people using it are finding it invaluable. It gets you away from the computer and back to caring for the patient and providing a better experience.”
Because these various AI platforms are delivered from third-party vendors, we learned during the CrowdStrike outage that some of our vendors were also offline (Dragon Medical One) so physicians had to pivot and use scribes during the downtime of the system. While AI technology has improved efficiency dramatically, the recent outage reminded us that not everything is 100% infallible. •
STOPPING LUNG CANCER IN ITS TRACKS
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO CURING THE DEADLIEST CANCER.
WRITTEN BY JOHN FERRARI
Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, but advances in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease are pushing back on its toll. Torrance Memorial is the South Bay’s leader in bringing those advances to patients.
According to the American Lung Association, there’s a new lung cancer diagnosis in the United States every two minutes, and every day the disease takes almost 360 lives. Despite these sobering statistics, there have been tremendous strides in the detection and treatment of lung cancer. While it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, over the past five years for lung cancers diagnosed when they are less than 1 cm, the five-year survival rate is 92%.
For cancers diagnosed when they are between 1-2 cm, the five-year survival rate is 83%.
The key is early detection, says John Abe, MD, a Torrance Memorial physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. “It’s all about the stage at which it’s caught and treated. The smaller the tumor, the more time we have to treat it and the easier it is to treat. Over the last 15 to 20 years there has been a significant change in that we are diagnosing more early-stage cancers. About 75% of lung cancers diagnosed with robotic bronchoscopy at Torrance Memorial are early Stage 1 or 2.”
“The earlier the stage, the better the outcome,” agrees Khalid Eltawil, MD, a Torrance Memorial physician
“THE SMALLER THE TUMOR, THE MORE TIME WE HAVE TO TREAT IT AND THE EASIER IT IS TO TREAT.” – DR. JOHN ABE
specializing in internal medicine and pulmonary disease. “Stage 1 cancers can essentially be cured.”
One of the most important advances in early detection is the recognition that screening saves lives. “Every improvement in the successful treatment of specific cancers has been based on an improved screening test,” notes Clark Fuller, MD, Torrance Memorial director of thoracic surgery and co-director of the thoracic oncology program. “For a long time, lung cancer detection relied on chest X-rays and incidental findings [that is, detections
resulting from chest scans made for other reasons]. Eventually, large-scale trials showed that screening certain demographics for lung cancer—primarily individuals with a history of smoking—improved survival rates by over 20% for those screened, and CT scans became the screening modality of choice. CT scans are very sensitive, though, so the question becomes, ‘What do you do with all this data?’”
That’s where advances in medical imaging analysis come into focus. Torrance Memorial has adopted and integrated several imaging tools that use artificial
intelligence learning—first to detect nodules on chest scans, and then to guide the diagnosis and treatment process. ClearRead, developed by Riverain Technologies, analyzes chest CT and X-ray scans to highlight nodules even smaller than 5 mm in size—well below the 2 cm threshold for the highest cure rates.
“When you look at a CT scan, the naked eye can sometimes miss tiny nodules,” Dr. Eltawil explains. “Riverain is able to remove the clutter and light up nodules so they’re easier to pick up.”
ClearRead integrates with another program, PowerScribe by Nuance Communications, to move from detection to diagnosis and treatment. “It puts together the likelihood of there being a nodule in a scan—not only to identify it more quickly but also to define a process on how to treat the nodule.”
The process then moves to Torrance Memorial’s lung nodule tumor board. “Every nodule is reviewed by the tumor board to determine the appropriate way to address it, whether that’s a biopsy, immediate removal, continued monitoring or some other treatment modality,” Dr. Eltawil says. “The process leads to improved workups of the findings, more timely diagnoses with higher confidence and the best treatment options.”
“This is where Ion comes in,” adds Dr. Fuller. The Ion bronchoscopy platform is a robotic-assisted system that allows Torrance Memorial pulmonologists to conduct minimally invasive biopsies of
Clark Fuller, MD, is a member of Torrance Memorial’s lung nodule tumor board, which reviews cases to determine the best approach for treatment.
even the smallest suspicious nodules. The system uses CT imaging of a patient’s lung to create a 3D virtual model of the airways.
During the biopsy procedure this “road map” is presented along with real-time imagery of the patient, taken with a tiny video camera attached to a thin, maneuverable catheter, allowing the physician to precisely guide it to the nodule and retrieve a tissue sample. As the physician guides the catheter deeper into the lung tissue, the airway branches become smaller and smaller—going from the superhighway of the main airways, or bronchi, down to the one-lane roads of the smallest airways, the bronchioles.
There are roughly 25 descending sizes of these branchways. While a typical bronchoscopy procedure can reach into the four largest branchways, the Ion system allows physicians to reach into branchways more than 20 sizes smaller.
Dr. Abe puts the whole process in perspective: “With a CT scan, we can detect nodules that are very small, from 1 to 4 mm, and those are usually benign. The bigger they are, the more suspicious they are. Before we started using the Ion system, we could biopsy nodules as small as 15 to
20 mm. Now we can biopsy nodules 8 to 12 mm in size and confirm whether they’re benign or malignant.”
Once a nodule is definitively diagnosed as a malignant tumor, the board considers treatment options. “Chemotherapy is still an important treatment option, but if the tumor is caught early enough, it’s often not needed,” Dr. Abe says. “Radiation therapy is also a viable option, particularly for patients with conditions that make surgery risky. But for most patients, if we catch the cancer at an early stage, we can remove it and that’s the cure. It’s all about the stage at which it’s caught and treated.”
“That’s the key,” agrees oncologist and hematologist Andrew Horodner, MD, codirector of the thoracic oncology program at Torrance Memorial and chair of the hospital’s lung cancer tumor board. “There’s been a huge improvement in catching tumors early.”
Using early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive surgical techniques, “we can get to small tumors we could never get to before,” he explains. “If we can remove the tumor, the patient is cancer-free. And for patients who do not want to have surgery or cannot have surgery for medical
The Intuitive® Ion bronchoscopy platform is a robotic-assisted system that allows Torrance Memorial pulmonologists to conduct minimally invasive biopsies of even the smallest suspicious nodules. The system uses CT imaging of a patient’s lung to create a 3D virtual model of the airways.
reasons, targeted radiation therapy can also produce excellent outcomes that are nearly equivalent to surgery. Our radiation oncology team has the most advanced technology available.”
Dr. Horodner adds that treatment options have expanded for patients diagnosed with non-small cell Stage 2 lung cancer—cases in which the tumor is larger than 4 cm and there may also be cancerous tissue in the thoracic lymph nodes. In approximately 1 in 4 such patients, systemic treatment—in this case, combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy—administered before surgery eliminates the cancer.
