Laura Mosqueda is evolving teaching at the Keck School of Medicine of USC as the journey of becoming a doctor is changing. (USC Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III) Good Medicine

The Evolution of Becoming a Doctor

Laura Mosqueda was once a student at USC’s medical school. Now, as dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, she sees an evolution in how to teach future doctors.

Ray Stevens, Provost Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry (Photo/Noé Montes) The Miracle Mission

To Tackle Diabetes, a Global Research Team Turns to 3D Modeling

Diabetes affects 400 million people around the world. Scientists hope that their models of the cells behind the disease can unlock better treatment.

(Illustration/ Amy Dixon) The Miracle Mission

Children’s Eye Cancer Treatment Takes Big Step Forward

Innovative research for retinoblastoma may help children preserve their vision — and avoid risky surgery.

Brady Connolly lives with the condition known as phenylketonuria, or PKU. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) The Miracle Mission

Diagnosis of Rare Disorder Spurs Families to Turn to Researchers for Answers

After years with no therapies, patients with phenylketonuria, or PKU, now have an available drug and a second is awaiting approval. A USC alumnus and scientist helped make it happen.

(Photo/ iStock) The Miracle Mission

Drug from USC and Harvard Scientists to Treat Hearing Loss Shows Promise

Early findings show the drug helps build connections between nerve cells. It’s not yet available for humans, but it shows potential.

(Illustration/ Chris Gash) Better with Age

To Help Seniors Stay Active, Keck Medicine Physicians Take New Approach to Healthy Aging

Doctors rethink how to treat seniors with innovative approaches for evaluating health and fitness.

Michelson Hall is set up with areas for careful lab work, while open spaces encourage researchers to meet and share ideas. (Photo/ Gus Ruelas) The Miracle Mission

The Race to Discover New Drugs Ramps Up at USC

Academic researchers, family members and industry join forces to fight serious diseases. It’s what can happen at a place like the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience.

(Photo/iStock) Tried and True

7 Common Questions About Clinical Trials

Feeling nervous about joining a clinical trial? Learn more about what to expect.

A zebrafish jaw joint holds lessons about stem cells and development. (Image by Amjad Askary/Crump Lab) Growing Hope

What Are Stem Cells, and How Does USC Use Them?

Stem cells hold the power to regenerate tissue, but how? Learn how stem cells work and the tools USC scientists have to harness them.

Mouse kidney image by Lori O'Brien/McMahon Lab Growing Hope

New Organs? Not Yet, But Stem Cell Research Is Getting Closer

USC scientists harness stem cells to develop potential treatments for everything from repairing kidney diseases to regrowing broken bones.

(Illustration/Chris Gash) Tried and True

Digital Tools Connect USC Patients to Clinical Trials That Make a Difference

Clinical trials need patients to advance medical knowledge, but it’s tough to recruit volunteers. Technology may have answers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH LABORATORY On the Green

Golf’s Unexpected Health Benefits for Seniors

Senior military veterans may benefit physically and psychologically from “a good walk spoiled.”

Paul Aisen (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Changing Minds

Paul Aisen Aims to Find and Treat Alzheimer’s Early

The USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Institute Director leads the fight to end a disease that affects millions.

PHOTO BY RICARDO CARRASCO Healthy Support

W.M. Keck Foundation Builds on USC Legacy by Naming Health Care Center

The foundation boosts its longstanding support for medicine with the Willametta Keck Day Healthcare Center.

After a diagnosis of colon cancer, Ryan D'Cunha and his family tried an innovative treatment plan at Keck Medicine. (Photo Courtesy of Ryan D'Cunha) Cancer Quest

Turning the Immune System Against Colon Cancer

Patient Ryan D’Cunha was devastated when he learned a genetic mutation resulted in colon cancer. But he found hope at USC.

© 2017 Photo Researchers Inc. Cancer Quest

The Idea That Changed Cancer Treatment Forever

Four Keck Medicine of USC oncologists share how they’re fighting cancer through personalized medicine.

