Keck Medicine of USC

09/26/2026

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are key pillars of our healthcare team—treating, diagnosing, prescribing, educating, and collaborating to deliver exceptional patient care every single day.

At Keck Medicine of USC, we are proud to have over 400 APPs across five specialized roles: Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Nurse Practitioners (NP), and Physician Assistants/Associates (PA).

To wrap up a week of celebration—filled with lunches, wellness activities, and special treats—we capped things off on Sept. 24 with our annual APP of the Year Awards!

Please join us in recognizing and celebrating this year's outstanding award recipients!

🏆 Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year: Nancy Ohanian Gerhard
🏆 CRNA of the Year: Joseph Sammut
🏆 Nurse Practitioner of the Year: Erika Coulson
🏆 Physician Assistant of the Year: Jenese Silva
🏆 Pulse of APP Community: Jai I Chung
🏆 Pulse of Mentoring and Precepting: Amy Kong

Thank you to all of our APPs for your dedication, expertise, and compassionate care! 💛❤️

09/24/2026

Alcohol use is declining in the U.S., but the story looks different depending on your age.

Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine of USC, spoke with CNN about new research examining how Americans’ drinking habits are changing across generations. See what the findings reveal about the nation’s evolving relationship with alcohol. https://cnn.it/47hqHrW

Adults in the US are drinking less alcohol for the first time since Covid-19, but the rates still remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, a new study suggests.

09/24/2026

For Jinseo Choi, NP-C, being a nurse practitioner is about more than providing care, it’s about making sure every patient feels heard, supported and empowered.

Her journey from critical care and emergency medicine to preventive neurology was inspired by a desire to connect with patients earlier and help them take proactive steps toward protecting their brain health.

This , we’re celebrating Jinseo and the advanced practice providers who bring expertise, compassion and connection to patient care every day.

09/23/2026

Keck Medicine of USC proudly celebrated a major healthcare milestone: becoming the first center in California to offer the latest Gamma Knife technology! 🏥 ✨

At our recent open house, guests received an inside look at how this advanced, noninvasive technology delivers submillimeter precision to treat complex brain conditions—all in an outpatient setting designed around patient comfort.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this achievement and see how we’re continuing to bring the most advanced care to the patients who need it most.

09/23/2026

We’re taking a blast from the past for APP Week! 🚀

From her early connection to USC to becoming a PA and building a career in orthopedics, Jessica Cohen, PA-C, shares the experiences that helped shape the provider she is today.

Swipe through for a look at her journey, the inspiration behind her career and her advice for aspiring PAs.

09/21/2026

A testicular cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions including what comes next.

The good news is that testicular cancer is often highly treatable. Dr. Hooman Djaladat, a urologic oncologist with USC Urology, breaks down available treatment options and how care is tailored based on the type and stage of cancer.

Learn more about what to expect after a diagnosis and the advances helping patients navigate treatment with confidence.

Testicular cancer is highly survivable, but getting the right treatment early on is crucial. Learn what options are available for treating testicular

09/19/2026

Can you take a GLP-1 medication if you have cancer? The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no.

For many people, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may still be an option before, during or after cancer treatment but your type of cancer, treatment plan, nutrition and overall health all matter.

Dr. Kurt Hong, an endocrinologist specializing in obesity medicine at Keck Medicine of USC, explains what patients should know about GLP-1 medications and cancer, including potential side effects, when extra monitoring may be needed and why coordinating with your care team is important. https://bit.ly/4AnyZfm

An endocrinologist discusses whether it is safe for cancer patients and survivors to take medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. 

09/19/2026

Bladder leakage shouldn’t have to keep you from exercising, socializing or enjoying your everyday activities.

If physical therapy or medication hasn’t provided enough relief, there are other options. Dr. Elodi Dielubanza, a Keck Medicine of USC urologist specializing in pelvic floor conditions, explains minimally invasive treatments for female incontinence and how care can be tailored to your symptoms, needs and stage of life.

Learn when it may be time to explore additional treatment options. https://bit.ly/3ViKiVZ

If female incontinence is decreasing your quality of life, it may be time to seek minimally invasive treatment. A Keck Medicine of USC

09/19/2026

POV: You finally stop walking past Keck Cafeteria and see what’s inside 👀🍽️

From comfort food and fresh options to sweet treats and specialty drinks, there might be more on the menu than you expected. Consider this your sign to stop by and see what’s cooking.

09/18/2026

Prevention is one of our most powerful tools in healthcare. While routine screenings remain the gold standard for early detection, several evidence-based lifestyle factors play a crucial role in reducing colorectal cancer risk.

🎥 Learn more about early prevention strategies: