2020 HONOREES & FINALISTS
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a u g u s t 31, 2020
2020 HONOREES & FINALISTS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Keck Medicine of USC | Los Angeles Surge Hospital | Parker Brown | UCLA Health
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36 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
Letter from the Publisher
D
uring “normal” times, it’s hard to think of a more complex and challenging road than that of the health-related business sector. It’s
an industry that continues to navigate through changes and the need for trouble-shooting, while providing services that are the most
essential to those in need. This year in particular, with the COVID-19 crisis and all its accompanying challenges, it has been our health
care leaders managing the front lines of treatment – for coronavirus as well as all other health concerns – while providing answers and
best practices for the people and businesses of Los Angeles and beyond.
Once again, this year, we have set aside this special section of the Los Angeles Business Journal to honor the outstanding leaders in the
world of health care for our region. These individuals, organizations and programs have made huge strides helping Los Angeles (and beyond)
outstanding levels of care and treatment while fighting to help us navigate through uncharted waters.
We have chosen to recognize leaders and organizations that make an impact on both the frontlines of healthcare and those protecting the
operational bottom lines as well.
This special section you are reading now spotlights the honorees we celebrated as part of our Health Care Panel & Awards virtual event
on Wednesday, August 26th.
Eleven inspirational honoree organizations and individuals were announced this year and are described in this section. We applaud each of
them, as well as the impactful collection of finalists, also listed in these pages. Congratulations – and thank you – to all the great health care
leaders in Los Angeles who play such an integral role in our lives and the lives of our families, friends and coworkers – now more than ever.
Best regards,
Josh Schimmels
Publisher & CEO
AltaMed congratulates all of the nominees of the
Los Angeles Business Journal Health Care Leadership Awards
especially Dr. Sherrill Brown, Medical Director, Infection Prevention.
Thank you for your leadership and dedication in protecting the health
and well-being of our community.
At AltaMed, we are committed to providing quality health care
and community services to help families live healthier lives.
PROJ6367.SP.0820
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AUGUST 31, 2020 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 37
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CITY OF
DISCOVERY
At City of Hope, our breakthrough cancer treatments allow patients to lead longer, fuller lives.
Our pioneering research was the catalyst for the development of four of the world’s most widely
used cancer drugs, and we’ve performed more than 16,000 bone marrow and stem cell transplants
with unparalleled survival rates. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway to deliver
even more innovative, lifesaving treatments directly to those who need them most. Our relentless
pursuit of scientific discoveries is driven by our unwavering commitment to help cancer patients
everywhere, now and in the future. Discover more at CityofHope.org
© 2020 City of Hope
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38 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
The Los Angeles Business Journal Celebrates
the Top Health Leaders of the Region
T
he Los Angeles Business Journal proudly hosted the annual Health Leadership Awards as a free virtual event on Wednesday, August 26th.
Before launching into the virtual awards ceremony, the event brought together a diverse group of elite health industry insiders for a panel discussion
about the state of health care, delivery of care, and the overall impact COVID-19 has had on the health care system and businesses in Southern California.
Below are some quotes from the event’s esteemed panelists:
Dr. James Kyle Denise Pines
Medical Director President
LA Care Health Plan Medical Board of California
“Our greatest challenge as a health plan in a “COVID-19 put health care organizations’
pandemic is to support our providers and hold responsiveness to the test, and those that had
our provider network together.” implemented sound strategies fared better. So
many of our top health leaders in Southern
California were ready.”
Dr. Demetria Malloy
Medical Director Robert Stone
Anthem Blue Cross President & CEO
City of Hope
“Anthem has taken a strategic approach
to enhancing its operational infrastructure, “Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19. The lessons
increasing its focus on data and promoting we have learned about innovation, speed,
innovative clinical programs that increase partnerships and resilience will have a dramatic
health equity.” impact on research and delivery of care.”
Thomas Mone
Chief Executive Officer
OneLegacy
To view highlights
“The generosity of donor families and the
compassion, skills, and commitment of our from the virtual event, visit
health care colleagues and our team members to
make life-saving donations happen despite the
labusinessjournal.com/HCFA2020
pandemic, gives hope to patients in need and our
entire community.”
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AUGUST 31, 2020 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 39
L.A. Care Health Plan
is proud to support the
Los Angeles Business Journal
and this year’s Health Care Panel & Awards
1.888.4LA-CARE
lacare.org
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40 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
INDIVIDUALS
HEALTH SYSTEM EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
JOHN MAZZIOTTA, MD
CEO, UCLA Health, Vice Chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences
UCLA Health
D
r. John C. Mazziotta has been CEO of UCLA Health and vice chancellor of UCLA
Health Sciences since 2015. He also has served as Dean of the David Geffen School
of Medicine at UCLA, associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences and
executive vice dean. Dr. Mazziotta was chair of the Department of Neurology and
founding director of the Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center. Under Dr. Mazziotta’s
leadership, UCLA’s academic medical center has accelerated along its trajectory as a research
powerhouse and world-class center of learning. UCLA Health has been on the U.S. News
& World Report’s national Honor Role of best hospitals for 30 consecutive years; in 2019,
its hospitals ranked No. 1 in Los Angeles and California and No. 6 nationally. Dr. Mazziotta
guided UCLA Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the system’s
medical centers had sufficient capacity and resources to manage the crisis and to address the
needs of the community. From the start, he was involved in PPE procurement, logistics and
all levels of operation, as well as reaching out to donors and friends of UCLA Health for
their support.
During Dr. Mazziotta’s tenure, UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine
at UCLA have received numerous gifts to support clinical care, research and education,
including a $46 million gift from David Geffen that brought the amount of the David Geffen
Medical Scholarship Fund to $146 million, which will assist more than 400 students over a
10-year period.
