MemorialCare

MemorialCare received funding from the All of Us Southern California Consortium at UC Irvine to join the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program. The goal of the All of Us Research Program is to gather health data from at least 1 million or more people living in the United States to build a health database that will accelerate precision medicine research.   Dr. Fady Youssef, principal investigator at MemorialCare, will join lead investigator, Hoda Anton-Culver, Ph.D., a Donald Bren Professor and Distinguished Professor of medicine at UC Irvine and Dr. Dmitry Abramov from Loma Linda University Health, in leading the All of Us Southern California Consortium.   The consortium will enroll participants that reflect the diversity of the U.S., including people who identify with communities historically underrepresented in research, such as those who identify as with racial and ethnic groups, have lower education or income levels, are LGBTQIA+, live in rural communities, those with disabilities, are over the age of 65, or have limited health care access.   The All of Us Research Program has already enrolled more than 830,000 participants nationwide. Joining the All of Us Southern California Consortium builds upon MemorialCare’s dedication and efforts to provide equitable care to patients.   To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/gnAgbu3W

Rosa was taking her medication, but her Parkinson’s symptoms were still worsening over time. Her neurologist referred her to neurosurgeon Dr. Devin Binder, medical director of the MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center.   Dr. Binder shared with Rosa about an FDA-approved device that could help control her Parkinson’s symptoms with a bilateral deep-brain stimulation (DBS) procedure. DBS is a treatment in which a surgically implanted device sends electrical pulses to specific parts of the brain. This helps reduce tremors and block involuntary movements in patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, by calming the overactive areas of the brain.   Dr. Binder performed Rosa’s life-changing DBS treatment, marking the first procedure with the improved deep brain stimulation device in Southern California.   Within a month, Rosa was able to wean off her medications as her device was appropriately adjusted.   “This procedure has given me a second chance at life,” Rosa says. “I can cut fruits and vegetables again and cook on my own. I’m able to sit and stand without assistance. I started driving again and I just participated in my first Zumba class. I would 100% recommend this procedure.”   Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g5BccxwV

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center’s electrophysiology team, led by Dr. Mark Lee, medical director of the program, successfully completed its 200th WATCHMANTM procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. The device, which is inserted through a minimally invasive procedure, offers an alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy, providing stroke protection while potentially reducing bleeding risks associated with blood thinner medications. This milestone signifies the program’s standing as one of the most advanced and comprehensive in the south Los Angeles region. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gKjymbYQ

At just 24 weeks, Daphne made her way into the world at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. “Having a baby in the NICU is very hard to process especially when it's your first child,” said Daphne’s mom, Nazan. “But, the whole team here is amazing. We have been so happy with our care.” The NICU at Saddleback Medical Center provides a full complement of board-certified neonatologists, experienced nurses, respiratory care practitioners, and, social workers. We provide a range – intensive, intermediate, and continuing care – of specialized, family-centered services for premature and medically fragile newborns. Our NICU team was there every step of the way and ensured that Nazan and her husband were well prepared to care for Daphne when she arrived home. Daphne is home and doing well and her parents are enjoying every moment with her.

We recently participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the City of Fountain Valley’s Universally Accessible Playground, partially funded by MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. The Universally Accessible Playground is located in the Fountain Valley Sports Park and is accessible to children of all abilities and their families. The playground is also accessible for parents and guardians with disabilities, so they are able to interact with their children during playtime. We are proud to support this initiative and provide a play space accessible for all. 

Angels Catcher Logan O’Hoppe, our official player partner, shares the importance of preventive screenings. Invest in your health today to avoid illness tomorrow. Preventative health care helps you catch potential issues early to help keep you in the game.   Video Credit: Los Angeles Angels

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. The MemorialCare Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Program at Saddleback Medical Center is one of just four hospitals in California equipped with the recently FDA-cleared robotic-navigated bronchoscopy system. Galaxy System, a new device from NoahMed, uses integrated tomosynthesis (3D imagery) to navigate to and locate lung nodules, which are small masses in the lungs often tested for cancer. This improved visualization, along with a disposable bronchoscope, enhances precision and accuracy beyond the capabilities of existing technologies. It gives physicians access to often hard-to-reach lesions in the outer third of the lung which can be hard to biopsy. To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/gpkzB5bY

Are you rooting for your favorite athletes and sports during the Summer Olympics? How about pole vaulters? You might start now, after you learn about former Olympic pole vaulter, Tori Sullivan, who is now a nurse in the Telemetry Department at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Tori Sullivan, RN, competed in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016 as a pole vaulter for Ireland. “During this experience, I really learned about myself and how to persevere,” she said. “Plus, I got to travel and make lifelong friends all over the world.” When she stopped pole vaulting, she thought about her next stage and kept remembering a family friend who always encouraged her to go to nursing school. So after track and field, she went for it, and has found a new passion in nursing. “There are so many things I love about nursing,” said Tori. “I love meeting the patients and getting to know their story. I love that there is something different every day, and something new to learn every day.”

Lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined, accounting for about one in five of all cancer deaths. Early detection is critical to catching and treating lung cancer at its earliest stage and will improve the survival rate of patients. Kathryn Campuzano, RN, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, shares what you need to know about your risk and screenings. https://lnkd.in/gxyy3VkU

MemorialCare hosted a “First Aid: Cardiac Arrest & Stroke” event at Laguna Woods Village. MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center clinical experts presented on the basic signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and stroke, as well as life-saving actions residents can perform as a bystander. Attendees had the chance to speak with our experts, watch a hands-only CPR demonstration, and put their CPR learnings to practice with a mannequin. Additionally, those who registered had an opportunity to check their stroke risk by getting a complimentary carotid artery screening and consultation with our vascular surgeon, Dr. Wang Teng.