Jordon Bautista had to prop her head up with her knee to do homework as her dystonia progressed. DBS changed her life. | PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDON BAUTISTA Brain Trust

Deep Brain Stimulation and the Girl No One Believed

Wires implanted in her brain bring life back to a Southern California teen with dystonia.

Once unable to walk or even sit upright, Rafael Hernandez now plays baseball. | PHOTO BY DANIEL DRUHORA Brain trust

For a Boy Locked in His Own Body, These Doctors Brought Hope

Children with dystonia get up and walk again through science, engineering and a brain implant procedure from a team at USC.

(Photo by Yuri Arcurs/Getty Images) Science Sleuth

A USC Dornsife Alumna Looks for the Science Behind Violence

To help prevent deaths from homicide and suicide in America, Janet Blair studies the stories behind them.

At Keck Medicine of USC, surgeons are pioneering technology once unimaginable. | Illustration by Chris Gash Super Surgeries

From Robots to Regrowing Bone, Physicians Take Surgery Where It’s Never Gone Before

At Keck Medicine of USC, surgical research leads to leaps in innovative care in operating rooms.

PET scans can show areas of the brain with decreased activity as well as accumulated plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Changing Minds

USC Researchers Race to Get Ahead of Alzheimer’s

Every 66 seconds someone’s loved one is diagnosed with the disease. Researchers want to know how it happens, and stop it.

Research participants placed in the physical activity intervention group will do moderate aerobic walking 150 minutes each week to determine its impact on their brain health. | PHOTO BY NATE JENSES Changing Minds

Can Brain Activity and Exercise Delay Alzheimer’s Disease?

A new Alzheimer's disease study examines how cognitive and physical activity can help brains stay healthy.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAN PAGE Navigating the Divide

How Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Divorce

David Kuroda MSW ’72 has spent his career advocating for children—and healthy divorces.

USC Stevens Hall for Neuroimaging opened in 2016 after extensive renovation and rehabilitation of the building’s 1952 frame. | PHOTO BY JOHNNY STEVENS Rise of Troy

Revamp Beautifies USC Health Sciences Campus

Updated patient, research and residential facilities are just a few of the improvements.

This might look like a cave, but think smaller. It's a sweat pore, magnified. Everyone has millions of these pores, which help you skin keep your body cool. | PHOTO BY SPL/SCIENCE SOURCE More Than Skin Deep

Keck Medicine Dermatologists Tackle the Toughest Skin Problems

Skin can be your body’s first line of defense against disease. Here’s how physicians keep it healthy.

Weird Science

4 Surprising Scientific Discoveries with Potential Health Benefits

USC researchers tackle topics from arthritic fish to the hive mind.

Specially trained surgeons use the tiniest of tools to make people whole again. | ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH Medicine in Miniature

Microsurgery Rebuilds Lives After Trauma

Surgeons use the tiniest of tools to rebuild damaged arms, legs, breasts, faces—and lives.

Husband-and-wife pair Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky | PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER One Step at a Time

A Boston Marathon Survivor Finds Support On the Road to Recovery

With the help of a USC occupational therapy alumna, a runner copes with double amputation and moves ahead with her life.

Vassilios Papadopoulos | PHOTO BY LOïC PRAVAZ Pioneering Pharmacist

Renowned Scientist Takes the Helm at USC School of Pharmacy

An internationally acclaimed researcher works to advance the future of health care delivery.

Larry Ellison founded the technology giant Oracle Corp. | PHOTO BY MICHAEL O'NEILL Cancer Quest

Larry Ellison Builds on Legacy With Cancer Innovation

His lead gift of $200 million will establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Cancer Quest

The Benioffs Believe in Research

A generous $20 million gift supports the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.

Photo by Susanica Tam Healthy Smiles

USC Puts Dental Care Within Reach for Underserved Families

Dentists travel to patients thanks to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s mobile clinics.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS GASH Injection of Science

Stem Cell Therapy Gives Paralyzed Man Second Chance at Independence

Experimental stem cell therapy offers Kris Boesen hope after a devastating car accident.