FINALISTS
SUNNY BHATIA, MD, MMM, RYAN IWAMOTO NEHA NANDA, MD JOANNE WEIDHAAS, MD
FACC, FSCAI President & Co-Founder
24 Hour Home Care
Medical Director of Infection Prevention and
Antimicrobial Stewardship
Founder
MiraKind, MiraDx
Chief Executive Officer | Prime Healthcare Region I Keck Medicine of USC
R D
Corporate Chief Medical Officer | Prime Healthcare yan Iwamoto is president and co-found- r. Joanne Weidhaas, MD, PhD, MSM
I
Prime Healthcare er of 24 Hour Home Care, one of Los n years without an international pandemic, is the co-founder of MiraDx and a pro-
Angeles’ largest homecare companies. A the role of an infection preventionist at a fessor and vice-chair in the department
S
unny Bhatia, MD is the chief executive LA native, Iwamoto co-founded 24 Hour in hospital might fly under the radar. However, of radiation oncology at UCLA. MiraDx
officer and chief medical officer for Prime 2008 at age 26. Over the last five years, 24 with COVID-19 dominating health care for is a Los Angeles-based molecular genetics
Healthcare’s Region I which includes Hour has grown from $48 million to $110 the past six months, Neha Nanda, MD, med- company that identifies, validates, develops,
Prime Healthcare’s 17 hospitals located million projected revenue in 2020. It started ical director of infection prevention and anti- and delivers novel germline biomarker tests
in California and Nevada. Dr. Bhatia also as a $160,000 self- and family-funded ven- microbial stewardship with Keck Medicine of for individualized cancer treatment. When
serves as the chief medical officer at Sherman ture. Now it is an enterprise with 20 loca- USC, has risen to well-deserved prominence. the pandemic hit, Dr. Weidhaas decided
Oaks Hospital and Encino Hospital Medical tions and 10,000 caregivers serving 10,000 Under her steady, expert hand, Dr. Nanda to take action and use MiraDx’s existing
Center, two of Prime Healthcare’s acute seniors and individuals with developmental has taken the lead in infection prevention technology to develop a COVID-19 test.
care, community hospitals located in LA disabilities each year. Iwamoto’s leadership and policy at Keck Medicine’s three hospitals Because MiraDX’s cancer research has been
County. Under Dr. Bhatia’s leadership, Prime during COVID-19 is an example of his and some 80 ambulatory locations during the focused on molecular studies of DNA and
Healthcare’s hospitals have earned accolades leadership skills. Right away he prioritized outbreak. She coordinated hospital restruc- RNA, Dr. Weidhaas was able to use her
for quality, patient safety and performance safety above all else. He spearheaded the turing to allow for isolation and quarantine expertise to quickly repurpose most of their
over the past year from nationally recognized organization’s industry-leading S.A.F.E.R. at of COVID-19 patients, oversaw a necessary equipment and protocols to test for COVID-
healthcare rating agencies. As CMO, Dr. home program to safely care for vulnerable cessation of services in anticipation of a 19. The test she and her team designed uses
Bhatia ensures that Prime’s hospitals and phy- populations through investing in training, surge, and developed a plan for the strate- highly-sensitive tests which can detect if
sicians in California and Nevada are aligned PPE, and safety procedures. This enabled gic resumption of elective procedures and someone is contagious at the early stage
in their goals of providing safe and high-qual- 24 Hour Home Care to become one of few surgeries. Through her working relationship of infection. MiraDx was able to mobilize
ity care. Through Dr. Bhatia’s leadership, home care companies to alleviate hospitals with national and local health officials to to provide immediate COVID-19 tests for
physician-led teams at the hospital and cor- in LA by caring for recovering COVID+ create best practices throughout the health essential workers, reaching the capacity for
porate levels have designed and implemented seniors in their homes. system of 2,000 doctors and over one million 10,000 tests per day, with an Accuracy Rate
groundbreaking clinical programs. patients. of 95+%.
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42 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
INDIVIDUALS
HOSPITAL CEO OR PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR
ROD HANNERS
Interim CEO
Keck Medicine of USC
A
s a seasoned health care executive, Rod Hanners has a proven track record of
driving clinical efficiencies and promoting a culture of respect, diversity, trust and
teamwork. Under his leadership as CEO for Keck Medical Center of USC, which
includes two acute care hospitals, Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer
Hospital, the center has experienced unprecedented recent success. Keck Medical Center
was ranked No. 16 on the U.S. News & World Report 2019-20 Best Hospitals Honor
Roll. It also ranked nationally in nine adult specialties. In addition, Keck Hospital
received an A rating in hospital safety for the fall of 2019 and spring of 2020 by industry
watchdog, the Leapfrog Group. Keck Hospital has also grown into the number one
transfer center in Southern California by tackling the toughest cases needing specialized
care.
In his role as COO of Keck Medicine, which also includes USC Verdugo Hills
Hospital (USC-VHH) in Glendale and some 80 outpatient locations, Hanners has
helped usher in numerous achievements, including Keck Medicine being named the
official orthopedic medical partner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team in 2019
and USC-VHH recognized with the 2019 Lantern Award by the Emergency Nurses
Association, the only community hospital in Southern California to receive the honor.
Since June of 2020, Hanners has served as interim CEO of Keck Medicine. Under his
guidance, Keck Medicine has successfully resumed business operations post COVID-19
by reconfiguring clinical spaces and enacting new policies to ensure the safety and well-
being of patients and staff.
