The mobile clinics provide school-required immunizations, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), at no cost. The program is aimed at helping families in underserved communities, where families can face barriers to preventive care.

“Preparing for a successful school year starts with protecting children’s health,” said Arthur Cho, MD, medical director of COACH for Kids. “Our Back-to-School immunization campaign brings recommended vaccines directly into the communities we serve, making it easier for families to get their children ready for the classroom.”

COACH for Kids delivers free medical services to children from birth through age 18 in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles.

COACH for Kids Mobile Medical Unit August Calendar

All clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are closed from noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Charles Drew Middle School
8511 Compton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Edison Middle School
6500 Hooper Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Thursday, Aug. 13
Audubon Middle School
4120 11th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90008

Monday, Aug. 17
Gompers Middle School
234 E. 112th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90061

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Miramonte Elementary School
1400 E. 68th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Wednesday, Aug. 19
Parmelee Avenue Elementary School
1338 E. 76th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Thursday, Aug. 20
Alliance Virgil Roberts Leadership Academy & Alliance Renee and Meyer Luskin Academy High School
2941 W. 70th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90043

Monday, Aug. 24
74^th Street Elementary School
2112 W. 74th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90047

Tuesday, Aug. 25
93rd Street Elementary School
330 E. 93rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90003

Wednesday, Aug. 26
Raymond Avenue Elementary School
7511 Raymond Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90044

Thursday, Aug. 27
99th Street Elementary School
9900 Wadsworth Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90002

Monday, Aug. 31
Nevin Avenue Elementary School
1569 E. 32nd St.
Los Angeles, 90011

MEDIA CONTACT

Media interested in attending a COACH for Kids clinic must coordinate in advance with Cedars-Sinai External Communications. Please contact: Melissa Vizcarra | melissa.vizcarra@cshs.org | 719-502-5001

Cedars-Sinai will continue as the organization's Official Healthcare Partner, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the health, performance and recovery of beach volleyball athletes throughout California.

Founded in 1962, the nonprofit hosts nearly 1,000 tournaments annually across more than 20 California locations, serving approximately 8,000 active members spanning youth, amateur and elite competition.

“Our continued partnership with the California Beach Volleyball Association reflects Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to helping athletes stay healthy,” said Mark Vrahas, MD, chair of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. “Together, we’re giving players of every age and skill level access to expert care that helps prevent injuries, supports recovery and keeps them enjoying the sport they love.”

Through the collaboration, Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine will provide athletes with access to orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians and injury prevention resources designed to help players perform safely and recover effectively.

Beach volleyball places unique demands on the body, requiring explosive movement, agility and endurance. Cedars-Sinai sports medicine physicians regularly treat shoulder, knee, ankle and hand injuries, while emphasizing evidence-based injury prevention strategies that help keep competitors in the game.

“Whether treating professional athletes or weekend competitors, our goal is always the same: helping patients return safely to the activities they love,” said Joshua Scott, MD, orthopedic specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. “We're excited to continue working with the association to provide guidance on injury prevention, performance optimization and comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout the season.”

A nonprofit organization, the California Beach Volleyball Association is dedicated to nurturing, promoting and growing the sport through organized tournaments and opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to compete. The organization has helped grow the sport and foster healthy competition for generations of athletes.

“CBVA has been putting on tournaments on California sand for more than 60 years, and keeping our players healthy has always been part of our job,” said Kathy Hubbell, the group’s executive director. “Partnering with Cedars-Sinai gives our athletes—from the kids just learning to bump and serve to the dedicated weekend players who never miss a tournament—access to real experts when they need them. That kind of support is hard to find for a sport like ours, and it makes a difference.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Proper Precautions Can Net Safety Benefits for Beach Volleyball Players

Para Frankie Torres y Avery Brown, la visita fue una oportunidad para alejarse por un momento de los tratamientos contra el cáncer y simplemente disfrutar de ser niños. Recorrieron las instalaciones, conocieron a jugadores y entrenadores, y reunieron autógrafos y fotografías al lado del campo.

“Esto fue mucho más que un recorrido”, dijo Joanne Ordono, especialista certificada en vida infantil y supervisora del programa de Servicios de Vida Infantil de Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, quien acompañó a las familias. “Fue una oportunidad para que nuestros pacientes se sintieran reconocidos, animados y apoyados. Verlos sonreír, reír e interactuar con los jugadores fue increíblemente significativo. Como aficionada de los Rams, también fue emocionante para mí, pero ver la alegría en los rostros de nuestros pacientes fue lo mejor del día”.

La jornada comenzó con una sorpresa. Al llegar, Frankie y Avery recibieron jerseys personalizados de los Rams con sus nombres. Después, disfrutaron de un recorrido exclusivo por las instalaciones, almorzaron en el comedor del equipo y visitaron la sala de pesas, las áreas de recuperación y los espacios educativos utilizados por los jugadores.