“We perform the surgery to be sure it’s completely gone, but this addition of preoperative treatment is a real paradigm shift. These patients have excellent long-term outcomes. We’re also using medication after surgery to improve treatment success. We’re always looking at how to improve those numbers. That’s the goal of our research effort with Cedars-Sinai: conducting studies to improve outcomes. We’re getting people the best, most comprehensive treatment.”
Torrance Memorial surgeons and physicians are continuing to improve lung cancer survival rates using these new tools for early detection and treatment. Dr. Fuller predicts the next leap will come from more early screenings.
“I think the criteria used for screening will change, especially among women,” he says. “Among women, there are more deaths from lung cancer than from breast, colon and uterine cancer combined—mostly
John Abe, MD, a Torrance Memorial physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine
Clark Fuller, MD, director of thoracic surgery and co-director of the thoracic oncology program at Torrance Memorial
Khalid Eltawil, MD, a Torrance Memorial physician specializing in internal medicine, sleep disorders and pulmonary disease
Andrew Horodner, MD, oncologist and hematologist, co-director of the thoracic oncology program and chair of the Torrance Memorial lung cancer tumor board
SPIRAL CT FOR HIGH-RISK PATIENTS: A NEW TOOL TO CATCH LUNG CANCER EARLY
Early screening for lung cancer isn’t for everyone. “Roughly 85% to 90% of lung cancer cases are smoking-related,” notes John Abe, MD. “Overall, cases of lung cancer are trending down, but the number of new cases is still pretty high.”
That’s why early screening focuses on individuals with a history of smoking or past cancer diagnoses. More than 10 years ago, large-scale clinical trials confirmed the benefits of early screening.
“At Torrance Memorial, we were able to start an early screening program within a year of that published study,” says Dr. Abe. “We screen people who qualify as high-risk, and that’s primarily due to a history of smoking.”
There’s a catch to early and repeated screenings, though. Lung cancer is detected using CT scans, and over time the radiation from CT scans can itself become a health risk. That’s why Torrance Memorial offers low-dose (also known as spiral or helical) CT scans for annual lung cancer screening of high-risk individuals.
because lung cancer cases tend to present at a later stage, especially among non-smokers. Oncologists and radiologists will review and adapt screening tools in response to this new epidemiological data. We’re also beginning to see that family history is important too, so there is a genetic component to lung cancer—that’s of vital importance. The more we can screen at-risk populations, the sooner we can catch lung cancer at Stage 1 and the more likely it is that we can cure that cancer. That’s a win-win.” •
CT scans are essentially 3D X-rays. Spiral CT scans rotate the X-ray tube around the patient in a spiral motion. The process is eight to 10 times faster than a traditional CT scan, and spiral CT scans are especially good at capturing small nodules. The X-ray dose from a spiral CT scan is about 1/3 less than the dose from a regular CT scan, and for high-risk individuals the benefits of the screening outweigh the risks, Dr. Abe says.
Studies have shown low-dose CT scans in high-risk patients improve the survival rate by 25%, adds Khalid Eltawil, MD. “The whole idea behind early screening is early detection because the earlier you detect lung cancer, the more survivable it is.”
BRAINSTORM PRODUCTIONS— PEDIATRICS COLORING BOOK
To engage the unique gifts of some of its artists, Brainstorm Productions partnered with Torrance Memorial and donated staff artist time to create a 14-page coloring book for pediatric patients. Zoey, a puppet used by child life specialist Gina Sievert to help ease anxiety of young patients, is the main character. With words written by Gina, Zoey explains various aspects of a hospital stay on pages that can be colored. Brainstorm Productions is a nonprofit organization that employs special needs adults for digital arts to illustrate books and create videos and other art. Printing the coloring books was underwritten by James Andrews.
L to R, back: Gina Sievert; Artists Lawren Cruz, Haileigh Tenney, Brandon Williams; Instructors Valerie Martinez, Vanessa Baldwin Front: James Andrews
LA GALAXY VS. LAFC SOCCER GAME
Thanks to the generosity of LA Galaxy and LAFC soccer clubs, 88 employees received complimentary tickets to watch the game at the Rose Bowl on July 4. Special activities outside the Rose Bowl led up to the evening game, which concluded with a spectacular fireworks show.
VISTAS FOR CHILDREN
Vistas for Children, a charitable organization with a mission to support children in the South Bay, has provided annual grants for the teen program of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center since 2004. This year’s grant of $10,000 was presented to executive director Moe Gelbart, PhD, on July 12.
L to R: Nadine Bobit, Marcia August, Moe Gelbart, PhD, Cheryl Medina, Laura Schenasi
DUNKIN’ COMMUNITY CRUISER
Dunkin’s bright orange California Community Cruiser brought joy and free coffee drinks to Torrance Memorial on the early morning of July 10. Dedicated doctors, nurses and staff were celebrated, honored and recognized as health care heroes with Dunkin’s signature coffee and gift card giveaways.
Kristel Quinto Sen and Preston Sen with sons Lucas, Zachary, Ezekiel
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
THEY WERE PRACTICALLY STRANGERS ON THEIR WEDDING DAY. FORTY-SIX YEARS LATER, DEEPAK AND NANDINI CHOPRA HAVE GROWN TO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER AND HAVE CREATED A BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP OF ENDURING LOVE, RESPECT AND COMMITMENT.
WRITTEN BY DIANE KRIEGER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX
Deepak and Nandini hardly knew each other when they exchanged vows in an arranged marriage in 1978 in New Delhi, India. At the time, he was a 28-year-old engineer living in Redondo Beach and working for TRW. She was a young woman filled with curiosity and excitement about her future life in America. She liked dogs and knew Deepak had two golden retrievers.
The match had been proposed by an aunt who’d known Deepak when he was an undergraduate at Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh. The bride’s father, Madan Syal, was also an engineer and in the process of moving his family to Houston, where he’d started a new job with Exxon after Burmah Shell oil company was nationalized in India.
Madan traveled to California to meet his daughter’s potential suitor, staying for a week as a guest in Deepak’s Redondo Beach house. “My father wrote me this beautiful, detailed letter all about him,” recalls Nandini, who was then living with her mother and grandmother in New Delhi. “He described Deepak’s personality, his way of life, even what he had in his fridge!”
The two men developed an easy relationship. They exchanged ideas about the field of engineering. After the trip, Madan gave his seal of approval to the match, calling his future son-in-law “a diamond in the rough” whom Nandini could “polish up.”
“But 46 years later, I think I’m the one who needs polishing,” Nandini says, smiling warmly.
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
There’s nothing rough about Nandini or her elegant Palos Verdes home. As for her husband, the rough diamond has exceeded Madan’s fondest hopes.