FINALISTS
ROB H. CURRY ALICE ISSAI JOHNESE SPISSO ROBERT STONE
President & CEO President President, UCLA Health, President and CEO
Emanate Health Adventist Health Glendale CEO, UCLA Hospital System, City of Hope
Associate Vice Chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences
R A R
ob Curry, the president and chief execu- lice Issai joined Adventist Health Glen- UCLA Health obert W. Stone, City of Hope’s presi-
tive officer of Emanate Health, oversees dale as the new president in July 2018. dent and chief executive officer, leads a
J
the largest health care system in the She previously was with Keck Medicine ohnese Spisso has been president of world-renowned independent biomedical
San Gabriel Valley. Curry’s leadership has of USC where she served as chief operating UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital research and treatment center for cancer
been invaluable in guiding Emanate Health officer for Keck Hospital of USC and USC System and associate vice chancellor of and diabetes which is setting the standards
during the pandemic to ensure financial Norris Cancer Hospital. Under Issai’s lead- UCLA Health Sciences since 2016. With 30 for precision oncology care, delivering
sustainability, preserve staff positions, treat ership, Adventist Health Glendale began years of experience, she is a nationally recog- impactful research discoveries, collaborating
those with and without COVID-19, and the year with the Centers for Medicare & nized academic health care leader, overseeing with industry and philanthropic partners,
inspire confidence that everything that Medicaid Services (CMS) awarding it five operations of UCLA’s hospitals, clinics and and influencing healthcare policy to trans-
could be done is being done to bring the stars - the highest-possible - for quality. the health system’s regional outreach strate- form the future of health. Stone, a lawyer
surrounding communities back to good Fewer than 300 hospitals nationwide, and gy. Spisso led UCLA’s expansion to provide who moved up the ranks of the organiza-
health. He serves as the board chair for Pri- only five in the Los Angeles area, earned convenient access to care throughout South- tion to assume the chief executive role in
vate Essential Access Community Hospitals five stars. Adventist Health Glendale was ern California, with more than 200 clinics 2014, possesses a unique perspective and
(PEACH) - a network of private, core safety recognized by U.S. News & World Report recording more than 2.8 million outpatient understanding of the dynamic healthcare
net hospitals in California that care for a as the 10th Best Hospital among the 130+ visits in 2019. She also has led the effort to environment and an ability to make big bets
disproportionate share of low-income, med- area hospitals and received The Leapfrog accomplish essential clinical goals at UCLA on priorities that matter most, inspiring the
ically vulnerable patients. Curry is currently Group’s A grade for the 10th consecutive Health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, enterprise to make his vision a reality. He
a fellow in the American College of Health- time, an achievement fewer than 3.5% of Spisso rallied UCLA Health’s team to an has driven City of Hope’s rapid evolution,
care Executives. He serves on the board of hospitals nationwide can boast. Additional- early response and encouraged the public to including expanding access to its excep-
directors for the California Hospital Asso- ly, the hospital earned top recognition for its adopt life-saving practices. From the launch tional patient-centered care, as it has grown
ciation and also serves as a member of its comprehensive stroke care from the Amer- of the COVID-19 Command Center in early from a single site outside of Los Angeles to
executive committee. He previously served ican Heart Association/American Stroke March, Spisso oversaw procurement of PPE, a clinical network spanning 30 locations
as a member on the board of the American Association. surge planning, operations, logistics and all throughout California.
Hospital Association, Region 9. other critical aspects of the health system.
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AUGUST 31, 2020 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 43
Helping Medi-Cal families
since 1994.
At Anthem, we’re committed to being a valued
health care partner and working together to
transform health care with trusted and caring
solutions. We’re developing the technology,
solutions and programs that give members
greater access to care and working with
providers to ensure a quality health care
experience for members.
www.anthem.com/ca/medi-cal
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name for Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Cross of California Partnership Plan, Inc. are independent licensees of the
Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Blue Cross of California is contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan to provide
Medi-Cal Managed Care services in Los Angeles County.
ACAMKT-0404-20
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44 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
INDIVIDUALS
HOSPITAL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
KAREN GRIMLEY
Chief Nurse Executive, UCLA Health, Assistant Dean, UCLA School of Nursing
UCLA Health
K
aren Grimley came to UCLA Health in 2015. With more than 30 years of
experience as a nurse leader she is responsible for the overall delivery and
management of nursing practice, education, professional development, research,
administration and clinical services, as well as enhancing a compassionate and
respectful patient-centered clinical practice environment. Under her leadership, Ronald
Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica and Resnick
Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA have earned Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence
– the highest and most prestigious distinction a health care organization can receive for
nursing excellence – from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as well as several
other prestigious nursing recognitions and awards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grimley was a key member of the UCLA Health
Command Center. Her focus and clear-eyed leadership helped to guide the organization’s
preparation for and management of the crisis. Partnering with the nurses and medical
team, she was instrumental in finding real-world solutions to assure that both nurses and
patients never felt isolated during the crisis. Her efforts to maintain human connections
led to an expedited implementation of tablet technology that kept hospitalized patients
in touch with their families. She also demonstrated deep caring for her staff, creating
respite space for her nursing staff to decompress, reflect and rest. In collaboration with
the chief medical and quality officer, she issued daily reports to assure UCLA’s workforce
and community were kept informed about the evolving crisis and the development of
hundreds of new policies, procedures and protocols.
FINALISTS
JAMES STEIN, MD, MSc, FACS,
BRUCE L. GEWERTZ, MD SANTOSH KESARI, MD, PhD JOUNG LEE, MD FAAP
Surgeon-in-Chief Director, Neuro-Oncology; Chair and Professor, Chief Administrative Officer
Vice Dean, Academic Affairs Department of Translational Neurosciences and CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Vice President, Interventional Services Neurotherapeutics Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
A
Cedars-Sinai Pacific Neuroscience Institute n internationally renowned authority in
J
the subspecialty of skull base surgery, Dr. ames Stein, MD, is CHLA’s inaugural
B D
ruce L. Gewertz, MD has been a leading r. Santosh Kesari, M.D., Ph.D., is a Joung Lee, who currently serves as chief senior vice president and chief medical
medical expert in the Los Angeles area board-certified neurologist and neu- administrative officer at CHA Hollywood officer. Dr. Stein is responsible for devel-
and nationally for more than 25 years. ro-oncologist who leads the Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center, previously oping care delivery systems that set the bar
The research of Dr. Gewertz focuses on Neuroscience Research Center and Pacific established one of the world’s largest skull in all metrics. From cancer surgeries to sepa-
human factors in delivery of health care and Neuroscience Institute. He also serves as base surgery programs at the Cleveland rating conjoined twins, Stein is a renowned
the distribution of surgical services. His clin- director of neuro-oncology at Providence Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio where he served pediatric surgeon. As CMO, he is a physician
ical interests include cerebrovascular disease, Saint John’s Health Center and chair of the as Professor and the Founding Director of leader overseeing CHLA’s COVID-19 crisis
especially intraoperative neurophysiologic Department of Translational Neuroscienc- the clinic’s Skull Base Surgery Center from command team. He has exhibited grace under
monitoring and outcome analysis, aortic es and Neurotherapeutics at John Wayne July 1993 to March 2014. During his vast fire and led with calm reassurance. During the
aneurysmal disease, and mesenteric ischemic Cancer Institute. Dr. Kesari specializes in experience spanning over 4000 complex pandemic, CHLA developed its own robust
syndromes. Prior to joining Cedars-Sinai, personalized medicine for patients with cranial surgery cases, he has pioneered many viral testing system for patients, staff and com-
Dr. Gewertz served on the faculty at the malignant brain tumors. His experience in innovative surgical techniques which are munity partners; maintained supplies of PPE
University of Chicago (1981-2006). There precision therapeutic strategies targets brain currently used by neurosurgeons through- and created a specialized unit for COVID-19
he enjoyed a regional and national referral tumors at the molecular level to eliminate out the world. Dr. Lee has been recognized positive patients. More than 15,000 on-site
practice in vascular surgery and established the disease. Dr. Kesari’s research efforts since 2005 as one of the “Best Doctors in viral tests were conducted with turn-around
a fully funded laboratory focused on cellular have focused on cancer stem cells, their America,” and has been a recipient of the times of 24 hours. Universal masking and
mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury. role in the formation of brain tumors, and “Patient’s Choice Award” for over 10 years. daily health screenings for staff and visitors
In his very substantial body of basic science their resistance to treatment. His goal is to He has also authored more than 100 publi- ensured a safe environment for patients, fam-
work, Dr. Gewertz was consistently funded by advance neurological medicine by develop- cations and edited two books, including a ilies and workers – protocols that have now
the NIH and American Heart Association ing targeted drugs to eradicate brain tumors. comprehensive textbook on meningioma. been shared nationally through his leadership
and published his work in the most highly on several committees, enabling CHLA to
refereed research journals. provide care for underserved populations.