La experiencia surgió de la colaboración entre Cedars-Sinai y los Rams. Como socio oficial de atención médica de los Los Angeles Rams, Cedars-Sinai trabaja con la organización para apoyar la salud de jugadores, entrenadores y personal, además de crear oportunidades para pacientes y familias de la comunidad.

El momento más esperado llegó más tarde, cuando las familias se dirigieron al campo para observar el entrenamiento del equipo. Después de la práctica, jugadores y entrenadores permanecieron para convivir con los aficionados, firmar autógrafos y tomarse fotografías. Entre quienes saludaron a las familias estuvieron el mariscal de campo Matthew Stafford, el receptor abierto Davante Adams, el ala defensiva Myles Garrett y el entrenador en jefe Sean McVay.

Frankie, quien fue diagnosticado con leucemia de células B a los 8 años y pasó casi tres años en tratamiento, reunió con entusiasmo autógrafos y fotografías de algunos de sus jugadores favoritos.

“Conocer a los jugadores fue increíble”, dijo Frankie. “He jugado videojuegos de fútbol americano y los he visto en la televisión, así que verlos en persona fue muy emocionante”.

La familia de Frankie ha enfrentado desafíos más allá de su diagnóstico. En enero de 2025 perdió su hogar en el incendio Eaton, junto con colecciones que había reunido durante años, incluidas tarjetas Pokémon, Legos y autos Hot Wheels.

A pesar de esos obstáculos, sus padres aseguran que Frankie ha mantenido su determinación.

“Frankie siempre ha sido un luchador”, dijo su padre, Francisco Torres. “Ya fuera enfrentando el tratamiento o comenzando de nuevo después de perder nuestra casa, siempre sigue adelante. Verlo disfrutar un día como este, donde pudo simplemente ser un niño y divertirse, significó muchísimo para nuestra familia”.

Para Avery, la visita representó otro hito en un recorrido extraordinario. La energética niña de 5 años fue diagnosticada con neuroblastoma en etapa 4 en junio de 2024, cuando tenía 3 años. Durante meses de tratamiento, Avery se hizo conocida por su sonrisa radiante, su actitud positiva y su valentía. Hoy está libre de cáncer y disfruta plenamente de la vida.

“A Avery le encanta conocer gente y hacer amigos, y estaba muy emocionada de ver a los jugadores”, dijo su madre, Janine Burris. “Verla sonreír y disfrutar del día nos recordó todo lo que ha superado”.

A Avery le encantó posar para fotografías y disfrutar de la atención de los jugadores que dedicaron tiempo a hacerla sentir especial.

“Yo también tengo una hija de 5 años; probablemente ustedes dos serían muy buenas amigas”, le dijo Stafford a Avery.

Estos momentos son importantes para nuestros pacientes y sus familias, señaló Ordono.

“El tratamiento médico es solo una parte de la recuperación. Experiencias como esta ayudan a crear recuerdos positivos, fortalecer la confianza y brindar esperanza durante momentos difíciles”.

Para los jugadores y el personal de los Rams, las interacciones pudieron haber durado apenas unos minutos. Para Frankie, Avery y sus familias, el impacto perdurará mucho más tiempo.

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For Frankie Torres and Avery Brown, the visit was a chance to step away from cancer treatment and simply enjoy being kids. They toured the facility, met players and coaches, and collected autographs and photos on the sidelines.

“This was more than just a tour,” said Joanne Ordono, a certified child life specialist and program supervisor of Child Life Services at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, who accompanied the families. “It was an opportunity for our patients to feel celebrated, encouraged and supported. Watching them smile, laugh and interact with the players was incredibly meaningful. As a Rams fan, it was exciting for me, too—but seeing the joy on our patients’ faces was the best part of the day.”

The day began with a surprise. When they arrived, Frankie and Avery each received a custom Rams jersey with their name on it. From there, the visit included a behind-the-scenes tour, lunch in the team meal room and a look at the weight room, recovery areas and education spaces used by Rams players.

The experience grew out of Cedars-Sinai's partnership with the Rams. As the official healthcare partner of the Los Angeles Rams, Cedars-Sinai works with the organization to support the health of players, coaches and staff while creating opportunities for patients and families in the community.

The highlight came later, when the families headed to the practice field to watch the team train. After practice, players and coaches stayed to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. Among those who greeted the families were quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Davante Adams, defensive end Myles Garrett and head coach Sean McVay.

Frankie, who was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia at age 8 and spent nearly three years undergoing treatment, eagerly gathered autographs and photos from his favorite players.