3-D rendering by Stocktreck/Getty Images Cancer Quest

USC’s Cancer Revolution Calls for Computer Whizzes and Engineers

A $200 million gift from Larry Ellison and vital federal funds support USC’s research efforts.

Jon Pynoos | ILLUSTRATION BY LAURINDO FELICIANO Coming of Age

The Cross-Generational Friendship That Inspired a Life’s Work

A decades-long friendship taught a gerontologist that independence and dignity are worth fighting for.

C. L. Max Nikias and Niki C. Nikias with Larry Ellison and Nikita Kahn President's Page

A New Beginning

The Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC opens a new chapter in cancer research.

Illustrations by Chris Gash Medical Matters

Your Health Depends on More Than Your DNA

Nature and nurture both matter in the move to personalized medicine.

Visionary Science

A Bold Vision Comes Into Focus at USC Roski Eye Institute

The institute will change how we see the world—and the ways we can live better in it.

Strong Support

Veterans Get Mental Health Services They Deserve at Cohen Clinic

The Cohen family partners with USC to serve families in Los Angeles.

Gayle Roski and Edward Roski Visionary Science

The Roski Family Puts Eye Care Solutions in Sight

The newly named USC Roski Eye Institute advances research and treatment for visual impairments.

Rohit Varma | PHOTO BY JOEL LIPTON Visionary Science

One Doctor’s Dedication to Keeping Kids’ Eyes Healthy

Ophthalmologist Rohit Varma is on a lifelong mission to let children see their future.

Opthalmologist, engineer and scientist Mark Humayun holds joint appointments at Keck School of Medicine and USC Viterbi School of Engineering. | PHOTO BY ZÉ CARLOS BARRETTA Visionary Science

Pioneering Doctor Recognized for Helping the Blind See Again

Mark Humayun received the White House's National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

The Best Medicine

Reality Check for Health Care

The Schaeffer Center teams up with the Brookings Institution to advance better U.S. health care policies.

Illustrations by Chris Gash Guiding Light

Interventional Cardiologists and Radiologists Heal From Inside Out

Minimally invasive techniques to treat diseases helps patients recover more quickly and safely.

Behavior and the Brain

A USC Alumna Has Psychology on Her Mind

A USC Dornsife alumna takes down our hurdles to better mental health.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BAKER To Your Health

USC Students Fight the ‘Freshman 15’ with Wellness

Be Well USC helps students balance healthy habits with their schoolwork and social life.

Mind Your Mouth

How Dentists of the Future May Fix Your Teeth

From gum collapse to early tooth decay, these dental researchers see a bright future for your teeth.

John Lien Margetis / Photo by Pamela Johnson Against The Odds

This Healer Lives Life On His Own Terms

A Trojan inspires his patients with stroke and brain injuries through occupational therapy.

Illustration by Chris Gash Art of Medicine

Keck Medicine Doctors Keep Singers, Musicians and Actors in Peak Shape

Specialists keep performing artists in the spotlight.

Photo by Gus Ruelas Breath of Fresh Air

An Air Pollution Expert’s Take on Exercise, Smog and Health

Keck Medicine of USC's Ed Avol wants to help Angelenos breathe easy.

Barbara and Malcolm Currie recently donated $10 million toward the endowment of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and construction of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. Photo courtesy of USC Libraries Powering Change

Building Bioscience at USC

Through generous gifts and visionary leadership, engineering and health initiatives take shape across the university.

The Sarcos humanoid robot has helped USC researchers test an artificial spinal cord model | PHOTO BY LUKE FISHER The Robot Revolution

Developing Machines to Promote Human Health

Visionary engineers launch a promising new era for robot-assisted health care.

Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos A Weighty Issue

There’s More to Body Fat Than You Might Think

Body fat isn't just an inert blob; it's alive and like a major organ, communicates with the brain.

Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos A Weighty Issue

Tackling Obesity, One Patient at a Time

Obesity remains a major health challenge without a one-size-fits-all solution.

President Nikias at the Los Angeles Biotech Summit with (from left) community partner Ruth Rios, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar. President's Page

Bold Plans for a Biotech Park

“We plan to establish a vibrant hub that will dramatically bolster an entirely new industry in Los Angeles: biotechnology.”

Illustration by Brian Stauffer Picture of Health

USC’s One-Stop Shop for Fighting MS

Neurologist Daniel Pelletier accelerates Keck Medicine of USC’s imaging and treatment efforts to find answers to multiple sclerosis

Rick Caruso with C. L. Max Nikias. Photo by Gus Ruelas. President's Page

Partners for Profound Change

USC takes a giant step toward finding answers for hearing loss.

Colors in this brain MRI show the direction of fiber tracks within the hippocampus of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. Courtesy of Kristi Clark, Carol Miller and The Laboratory of Neuro Imaging Image Conscious

Will Big Data Finally Demystify the Brain and Alzheimer’s?

Digital imaging could revolutionize how we detect and treat dementia and neurologic diseases.

A cochlear implant means Shane Lundie can now hear his mother’s voice. Photo by Steve Cohen. Hear, and Now

Restoring Sound Perception After Hearing Loss

The newly named USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery helps children and adults experience the world of sound.

Illustration by Carlo Giambarresi Respect Our Elders

A Geriatrician’s Mission to End Elder Abuse

Meet the doctor who’s on a mission to change how Americans care for seniors.

Test Drive

Pollution Prescription on Your Morning Freeway Commute

You can get as much as a half of your daily air pollution exposure on your drive. Scott Fruin criss-crosses the Southland to learn more.

Pillow Talk

The Science of Sleep

Too little snoozing takes a toll on our well-being, but USC doctors and scientists have some tips for getting more ZZZs.

Scientists are just starting to understand the tiny particles in air pollution and how they damage the body. Clear the Air

Saving Kids’ Health Through Smog Science

USC researchers help Angelenos breathe a little easier—and healthier.

If your child screams, "I hate you," this USC School of Social Work expert has an approach that may help. Straight Talk

How to Raise a Teen—the Right Way

If your child screams, “I hate you,” this USC School of Social Work expert has an approach that may help.

Illustration by Chris Gash Injection of Science

Understanding Vaccines

Everything you need to know about one of the most powerful tools for public health.

Photo by Chris Shinn The Best Medicine

USC Stakes Its Future on Medicine

Health care is in growth mode across Southern California, and USC has staked its future on academic medicine.

Photo by Gus Ruelas Their Own Devices

Biotech Brothers Bring Innovations to the Market

The Nadershahi brothers combine their backgrounds in biology, medicine, business and law to launch biomedical devices, especially in women’s health.

Photo by Emil Kara Drink to Your Health

Got Camel’s Milk?

An enterprising USC Marshall alum finds a unique niche at the intersection of food, health and Amish farming.

Little Tokyo Photo courtesy of U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Medical Pioneer

Masako Miura, a Physician Ahead of Her Time

Masako Miura ’36, MD ’41 was one of two women in the graduating class of 1941 at USC’s medical school.

Illustration by Viktor Koen Health Monitor

The Future of Digital Health Starts Here

Your smartphone could become as instrumental to your health as your prescriptions, and the USC Center for Body Computing is making it happen.

California Evening Primrose. Illustration by Janene Walkky. Close to Home

USC Pharmacist Uncovers Healing Powers of Native Plants

A USC pharmacologist studies the power of medicinal plants in our own backyard.

Photo courtesy of Priscilla Partridge de Garcia Peace of Mind

Clinical Psychologist Heals Unseen Wounds

A clinical psychologist helps PTSD patients find a path forward.

Photo by Jovana Rikalo/Stocksy Vision for Vitality

Live Long and Prosper

Researchers at USC are untangling the biological processes of aging so we can enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Occupational therapists help patients develop the skills and habits they need for a healthy life. (Photos by Philip Channing) Life, Redesigned

USC Sets the Bar for Occupational Therapy and Science

The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy helps people live life to its fullest, no matter what challenges they face.

Photo By Adam Voorhes, Styling By Robin Finlay Matters of the Heart

Revolutionizing Cardiac Surgery

Keck Medicine of USC surgeons make once-extraordinary heart surgeries refreshingly routine.

Visionary Science

Restoring Sight to the Blind

At USC Eye Institute, stem cells, wearable computers and biomedical implants are doing what was once impossible—restoring lost sight.

Rohit Varma (Photo/Van Urfalian) Visionary Science

Rohit Varma Takes the Lead at USC Eye Institute

Ophthalmologist Rohit Varma is on a lifelong mission to let children see their future.

Lisa Kulik, wearing the Argus II. Photo by Gus Ruelas Visionary Science

See the Road Ahead with Artificial Vision

After receiving FDA approval, the Argus II is fitted for its first patient at USC.

Megan Rosenbloom is a leader in the national "let's talk about death" movement. Photo by Elli & Polly Photography Being Human

A USC Librarian Explores Mortality

Once a year, around Halloween and Día de los Muertos, we dwell on death. That isn’t nearly often enough, according to Megan Rosenbloom, for whom the “undiscovered country” is a year-round scholarly pursuit.

Photos by John Livzey Come Together

Gary Michelson: Man with a Plan

At USC, philanthropist Gary Michelson just put scientists’ and engineers’ efforts into overdrive.

“My academic coach helps me tremendously with time management, planning and goal setting,” Dani Ashijan says. Photo by Kylie Nicholson Academic access

Students Build College Survival Skills at the USC Kortschak Center

Trouble concentrating? ADHD, dyslexia or just disorganized? The USC Kortschak Center helps students survive college.

Illustration by Jeong Suh at Bryan Christie Design Brain Trust

“Smart” Prosthetics Treat Neurological Conditions Like Never Before

The future of neuromedicine grows closer at the USC Neurorestoration Center, where patients are already seeing the benefits.

Andrea Armani is a professor in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Photo by Gus Ruelas. Come Together

When Physicians, Scientists and Engineers Come Together

They tackle problems from different directions, but their work shows the promise of convergent bioscience.

Imaging by David Koos Come Together

To Get Treatments to Patients Faster, Make Worlds Collide

Convergence melds life science, physical sciences and engineering to find answers to perplexing problems in health.

Photo by Brett Erickson Swim Team

Olympian Ous Mellouli Stays in the Game Thanks to Fellow Trojan

Tara Pollak DPT ’03 keeps Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli ’07 in the swim.

From left, Matthew Dunn, Inderbir Gill, Monish Aron, Mihir Desai and Chester Koh (Photo by Philip Channing) Life, Rebooted

Groundbreaking Robot-Assisted Surgery Marks New Chapter for High-Tech Precision

Robotic surgery uses high tech to restore fatherhood and fitness to a man whose life was threatened by kidney cancer.

Ground is broken for new Norris Healthcare Consultation Center. All photos courtesy of USC University Archives and Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing Cancer Quest

Lives in the Balance

Physicians are now treating, even curing, some cancers once thought to be untreatable. See what’s ahead at USC Norris.

Image Conscious

Two Leading ‘Mapmakers of the Brain’ are Revolutionizing Neuroimaging

“You will remember some things about this conversation, and that will change your brain.”

Photo by Steve Cohn Care Package

New Health Center Ushers in New Era for Student Health

College health services have changed, and the USC Engemann Student Health Center sets standards for next-generation medical care.

Growth Mode

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Expands Keck Medicine Care

Keck Medicine of USC reaches across Southern California

Illustrations by Lorenzo Petrantoni Dr. Discovery

A Scientist is on a Mission to Demystify Dementia

Physician-scientist Berislav Zlokovic searches for better treatments for dementia with a drive to make a difference now.

As co-directors of the Spine Center of USC, John Liu, left, and Jeffrey Wang aim to get to the bottom of patients’ spinal pain. (Photo by Don Milici) The Back Pack

For Back Pain, These Doctors Start by Staying Away from Surgery

Neurosurgeons, orthopaedists, physical therapists and other experts at USC team up to ease spinal pain.

The Investor

Can Depression Drugs Fight Cancer? USC Aims to Find Out

USC Trustee Daniel Tsai invests in a potential anticancer strategy that unites U.S. and Taiwanese scientists.

Gurita-Hitam/Stock Cancer Quest

Fresh Air

Targeted therapies and other advances create new hope for lung cancer patients.

Illustration by Michael Glenwood To Your Health

Health Ensured: How Affordable is the Affordable Care Act?

The proportion of the national debt tied to health care costs keeps increasing, raising concerns about competitiveness and national security.

The story behind Hortensia Amaro informed her lifelong dedication to the underserved. (Photo/Dietmar Quistorf) Community Health

Hortensia Amaro, Academic Activist

Hortensia Amaro’s immigrant experience spurs a devotion to solving public health problems of the disenfranchised.

Tumua Anae ’10 returned to training after surgery. Photo by Michel Bekhazi Peak Performance

Getting Back In The Game

Orthopaedic specialists give new life to pro athletes and weekend warriors.

(Photo/Courtesy of Jennifer Dixon) The Unexpected Patient

Nurse’s First COVID-19 Patient Turns Out to Be Her Friend

A USC alumna and nurse in a rural Georgia hospital shares the story of her first encounter with the coronavirus.

(Illustration/David Plunkert) The Doctor is (Logged) In

Expect More Virtual House Calls from Your Doctor Thanks to Telehealth Revolution

A slow march toward virtual doctor 
visits and other digital innovations in health care turned into an all-out sprint amid COVID-19.

(Photo/Gregg Segal) Care Everywhere

USC Street Medicine Team Cares for L.A’s Homeless in a Pandemic

These health care professionals treat some of L.A.’s most vulnerable on the streets they call home.

College students may be struggling during the pandemic, but experts are there to help. (Illustration/David Pohl) Trojans Together

College Students, It’s Tough Out There. Here’s What I’m Hearing

Broderick Leaks, a student mental health expert at USC, shares in his own words how to thrive in a time of stress and uncertainty.

Adam Leventhal (Photo/Gregg Segal) Double Jeopardy

When Addiction and COVID-19 Collide

The coronavirus outbreak could worsen America’s substance use crisis. USC addiction expert Adam Leventhal explains why it matters to all of us.

(Photo/Phil Channing, The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) Future Medicine

USC Pediatric Surgeon Aims to Heal Infants Using Stem Cells

Tracy Grikscheit helps babies with digestive disorders. Stem cells could help her develop life-changing treatments.

A USC student practices mindful meditation during a spiritual retreat in 2019. (Photo/Eric Lindberg) Inner Work

How to Heal the College Student’s Soul During Upheaval: Connection

Varun Soni, dean of USC’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, describes how the USC community can come together and find contentment in a time of turmoil.

(Illustration/Scott Bakal) Stop the Spread

Can a USC Bioengineer Find the World’s Most Sought-After Vaccine?

In the global scientific race to curb the coronavirus, a USC researcher and his team engineer a promising solution.

From top right, clockwise: Tim Greer, Shrikanth Narayanan, Ben Ma. (Photo/Haotian Mai) Are You Listening?

Music Moves Us in Unexpected Ways. But Why?

USC artificial intelligence experts took a closer look at how our brains, bodies and emotions react to music.

(Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III) Hidden Heroes

USC’s Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic

They disinfect hospital rooms and feed neighbors in need. These members of the Trojan Family take action in times of crisis.