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in
California.
And top 4
in the nation.
#1 in Los Angeles, #4 in
the nation, U.S. News &
World Report Best Hospitals.
UCLA Health Ranking LA Business Journal Magazine FNL.indd 1 2020-08-04 9:35 AM
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INDIVIDUALS
TRUSTED ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
DR. MIATTA SNETTER
Director of Clinical Services
U.S. VETS Outside the Wire
D
r. Miatta Snetter is a clinical psychologist and director of clinical services for
U.S.VETS Outside the Wire, a veteran-specific mental health program offering
free, place-based and virtual, counseling and case management to student veterans
at community colleges across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She recently
co-authored a mental health report on female veteran students. Dr. Snetter provides
counseling through Women Vets on Point, a partnership of U.S.VETS and EDC that
provides local female veterans with mental health and supportive services. She is an
educator, speaking at mental health conferences to share best practices in delivering
veteran-sensitive services, and training doctoral trainees and MSW students who
specialize in military social work. Veterans are at higher risk of experiencing mental
illness, unemployment, substance use, homelessness, and suicide. Twenty United States
veterans take their own lives every day. Amidst the current pandemic, the challenges
that veterans face, are compounded by isolation and uncertainty, post-traumatic stress, or
financial instability. Today, U.S.VETS Outside the Wire services are more important than
ever.
When COVID-19 hit, Dr. Snetter pivoted quickly, finding new ways to reach
veterans. She started creating and sharing videos, which circulated to veterans across the
state through community and advocacy groups. Dr. Snetter meets veterans where they
are, helping them with emotional stability during this acutely stressful time. Her calm,
knowledgeable and authentic demeanor, and commitment to our clients is a shining
example of the standard of care that our veterans deserve.
FINALISTS
SUZAN KONELL DAMARIS MEDINA
System Vice President and Associate General Counsel - Shareholder
Legal Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Buchalter
CommonSpirit Health / Dignity Health
D
amaris Medina serves on Buchalter’s Board
S
uzan Konell has provided guidance to the of Directors, is co-chair of Buchalter’s
health system on a wide range of legal issues Life Sciences Industry group, chair of the
involving compliance and regulatory affairs. Women of Buchalter Committee and a member
In addition to the extensive legal guidance she of various other committees including the firm’s
provides across the organization, Suzan has been Partnership Evaluation committee. Medina
heavily involved in philanthropic initiatives successfully litigates numerous complex expo-
for Dignity Health in Los Angeles and the sure cases against major health plans recovering
broader Southern California region, including millions of dollars on behalf of health care pro-
Northridge Hospital Medical Center’s Center for viders, and routinely advocates for health care
Assault Treatment Services (CATS), California providers by advancing and establishing new
Hospital Medical Center and its Hope Street legal theories that are significant to the health
Community Benefit Programs, the Human Traf- care provider industry. Medina is a frequent
ficking Response Program and more. The Hope speaker and author on healthcare industry top-
Street Margolis Family Center became a nation- ics and serves as the Director of the Board for
ally recognized Project Head Start Program and the Urgent Care Association of America. Her
expanded to touch children and their families to standing as a top attorney in the healthcare field
include education, literacy training, and mental is routinely recognized by industry publications.
health services to assure that the children had This was recently reinforced by her selection as
the opportunity to have healthy productive lives. one, of only four, leading attorneys in the field
Konnell balances providing her legal expertise in to teach mediation and arbitration of healthcare
a dynamic, fast-moving organization with these matters to JAMS’ neutrals in California.
types of efforts to better the communities that
Dignity Health serves.
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When we look for those
who inspire, encourage
and lead, we simply turn
to those around us
On behalf of Cedars-Sinai, congratulations to all of
the outstanding honorees and award recipients.
Cedars-Sinai is proud to be recognized alongside
transformative organizations and individuals working
to create a more resilient Los Angeles for all.
© 2020 Cedars-Sinai
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INDIVIDUALS
INSURANCE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
JOHN BAACKES
Chief Executive Officer
L.A. Care Health Plan
A
s a leader in the health insurance sector for more than 40 years, John Baackes,
CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, which serves more members in Los Angeles
County than any other health plan, knows all too well there is no shortage of
opportunities for improvement and innovation in the industry. Since taking the
helm in 2015, Baackes has launched a number of significant efforts to add value to the
health plan’s members and providers. Most recently, Baackes assembled a team to deploy
a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately
affected the most marginalized and under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County,
the very communities that L.A. Care serves. Further, the health care providers who serve
these communities have also suffered as regular visits decreased dramatically due to fear of
exposure.