“Meeting the players was awesome,” Frankie said. “I’ve played football video games and watched them on TV, so seeing them in person was really cool.”

Frankie’s family has faced more than his diagnosis. In January 2025, they lost their home in the Eaton Fire, along with collections he had spent years building, including Pokémon cards, Legos and Hot Wheels cars.

Despite those setbacks, his parents say, Frankie has remained determined.

“Frankie has always been a fighter,” said his father, Francisco Torres. “Whether it was going through treatment or starting over after losing our home, he keeps moving forward. Seeing him have a day like this, where he could just be a kid and enjoy himself, meant the world to our family.”

For Avery, the visit represented another milestone. The energetic 5-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in June 2024, when she was 3. Through the months of treatment, Avery became known for her bright smile, positive attitude and courage. Today, Avery is cancer-free and thriving.

“Avery loves meeting people and making friends, and she was so excited to see the players,” said her mother, Janine Burris. “Watching her smile and enjoy the day reminded us how far she has come.”

Avery especially enjoyed posing for photos and soaking up the attention on the sidelines from players who took time to make her feel special.

“I have a 5-year-old daughter, too; you both would probably be good buddies,” Stafford said to Avery.

These moments are important for our patients and families, Ordono said.

“Medical treatment is only one part of healing. Experiences like this help create positive memories, build confidence and provide hope during difficult times.”

For the Rams players and staff, the interactions may have lasted only a few minutes. For Frankie, Avery and their families, the impact will last much longer.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Pediatric Patient Victoria Coats Takes Cancer in Stride

La conferencia, realizada en Dignity Health Sports Park en Carson, California, reunió a médicos, entrenadores atléticos, fisioterapeutas, investigadores y líderes del fútbol para analizar tendencias emergentes en el cuidado de los atletas, desde la preparación para emergencias y la prevención de lesiones hasta la salud de las mujeres y las crecientes exigencias que enfrentan los atletas jóvenes.

“Una de las lecciones más importantes de la medicina deportiva es que nadie tiene éxito por sí solo”, dijo Bert Mandelbaum, MD, director médico del Centro Médico de Excelencia de la FIFA de Cedars-Sinai y director médico interino de U.S. Soccer. “Ya sea que se esté preparando para un partido juvenil o para la Copa Mundial de la FIFA, el trabajo en equipo es fundamental. Cuando médicos, entrenadores atléticos, fisioterapeutas, especialistas en rendimiento y personal de emergencia trabajan juntos, los atletas reciben la mejor atención posible”.

Entre los participantes también estuvieron LA Galaxy, seis veces campeón de la MLS, así como los socios de los Centros Médicos de Excelencia de la FIFA de la Universidad de Duke y el Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

La Preparación Para Emergencias Comienza Antes del Silbatazo Inicial

Uno de los mensajes más importantes de la conferencia se centró en los planes de acción para emergencias, que establecen los protocolos y el personal necesarios para responder ante emergencias médicas durante partidos y entrenamientos.

Los expertos enfatizaron que la preparación, la comunicación y los simulacros pueden salvar vidas cuando cada segundo cuenta. Las conversaciones sobre el paro cardíaco repentino destacaron el papel fundamental de los desfibriladores externos automáticos y de la capacitación comunitaria en reanimación cardiopulmonar.

Joshua Scott, MD, especialista en ortopedia de Cedars-Sinai y oficial médico del recinto para la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 en Los Ángeles, describió la amplia planificación que se lleva a cabo en el SoFi Stadium, incluidos los protocolos de respuesta a emergencias, el acceso a estudios de imagen y las estrategias para manejar enfermedades relacionadas con el calor. Debido a las altas temperaturas previstas durante el verano, se incorporarán pausas para hidratación durante los partidos, explicó Scott.

Mantener Saludables a Los Atletas

Un tema recurrente durante toda la conferencia fue que la mejor lesión es aquella que nunca ocurre.

Entre las estrategias preventivas destacadas por varios ponentes estuvo FIFA 11+, un programa gratuito de calentamiento basado en evidencia que toma aproximadamente 15 minutos y que ha demostrado reducir lesiones, incluidos los desgarros del ligamento cruzado anterior, entre los jugadores de fútbol. El programa no requiere equipo especial y puede implementarse en prácticamente cualquier nivel de competencia.

Los expertos también enfatizaron la importancia de preservar el tejido meniscal siempre que sea posible debido a su papel esencial en la protección de la rodilla y el mantenimiento del rendimiento a largo plazo. Las lesiones del cartílago, que pueden ser difíciles de detectar mediante resonancia magnética, también fueron identificadas como una causa poco reconocida de dolor y disfunción en los atletas.

El objetivo, señaló Mandelbaum, no es simplemente ayudar a los atletas a regresar al juego lo más rápido posible, sino extender su “vida deportiva” preservando el rendimiento, la movilidad y la salud de las articulaciones a lo largo de toda su carrera.

La misma filosofía se aplica a las lesiones comunes que afectan la ingle y la zona central del cuerpo. Cirujano de Cedars-Sinai Neel Joshi, MD, destacó los avances en la comprensión de las hernias deportivas, también conocidas como pubalgia atlética o lesiones musculares del core, que pueden ser difíciles de diagnosticar pero tienen un impacto significativo en el rendimiento deportivo y en las decisiones relacionadas con el regreso a la competencia.

Las Atletas Necesitan Su Propio Enfoque

Una sesión principal exploró cómo la medicina deportiva está evolucionando para atender mejor a las atletas.

Los panelistas, incluida Rachel Frank, MD, cirujana ortopédica y especialista en medicina deportiva de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Colorado, cuestionaron la antigua tendencia de aplicar a las mujeres investigaciones realizadas en atletas masculinos. Destacaron que “las mujeres no son simplemente hombres más pequeños”. Las atletas presentan riesgos de lesión, consideraciones fisiológicas y factores de rendimiento distintos que requieren enfoques específicos para el entrenamiento, la recuperación y la atención médica.

La discusión también destacó la creciente importancia de factores como la salud menstrual, la nutrición, el embarazo, la recuperación posparto y la salud mental para optimizar el rendimiento y el bienestar de las atletas, así como los esfuerzos continuos para mejorar los recursos y sistemas de apoyo en los deportes femeninos.

Nuevos Desafíos más Allá del Campo de Juego

La conferencia concluyó con conversaciones sobre temas emergentes que están moldeando el futuro de la atención de los atletas.

Entre ellos se destacó la creciente influencia de las oportunidades de nombre, imagen y semejanza (NIL, por sus siglas en inglés). Natasha Trentacosta, MD, cirujana ortopédica de Cedars-Sinai, explicó cómo estas oportunidades están transformando los deportes juveniles al generar nuevos incentivos, presiones y expectativas, incluidos más eventos competitivos durante todo el año, una especialización más temprana y una mayor necesidad de visibilidad.

Otros expertos de Cedars-Sinai que compartieron sus conocimientos durante la conferencia fueron Casey Batten, MD; Eli Friedman, MD; Michael Gerhardt, MD; Seth Lichtenstein, MD; Clinton Soppe, MD; Rachel Triche, MD; Carlos Uquillas, MD; y Tracy Zaslow, MD.

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and Select Medical.

The conference at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, brought together physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, researchers and soccer leaders to discuss emerging trends in athlete care, from emergency preparedness and injury prevention to women’s health and the evolving pressures facing youth athletes.

“One of the most important lessons in sports medicine is that no one succeeds alone,” said Bert Mandelbaum, MD, medical director of the Cedars-Sinai FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and interim chief medical officer of U.S. Soccer. “Whether you're preparing for a youth soccer match or the FIFA World Cup, teamwork makes the dream work. When physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, performance specialists and emergency personnel work together, athletes receive the best possible care.”

Additional conference participants included the six-time MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy, along with fellow FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence partners Duke University and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). 

Emergency Preparedness Starts Before Kickoff

One of the conference's strongest messages focused on emergency action plans, which establish the protocols and personnel needed to respond to medical emergencies during games and training sessions.

Experts emphasized that preparation, communication and rehearsal can save lives when seconds matter. Discussions on sudden cardiac arrest highlighted the critical role of automated external defibrillators and community CPR training.

Tracy Zaslow, MD, a Cedars-Sinai primary care sports medicine specialist who cares for both youth and professional athletes, joined discussions on emergency preparedness and sudden cardiac arrest. Referencing the recent on-field cardiac emergency involving Angel City FC player Savy King, Zaslow underscored the importance of having trained medical personnel, emergency action plans and CPR-capable responders available at sporting events. She noted that while elite teams often have physicians and athletic trainers on the sidelines, broader community education in CPR remains critical because cardiac emergencies can occur anywhere youth and amateur sports are played.

Cedars-Sinai orthopedic specialist Joshua Scott, MD, venue medical officer for World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles, described the extensive World Cup planning underway at SoFi Stadium, including emergency response protocols, imaging access and strategies for managing heat-related illness. With summer temperatures expected to challenge athletes, hydration breaks will be incorporated into matches, Scott said.

Keeping Athletes Healthy

A recurring theme throughout the conference was that the best injury is the one that never happens.

Among the prevention strategies several speakers highlighted was the FIFA 11+, a free, evidence-based warmup program that takes about 15 minutes to complete and has been shown to reduce injuries, including ACL tears, among soccer players. The program requires no special equipment and can be implemented by teams at nearly any level of competition.

Cedars-Sinai orthopedic surgeon Carlos Uquillas, MD, moderated a discussion on ACL injuries and prevention strategies, highlighting the growing emphasis on reducing injury risk before athletes ever require treatment. The session explored the importance of age-appropriate neuromuscular training, proper movement mechanics and evidence-based warmup programs designed to help young athletes move more efficiently and stay healthy throughout their development. The discussion reflected broader injury-prevention efforts underway through the Cedars-Sinai and AYSO partnership aimed at reducing ACL injuries among youth soccer players.

Experts also emphasized preserving meniscal tissue whenever possible because of its critical role in protecting the knee and maintaining long-term performance. Cartilage injuries—which can be difficult to detect on MRI—were also singled out as an underrecognized source of pain and dysfunction among athletes.

The goal, Mandelbaum noted, is not simply helping athletes return to play as quickly as possible, but extending their “play span” by preserving performance, mobility and joint health throughout a career.  

The same philosophy applies to common soccer injuries affecting the groin and core. Cedars-Sinai surgeon Neel Joshi, MD, highlighted advances in understanding sports hernias—also known as athletic pubalgia or core muscle injuries—which can be difficult to diagnose but have a significant impact on athletic performance and return-to-play decisions.

Women Athletes Need Their Own Playbook

A keynote session explored how sports medicine is evolving to better serve female athletes.

Panelists, including University of Colorado School of Medicine orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Rachel Frank, MD, challenged the long-held tendency to apply research conducted in male athletes to women, emphasizing that “women are not just small men.” Female athletes face different injury risks, physiological considerations and performance factors that require tailored approaches to training, recovery and medical care.

The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of factors such as menstrual health, nutrition, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and mental health in optimizing athlete performance and wellbeing, as well as ongoing efforts to improve resources and support systems across women’s sports.

New Challenges Beyond the Playing Field

The conference concluded with discussions about emerging issues shaping the future of athlete care.

Among them was the growing influence of name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities. Cedars-Sinai orthopedic surgeon Natasha Trentacosta, MD, discussed how these opportunities are reshaping youth sports by creating new incentives, pressures and expectations, including increased year-round competition, earlier specialization and greater emphasis on visibility.

Additional insight and expertise from Cedars-Sinai included: Casey Batten, MD, Eli Friedman, MD, Michael Gerhardt, MD, Seth Lichtenstein, MD, Clinton Soppe, MD, and Rachel Triche, MD.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Can Rethinking CPR Training Benefit Women?

The rookies made stops throughout Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Cedars-Sinai Cancer, where they posed for photos, signed autographs and handed out Rams-themed gifts.

Players and cheerleaders were greeted with smiles and posed for selfies with patients, families and staff members across both campuses.

At Guerin Children’s, players spent time talking football with pediatric patients and played a few rounds of Connect Four with patients in the courtyard.

“The fact that the Rams came created a sense of normalcy and it really brightened my son’s day,” said Nadyia Blakemore, whose 6-year-old son is a Guerin Children’s patient. “I appreciate the Rams coming through. It was a blessing to my family”.

In the NICU, rookies met new parents and visited some of the hospital’s smallest patients. At Cedars-Sinai Cancer, patients, physicians and staff joined Rams rookie Chad Lindberg for a football toss game, taking turns throwing passes at an inflatable football target.

“Seeing the Rams players connect with our patients and families in such a genuine and compassionate way means so much to everyone across our hospitals,” said Jill Martin, executive vice president of Cedars-Sinai Medical Network. “These visits create joyful moments, lift spirits and reflect the strong partnership between Cedars-Sinai and the Rams organization.”

The patients were clearly touched by their visits, said Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president of Hospital Operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital.

“The players shared that they felt the same sense of joy,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “We’re incredibly grateful for their time, support and enthusiasm.”

Cedars-Sinai is the official healthcare partner and trusted doctors of the Los Angeles Rams.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Childhood Cancer Survivor Aiden Duong in Rams Spotlight

Preparation was at the center of the 2026 Emergency Care in Sport (ECS) Conference in Woodland Hills, where nearly 200 sports medicine professionals, athletic trainers and healthcare leaders gathered for a two-day immersive training focused on emergency response.

Hosted by the Los Angeles Rams, the National Football League (NFL), and Cedars-Sinai, the conference combined expert-led instruction with hands-on, scenario-based training designed to prepare clinicians and athletic staff to respond to critical situations on the field.

“Sport is unpredictable, and when emergencies happen, there’s no time to hesitate,” said Casey Batten, MD, co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, head team physician for the Rams, and chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “This training is about building muscle memory so that when something goes wrong, teams can respond immediately, confidently and in a coordinated way.”

