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
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.
(Illustration/ Amy Dixon)
The Miracle Mission
Innovative research for retinoblastoma may help children preserve their vision — and avoid risky surgery.
(Photo/ iStock)
The Miracle Mission
Early findings show the drug helps build connections between nerve cells. It’s not yet available for humans, but it shows potential.
Brady Connolly lives with the condition known as phenylketonuria, or PKU. (Photo/Gus Ruelas)
The Miracle Mission
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.
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
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.
Ray Stevens, Provost Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry (Photo/Noé Montes)
The Miracle Mission
Diabetes affects 400 million people around the world. Scientists hope that their models of the cells behind the disease can unlock better treatment.
(Illustration/ Chris Gash)
Better with Age
Doctors rethink how to treat seniors with innovative approaches for evaluating health and fitness.
(Photo/iStock)
Tried and True
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
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
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
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
Senior military veterans may benefit physically and psychologically from “a good walk spoiled.”
Paul Aisen (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)
Changing Minds
The USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Institute Director leads the fight to end a disease that affects millions.
PHOTO BY RICARDO CARRASCO
Healthy Support
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
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
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
Wires implanted in her brain bring life back to a Southern California teen with dystonia.
(Photo by Yuri Arcurs/Getty Images)
Science Sleuth
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
At Keck Medicine of USC, surgical research leads to leaps in innovative care in operating rooms.
Once unable to walk or even sit upright, Rafael Hernandez now plays baseball. | PHOTO BY DANIEL DRUHORA
Brain trust
Children with dystonia get up and walk again through science, engineering and a brain implant procedure from a team at USC.
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
A new Alzheimer's disease study examines how cognitive and physical activity can help brains stay healthy.
ILLUSTRATION BY DAN PAGE
Navigating the Divide
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
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
Skin can be your body’s first line of defense against disease. Here’s how physicians keep it healthy.
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
Every 66 seconds someone’s loved one is diagnosed with the disease. Researchers want to know how it happens, and stop it.
Weird Science
USC researchers tackle topics from arthritic fish to the hive mind.
Husband-and-wife pair Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky | PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER
One Step at a Time
With the help of a USC occupational therapy alumna, a runner copes with double amputation and moves ahead with her life.
Specially trained surgeons use the tiniest of tools to make people whole again. | ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH
Medicine in Miniature
Surgeons use the tiniest of tools to rebuild damaged arms, legs, breasts, faces—and lives.
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Cancer Quest
A generous $20 million gift supports the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS GASH
Injection of Science
Experimental stem cell therapy offers Kris Boesen hope after a devastating car accident.
Larry Ellison founded the technology giant Oracle Corp. | PHOTO BY MICHAEL O'NEILL
Cancer Quest
His lead gift of $200 million will establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.
3-D rendering by Stocktreck/Getty Images
Cancer Quest
A $200 million gift from Larry Ellison and vital federal funds support USC’s research efforts.
Vassilios Papadopoulos | PHOTO BY LOïC PRAVAZ
Pioneering Pharmacist
An internationally acclaimed researcher works to advance the future of health care delivery.
Photo by Susanica Tam
Healthy Smiles
Dentists travel to patients thanks to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s mobile clinics.
Gayle Roski and Edward Roski
Visionary Science
The newly named USC Roski Eye Institute advances research and treatment for visual impairments.
C. L. Max Nikias and Niki C. Nikias with Larry Ellison and Nikita Kahn
President's Page
The Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC opens a new chapter in cancer research.
Strong Support
The Cohen family partners with USC to serve families in Los Angeles.
Jon Pynoos | ILLUSTRATION BY LAURINDO FELICIANO
Coming of Age
A decades-long friendship taught a gerontologist that independence and dignity are worth fighting for.
Illustrations by Chris Gash
Medical Matters
Nature and nurture both matter in the move to personalized medicine.
Visionary Science
The institute will change how we see the world—and the ways we can live better in it.
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
Mark Humayun received the White House's National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Rohit Varma | PHOTO BY JOEL LIPTON
Visionary Science
Ophthalmologist Rohit Varma is on a lifelong mission to let children see their future.
The Best Medicine
The Schaeffer Center teams up with the Brookings Institution to advance better U.S. health care policies.
Illustrations by Chris Gash
Guiding Light
Minimally invasive techniques to treat diseases helps patients recover more quickly and safely.
Behavior and the Brain
A USC Dornsife alumna takes down our hurdles to better mental health.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL BAKER
To Your Health
Be Well USC helps students balance healthy habits with their schoolwork and social life.
Mind Your Mouth
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
A Trojan inspires his patients with stroke and brain injuries through occupational therapy.
Illustration by Chris Gash
Art of Medicine
Specialists keep performing artists in the spotlight.
Photo by Gus Ruelas
Breath of Fresh Air
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
Through generous gifts and visionary leadership, engineering and health initiatives take shape across the university.
Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos
A Weighty Issue
Obesity remains a major health challenge without a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Sarcos humanoid robot has helped USC researchers test an artificial spinal cord model | PHOTO BY LUKE FISHER
The Robot Revolution
Visionary engineers launch a promising new era for robot-assisted health care.
Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos
A Weighty Issue
Body fat isn't just an inert blob; it's alive and like a major organ, communicates with the brain.
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
“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
Neurologist Daniel Pelletier accelerates Keck Medicine of USC’s imaging and treatment efforts to find answers to multiple sclerosis
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
Digital imaging could revolutionize how we detect and treat dementia and neurologic diseases.
Rick Caruso with C. L. Max Nikias. Photo by Gus Ruelas.
President's Page
USC takes a giant step toward finding answers for hearing loss.
Illustration by Carlo Giambarresi
Respect Our Elders
Meet the doctor who’s on a mission to change how Americans care for seniors.
A cochlear implant means Shane Lundie can now hear his mother’s voice. Photo by Steve Cohen.
Hear, and Now
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 Chris Gash
Injection of Science
Everything you need to know about one of the most powerful tools for public health.
If your child screams, “I hate you,” this USC School of Social Work expert has an approach that may help.
Scientists are just starting to understand the tiny particles in air pollution and how they damage the body.
Clear the Air
USC researchers help Angelenos breathe a little easier—and healthier.
Pillow Talk
Too little snoozing takes a toll on our well-being, but USC doctors and scientists have some tips for getting more ZZZs.
Test Drive
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.
Photo by Chris Shinn
The Best Medicine
Health care is in growth mode across Southern California, and USC has staked its future on academic medicine.
Little Tokyo Photo courtesy of U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Medical Pioneer
Masako Miura ’36, MD ’41 was one of two women in the graduating class of 1941 at USC’s medical school.
Photo by Emil Kara
Drink to Your Health
An enterprising USC Marshall alum finds a unique niche at the intersection of food, health and Amish farming.
Photo by Gus Ruelas
Their Own Devices
The Nadershahi brothers combine their backgrounds in biology, medicine, business and law to launch biomedical devices, especially in women’s health.
Illustration by Viktor Koen
Health Monitor
Your smartphone could become as instrumental to your health as your prescriptions, and the USC Center for Body Computing is making it happen.
Occupational therapists help patients develop the skills and habits they need for a healthy life. (Photos by Philip Channing)
Life, Redesigned
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 Jovana Rikalo/Stocksy
Vision for Vitality
Researchers at USC are untangling the biological processes of aging so we can enjoy longer, healthier lives.
California Evening Primrose. Illustration by Janene Walkky.
Close to Home
A USC pharmacologist studies the power of medicinal plants in our own backyard.
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Partridge de Garcia
Peace of Mind
A clinical psychologist helps PTSD patients find a path forward.
Megan Rosenbloom is a leader in the national "let's talk about death" movement. Photo by Elli & Polly Photography
Being Human
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.
Photo By Adam Voorhes, Styling By Robin Finlay
Matters of the Heart
Keck Medicine of USC surgeons make once-extraordinary heart surgeries refreshingly routine.
Visionary Science
At USC Eye Institute, stem cells, wearable computers and biomedical implants are doing what was once impossible—restoring lost sight.
Lisa Kulik, wearing the Argus II. Photo by Gus Ruelas
Visionary Science
After receiving FDA approval, the Argus II is fitted for its first patient at USC.
Rohit Varma (Photo/Van Urfalian)
Visionary Science
Ophthalmologist Rohit Varma is on a lifelong mission to let children see their future.
Photos by John Livzey
Come Together
At USC, philanthropist Gary Michelson just put scientists’ and engineers’ efforts into overdrive.
Illustration by Jeong Suh at Bryan Christie Design
Brain Trust
The future of neuromedicine grows closer at the USC Neurorestoration Center, where patients are already seeing the benefits.
Imaging by David Koos
Come Together
Convergence melds life science, physical sciences and engineering to find answers to perplexing problems in health.
Andrea Armani is a professor in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Photo by Gus Ruelas.
Come Together
They tackle problems from different directions, but their work shows the promise of convergent bioscience.
“My academic coach helps me tremendously with time management, planning and goal setting,” Dani Ashijan says. Photo by Kylie Nicholson
Academic access
Trouble concentrating? ADHD, dyslexia or just disorganized? The USC Kortschak Center helps students survive college.
Photo by Brett Erickson
Swim Team
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
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
Physicians are now treating, even curing, some cancers once thought to be untreatable. See what’s ahead at USC Norris.
Growth Mode
Keck Medicine of USC reaches across Southern California
Image Conscious
“You will remember some things about this conversation, and that will change your brain.”
Photo by Steve Cohn
Care Package
College health services have changed, and the USC Engemann Student Health Center sets standards for next-generation medical care.