From accelerating $85 million in claims payments to L.A. Care network hospitals and
more than $21 million in performance-based payments to providers, to granting more
than $3 million to community clinics and community-based organizations for COVID-19
response efforts, L.A Care has quickly mobilized to support its members and providers.
L.A. Care has also convened nearly 200 health care leaders to discuss strategies to address
the racial disparities in COVID-19 illnesses and is supporting numerous drive-through
food banks across Los Angeles County to address the food insecurity needs of members
and the community. Under Baackes’ leadership, L.A. Care has taken a decidedly bold
approach in addressing social determinants of health.
FINALISTS
THOMAS MEANS NAAMA O. POZNIAK
CEO CEO
PCH Benefits Paz Holding Inc. dba A+ Insurance Service
T N
om Means is a 15-year veteran of the health aama O. Pozniak is a creative, global-
and life insurance industries, spending ly-minded health insurance strategic advi-
his entire professional career focused on sor, meditation coach, and speaker. She
strategies and solutions for employee benefits has served the American insurance industry
and executive benefits. He is an expert on the for 30+ years specializing in healthcare reform,
Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”), and its employee benefits, international travel insur-
potential impacts on individuals and business- ance, and Medicare. Pozniak marries her fields
es. As an agent/broker, Means’ role is to guide of expertise through presentations and speak-
clients to the right strategies and plan designs ing events spreading the message of reducing
for them and/or their businesses. Means is healthcare costs and stress reduction with
always searching for compliant health insur- meditation and yoga. Her mission is to empow-
ance solutions to best serve you, your employ- er other insurance professionals to start prac-
ees, your business and your budget. While ticing and share these techniques with clients,
many agents/agencies are myopic, contending employers, and/or peers. Her innovative ideas
with conflicting ideologies of either planning on healthcare have been published in Amer-
for today versus planning for tomorrow, Means ican’s Benefit Specialist Magazine, Insurance
continues to display his ability to do both News Net Magazine, Benefit News, Cal Broker
successfully. And, in the midst of a worldwide Magazine and more. She has been recognized
pandemic, he was one of the first to go virtual- by a number of prestigious awards, including
ly and did so seamlessly. Employee Benefits Adviser’s 2019 “Wellness
Adviser of the Year” and the San Fernando
Valley Chamber of Commerce’s SIBBIE Award
for 2019.
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50 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
ORGANIZATIONS
HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL CENTER OF THE YEAR
CEDARS-SINAI
A
global leader in a number on medical fields, Cedars-Sinai was named our Hospital
or Medical Center of the Year this year with particular focus on its groundbreaking
liver transplant work. Cedars-Sinai houses the expertise of some of the world’s
leading liver transplant specialists. Each team consists of a wide array of specialists
from various fields of medicine. In addition to diagnosing and treating complex medical
conditions and performing the multifaceted procedures associated with organ transplants,
the staff is also engaged in groundbreaking research that has advanced the field of
medicine in many ways. Nicholas N. Nissen is the director of the Liver Transplant
Program at Cedars-Sinai and one of the leading experts in the surgical treatment of
Liver and Pancreatic Diseases in the United States. Dr. Nissen has developed one of the
most prolific and successful surgical practices in the US and has personally performed
over 3000 complex liver and pancreatic surgeries and over 500 liver transplants. Under
his leadership, the Liver Transplant Program volume has almost tripled in size, and now
demonstrates patient outcomes that are the best in California and among the best in the
country.
Dr. Nissen’s contributions span both surgical oncology and liver transplant fields. In
the transplant arena, his efforts are focused on expanding access to liver transplantation.
Examples include pioneering the use of liver transplantation in HIV positive patients,
in a multicenter trial lead at Cedars-Sinai by Dr. Nissen and maximizing the utilization
of donor livers for transplantation that might be otherwise discarded. Through his
leadership efforts and a team of seven surgeons, the liver transplant program has achieved
survival rates of 95% despite facing patients who are among the sickest of the sick.
FINALISTS
ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CITY OF HOPE UCLA HEALTH - Ronald Reagan
LOS ANGELES UCLA Medical Center/UCLA
S C
ince its founding in 1905 as the Glen- ity of Hope is a world-renowned inde-
dale Sanitarium, countless patients have pendent biomedical research and treat- Medical Center, Santa Monica
F
entrusted its physicians, nurses and asso- ounded in 1901, Children’s Hospital Los ment center for cancer and diabetes
R
ciates with their healthcare needs. Today, Angeles is a pediatric academic medical that is setting the standards for precision onald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and
Adventist Health Glendale is the largest center built around its mission of cre- oncology care, delivering impactful research UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica are
medical center serving the San Fernando ating hope and building healthier futures discoveries, collaborating with industry and the primary hospitals of UCLA Health,
Valley. As it continues to grow and evolve for children. Renowned for its world-class philanthropic partners, and influencing recognized for delivering the highest quality
to better meet the needs of the communities clinical care, leading-edge research and one healthcare policy to transform the future care and consistently ranked by U.S. News &
it serves, its staff knows that exceptional of the most successful pediatric training of health. President and CEO Robert World Report among the country’s best hos-
healthcare is more than medicine. It’s about programs in the country – all while being Stone’s vision for the future of City of Hope pitals, leading UCLA Health for 30 consecu-
how Adventist Health Glendale chooses to the pediatric safety net hospital for the embraces the 100-plus-year-old institution’s tive years to be named to USNWR’s Nation-
care for its patients and each other – taking entire region – CHLA performs more than legacy of serving humanity by advancing al Honor Roll. Reliably recognized for patient
time to listen, to understand, to answer 17,000 surgeries and sees more than 600,000 scientific and clinical research and partner- safety, each received an A in the Leapfrog
questions, to hold a hand, even to pray. patient visits annually. Providing $316.2 ing with like-minded organizations to speed Group’s latest quality-and-safety assessment,
Adventist Health Glendale has achieved million in community benefits, CHLA – at cures to patients. That vision is to be at the and they received the 2020 Healthgrades
major distinctions, including a five-star rat- its core – reflects its physicians, nurses and center of eliminating cancer and diabetes, Outstanding Patient Experience Award. In
ing by the Centers for Medicare and Medic- clinical staff, who provide compassionate bringing the discoveries of tomorrow to addition, UCLA’s hospitals have been the
aid Services for quality care and outcomes; and lifesaving care for young patients hail- people who need them today, collaborating busiest transplant centers in the nation, per-
and 11 consecutive A grades for quality care ing from all 50 states and more than 75 through integrated networks of scientific forming more than 18,800 procedures since
from The Leapfrog Group. It has also been countries. In the U.S. News’ “Honor Roll innovation and deeply personalized care. 1988, when shared data collection began.