The conference featured a multidisciplinary lineup of national leaders in sports medicine and emergency care, including Reggie Scott, senior vice president of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Rams; Allen Sills, MD,  chief medical officer for the National Football League; and Ron Courson, associate athletic director for Sports Medicine at the University of Georgia.

Through panel discussions and interactive demonstrations, speakers and session leaders emphasized the importance of Emergency Action Plans, proper medical oversight, access to essential equipment, and involving trained sports medicine experts at all levels of sport—from youth leagues to professional teams.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the inaugural Dr. Greg Elkins Memorial High School Team Doctor of the Year Award, recognizing exceptional dedication to the care and safety of student-athletes.

The award honors the legacy of Greg Elkins, MD, a nationally prominent and widely respected sports medicine physician known for his decades of service to high school athletes and his leadership in shaping national sports medicine policy.

Elkins Award recipient Clarence Shields, MD, a Cedars-Sinai orthopedic surgeon, was honored for his pioneering work in expanding access to care for underserved student-athletes in Los Angeles.

A Los Angeles native, Shields graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, and fulfilled his fellowship training in sports medicine at the then–Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Institute. He later served as president of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and as a longtime team physician for the Los Angeles Rams.

In 1994, Shields founded Team HEAL—Helping Enrich Athletes’ Lives—a program that provides athletic training services and healthcare resources to high schools in underserved communities. Today, the program serves more than a dozen schools and 2,800 student-athletes annually and has helped more than 30,000 young athletes since its inception.

“Dr. Shields’ leadership reminds us that sports medicine is about more than treating injuries—it is about protecting futures,” Batten said. “By founding Team HEAL, Dr. Shields expanded access to care for underserved communities and connected local high schools with volunteer physicians who have made a lasting difference in the lives of student-athletes.”

 Read more from Stories and Insights: How to Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes

 

Members of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 rookie class will visit Cedars-Sinai patients and families on Friday, May 15. More than 20 newly-minted Rams are expected to participate in the annual visit by spending time with pediatric patients at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and patients receiving care at Cedars-Sinai Cancer.

During the visit, some rookies will accompany Cedars-Sinai’s POOCH volunteers to meet with patients alongside certified therapy dogs. Patients and families will have opportunities to interact with players, take photos and receive Rams-themed giveaways.

WHY

Cedars-Sinai proudly serves as the official healthcare partner and trusted doctors of the LA Rams.

“Visits from Rams players and Rampage bring so much joy and excitement to our patients, families and staff,” said Maureen Chin, MSN, RN, associate director, Pediatrics. “It creates memorable moments for everyone throughout the hospital and helps lift spirits in a meaningful way.”

WHEN

Friday, May 15
11 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE

Cedars-Sinai
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

CONTACT

Members of the news media are welcome to cover. 
Please contact: Melissa Vizcarra | 719-502-5001 | melissa.vizcarra@cshs.org

Para Ilse Giron, RN, ese compromiso es profundamente personal.

“Cuando estás aquí, realmente llegas a conocer a una persona y su historia”, dijo Giron. “Puedes ayudarla no solo clínicamente, sino también emocionalmente, y estar ahí para ella”.

Hoy, mientras profesionales de la salud celebran la National Nurses Week, Giron trabaja como enfermera al cuidado de pacientes en una unidad médico-quirúrgica. Pero su camino hacia la enfermería comenzó años atrás, cuando era adolescente y crecía en East Hollywood sin estar segura de qué oportunidades podrían estar a su alcance.

“Mis padres eran inmigrantes de primera generación”, dijo Giron. “Nunca pensé que tendría esta oportunidad. Hay muchísimas áreas profesionales que uno puede seguir”.

El Primer Paso Que Cambió Su Vida

Giron tenía apenas 16 años cuando ingresó al programa Youth Employment and Development (YED) de Cedars-Sinai. El programa de dos años trabaja en colaboración con Fairfax High School para ofrecer a estudiantes de penúltimo y último año de preparatoria experiencia práctica en carreras relacionadas con el cuidado de la salud mediante mentorías, observación profesional y experiencia laboral real.

“El programa YED es increíble porque te permite conocer cómo es la vida profesional desde muy joven”, dijo Giron. “Puedes trabajar con distintos profesionales, ver lo que hacen, hacer preguntas e incluso acompañarlos para descubrir si realmente es algo que quieres seguir”.

Esa experiencia temprana transformó su vida.

“El programa YED cambió el rumbo de mi vida”, dijo Giron. “No estoy segura de que hubiera descubierto mi pasión por la enfermería sin él”.

Daniela Villegas conoce de primera mano ese impacto.

Villegas también ingresó al programa YED a los 16 años y, más de dos décadas después, continúa en Cedars-Sinai. Ahora, dirige el mismo programa que le abrió las puertas al inicio de su carrera.