(Photo/Courtesy of Catherine Pradt) Trojans Together

Photos of Front Line Health Workers That Will Fill You With Trojan Pride

When the virus started hitting Angelenos, these Keck Medicine of USC professionals rose to the challenge.

(Illustration/Scott Bakal) The Caregivers

Three Stories from the COVID-19 Front Lines Inspire Healing and Hope

A Keck Medicine of USC doctor, respiratory therapist and music therapist share memories from the pandemic.

(Photo/Courtesy of Ritu Riyat) Pressure Points

You Can’t Always Stop Stress, but Here’s How to Feel More in Control

Stress detox expert Ritu Riyat MPH ’04 helps people develop a healthier relationship with stress.

(Illustrations/Raymond Biesinger) Back in the Game

Low Back Pain? There Might Be Options Besides Surgery

Chances are you’ve had an aching back. Sometimes it takes expert detective work and an open mind to figure out why — and fix it for good.

(Illustration/Scott Bakal) Going Viral

How Far Has COVID-19 Spread in L.A.? He Looks for Answers

Neeraj Sood drew headlines for studies testing for coronavirus antibodies. The health economist is just getting started.

(Illustration/Elisabetta Bianchi) The True Picture of Health

Why Diversity in Clinical Trials Matters

Having a wider array of people participating in medical research is crucial to advancing care for all patients.

(Illustration/Brian Rea) The Wonder Years

The Childhood Moments That Launched Their Careers as Explorers

USC researchers remember times of wonder and questioning that sparked their lifelong passion.

(Illustration/Harry Campbell) Care Package

5 Ways USC and UCLA Researchers Joined Forces for Your Health

In labs and clinics across Los Angeles, Trojan and Bruin researchers partner to help Americans live longer and better.

Drew Morcos working with patient (Photo/ Nate Jensen) Back to Basics

Trojan Physical Therapist for NFL Athletes Gets Back to Basics

From pro athletes to weekend warriors, Drew Morcos takes a fresh approach to help his clients be their best.

(Illustration/ Barry Falls) Social Skills

She’s Out to End the Military Mental Health Stigma

A U.S. Air Force security forces specialist turns to social work in her quest to help service members.

(Illustration/ David Plunkert) The Therapist is In

These Surprising Specialists May Help You Kick Habits and Prevent Disease

Physical and occupational therapists are teaming up with physicians to provide personalize care for injury recovery, disease prevention and much more.

The Therapist is In

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can’t Hold Her Back

For a young woman living with the painful disease, occupational therapy helped her regain independence in her daily life.

The Cutting Edge

Facing Serious Medical Conditions, Three Patients Get New Life

Seeking treatment at Keck Medicine of USC put these patients in the right place at the right time.

Keck School of Medicine students can take free yoga classes as part of a wellness initiative at Keck Medicine. (Photo/ Eric Lindberg) Being Well

USC Aims to Help Physicians Stay Healthy

Amid growing awareness of suicide and depression among health professionals nationwide, new wellness programs at Keck Medicine of USC ensure students and doctors care for themselves.

Research assistant professor / principal investigator, Marientina Gotsis left and graduate student Christine Lelon have developed a project called Skyfarer an interactive device that helps people in wheelchairs with their physical training.(Photo/Gus Ruelas) Game Therapy

3 Ways Tech Helps Heal the Mind and Body

Mixed-reality experiences use immersive technology to help humans deal conditions ranging from injuries to PTSD.

Blue Iris by Qa International / Science Photo Library See the Light

Stem Cell Therapy Gives Her a Second Chance at Sight

A clinical trial tests engineered stem cells in the fight against macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness.

In Parkinson’s disease, too little dopamine is produced in part of the brain. This photo shows a magnified view of dopamine crystals under polarized light. (Photo/ Karl Gaff / Science Photo Library) Unraveling Parkinson's

The Doctors Hot on the Trail of Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers are closing in on one of the most common — and complex — neurodegenerative diseases.