Illustrations by Lorenzo Petrantoni
Dr. Discovery
Physician-scientist Berislav Zlokovic searches for better treatments for dementia with a drive to make a difference now.
The Investor
USC Trustee Daniel Tsai invests in a potential anticancer strategy that unites U.S. and Taiwanese scientists.
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
Neurosurgeons, orthopaedists, physical therapists and other experts at USC team up to ease spinal pain.
Gurita-Hitam/Stock
Cancer Quest
Targeted therapies and other advances create new hope for lung cancer patients.
Tumua Anae ’10 returned to training after surgery. Photo by Michel Bekhazi
Peak Performance
Orthopaedic specialists give new life to pro athletes and weekend warriors.
The story behind Hortensia Amaro informed her lifelong dedication to the underserved. (Photo/Dietmar Quistorf)
Community Health
Hortensia Amaro’s immigrant experience spurs a devotion to solving public health problems of the disenfranchised.
Illustration by Michael Glenwood
To Your Health
The proportion of the national debt tied to health care costs keeps increasing, raising concerns about competitiveness and national security.
(Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)
Hidden Heroes
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
When the virus started hitting Angelenos, these Keck Medicine of USC professionals rose to the challenge.
(Illustration/Scott Bakal)
The Caregivers
A Keck Medicine of USC doctor, respiratory therapist and music therapist share memories from the pandemic.
(Photo/Courtesy of Ritu Riyat)
Pressure Points
Stress detox expert Ritu Riyat MPH ’04 helps people develop a healthier relationship with stress.
(Illustration/Harry Campbell)
Exit Strategy
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
Experts in physical therapy, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and more help people stay active for longer.
(Illustration/Scott Bakal)
Going Viral
Neeraj Sood drew headlines for studies testing for coronavirus antibodies. The health economist is just getting started.
(Illustration/Scott Bakal)
Stop the Spread
In the global scientific race to curb the coronavirus, a USC researcher and his team engineer a promising solution.
(Photo/Courtesy of Jennifer Dixon)
The Unexpected Patient
A USC alumna and nurse in a rural Georgia hospital shares the story of her first encounter with the coronavirus.
(Photo/Gregg Segal)
Care Everywhere
These health care professionals treat some of L.A.’s most vulnerable on the streets they call home.
From top right, clockwise: Tim Greer, Shrikanth Narayanan, Ben Ma. (Photo/Haotian Mai)
Are You Listening?
USC artificial intelligence experts took a closer look at how our brains, bodies and emotions react to music.
(Illustration/Elisabetta Bianchi)
The True Picture of Health
Having a wider array of people participating in medical research is crucial to advancing care for all patients.
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 understand how cancer spreads to the brain, Josh Neman looks for answers in his lab—with inspiration from patients.
Daryn Nishikawa, Wayne Nakamura and Kent Ochiai, from left are the dental team for Los Angeles Football Club.(Photo/Imad Bolotok, LAFC)
Dental Defenders
When one of LAFC’s soccer players chips a tooth or hurts his jaw, a dental team of USC grads stands ready to help.
(Photo/iStock)
Life Aquatic
In oceans and lakes across the country, tiny organisms create big problems.
(Illustrations/Raymond Biesinger)
Back in the Game
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/Brian Rea)
The Wonder Years
USC researchers remember times of wonder and questioning that sparked their lifelong passion.
(Photo/iStock)
The Hurt Blocker
What if you could quickly feel better after surgery just by planning ahead? That’s one way physicians are tackling the opioid crisis.
(Illustration/Chris Gash)
Mind and Body
At colleges across the country, anxiety and depression are growing. Here’s how Trojans are tackling mental health.
(Illustration/ David Plunkert)
The Therapist is In
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
For a young woman living with the painful disease, occupational therapy helped her regain independence in her daily life.
The Cutting Edge
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
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
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
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
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
After undergoing deep brain stimulation, Robert Warner can once again drive, type and work out.
(Illustration/ Hannah Barczyk)
Regaining Control
Many women are too embarrassed to seek help for pelvic floor problems, but doctors can offer solutions.
Drew Morcos working with patient (Photo/ Nate Jensen)
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
A U.S. Air Force security forces specialist turns to social work in her quest to help service members.
Donald Skinner with his team (Photo/USC University Archives)
The Innovator
Countless men and women sent him thanks. Urologist Donald Skinner paid their generosity forward.
Go Fish!
The killifish are coming to USC, and they might just have the answers to holding back aging.
(Illustration/Jasu Hu)
Going Gently...
A palliative care physician explores the role of medicine in helping us live and die well.
(Illustration/Curtis Parker)
Clear the Air
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
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
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
Patients are turning to over-the-counter medications and mind-body therapies to ease pain without narcotics.
A USC student practices mindful meditation during a spiritual retreat in 2019. (Photo/Eric Lindberg)
Inner Work
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.