Como gerente del programa NextGen Pathways, que incluye YED y otras iniciativas, Villegas trabaja de cerca con estudiantes mientras exploran carreras en el cuidado de la salud, desarrollan conexiones profesionales y encuentran mentores.

“El objetivo del programa YED es conectar con los estudiantes, exponerlos a carreras en salud y permitirles crear redes de apoyo y tener mentores en sus vidas”, dijo Villegas.

Desde su lanzamiento en 1993, más de 1,000 estudiantes han participado en el programa. Actualmente, más de 400 alumnos de YED trabajan en el Sistema de Salud Cedars-Sinai en áreas que incluyen enfermería, investigación y administración.

Villegas aseguró que la trayectoria de Giron representa exactamente la razón por la que Cedars-Sinai creó el programa.

“Ella es uno de los ejemplos perfectos de lo que queremos lograr con YED”, dijo Villegas. “Comenzó como una estudiante llena de sueños y ahora regresó al mismo centro médico donde todo empezó, esta vez como enfermera registrada”.

Inspirando a la Próxima Generación

Hoy, una nueva generación de estudiantes está recibiendo esa misma oportunidad para planear su futuro.

Miguel Santos, estudiante del último año de Fairfax High School, se mudó a Estados Unidos desde El Salvador cuando tenía 9 años. Hace dos años ingresó al programa YED y actualmente trabaja en el departamento de columna vertebral de Cedars-Sinai.

“Tuve la oportunidad de acompañar a enfermeros aquí en el departamento de Spine”, dijo Santos. “Entré con ellos a las habitaciones, conocí pacientes y vi el trabajo que hacían. Pensé: ‘Wow, esto es increíble. Yo podría hacer esto algún día’”.

Ese momento ayudó a Santos a visualizar su futuro.

“Después de graduarme de preparatoria, planeo convertirme en enfermero registrado”, dijo Santos. “Realmente quiero dedicarme a pediatría”.

Santos espera que algún día su historia complete el mismo círculo que la de Giron.

“Espero que cuando termine la universidad pueda regresar a Cedars-Sinai y trabajar aquí”, dijo Santos. “Ese sería mi sueño”.

Un Programa Con Propósito

Para Cedars-Sinai, programas como YED representan mucho más que exposición profesional: ayudan a construir una fuerza laboral que refleje a la comunidad de Los Ángeles mientras crean oportunidades para el éxito.

“Programas como YED son esenciales para el futuro de la enfermería”, dijo David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, vicepresidente sénior y director ejecutivo de enfermería de Cedars-Sinai. “Brindan a los estudiantes una introducción temprana a la profesión, fortalecen su confianza y crean caminos hacia carreras significativas”.

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La conferencia—Soccer Medicine Updates and New Innovations—se llevará a cabo el viernes 22 de mayo de 2026 en Dignity Health Sports Park. Será copatrocinada por el Departamento de Ortopedia de Cedars-Sinai y Select Medical, en alianza con Dignity Health. Entre los participantes adicionales se encuentran el seis veces campeón de la MLS, LA Galaxy, así como los socios de Centros Médicos de Excelencia de la FIFA: Duke University y Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

Cedars-Sinai, Duke University y HSS son los únicos tres Centros Médicos de Excelencia de la FIFA en Estados Unidos, y Cedars-Sinai cuenta con esta designación desde 2007.

“Con el regreso de la Copa Mundial a Estados Unidos, esta conferencia refleja nuestra responsabilidad de compartir las mejores prácticas que promuevan la seguridad y el rendimiento de los atletas a nivel global”, afirmó Bert Mandelbaum, MD, director médico del Centro Médico de Excelencia de la FIFA en Cedars-Sinai, director médico interino de U.S. Soccer y copresidente de la conferencia. “Al reunir a expertos líderes de distintas disciplinas, buscamos traducir la investigación y la innovación más recientes en atención práctica para atletas de todos los niveles”.

El programa incluirá la participación de futbolistas actuales y retirados, y está diseñado tanto para audiencias profesionales como para el público en general. La programación explorará enfoques basados en evidencia para la prevención de lesiones, la optimización del rendimiento y la atención de atletas desde jóvenes hasta adaptativos y de élite.

“Como el mayor proveedor de fisioterapia ambulatoria y medicina deportiva en Estados Unidos, nos enorgullece asociarnos con Cedars-Sinai para copatrocinar este importante evento que destaca las mejores prácticas en la prevención y recuperación de lesiones en atletas”, señaló Alan Evans, vicepresidente de programas clínicos y educación de la División de Rehabilitación Ambulatoria de Select Medical. “Cuando médicos, entrenadores atléticos y especialistas en rendimiento colaboran, elevamos el estándar de atención y ayudamos a los atletas a mantenerse saludables, competir al máximo nivel y regresar al juego de manera segura”.