named as a Joint Commission “Top Perform- of Best Children’s Hospitals,” CHLA ranks City of Hope’s rapid evolution has includ- The hospitals’ comprehensive preparation
er” in the areas of stroke, cardiac care and No. 1 in the Western United States and No. ed expanding access to its exceptional has also made them leaders in the COVID-19
pneumonia. 5 nationally for the second straight Year. patient-centered care, as it has grown from a response. Their clinical labs were among the
CHLA also had seven sub-specialties in the single site outside of Los Angeles to a clini- first in the country to develop in-house test-
top 10 nationwide. cal network spanning 30 locations. ing for COVID-19, reducing the time to get
results from several days to a few hours.
035-57_HCpost.indd 50 8/27/20 2:47 PMAUGUST 31, 2020 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 51
ORGANIZATIONS
EXCEPTIONAL COVID-19 RESPONSE AND CARE
LOS ANGELES SURGE HOSPITAL (LASH)
(Partnership of State of California, Los Angeles
County, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente)
D
emonstrating a spirit of collaboration combined with a passion for protecting and
healing the people of our region, in a matter of days, the State of California, Los
Angeles County, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente partnered to open the
Los Angeles Surge Hospital (LASH), a temporary facility that added critically
needed beds to help safely meet the needs of an expected surge of patients with COVID-
19. The collaboration was the first of its kind and a true public-private partnership: the
state funded the hospital and its operations, LA County coordinated intake and transfer
requests from public and private hospitals, and Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente
provided operational expertise and management oversight.
In less than 30 days, the partnering organizations transformed a local decommissioned
facility into a fully operational COVID-19 hospital prepared to serve 250 patients. Spe-
cifically, LASH provided the majority of services found in a traditional hospital – from IT
services, pharmacy, imaging, linens, and food and nutrition services. In turn, LASH not
only added vital resources at a pivotal moment, but also provided complex ICU services
to some of the most vulnerable patients affected by COVID-19. Thanks to the tireless
efforts of 500 physicians, nurses, health care workers and staff who brought the surge
hospital to life and maintained the facility, patients treated at LASH received advanced
high-quality and compassionate care consistent with standards across the country. The
opening and operation of LASH speaks to the power of partnership at a critical moment,
and is a testament to the values of collaboration, creativity, and community.
FINALISTS
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
ALTAMED HEALTH SERVICES LOS ANGELES MIRADX USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL
I M W
n response to the COVID-19 public health iraDx is a Los Angeles-based molecu- hen USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
T
crisis, AltaMed Health Services, the hroughout the pandemic, the Clinical lar genetics company that identifies, (USC-VHH) in Glendale first realized
nation’s largest federally qualified com- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory validates, develops, and delivers novel the risks of COVID-19 in January,
munity health center, quickly reinvented in the Department of Pathology and germline biomarker tests for individualized the leadership and the infection prevention
the way it delivers care. As a community Laboratory Medicine (PLM) at Children’s cancer treatment. In March 2020, MiraDx team immediately developed plans to ration
health center, AltaMed plays a vital role Hospital Los Angeles has played a vital role paused its cancer patient testing and piv- supplies, screen patients and keep patients
in providing access to medical services to in keeping CHLA’s environment safe for oted its resources to COVID-19 testing in and staff safe. Hospital leadership also held
all who seek care to reduce unnecessary ER patients, families and staff. In February, as response to the pandemic. Because MiraDx’s free seminars throughout the Glendale
visits and hospitalizations. In just 10 days, the coronavirus was spreading through Italy research is focused on studying DNA and area to inform the public. As the pandemic
AltaMed launched the first of nine outdoor and Iran, the laboratory director, Jennifer RNA, the company was able to quickly took hold, USC-VHH took a bold step by
COVID-19 testing and medical evaluation Dien Bard, Ph.D. D(ABMM), recognized the repurpose its existing laboratory equipment publicly providing daily tallies of how many
sites in Los Angeles and Orange counties likelihood of a global pandemic. With the and protocols to test for COVID-19, an patients and staff tested positive or were
that were hit hardest with COVID-19 support of CHLA’s Department of Pathology RNA virus. The test developed is a high- treated for COVID 19. This transparent
cases. Patients who were symptomatic were and Laboratory Medicine, she and her team ly-sensitive PCR test, which can detect if approach gained the praise and trust of the
treated outdoors, leaving the health centers began the preparation to ensure that all the someone is contagious at the early stage of community. USC-VHH also created highly
open for regular appointments. Testing was components required for continuous testing infection, regardless of whether they are effective infection prevention protocols to
made available to anyone with symptoms, at CHLA, including test reagents and naso- displaying symptoms. MiraDx’s shift to cre- limit the spread of the virus, resulting in a
regardless of their ability to pay. From April pharyngeal swabs, were procured and fully ate a coronavirus test amid the pandemic very low infection rate of 0.3% among staff
1 to June 5, 43,177 tests have been per- stocked before the pandemic. This testing has had a positive impact on not just the when they were tested in May. One innova-
formed and each day, AltaMed had 417 staff capability enabled CHLA to test all CHLA surrounding LA community but the entire tion keeping rates down: patients arriving to
working at its nine evaluation centers. The staff exhibiting symptoms during daily health country. It has been able to expand testing the Emergency Department with symptoms
health centers quickly implemented tele- screenings – and testing all patients admit- to nationwide businesses as well as public of COVID-19 are screened at telemedicine
medicine appointments for patients. From ted for care and procedures. The laboratory and private universities, with programs that stations, which protects both staff and
March 16 to June 7, 69,249 virtual visits expanded its operation to provide testing can be customized to the needs of each indi- patients from possible exposure to the
were completed. 24-7, testing with six-hour turnaround time vidual institution. virus while preserving personal protective
to support clinical operations. equipment.