Today, Deepak, 73, is president, chairman and CEO of OSI Systems, a manufacturer of security systems and inspection technology used at airports and border crossings to scan bags, checked luggage and commercial cargo. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, the publicly traded company and its subsidiaries employ 7,000 workers in 10 factories worldwide. OSI’s top customers are the U.S. government and various international organizations. Rapiscan, the security products division of OSI, provided scanning equipment, training and services at the recent Paris Olympics. Its equipment and services were previously used at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Deepak founded OSI Systems in 1987 and has served as president, CEO and board chair for more than 35 years. In addition to airport security technology, OSI develops optoelectronics and medical, cardiology and patient-monitoring systems. Deepak took the company public on NASDAQ in 1997.
FROM CHANDIGARH TO CALIFORNIA
Born in Kangra in 1950, Deepak grew up all over North India. His physician father was a director in the national health ministry, and government postings took the family to cities and towns across Punjab and Haryana.
Deepak attended 11 different schools as a child, but he considered Chandigarh, where he received his undergraduate education, the closest thing to home. The city, he notes with pride, was designed by Swiss-French architect and urban planner Le Corbusier and is famous for its mid-century modern architecture.
After graduating from college with a bachelor of science degree in engineering
from India, Deepak continued his studies at UMass Amherst, where he earned a master’s degree in semiconductor electronics.
He began his career at RCA’s semiconductor division in New Jersey and briefly worked for TRW and Intel Corporation in California before joining ILC Technology, where he became CEO. There were bumps along the way, and things could have turned out much differently.
In 1987, Deepak briefly quit engineering altogether and seriously considered opening a Del Taco franchise. Nandini firmly put a stop to that idea and saved the day by encouraging him to launch a tech company instead.
At Baar, Baar restaurant in Los Angeles - Lively family gatherings are important to the Chopra family. L to R, back row: Deepak Chopra, Deepika Chopra Silverman, Alex Silverman, Dio Silverman, Nandini Chopra, Arjun Mehta, Jaya Whiting, MD, Nikhil Mehta, Chandini Sood, Kavita Mehta, Nancy Mehta
Front row: Jag Silverman, Ava Whiting, Mohini Syal, Madan Syal, Devi Whiting, Maya Mehta
A THREE-DAY COURTSHIP
When Nandini first saw her bridegroom—at her grandmother’s house in New Delhi—she agreed with her father’s initial assessment. A diamond in the rough. Widely considered a great beauty, she responded to Deepak’s efforts at conversation with cool monosyllables.
“Was there perhaps some other young man she liked?” Deepak nervously asked Nandini’s mother, Mohini.
“Give her time,” his future mother-in-law replied. “Once she starts talking, she will never stop.”
Deepak persevered, and after a three-day courtship— in the presence of Nandini’s mother and grandmother— he asked for her hand in marriage. True to form, she responded with a single word: “Yes.”
After a weeklong traditional wedding in New Delhi, Nandini joined Deepak to start their new life in California. Deepak had fallen in love with the South Bay in 1974 when his boss at RCA sent
him to a November conference in Redondo Beach.
Dazzled by “the weather, the beaches, the hibachi burgers,” Deepak impulsively quit his job and started apartment hunting. Within two weeks, he landed a job at TRW.
Four years later, he couldn’t wait to introduce his bride to this earthly paradise. She, too, was enchanted. “I loved the relaxed lifestyle and found it very welcoming and easy to settle into,” says Nandini.
She went to work in production control at Teledyne and SiliconX, but once their daughters came along— Chandini in 1980 and Deepika in 1983—Nandini devoted herself full time to raising them. She threw herself into leadership roles with their school PTAs and Las Madrecitas, a charitable organization benefiting the Orthopaedic Institute for Children. She later owned and managed a car rental franchise for 13 years and ran an American-style coffee shop with her mother, Mohini, in San Pedro.
Elaborate traditional Indian wedding portraits of Deepak and Nandini, circa 1978
Nandini had received a classical education in Mumbai, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and also volunteering her time in various charitable organizations. While in college, she had occasionally modeled for fashion photographers “just for fun” and had appeared on a few Indian magazine covers. Years later, at age 39, she represented India in the Mrs. World pageant held in Costa Rica. “It was a oncein-a-lifetime memorable experience,” she says.
NEXT-GEN
The Chopra daughters inherited Nandini’s poise, intelligence and beauty. And like their mother, both had traditional multiday Indian weddings, though neither match was arranged by their parents.
Chandini’s marriage in 2007 to Romal Sood from India was an elegant, traditional ceremony held at home—honoring their family’s customs and heritage. Afterwards, hundreds of guests gathered at the iconic Beverly Hilton for a grand reception.
Chandini, who studied psychology at LMU, and Romal live in Redondo Beach and run an internet-based business. They share a passion for travel, and as ardent Lakers fans, they enjoy immersing themselves in sports and other entertainment events.
Deepika’s marriage in 2015 wedding was particularly memorable. Described as a “big fat Hind-Jew wedding,” the 900-guest affair was held at Terranea Resort. A traditional Hindu ceremony under the mandap was followed by A collector of vintage automobiles, Deepak stands next to a 1921 RollsRoyce Phantom I.
Jewish blessings under a chuppah. Deepika is a behavioral scientist specializing in the science behind optimism. A UCLA graduate, she earned her PhD at the California School of Professional Psychology and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA. Widely known as the Optimism Doctor, she consults for brands and Fortune 100 companies, gives keynote speeches across the country, and appears frequently on the Today show and in the pages of Forbes, Newsweek, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue
Her husband, Alex Silverman, is a global gaming and entertainment executive and investor originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, who studied economics at Brown University before getting his MBA at UCLA. Together they have given the Chopras three grandchildren: Jag, 7, Dio, 3, and baby Jia, 9 months.
ANSWERED PRAYERS
After 46 years of marriage, Deepak and Nandini know how lucky they are. They mindfully count their blessings every night. As practicing Hindus, religion plays an important role in their lives. The Chopras have a “pooja room,” or private temple, where they pray daily for family and friends.
The Chopras consider themselves blessed to belong to the South Bay community of family and friends and the larger Indian community across Los Angeles. Nandini’s parents, who have lived in places like Libya and Venezuela, now live close by in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Deepak’s mother, Sheil Chopra, lives in Chandigarh, India. His father, Roshan Chopra, passed away in 2012 at age 92.
WINDING DOWN
These days, Deepak is dialing back his busy work schedule. In December he will step down as OSI Systems president and CEO, though he will stay on as executive
chairman of the board. He also continues to serve on the LA Business Council and national CEO business relationship forums for U.S.-India and U.S.-Africa ties.
