Michelle McCarthy
Michelle McCarthy is a freelance writer.
Stories by Michelle McCarthy:

USC dental students look to make dentistry more sustainable
Single-use gowns, paper towels, gloves, plastic packaging and butcher paper can make dental education’s carbon footprint large, but the Ostrow Sustainability Group aims to change that paradigm — teaching dental students how to practice dentistry without trashing the planet.

USC celebrates inaugural class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students on the hybrid pathway
Students on the hybrid pathway take the same courses as their residential counterparts, but through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous content.

When COVID-19 arrived, this USC alum moved to New York City to help
After years spent promoting public health measures around the globe, it’s no surprise that Tyler Evans is now leading isolation and quarantine coordination efforts in the Big Apple.

Physical therapy alums offer free treatment for injured protesters
A nonprofit started by recent USC grads gives back to anyone who is hurt while protesting against racial injustice.

USC’s dental hygiene program transforms to serve a new generation of students
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has reshaped its dental hygiene program to focus more on collaboration, adapt to new technology and better prepare graduates for an ever-evolving world.

Through tactical physical therapy, USC alum treats those who serve
Sarah Greytak learned to think outside of the box at USC. Now she’s putting her physical therapy skills to much-needed use within the Denver police and sheriff’s departments.

Play ball! As season begins, USC researchers work to prevent elbow injuries
USC physical therapy researcher Lori Michener and her team hope to make Tommy John surgery a thing of the past.

Making a game of speech therapy for kids with cerebral palsy
A USC physical therapy researcher teams up with computer scientist to develop a unique voice-assisted device that could help affected children.

International dentistry program at USC, first of its kind, marks milestone
For a half century, an advanced curriculum has helped nearly 1,200 foreign-trained dentists relaunch their dental careers in the United States.

Student-led USC group aims for diversity among physical therapists
USC responds to national inequity in the field by forming an organization that explains the profession to minorities in the community.

Keck Hospital of USC helps a widower heal during his darkest days
An occupational therapist goes above and beyond, providing the urgent care and daily encouragement that lifts her patient over a long recovery.

Bringing much-needed care to caregivers in South Los Angeles
With help from the USC Family Caregiver Support Center, community leader spearheads a support group at First AME Church of Los Angeles.

Aching back? Give yourself a massage (yes, it’s possible)
A USC physical therapy faculty member offers wellness tips to keep you feeling fit and healthy.

Grateful patient receives life-changing dental surgery at USC
Lara Kerr survived a scary childhood accident that led to even more work on her teeth as an adult.

Researchers team up with Major League Baseball to predict injuries before they occur
The trial looks at risk factors tied to upper-extremity injuries to the shoulder and elbow during spring training.

How students can ease the transition from high school to college: More self-care, less stress
Trojans learn valuable lessons on managing time and taking better care of themselves.

When sitting all the time becomes a big pain in the back
After two surgeries, a patient finally finds relief from back pain through physical therapy at USC.

Smiles on Skid Row, compliments of work by USC dental students
Two clinics offer free, life-changing services to Los Angeles’ underserved population.

Surgery and therapy at USC offers hope for patients with lymphedema
Thanks to cutting-edge surgery and the work of USC occupational therapists, patients no longer have to suffer through pain.

Once a homeless kid, then in foster care. Up next: a USC doctoral program
As a child, Mich Hamlin lived on the streets with his parents. Next month, he enters USC’s physical therapy program.

Breast cancer survivors take their bodies back
A study led by the Women’s Health and Exercise Laboratory at USC helps overweight women get in shape after chemotherapy.