Torrance Memorial

09/15/2026

For 10 years, Caring House has provided compassionate end-of-life care in a peaceful, home-like setting—helping more than 850 individuals and their families focus on comfort, connection and quality time together.

Learn how this Torrance nonprofit is meeting a growing community need, supporting families regardless of their ability to pay and creating what executive director David Zartman calls “vibrant life at the end of life.”

Read the full story:

Over the past 10 years, Torrance- based Caring House has provided comforting end-of-life care for more than 850 individuals.

09/15/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment is an important opportunity to make sure your health coverage continues to meet your needs.

Whether you’re reviewing your current coverage or exploring new options, Torrance Memorial IPA has resources to help you better understand Medicare and make an informed decision about your health care.

Learn more about Medicare and the options available to you:
https://www.torrancememorialipa.org/ipa/become-a-member/medicare/

09/14/2026

What’s really inside your medicine cabinet?
Join our expert panel for a practical conversation about prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, managing multiple medications and preventing accidental overdose.
Wednesday, September 16
6:30 p.m.
Hoffman Health Conference Center or via Zoom
Registration is not required.

09/13/2026

Congratulations to Heather Trechter, RN, Labor & Delivery, our latest DAISY Award recipient. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who demonstrate extraordinary clinical skill, compassion and dedication to patients and families.

Heather was nominated by a fellow nurse who has worked alongside her for more than a decade and described her as “one of the best nurses and people I have ever met.”

That admiration was reinforced during a recent shift when Heather quickly recognized that a patient’s condition was deteriorating. She remained calm, stayed at the patient’s side, mobilized the care team and helped coordinate the response that led to the patient’s transfer to the ICU.

When Heather returned the next day to visit, the patient’s family thanked her for her exceptional care and credited her attentiveness with making a lifesaving difference.

Heather’s compassion, professionalism and commitment to her patients embody the spirit of the DAISY Award.
Congratulations, Heather!

09/12/2026

Foodborne illness affects millions of Americans every year, but simple food safety habits can help lower your risk.

Remember four key steps when preparing food at home: clean, separate, cook and chill. It is also important to stay informed about food recalls and take extra care with foods that are more likely to carry harmful germs.

Certain people—including adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems—are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Learn how to safely shop, prepare, cook and store food, and where to find reliable food recall information: https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/foodborne-illness-prevention-and-food-safety-tips/

09/10/2026

What’s the difference between a prescription drug and an over-the-counter medication — and what should you know before taking them together?

Join us for Torrance Memorial’s next Miracle of Living Community Health Lecture, “Inside the Medicine Cabinet: Prescription Drugs vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs.”

Our expert panel will discuss:
• Prescription medications and how they are safely used
• Over-the-counter medicines and supplements
• Managing multiple medications
• Medication interactions and safety
• Preventing accidental overdose

Expert Panelists:
Maria M. Vollucci, DO, Family Medicine
Tri L. Mai, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist
Rhea Mathew, MD, Emergency Medicine

Whether you take medications regularly, help manage medications for a loved one or simply want to make more informed decisions about your health, this free community lecture will provide practical information you can use.

09/10/2026

When pain or injury gets in the way of the activities you love, having the right orthopedic care can make all the difference.

At Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Orthopedic Institute, specialists are using advances in technology and treatment to provide comprehensive care from head to toe. From robotic-assisted joint replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery to innovative treatments for shoulder, hand, foot and ankle conditions and sports injuries, today’s orthopedic options are helping patients relieve pain, restore mobility and return to the activities that matter most.

In our latest blog, Torrance Memorial and Cedars-Sinai orthopedic experts share some of the innovations changing the way musculoskeletal conditions are treated.

Read Orthopedic Innovations From Head to Toe to learn more. 👇
https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/orthopedic-innovations-from-head-to-toe/

09/08/2026

Torrance Memorial’s Hunt Cancer Institute, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, is now recruiting eligible patients for a Phase 3 clinical trial studying whether an experimental targeted therapy can prevent or delay pancreatic cancer from returning.

The RASolute 304 trial will evaluate daraxonrasib in patients who have undergone surgery and chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and currently have no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

“This is an exciting opportunity to study a promising medication in the postoperative setting, when our goal is to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer returning or spreading to other parts of the body,” says Swati Sikaria, MD, hematologist-oncologist and director of Clinical Trials at Torrance Memorial’s Hunt Cancer Institute.

The study is currently open and actively recruiting. Learn more about the trial, who may be eligible and how this research could help shape the future of pancreatic cancer treatment:https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/torrance-memorial-opens-clinical-trial-studying-daraxonrasib-aft/

For information about clinical trials at Torrance Memorial’s Hunt Cancer Institute, call 310-750-3382.

Daraxonrasib is investigational and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for postoperative pancreatic cancer treatment.

09/07/2026

Torrance Memorial Medical Center is proud to introduce the da Vinci 5® surgical system—the newest and most advanced addition to Intuitive’s portfolio of robotic-assisted surgical technologies.

Featuring more than 150 design innovations, da Vinci 5 offers enhanced 3DHD visualization, wristed instruments and technology designed to support precision, efficiency and advanced minimally invasive care. The system may be used for urologic, gynecologic, thoracic and general surgery procedures.

During every procedure, the surgeon remains 100% in control. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, precise movements of instruments inside the patient’s body.

This investment reflects Torrance Memorial’s continued commitment to bringing advanced surgical technology and minimally invasive treatment options to patients throughout the South Bay.

09/06/2026

Congratulations to Samantha Almazan-Afidchao, a recipient of Torrance Memorial’s Reason Is You Award.

When a patient needed help resolving a billing concern, Samantha stepped in—even though the matter was outside her department. She reviewed the patient’s documents, connected directly with the appropriate manager and stayed involved until the patient received the assistance and reassurance they needed.

The patient praised Samantha for her graciousness, competence and willingness to take ownership of the situation.

Thank you, Samantha, for going above and beyond and representing Torrance Memorial with professionalism and compassion. The Reason Is You!