At 73 he looks forward to indulging his many hobbies and interests. Topping the list is collecting art, especially works by Indian artists. The walls of the Chopra home display many prints and paintings dating from the colonial era up to the present day.
Deepak feeds his engineer’s irrepressible urge to tinker by assembling miniature model cars and trains. Suspended from the ceiling of the garage of his home is a serpentine railway system complete with bridges and tunnels. At the flip of a switch, engines and railcars roll into motion on the overhead tracks.
Deepak is also a collector of vintage automobiles. An avid Sunday driver, he loves to cruise the winding roads of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in a vintage model, such as the 1921 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, or a sleek 1970s Ferrari or a classic 1960s Corvette.
Once an aggressive tennis player, nowadays Deepak redirects his energies to games of pickleball. A longtime “social golfer,” he hopes to improve his game in retirement. For vacations, he and Nandini go to different European destinations every year.
Deepak loves all kinds and genres of music, but his favorite recording artists are Western pop icons Michael Jackson, Madonna and Donna Summer. He and Nandini like to watch Bollywood films when they have an evening free—which isn’t very often. They’re part of L.A.’s lively Indian community, he explains, “and it’s always somebody’s birthday or the wedding of someone’s son or daughter. Something is always happening.”
And just as his mother-in-law assured Deepak during their brief courtship, Nandini is neither shy nor monosyllabic. “My wife has a very active social life,” he says, eyes twinkling, “and I need to follow.” •
PATRON OF INNOVATION
The Chopras are longtime Patrons of Torrance Memorial and have been generous supporters. “Both of our children were born at Torrance Memorial,” Deepak says, explaining the family’s original connection to the hospital. Nandini’s parents, Madan and Mohini Syal, are also Patrons. With the passage of time, he and Nandini have come to appreciate the great privilege of having a first-rate medical center in their backyard. “In my opinion, if you live in the South Bay, you better know about this place,” Deepak says, noting the hospital’s overall excellence—especially since it affiliated with Cedars-Sinai. Deepak’s philanthropy extends to City of Hope, UCLA and other charities where he funds research into new cancer therapies. “I’m a very big supporter of technology and innovation, especially in the medical and security arena,” he says. “Innovation is in my blood.”
Ambassadors corner
SURVIVING, RECOVERING, THRIVING
A TERRORIST ATTACK HASN’T KEPT JOHN AND KAREN ODOM FROM LIVING THE LIFE OF THEIR DREAMS.
WRITTEN BY MELISSA BEAN STERZICK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY VINCENT RIOS
“Hit by a bomb, pray for John.” It has been 11 years since Karen Odom, in the back of an ambulance with her severely injured husband, texted those words to her frightened family and friends. Karen and John Odom were on the sidewalk next to the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, to cheer on their daughter Nicole and daughter-in-law Sarah as they finished the marathon.
On that fateful day, after the devastation of the bombing, a series of events brought John through the worst—preserved his life, gave him the power to heal and led him to a meaningful recovery. Son-in-law Matt Reis applied a tourniquet. Karen insisted he stay awake while they waited for medical care. Doctors restarted his heart twice. And John himself summoned the determination to return to his life on his terms.
John and Karen share a special moment dancing together and celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary in September.
“It was minute to minute, hour to hour, then day to day,” Karen says. “But he’s a fighter, and he didn’t give in.”
John was in intensive care at Boston Medical Center for seven weeks. He required 27 units of blood and survived 11 surgeries during the first 28 days. After three weeks of uncertainty, his family finally heard the words they wanted most: He would survive. He would not lose his life or his leg, but his sciatic nerve had been severed—leaving his left leg paralyzed from below the knee down.
When John arrived at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston seven weeks after the bombing, his doctors entered his room and asked him to state his intentions. “They said, ‘What are your goals now that you’re here?’ and I told them my goals were to walk again, dance with my wife and hit the golf ball farther and straighter. And they said, ‘How about we learn how to get out of bed first?’” John recounts.
Eight weeks after the attack, John stood for the first time. Through the arduous months of surgeries, recovery and physical therapy, John’s will to regain his health and mobility and his desire to be an active part of his family life kept him going. He was so eager to swing a golf club that his nurses wheeled him outside the hospital with a few golf balls and a cane for a club—their idea of a makeshift putting green.
John and Karen are still amazed by the kindness they received from people they didn’t know. The heartfelt encouragement and support from groups and individuals from all over the country— including children who had survived the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Boston plumbers union, their daughter’s UCLA softball coach, politicians and celebrities, the Red Cross and the FBI—was overwhelming. Not to mention the care shown by their close friends and associates in the South Bay.
“They brought us clothes and shoes. People sent us Tito’s Tacos and See’s Candies. We received tens of thousands of cards—we still have them. It was a stark contrast from the evil of two men who carried out a terrorist attack to the thousands of good people who wished us well. It restored our faith in humanity,” Karen reflects.
They had been planning a retirement full of family time and travel when the bombing happened, but afterward they didn’t know what the future would look like. The Odoms came home 5½ months after the marathon, and on their 46th anniversary that September, they danced together again.
Healing came slowly but surely as they accepted reality and faced the new normal with resolve. “This is what this is. What we have to deal with. We’re going to say, ‘All right, that’s the past. We are going forward,’” Karen says of their mindset.
John and Karen didn’t give up on celebrating their loved ones from the sidelines and in the stands—the Odom fan club is a family tradition. Their joy has always come through their children and grandchildren. They are especially proud their sons and daughter
have followed their lead into construction and real estate. Their eight grandchildren—including a fifth-generation plumber, two educators, a pediatrician, a nurse, a UCLA Bruin and the two youngest, now freshmen at PVHS—are the center of their world. “We are proud grandparents. Our grandkids are our life,” Karen says.
John plays all the golf he wants and goes to physical therapy weekly. He is so active, he wears out his leg braces. He’s on the hunt for a brace that offers the right amount of support for a day of golf but still gives him the flexibility to optimize his swing. He’s adjusted to his paralysis in traditional and creative ways— sometimes to the amusement of his family.
“I don’t go swimming, but I wasn’t a swimmer before,” he says. “They tease me for being slow. And there was the time we wanted to ride bikes and my foot kept falling off the pedal. I used duct tape, but that didn’t go well.”
John sits on the Murray Company board of directors, where he held positions of field superintendent, vice president, COO, president and chairman between 1975 to 2013. His two sons, Don and Michael, are part of the leadership of the company.
“I get a lot of happiness seeing the growth of the business—it’s an employee-owned corporation, and it has gained a lot of ground during the last 10 years,” John says. Murray Company has had a long association with Torrance Memorial Medical Center including projects such as the Lundquist Tower, Hunt Cancer Center and Hunt Tower. It has been a supporter of the hospital since the 2000s.
The Odoms were frequent visitors to the hospital when their children were young. “With two boys and a girl all actively involved in sports, somebody was always breaking an arm. I’m sure they were thinking, ‘Here they are again,’” Karen says. “We should’ve had our name on a door in the emergency room. Torrance Memorial was always there for us.”
Since the marathon, they have had a deeper desire to serve the hospital and became Ambassadors in 2022. “We hope to give back to the medical community. We know how important it is to have a good hospital, and we found the value in having a relationship with the hospital,” Karen says. “Without a great hospital, excellent doctors, caring nurses and staff, the experience is very different.”
From when John lay on the sidewalk thinking he might have lived his last moment through the journey of rehabilitation and regaining trust in the world around them, the Odoms have always kept their focus on the future and each other. Together they have made the last 11 years about their survival in the face of terror, their healing, their family and their happiness—not fear or loss or anger.
“Our family is everything to us. We understand how one day can be life-changing, but now our retirement is what we envisioned it to be,” Karen says. “John hits the ball shorter and straighter, but he does everything he wants to do otherwise. Life is amazing. We’re fine. We’re blessed.” •
Future Focus
PLEDGING MILLIONS TO TRANSFORM TORRANCE MEMORIAL’S FUTURE
POWER COUPLE COMBINES BUSINESS SAVVY AND PHILANTHROPY TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY.
WRITTEN BY MELANI MOROSE EDELSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN TAYLOR
Tim and Mary Richardson are boldly stepping into an exciting new chapter where entrepreneurship meets heartfelt philanthropy. With a thriving love story that’s lasted more than four decades, this dynamic couple is channeling their passion into ventures that not only drive innovation but also deeply impact the community they cherish. Their inspiring and unyielding support for Torrance Memorial Medical Center—from volunteering and generous donations to visionary planned giving— underscores a commitment to creating a legacy.
The Richardsons’ love story is one of enduring partnership. They met in 1982 and have been in love ever since. “I’ve loved and adored Mary for over 42 years,” Tim says, his voice filled with affection. “We complement each other perfectly. Friendship and compatibility are the most important things in a marriage, and we’ve been lucky to have that.”
Their partnership transcends personal life and influences their professional pursuits and dedication to philanthropy. As co-founders of the RFT Group Corporation, they’ve established a business designed to generate funds for Torrance Memorial. “We’re 50-50 in everything we do,” Tim explains. “Our corporation is set
up to make Torrance Memorial our heir.”
Tim’s career has been anything but ordinary. From aerospace and law enforcement to successful ventures in sales and entrepreneurship, Tim has consistently sought opportunities that align with his values of innovation and financial sustainability.
Now at age 67, he’s launching what he calls his “Third Act: Time to Give Back”—an ambitious plan to revolutionize the laundromat industry with Deluxe Laundry Spa, a chain of high-tech laundromats designed to redefine the customer experience.
“Starting a business has always been about finding the right opportunities offering significant cash flow, recurring revenue and scalability, for an eventual sale,” he explains. “When I looked into laundromats, I found it fit my criteria perfectly.”
With construction in the final stages, Deluxe Laundry Spa owners Tim and Mary Richardson are planning to hold a grand opening in October.
“WE WANT THIS TO BE MORE THAN JUST A BUSINESS VENTURE. IT’S ABOUT CREATING SOMETHING THAT WILL PROVIDE LONG-TERM BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY.”
So he quickly dove into the laundromat industry in 2022. His vision for Deluxe Laundry Spa includes cutting-edge technology like facial recognition cameras and an ozone-sanitizing system to advanced analytics, all with a focus on sustainability.
“Technology is crucial for me,” he shares. “My stores will offer a customer experience like no other: attended, convenient, secure and eco-friendly.”
Tim’s ambitious plan is to grow four Deluxe Laundry Spa locations over the next decade, with the goal of selling the business and brand and donating 80% of the proceeds—estimated at $6.4 million— to Torrance Memorial. The remaining 20% will be divided, with 10% going to his employees and the remaining 10% reserved for his Fourth Act, whatever that might be.
“The whole idea of starting the laundromat business was to give it away,” Tim says. “We want this to be more than just a business venture. It’s about creating something that will provide long-term benefits to the community.”
While Tim builds his laundromat empire, Mary quietly continues to make her mark at Torrance Memorial. An Auxiliary volunteer since 2017 and a member of Las Amigas, a volunteer group focused on the Holiday Festival, Mary demonstrates unwavering dedication to the hospital.
“I never imagined I’d end up volunteering at the hospital where I was born,” she reflects. “But when my sister was treated for breast cancer at Torrance Memorial, the kindness and care everyone showed touched my heart. I
knew I wanted to be part of that.”
Mary’s staunch commitment to planned giving has deepened her connection to the hospital and inspired the couple to make Torrance Memorial the primary beneficiary of their estate. They have decided to leave nearly everything they own to the hospital—a decision that underscores their belief in giving back.
“Mary has been incredibly supportive of my Third Act,” Tim says with admiration. “We have enough; we’re good. Her work at Torrance Memorial inspired me, and our shared mission has been pivotal. We both want to make a difference, and leaving our estate to a hospital with an outstanding reputation ensures our legacy continues long after we’re gone.”
The first Deluxe Laundry Spa is set to open in October. Tim and Mary remain focused and prepared for the big day.
“We’re excited about this new chapter,” Mary says. “It’s been a whirlwind journey but one I’m proud to be a part of. Our goal is to make a difference, and seeing Tim’s passion for this new venture only strengthens that commitment.”
“Torrance Memorial is not just a hospital to us,” he explains passionately. “It’s a vital part of our lives.” •
HOW TO MAKE A BEQUEST
Making a bequest through your will or living trust is the easiest of planned gifts. With simple language included in your will or trust, you can support Torrance Memorial after you leave this world, and your heirs also enjoy a tax benefit. Contact your estate planning attorney for guidance in reviewing and updating your will/ trust or Torrance Memorial’s Office of Planned Giving. Please also let us know if you have included Torrance Memorial in your estate plan, so we can acknowledge your advance planning and include you in our Heritage Society.
FINANCIAL HEALTH SEMINARS
Seminars* are scheduled to be held in person on Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Hoffman Health Conference Center 3315 Medical Center Drive, Torrance Information & RSVP: 310-517-4728
January 11
Individual Taxation: Wrapping up 2024 & Planning for 2025
March 8
Estate Planning and Conservatorship
NEW Deluxe Laundry Spa location: 6530 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles
Basics
May 10
Investment Strategies for Successful Retirement
*Dates and topics are subject to change.
