Mary Dacuma
Mary Dacuma works on the Keck Medicine of USC media relations team. Prior to her time with the medical enterprise, she served in public relations roles for consumer brands and finance organizations. She is a graduate of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Stories by Mary Dacuma:
Keck Medicine of USC and Methodist Hospital take next steps toward affiliation
The organizations submitted a signed agreement to the California attorney general for review. Following regulatory approval, Methodist Hospital will officially join the university’s clinical enterprise as USC Arcadia Hospital.
Rodney Hanners named CEO of Keck Medicine of USC and president and CEO of USC Health System
Hanners, who has served as interim CEO since June 2020, has helped lead Keck Medical Center to rank among the top 25 hospitals nationally.
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital launches resource center for older adults and caregivers
The center’s free services include assistance with long-term care options, transportation, mental health, community engagement and more.
Cigarette smoking associated with worse outcomes for bladder cancer patients after surgery
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of bladder cancer, but this is the first study to suggest that smoking puts bladder cancer patients at risk after their diagnosis.
Keck Medical Center of USC named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals list
The academic medical center was also ranked among the top five hospitals in California and the top three hospitals in Los Angeles.
USC researchers work to make clinical trials more diverse
A new study will assess what keeps low-income patients and racial and ethnic minorities from participating in important research projects.
Glowing deep-sea creatures inspire new cancer therapies
A new laboratory tool developed by USC researchers could improve the development and effectiveness of treatments that use patients’ immune systems to fight cancer.
Patient boosts USC Norris gynecologic cancer research with $1.1 million estate gift
The Hilda and Bruno Haug Ovarian Cancer Research Fund will support genetic sequencing for women’s cancers, among other projects.
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital opens state-of-the-art neonatal ICU
The unit features private suites and 24-hour webcam technology to increase access between families and their newborns.
Ultrasound tool under study at USC might help find more breast cancers early
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is the sole SoCal site for the nationwide clinical trial.
A simple breath test could be the next step in diagnosing breast cancer
Clinical trial at USC and other cancer centers looks at effectiveness of a new device that could prevent unnecessary testing.
Doctors perform the first robotic surgery to remove kidney cancer extending into the heart
The 10-hour procedure at Keck School of Medicine of USC saved the patient from risk of sudden cardiac death and redefined surgical limits.
USC researcher receives $6 million for sugar-related obesity studies
Michael Goran will look into reducing sugar intake among Hispanic children and postpartum women.
USC Stevens Hall for Neuroimaging officially opens its doors
New home for the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute represents a step in the fight against neurologic disorders.
New virtual reality program for young cancer patients aims to lift their spirit
The initiative intends to offer an emotional benefit that can’t be achieved through medicine alone.
Medical specialist saves lives, lifts morale in Iraq
U.S. Army Reserve captain uses skills learned from USC’s nurse anesthesia program, creating new ways to help patients.
Increased coronary artery disease found in men with HIV
USC leads research into link between high inflammation and narrowing of the arteries.
Breast cancer genetics study receives National Cancer Institute grant
The $12 million award for Keck School of Medicine and others supports research on aggressive tumors in African-American women.
Study links coffee consumption to decreased risk of colorectal cancer
The indication of decreased risk was seen across all types of coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated.
New technology illuminates educational experience for faculty, students
Lightboard studio adds a dimension to Keck School of Medicine lectures.
Former stroke patient runs Los Angeles Marathon alongside treatment team
Longtime runner raises awareness for brain aneurysm research at USC.
Surgeons introduce robotic outpatient treatment for prostate cancer
USC team uses ultrasound system to eliminate tumors in three patients.