John Hobbs
Stories by John Hobbs:

USC researcher investigates environmental pollution’s contribution to birth defects
Jian Xu hopes to better understand the mechanisms behind environmental toxins increasing the occurrence of birth defects in order to develop new treatments or even prevent craniofacial birth defects.

The risks of antidepressant use during pregnancy
USC researchers are investigating how a popular antidepressant interacts with pregnant women’s genes to cause craniofacial birth defects.

Inspired by her Trojan mentor, first-gen student pursues physical therapy dream
Stephanie Contreras will be the first person in her family to attend college — and the leap doesn’t look so formidable, thanks to the mentorship of USC student Natalia Barajas.

Combining two walking therapies to help stroke survivors
USC researchers study how combining two rehabilitation approaches might improve outcomes for survivors of stroke who are having trouble getting around.

Physical therapy program launches comprehensive anti-racism plan
The goal of the plan, which will be revised every academic year, is to create a welcoming, inclusive educational environment for everyone.

In cases where amputation seems likely, USC experts suggest an additional consideration
How well a patient will be able to get around in the world after the amputation also should be considered, a USC multidisciplinary health care team argues.

Grant supports research on chronic, debilitating condition in women
USC researchers have been awarded a $1.8 million grant to investigate whether transcranial magnetic stimulation could reduce pelvic floor pain.
Faculty member on team developing PT-focused clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer-related lymphedema
The guidelines evaluate existing research and treatment options for clinicians and patients to maximize lymphedema volume-reducing treatment.

USC dentistry alum steps up to care for critically ill COVID-19 patients
While completing her dental anesthesiology residency in New York, Tiffany Neimar found herself at ground zero of the coronavirus crisis — and responded with passion and leadership.
USC dentistry school’s Yang Chai appointed University Professor
The prestigious designation puts him in the company of fewer than 20 faculty members across USC.

Rebuilding skin burned by radiation therapy, healing scars for burn victims and more
A $30 million grant propels a USC-led initiative to pioneer research into regenerating face and skull tissue.

Physical therapy restores some control lost to prostate cancer treatment
Patient Richard Johannesen shares how USC physical therapist Daniel Kirages helped him deal with the effects of cancer therapy.

Pelvic pain researchers receive federal grant to continue groundbreaking study
USC and UCLA researchers seek to better understand urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which affects more than 10 million Americans.

All the things one USC dental student overcame to pursue her dream career
Shannon Grady was discouraged throughout high school, but an ADHD diagnosis at 24 changed everything. Now in her late 40s, she’s proving everyone wrong.

Is exercise the antidote to ‘chemo brain’?
USC researcher to investigate how exercise impacts cognitive function in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

USC mobile dental clinics provide free treatment to South L.A. students
Community service initiative will provide dental treatment to underserved children over the next two years.

Yang Chai elected to National Academy of Medicine
The distinction honoring the associate dean of research at USC’s dentistry school is considered one of the nation’s highest in the health and medicine field.

Getting stroke survivors back on their feet
Physical therapy expert at USC wants to know if a walking pattern would lower a patient’s risk of falling.

Patient living with rheumatoid arthritis rebounds with help from therapy at USC
Sandra Robles learns to look beyond her diagnosis and gets a new outlook on life.

Dental hygiene grad defies the odds, becoming first in family to finish college
Melissa Gerald’s parents struggled with drug addictions and told her college was for “the rich,” but the determined young woman followed her own path.

Speed skater-turned-physical therapy student helps athletes avoid injury
Trojan’s nonprofit gives coaches the knowledge needed to maximize performance — at no cost.

USC-Cal State L.A. pact provides dental care for kids and teens
The partnership includes help from the university’s dental school and the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

Trojan dentist uses her CPR skills to save a life
After a daylong CPR certification course, Diana Sedler never expected to have her skills tested just hours later at a sushi restaurant.

Researchers answer call to develop safe, effective strategies for tissue regeneration
The key for C-DOCTOR team is to understand what stem cells can do and then deliver them for patient care.