DR. JENNY LUO: COMMITTED PHYSICIAN & GLOBAL CITIZEN
WRITTEN BY LAURA ROE STEVENS
To say that Jenny Luo, MD, is living her life to the fullest is an understatement. The emergency medicine specialist at Torrance Memorial Medical Center certainly works long hours in the emergency department (ED). But when she is off duty, she likely can be found at a fitness class with friends (usually from the ED) or trying out new restaurants with her partner, Bryce Fukunaga, MD.
In either scenario, Dr. Luo is likely talking about her latest adventure or is actively planning her next. The 41-year-old has visited 36 countries so far and is planning a cruise later this year to Antarctica.
“If all goes to plan,” she reports, “I will have set foot on all seven continents within the year 2024!”
A recent memorable international excursion involved spices, color and architecture. “We recently went to Morocco,” Dr. Luo says. “We took a tagine cooking class and went to markets to try the spices. The architecture is so unique with beautiful tiles. It’s one of those places unlike any other.”
Even the logistics of travel, such as taking multiple flights and navigating layovers that can often daunt others, seem to provide opportunities
Emergency department staff in Puerto Vallarta, L to R: Alexsis McCowan, RN, paramedic Taylor Braff, Stephanie Tang, DO, Amanda Clauson, MD, Jenny Luo, MD, tech Sierra McCraken, tech Ana Romo
for further exploration and fun for Dr. Luo. For instance, when asked about the long flights to Morocco, Dr. Luo’s voice lit up as she explained how they flew directly to Paris first. After a lovely layover in the City of Light, where they enjoyed French cuisine and acclimated to the time difference, she and Dr. Fukunaga then flew directly to Marrakesh.
Some of her other favorite trips have been to Switzerland, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Peru (where she climbed Machu Picchu) and group trips with fellow ED staffers. In fact, Dr. Luo recently went to Puerto Vallarta with some of the ED nurses. “We’re just like a family unit,” she says.
FROM MIDWESTERN CHILDHOOD TO GLOBAL CITIZEN
Dr. Luo moved to America with her mother when she was 10 years old. The two left China to reconnect with her father, who had been working in Chicago. Her childhood offered many opportunities she is grateful for, but the chance to visit other states and countries wasn’t one of them.
“When I was growing up my parents were immigrants, and they worked all the time. We didn’t do summer vacations or get to travel a lot,” Dr. Luo explains. “I went to college in Urbana-Champaign in central Illinois, surrounded by fields. Then I attended medical school in Chicago [Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science]. Living my whole life in Illinois, I wanted to go somewhere different.”
Landing in New York for her residency at Jacobi Medical Center gave her exposure to vast and diverse cultures— sparking her insatiable desire to travel internationally. “I’ve always been curious about new cultures and new lands,” she explains. “I’m lucky Bryce and our friends work within emergency medicine and enjoy the same things.”
HELPING THE MOST IN NEED
Dr. Luo didn’t go to medical school with a plan to work in emergency services. But after one emergency room rotation, she got hooked.
“When I started med school, I got to choose the rotations I wanted. Older students advised me not to start with the one I wanted. So I chose emergency medicine, first thinking I’d get to do a little of everything. But then I fell in love with it.”
Specifically, Dr. Luo fell in love with the opportunities to help those most in need and, frequently, those who have fewer resources or options for care. “We get to deal with a lot of patients who need our help urgently and may not have access to health care,” she says of the emergency department. “It feels extra rewarding to be able to treat them.”
YPPA: CONNECTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dr. Luo joined the Torrance Memorial Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance (YPPA) program in 2021 after attending YPPA Casino Night as a guest of Nadine and Ty Bobit. When her colleague Stephanie Tang, DO, invited her to join, it was “an easy decision,” Dr. Luo says.
“It’s so much fun. I’ve been a member for three years now. It’s just a great organization, and I love the events. The fundraising to support the hospital is critical to our vision to better serve the community, and it’s such a great way to connect with people in the area,” Dr. Luo says.
Plus it’s a perk for busy physicians who are not from the South Bay. “Bryce and I don’t have children, and it’s hard to make new friends. YPPA is a great way to meet new people and a chance to make lifelong friends and have fun with colleagues while supporting the hospital at the same time.”
Founded in 2012, YPPA’s fundraising dollars support the hospital with tangible items such as employee recognition awards and initiatives such as the Spiritual Care Cart, NICU family reunions, journals for the Eating Disorder Medical Unit and care kits for ED boarders, among others. It’s not surprising, as the Torrance Memorial ED staff are notoriously close-knit, that 14 of its doctors are YPPA members, as well as four ED nurse managers.
“We do a lot together! We see each other at work, we work out together and even travel together,” Dr. Luo says with a laugh. “We always joke we are so lucky to be a part of the Torrance Memorial emergency physicians because we truly really like each other. So we find a lot of excuses to hang out together.”
YPPA, she explains, is the best reason to get together and have fun while also helping the hospital better serve its community. •
Jenny Luo, MD, and Bryce Fukunaga, MD, enjoying the sunset in Positano, Italy
AMBASSADORS EVENING: EMBRACING THE BEAUTY OF AGING
Donors and their guests enjoyed dinner and inspirational speeches on aging gracefully at the Bluewater Grill on May 14. Esteemed medical professionals, including Nadia Jafar Curran, MD, Cynthia Ro, MD, Shlee Song, MD, and Lynn Whitlock, RN, CCRP, shared invaluable insights on women’s heart health, hormonal changes, stroke prevention and the vital role of exercise in maintaining wellness.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE
1. Twanna Rogers, Judy Gassner
2. Sandy VandenBerge, Karen Naftulin
3. Nicole Mosich, Susie Moon, Song Klein, Lisa Cheatham
7. Paula Leeds, Roksolana Vecerek, Lisa Noski, Elaine McRae
8. Phyllis Spierer, Karen Odom, Terry Hohm, Lori Marfield
EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING AT THE O’HERN HOME
Torrance Memorial Foundation has launched an ambitious campaign to raise $60 million for a vital emergency department expansion campaign. To engage and inform the community, a gathering was hosted on June 25 at the beautiful home of Lori and Tom O’Hern. Guests heard from emergency medicine physician Eric Nakkim, MD, and CEO/president Keith Hobbs, about the critical need for this initiative. Their compelling presentations underscored the importance of the expansion for the future of health care in our community.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE
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5.
6.
7.
8.
1. Mark Lurie, MD Stephanie Tang, DO
2. Kurt Hansen, MD, John Whitcombe, Eric Nakkim, MD
David McKinnie, Alex Shen, MD, Laura Schenasi, Gina Kirkpatrick, Gregg Kirkpatrick
Gayle Probst, Ayne Baker, Jack Baker, Lori O’Hern, Tom O’Hern
John Barrett, Beth Graziadio, Janice Tecimer, Tom O’Hern, Carol Barad, Marc Schenasi
Carol Marcil, Jackie Geiger
Erin Hansen, Kurt Hansen, MD, Merilee Hobbs, Keith Hobbs
Mark Lurie, MD, Aziz Ghaly, MD, Jack Baker, Greg Geiger
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The 38th annual Torrance Memorial Golf Tournament was a sold-out success, with proceeds supporting the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department campaign. On June 3, golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at the Palos Verdes Golf Club, beginning with a putting contest and ending with a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and awards presentation. A standout moment was Madeline Schumacher’s remarkable hole-in-one to win a 2024 Porsche Cayenne sponsored by Porsche South Bay. City National Bank proudly continued its sponsorship of the tournament under the leadership of tournament chair Rick Higgins.
5.
6.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIEDRE DAVIDSON
Daniel Leach, Kurt Hansen, MD, Craig Leach, David Leach, Paul Leach
Mark Pfeil, Craig Leach 3. Jon Lund, John Erickson, Steve Calvillo, Josh Taub 4. Allan Delman, Alan Goldstein, Michael Goldstein, Jeffrey Parker
Laura Schenasi, Mark Lurie, MD, Barbara Demming Lurie, Judy Gassner, Song Klein
Stanley Chang, MD, Joanne Chang, Keith Hobbs 7. Chuck Noski, Chris Adlam
Harry Archung
9. Phil Califano, Jared Beilke, Darrin DelConte, Paul Giuliano
10. Glen Wingo, Erik Chessmore, Marco Lopez, Peter Croke
11. Mike Emenhiser, Tom O’Hern, Rob Fecarotta, Bryan Allman, Rick Higgins
12. Seated: Ryan Gerber, MD, Adam Goodman, MD, Erin Hansen, Kurt Hansen, MD; Standing: Vadim Fanous, MD, Mike Baker, MD, Dana Kennedy, MD, Melissa Benoit, Brittany Levine, Elisa Anhalt, MD, David Oliver, MD
13. Steve Lopes, Rick Higgins
14. Rick Higgins, Brent Williamson, Mike Emenhiser, Brad Hovard, Keith Hobbs
15. Madeline Schumacher, hole-in-one
16. Aaron McGinnis, Daniel Scriba, Jim Scriba
17. Dana Kennedy, MD, Michael Fiore, David Gerber, MD, Ryan Oliver, MD
18. Nick Resich, Bob Bynum, JT Frew, Evan Frew … and the Porsche Cayenne!
19. Connie Senner, Janice Morton
20. Madeline Schumacher, Marc Schenasi, Eric Maniaci, Dan Maniaci
21. Kevin Mohen, Tom O’Hern, Mark Stott, Tony Harvey
22. Bryan Allman, Neal Verga, Stanley Chang, MD
23. Chris Adlam, Mark Smith, Jim Schladen, Chuck Noski
24. Mark Rouse, Chris Profeta, Scott Rouse, Jarratt Rouse
25. Frank Rosen, Bruce Schiff, Greg Johnson, Jeff Ronk
26. James Updike, Robert Vallee, Mike Gottschalk, John Romero
27. Steve Wright, Mary Wright, Tom Rogers, Iris Rogers, Aman Wright, Brian Wright
28. Brent Williams, Mike Emenhiser, Eric Samuels, Lex Reddy
29. John Mikus, Brian Lee, Jordan Lopez, Keith Hobbs
30. Seated: Josh Taub, Beth Graziadio, Michelle Mollenkamp, Jon Lund; Standing: Kristine Goy, Gino Graziadio, Will Lee, Ricky Kim, Marty Bynum, Brian Kim
31. Darrin DelConte, Phil Califano, Jared Beilke, Paul Giuliano
32. Mark Vasey, Lucas Wald, Brian Cho, Tim Rogers
33. Ann Zimmerman, Christy Abraham
34. Kyle Roig, Twanna Rogers, Eunice Cho
35. Tracy Bracken, Steve Lopes, Sarah Wohn, PsyD, Mike Ninnis, Dave Klein, Kristianne Thompson
36. Jim Bennett, John Moody, Keith Hall, Grant Kitching
HERITAGE SOCIETY LUNCHEON
Torrance Memorial Heritage Society members were appreciated and acknowledged for their visionary giving at the annual luncheon at Palos Verdes Golf Club on June 12. They were joined by donors who have contributed annually for 10 or more consecutive years. Gina Sulmeyer, MD, executive director of clinical informatics and co-director of emergency medicine, spoke on “Artificial Intelligence in Health Care.” She included a role-play with president/CEO Keith Hobbs as her patient to demonstrate how a phone-to-dictation application can capture key parts of the conversation to create a medical note. Heritage Society members have designated Torrance Memorial with a gift in their estate plan.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
PHILICIA ENDELMAN
1. Keith Hobbs, Gina Sulmeyer, MD
2. Joe Meistrell, Rita Meistrell, Stuart Tsujimoto, Mark Tsujimoto
3. Marge Schugt, Michelle Rand 4. James Andrews, Pedro Castro
5. Merilee Hobbs, Keith Hobbs, Carolyn Snyder
6. Carolyn Snyder, Elaine Booth-Carnegis, Mary Richardson
7. Rick Rounsavelle, DDS, Dick Meyer, DDS, Kirsten Wagner, DDS, Wayne Bemis, DDS
8. Hank Frankenberg, Marilou Lieman
9. Nadine Bobit, Carole Hoffman
10. Mary Burns, Del McCulloch
11. Lily Weckerly, Ralph Waters
12. René Scribe, Phyllis Scribe, Robert Brierley, Gayle Brierley
13. Maude Infantino, Sandy VandenBerge
14. Jill Brody, Mimi Brody
15. Desiree Collings, Carol Wharton
16. Keith Hobbs, Barbara Demming Lurie, Mark Lurie, MD
PATRONS APPRECIATION
EVENING
To thank our incredible Patrons, the Foundation hosted an appreciation event on July 27 at the Japanese American National Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. Guests explored the museum, dined on delicious food and enjoyed a captivating taiko drum performance. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of our Patrons’ support and a memorable cultural experience.