035-57_HCpost.indd 51 8/27/20 2:47 PM52 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
ORGANIZATIONS
COMMUNITY CLINIC OF THE YEAR
KHEIR CLINIC
K
heir Clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the uniquely
multicultural Koreatown neighborhood with unparalleled linguistic and cultural
competence. Kheir was established in 1986 to serve as a bridge between recently
immigrated Koreans and social service providers. Today, Kheir is the only FQHC in
the nation that provides a full suite of healthcare and human services in English, Korean,
Spanish, Bengali and Thai. The clinic is projected to serve more than 16,000 patients
through more than 80,000 visits in 2020. Kheir provides comprehensive, in-language
high-quality primary care, dentistry, optometry, behavioral healthcare, prenatal services,
transportation, and healthcare enrollment assistance. The clinic also offers selected
specialty care services in-house, including gastroenterology, physical therapy, podiatry,
neurology, and dermatology.
Kheir also has innovative, culturally-specific programs to address health disparities
in the Koreatown community. Kheir has the country’s longest-running Korean-language
cancer support group (more than 20 years old), and offers Spanish and Korean-language
diabetes support groups. Kheir’s Korean-language Caregiver Training Program helps
patients learn how to care for elders and disabled family members, and/or gain skills for
a career in hospice care. To address high rates of colon cancer among Kheir’s popula-
tion, the clinic launched a special Board-funded colonoscopy project for undocumented
patients in February 2020. While the project is currently paused due to the pandemic, the
funds will ultimately subsidize free colonoscopies at a state-of-the-art gastroenterology
center in Koreatown for 110 uninsured immigrant patients, promoting cancer survival
through early detection. Most recently, Kheir has been on the frontlines of the COVID-
19 response in Koreatown, providing coronavirus testing, information, and essential ser-
vices to keep patients out of hospitals and Emergency Rooms. Kheir has collaborated with
local partners to provide 7,124 hot meals, 150 grocery boxes, 3,200 cloth masks and 2,400
hand sanitizers to low-income patients, seniors and the homeless.
CONGRATULATIONS
DR. GOH
on being nominated as one
PASADENA CARES ABOUT HEALTH CARE LABJ’s 2020 Health Care leaders.
The Pasadena Public Health Department has been responsible for helping
protect, maintain and improve the health of the Pasadena community. In
addition to congratulating Pasadena’s Medical Director, Dr. Goh and her
staff, Pasadena wants to share other exciting Healthcare news.
• Pasadena’s Huntington Hospital joined the Cedars-Sinai Health System. The merger will guide continued
investment and further enhance a high quality health system that will provide first-class care to the community
for years to come.
• Kaiser Permanente’s Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (below, middle) recently welcomed its first class of YING-YING GOH, MD, MSHS
future physicians and medical leaders. The new modern facility is in located in the heart of Pasadena’s dynamic Director of Public Health and Health Officer
downtown.
As the City’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer, Dr.
• Doheny Eye Institute, (below, right) highly respected organization proudly affiliated with UCLA Stein Goh is responsible for the overall planning, administration and
operation of the Pasadena Public Health Department. In this dual
Eye Institute is moving its headquarters to Pasadena. These partnering organizations will be advancing the role, Dr. Goh also provides medical supervision and direction
conservation, improvement and restoration of human eyesight in a beautiful campus in West Pasadena. for City health services and programs, and has the authority to
declare public health emergencies and quarantines.
035-57_HCpost.indd 52 8/27/20 2:47 PMAUGUST 31, 2020 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 53
ORGANIZATIONS
FINALISTS
EISNER HEALTH HEAL ONE WORLD VENICE FAMILY CLINIC WESTSIDE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER
C H 2 F
elebrating its 100th year of community eal One World was formed in 2009 and 020 marks Venice Family Clinic’s 50th ounded in 1974 as a women’s health clinic
health service, Eisner Health continues for 11 years has served the community Anniversary. Since its beginning as an in Santa Monica, WFHC is a women-led,
to be an organization that provides qual- in Los Angeles with free classes and all-volunteer operation in a borrowed award winning FQHC that provides pri-
ity health care and is a tremendous asset individual instruction and care. The impact office, the clinic has become a healthcare mary care and health education to 13,000
to the Los Angeles community. Currently, of Heal One World on the community is leader serving people in need across greater women, men and children. Its patients are
Eisner Health operates 16 sites and has profound, with people from different back- L.A., a pioneer in innovations that improve among the 188,000 low-income or uninsured
more than 200,000 patient visits and with grounds converging in a welcoming space for lives and an effective advocate for equal residents on LA’ s Westside with high rates
50,000 plus unduplicated patients. Eisner self-knowledge from the physical and mental access to health care. It has grown to 12 of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and
Health offers a wide variety of medical ser- practices of tai chi, yoga and meditation. sites in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, cancer. Nearly half of the center’s patients
vices including pediatrics, dental, women’s The organization has worked with the Ven- Inglewood, Hawthorne and Culver City, are uninsured. 93% of WFHC’s patients live
health, prenatal care/education, adult care, ice Family Clinic, Saban Clinic, Salvation serving nearly 28,000 men, women and at or below 200% of the FPL, and rely on
midwifery, and a Daddy Boot camp. It also Army, Bresee Foundation, LAMP, Healthcare children in need, including 4,500 people WFHC’s affordable services to provide the
provides school-based health and dental for the Homeless, PATH, Pilgrim and Vista experiencing homelessness. A vital local quality health services they deserve. WFHC’s
care to some LAUSD students on their Towers Senior Housing, Front Porch Seniors institution, the nonprofit community health visionary President/CEO dreamed of a larger
school campuses. Eisner Health prides itself US Vets and the Veterans Administration. center has demonstrated its importance to site that matched the dignity WFHC gives
as a place providing quality care and as an This is in addition to the organization’s space L.A.’s health throughout its history and its patients. A million-dollar pledge kicked
organization where people want to work in mid-city, where the classes have been held especially now, with COVID-19 highlight- off years of planning and fundraising: WFHC
in furtherance of its mission. The staff is since 2010, serving over 10,000 communi- ing poorer health outcomes for people in found the perfect site to lease (former LA