Brain scan of a patient with Parkinson‘s disease on a CT (Image / Zephyr / Science Photo Library) Unraveling Parkinson's

For Parkinson’s Patient, a ‘Mobility Miracle’

After undergoing deep brain stimulation, Robert Warner can once again drive, type and work out.

(Illustration/Chris Gash) Mind and Body

Helping College Students Thrive, Not Just Survive

At colleges across the country, anxiety and depression are growing. Here’s how Trojans are tackling mental health.

(Illustration/ Hannah Barczyk) Regaining Control

The Common Women’s Health Issue Too Few Talk About

Many women are too embarrassed to seek help for pelvic floor problems, but doctors can offer solutions.

Donald Skinner with his team (Photo/USC University Archives) The Innovator

The Surgeon Who United a Generation of Urology Patients

Countless men and women sent him thanks. Urologist Donald Skinner paid their generosity forward.

Josh Neman is an assistant professor of neurosurgery and member of the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Scientist of the People

To Stop Cancer, a Neuroscientist Studies Its Uncanny Survival Skills

To understand how cancer spreads to the brain, Josh Neman looks for answers in his lab—with inspiration from patients.

Go Fish!

This Tiny Fish Could Unlock Mysteries About Growing Old

The killifish are coming to USC, and they might just have the answers to holding back aging.

(Illustration/Jasu Hu) Going Gently...

What Makes a Good Life—and Death? Sunita Puri Explores It Through Writing

A palliative care physician explores the role of medicine in helping us live and die well.

(Illustration/Curtis Parker) Clear the Air

Daring to Say ‘Cure’ to Lung Cancer Patients

Screenings can find cancer early, and a combination of therapies attack cancer from all angles.

Rebecca Trotzky-Sirr is fighting the opioid epidemic one patient at a time. (Photo/ Gregg Segal) The Hurt Blocker

The USC Experts on the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic

Nearly 400,000 people in America died from opioid overdose from 1999-2017. USC experts believe they can stem the tide.

USC’s Lung Cancer Screening Program doctors use a CT scan to detect lung cancer in at-risk patients before it spreads. (Photo/Don Milici) Clear the Air

Lung Cancer Screening with CT Aims to Save Lives

Routine tests could help people at high risk for lung cancer. USC doctors are spreading that message to get more patients screened.

(Photo/iStock) The Hurt Blocker

Pain Relief Without Opioids? Yes, It’s Possible

Patients are turning to over-the-counter medications and mind-body therapies to ease pain without narcotics.

(Photo/iStock) The Hurt Blocker

They’re Cutting Opioid Prescriptions by Stopping Pain Before It Starts

What if you could quickly feel better after surgery just by planning ahead? That’s one way physicians are tackling the opioid crisis.

(Illustration/Harry Campbell) Exit Strategy

When Epilepsy Has No Easy Answers, They Aim to Help

People with complex epilepsy in Central and Southern California have a new team of medical experts to turn to.

(Photo/iStock) In It to Win It

Sports Medicine Innovations That Help Weekend Warriors Stay in the Game

Experts in physical therapy, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and more help people stay active for longer.

(Photo/iStock) Life Aquatic

What Are Algal Blooms and Are They Harmful?

In oceans and lakes across the country, tiny organisms create big problems.

Daryn Nishikawa, Wayne Nakamura and Kent Ochiai, from left are the dental team for Los Angeles Football Club.(Photo/Imad Bolotok, LAFC) Dental Defenders

Trojan Dentists Keep Los Angeles Football Club Players Smiling

When one of LAFC’s soccer players chips a tooth or hurts his jaw, a dental team of USC grads stands ready to help.

Entrepreneur Jay Goss sees disruption in the health care industry as a prime opportunity for innovation and investment. (Photo/Jay Goss) Value Judgment

Now Might Be a Great Time to Invest in Health Care

Entrepreneur and investment expert Jay Goss made a career out of betting big on disruption and health innovation.