PHILICIA ENDELMAN
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
1. Janette Dawson, Yvonne Royan, Merilee Hobbs
2. Laura Schenasi, Aziz Ghaly, MD
3. Lee Minshull, Sandii Minshull
4. Lori Marfield, Joe Hohm, Terry Hohm
5. Harv Daniels, Keith Hobbs, Ruth Daniels
6. Zan Calhoun, Linda Calhoun
7. Eve Higgins, Rick Higgins
8. Lori Kaiser, Art Kaiser, Heidi Hoffman, MD, Erin Hoffman
9. Roy Kaneshiro, Brandie Kaneshiro
10. Aaron De La Torre, Stephanie De La Torre
11. Bharti Sheth, Lisa Takata
12. Taiko drumming demonstration
13. Amy Haw, Steve Haw, Alex Shen, MD, Allyson Shen
14. Gary Zimmerman, Jay Abraham
15. John Ngan, Serena Ngan
16. Sophia Neveu, Haroon Rashid, Ali Rashid, Aziz Ghaly, MD
17. Christina Pavesi, Phil Pavesi, Mark Lurie, MD, Dan Stefferud
25. Barbara Demming Lurie, Judy Gassner, Mark Lurie, MD
26. Ruth Daniels, Sandra Sanders
27. Cindy Hagelstein, Joe Marfield
28. Larry Pasquali, Nancy Pasquali
29. Harv Daniels, Ruth Daniels, Ayne Baker, Teri Young
30. Ellen Steinmetz, Charles Steinmetz, Sam Sheth, Kay Sheth
31. Rita Meistrell, Colleen O’Neill, Del McCulloch
32. Ramona Villaluz, Ofelia David, Brandie Kaneshiro, Serena Ngan
YPPA SUMMER PARTY
YPPA members and their families gathered on August 4 to celebrate summer and raise awareness for the Torrance Memorial Foundation. Special thanks to hosts Michaela and John Andrawis, MD, who have been members and supporters of YPPA since 2019.
Dr. Andrawis, chief of orthopedic surgery at Torrance Memorial, spoke about the exceptional care and expertise of the Lundquist Orthopedic Institute and YPPA. Kurt Hansen, MD, co-medical director of emergency medicine, also shared remarks about the emergency department expansion campaign and the fundraising efforts underway to raise $60 million for this important expansion.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE
1. Oliver Mindur, Benjamin Ellis
2. Justine Gregorio, Sophia Neveu, Madeline Schumacher
3. Kurt Hansen, MD, Sanjay Arora, Erin Hansen, Damien Spencer, Nicole Alexander Spencer, MD, Amanda Clauson, MD, Ravi Arora
4. Margot Andrawis, John Andrawis, MD, Daniel Andrawis, Michaela Andrawis, Joseph Andrawis
18. Sophia Neveu, Stephanie Bezner, Nadine Bobit, John Andrawis, MD, Vimal Murthy, MD, Nadia Antii, Kevin Bidenkap
YPPA TRIVIA NIGHT
Victory belongs to the wise! Vimal Murthy, MD, was the quizmaster at the Young Physicians and Professionals Alliance (YPPA) Trivia Night at The Brews Hall in Torrance held July 18. The evening was filled with friendly competition, laughter and community. This brain-energy event highlighted the camaraderie and engagement of local young professionals and physicians.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE
1. Vimal Murthy, MD, Keith Hobbs
2. Bella Graham, Joy Theodora
3. Rex Chang, MD, Brian Miura, MD, Brandy Van Zitter, Angela von Detten, TC Nguyen, MD
4. Sarah Wohn, PsyD, Deirdre Lopilato, Grant Nabell, Carly Nabell, Nolan Nabell, Anthony Lopilato
5. Monica Farrell Bringleson, Niko Bringleson, Heather Davis
Guests gathered with wine donations in hand on Sunday, August 11, at the home of Song and Dave Klein to launch support of Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival. More than 100 bottles were collected to support the live and silent auctions at the Gala to be held on December 6. Hosted by silent auction co-chairs Song Klein, Helaine Lopes, Jennifer Chen and Gina Kirkpatrick, the party provided a fun atmosphere with cocktails, heavy appetizers and live music by Scott Grillo, who donated his time to entertain everyone.
PHOTOGRAPHED
1. Wine donations
2. Song Klein, Dave Klein
3. Karen Melideo, Veann Bracken, Jennifer Brown, Patti Severa
4. Mickey Hawke, Dianne Hawke
5. Bartenders Steve Lopes, Dan Finnegan
6. Helaine Lopes, Song Klein, Jennifer Chen, Gina Kirkpatrick
7. Gene Matsuda, Bob Fullerton, Lauren Phan, Peter Morgan
8. Scott Grillo
IRVING
M.
LEVINE
AND FAMILY MOTHER & BABY NAMING CELEBRATION
To celebrate the naming of the Irving M. Levine and Family Mother & Baby Pavilion, family, friends, Torrance Memorial administration and staff gathered on August 20 for a sign-unveiling and dedication. After president/CEO Keith Hobbs thanked Irving for his generous $2.5 million gift, Natalie Thorpe, clinical director of Maternal Child Health Services, spoke about the postpartum patient experience—including her own story. Guests witnessed moms with their newborns being transferred to the unit during the reception.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN
1. Michael Levine, Isabella Levine, Irving Levine, Sandi Rubenstein
2. Song Klein, Judith Gassner, Mary Jo Unatin
3. Kimberly McNeil, nursing manager of L&D; Natalie Thorpe, clinical director of Maternal Child Health Services
Sandi Rubenstein, Gayle Devirian, Marcia OenRideout, Lori Kaiser
8. Mary Wright, senior VP of nursing and chief nursing officer; Laura Jimenez-Aguirre, lead for mother/ baby; Elizabeth Lowerison, PHN, RNC-NIC, nurse manager; Keith Hobbs, president/CEO
9. Sofia Neuve, Nichola Rideout, Chris Rideout, Isabella Levine, Michael Levine
A RECIPE FOR A BETTER YOU
On September 18, the Armstrong Theatre hosted “A Recipe for a Better You: Health Essentials,” chaired by Melanie Lundquist. This inspiring event brought together women and men for an evening filled with health screenings, expert insights and engaging activities. Attendees explored informational tables on a variety of health topics, listened to motivating talks from medical professionals and enjoyed exciting giveaways. Participants were empowered with valuable knowledge on nutrition, exercise and self-care. The event fostered a strong sense of community and encouraged everyone to prioritize their well-being and share insights with loved ones.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE AND PHILICIA ENDELMAN
1. Mark Lurie, MD, Barbara Demming-Lurie, Madeline Schumacher
2. Gretchen Lent, MD, Melanie Friedlander, MD
3. Laura Schenasi
4. Marilyn Miles, Judith Gassner, Mary Ford, Frank Miles
5. Stephanie Tang, DO, Heidi Hoffman, MD, Ann Zimmerman, Laurie McCarthy 6. Kristen Borden, Helanie Lopes