one of the greatest assets of Eisner Health. ty members. Since COVID-19, Heal One poverty. The clinic led the way in expand- Weekly building) and built it out and moved
Because many staff members are long time World has begun offering free online yoga, ing telehealth to protect patient and staff during the pandemic. In this new space,
employees, patients feel welcomed and com- meditation, tai chi, bootcamp and energy health and served as one of the only clinics WFHC can double the number of patients
fortable, and the institution benefits from classes. There have been hundreds of partici- offering in-person counseling during the seen, and expand its services in 12,000 square
their collective institutional knowledge. pants enjoying the live classes. pandemic. feet of new clinic space.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
to Alice Issai, Hospital Executive
of the Year finalist, and leader of
Adventist Health Glendale, a
Top Hospital finalist
035-57_HCpost.indd 53 8/27/20 2:47 PM54 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT AUGUST 31, 2020
ORGANIZATIONS
RESEARCH ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
MILKEN INSTITUTE
C
OVID-19 has changed the game for every sector of society – businesses shuttered,
schools canceled, travel and tourism suspended, and a health-care system stretched
to its breaking point. While the death toll mounts, and new cases are surging on a
nearly daily basis, one thing has held true since day one of the pandemic – policy-
makers, biomedical researchers, media, and the public have been in desperate need of
clear, concise, and objective information about the scope of this crisis. Most critically,
they have sought guidance on the vaccines and treatments that are in the pipeline, as
a way to help inform their approaches to the virus across all sectors of society. Faster-
Cures, a center of the Milken Institute, responded to this need early in the pandemic
with the most comprehensive vaccine and treatment tracker available today. At its core,
FasterCures helps lower barriers to progress in biomedical innovation to save lives, and
COVID-19 is a call-to-action for us all. In a rapid pace, our team of PhD-level research-
ers, designers, and data experts, developed our tracker to answer key questions, including:
Which therapies and vaccines are in the pipeline? Who is sponsoring these efforts? At
which stage in development are these therapies? FasterCures condensed thousands of data
points into a usable, open-source tool that answers those key questions, and ultimately,
creates a vital public service during a time of great uncertainty.
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank, the Milken Institute’s mission is to use our
powerful platforms to help people build meaningful lives and create ever-expanding
opportunities for themselves and their broader communities. However, none of that
is possible without health and a shared commitment to rising to the challenges that
COVID-19 has placed before us. Through these tools, Milken Institute offers accurate,
timely information that centralizes and amplifies a shared humanity.
FINALISTS
THE LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE MIRAKIND PACIFIC NEUROSCIENCE UCLA JONSSON
INSTITUTE COMPREHENSIVE CANCER
R F
esearchers from The Lundquist Institute ounded in 2013 by Dr. Joanne Weidhaas,
(TLI), a biomedical research institute in MiraKind is the non-profit research CENTER
T
Torrance, are at the forefront of calm- arm of MiraDx, focused on applying he Pacific Neuroscience Institute is
T
ing fears, and providing expertise, on the Dr. Weidhaas’ discovery of a novel class of devoted to providing personalized, pre- he UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Can-
COVID-19 pandemic for the community genetic mutations to develop cancer pre- cision multidisciplinary patient care; cer Center is one of 51 comprehensive
through multiple LA media outlets. TLI is vention strategies. MiraKind aims to instill advancing the neurosciences and promoting cancer centers in the nation, the highest
conducting numerous federally sponsored change in the cancer research industry by brain health through novel research and designation possible from the National
COVID-19 clinical trials to test the most breaking down the barriers between doctors, innovative clinical trials; training the next Cancer Institute, recognizing state-of-the-
promising vaccines and therapies, as well scientists, and patients to validate novel generation of clinician and research neuro- art research focused on developing new and
as collecting hyperimmune serum from findings and to ask the questions that will scientists; and educating patients and the better approaches to preventing, diagnosing,
convalescent COVID-19 patients for use in lead to actionable strategies to reduce can- community at large on vital neuroscience and treating cancer. The Cancer Center
preventing further spread of the virus. The cer risk and suffering. MiraKind provides issues. The Pacific Neuroscience Institute is has become a leader in cancer research and
research will gain a better understanding women, especially women of menopause home to a family of doctors, nurses and staff clinical care, establishing itself in a rapidly
of the disease’s frequency and spread in age with or without a cancer diagnosis, who are committed to not only providing changing field. Numerous successful targeted
multi-ethnic, minority and underserved pop- easy access to genetic information that can patients with the best quality care but also therapies and immunotherapies were devel-
ulations. Despite shutdowns resulting from help them understand their potential risk advancing the field of neurosurgical and oped based on basic science done in UCLA
the pandemic, TLI found a way to continue for certain cancers, detail the cause of their neurooncological medicine. From cutting laboratories and later in clinical research
its life-saving endeavors, including finding personal or family histories of cancer, and edge surgeries to groundbreaking clinical tri- with UCLA patients. The Cancer Center’s
treatments for children with the fatal San- determine whether they should consider als, the organization goes above and beyond 500 scientists and physicians are changing
filippo syndrome, or “childhood Alzheimer’s.” hormone replacement therapy as a preven- to treat patients and provide pioneering the treatment paradigms for patients with
TLI has achieved major milestones in the tative strategy, if they are KRAS-variant research. cancer. Since 2014, the U.S. Food & Drug
field of healthcare innovation over the last positive. MiraKind also specifically conducts Administration has approved 13 therapies
year, including: the first and only FDA-ap- research on the KRAS-variant and other that were developed through research con-
proved treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease, mutations like it. ducted in UCLA labs. Pioneering UCLA
marking it the third FDA-approved product research led to the development of the breast
developed at TLI in five years. cancer drug Herceptin.
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