“Nos honra ser parte de este esfuerzo colaborativo para impulsar la atención e innovación en atletas durante este emocionante momento para Los Ángeles”, dijo Julie Sprengel, presidenta de Dignity Health en California, organización miembro de CommonSpirit Health. “Esta conferencia educativa en el Dignity Health Sports Park refleja el compromiso compartido con la excelencia que Dignity Health tiene con Cedars-Sinai y Select Medical”.

Impulsando la innovación y la colaboración en la atención de atletas

La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 es uno de los eventos deportivos más grandes del mundo, con 48 equipos que competirán en Estados Unidos, Canadá y México. Preparar a los atletas para competir a esta escala requiere una atención coordinada y multidisciplinaria que abarque desde la preparación ante emergencias hasta el manejo de lesiones y la toma de decisiones para el regreso al juego.

La conferencia será presencial y contará con un formato dinámico con expertos reconocidos internacionalmente en todos los aspectos del fútbol. La programación incluirá sesiones interactivas, paneles de discusión y contenido educativo bajo demanda, con créditos de educación continua disponibles.

Las sesiones abordarán desafíos médicos y de rendimiento, entre ellos:

• Planificación de respuesta ante emergencias para paro cardíaco súbito y consideraciones cardíacas para el regreso al juego
• Avances en el manejo de conmociones cerebrales y regulaciones de seguridad en evolución
• Consideraciones de salud mental
• Evaluación y tratamiento de lesiones de rodilla, y guías basadas en evidencia para el regreso al juego
• Lesiones comunes de tejidos blandos y estrategias que integran rendimiento y prevención
• Innovaciones en la atención de atletas, incluidos biológicos, consideraciones para atletas jóvenes y prevención del agotamiento
• Enfoques interprofesionales y colaborativos en el cuidado de atletas

El Comité Científico de Planificación de la conferencia está copresidido por Mandelbaum y Josh Scott, MD, reconocido médico en medicina deportiva y director médico de sede para la Copa Mundial 2026 en Los Ángeles.

Para más información sobre la conferencia y registro, haga clic aquí.

La Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai está impulsando investigaciones innovadoras y formando a los futuros líderes en medicina, ciencias biomédicas y ciencias de la salud afines. Más información sobre la universidad.

For Ilse Giron, RN, that commitment is deeply personal.

“When you’re here, you really get to know someone and you get to know their story,” Giron said. “You get to help them—not just clinically, but emotionally—and be there for them.”

Today, as healthcare professionals mark National Nurses Week, Giron is a bedside nurse caring for patients on a medical-surgical unit. But her journey into nursing began years earlier, when she was a teenager growing up in East Hollywood, unsure of what opportunities might be within her reach.

“My parents were first-generation [immigrants],” Giron said. “I just never thought I would have this opportunity. There are so many fields you can go into.”

A First Step That Changed Her Life

Giron was just 16 when she joined Cedars-Sinai’s Youth Employment and Development (YED) program. The two-year program partners with Fairfax High School to give juniors and seniors hands-on exposure to healthcare careers through mentorship, job shadowing and real-world work experience.

“YED is an amazing program to just get a good feel of what the professional work life is,” Giron said. “You’re so young, and you’re able to work with multiple professionals, see what they do, ask questions—and even shadow them to figure out if that’s something you want to pursue.”

That early exposure proved transformative.

“YED changed the course of my life,” Giron said. “I’m not sure I would have found the passion I have for nursing without it.”

Daniela Villegas knows that impact firsthand.

Villegas also joined the YED program at 16 and, more than two decades later, is still at Cedars-Sinai. Only now, she is leading the very program that gave her a start.

As program manager for NextGen Pathways, which includes YED and several other programs, Villegas works closely with students as they explore healthcare careers,  connect with mentors and begin building their own professional networks.

“The goal of the YED program is to ensure that we are connecting with students, exposing them to health careers, and allowing them to network and have mentors in their lives,” Villegas said.

Since the program launched in 1993, more than 1,000 students have participated. Today, more than 400 YED alumni are employed across Cedars-Sinai Health System in roles ranging from nursing and research to administration.

Villegas said Giron’s journey is exactly why Cedars-Sinai established the program.

“She is one of the perfect examples of what we want to see with the YED program,” Villegas said. “She started as a student with dreams, and now she’s back at the medical center where it all began—as a registered nurse.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Today, a new generation of students is getting that same opportunity to plan for their future careers.

Miguel Santos, a Fairfax High senior, moved to the United States from El Salvador when he was 9 years old. He joined the YED program two years ago, working at Cedars-Sinai Spine.

“I got the chance to shadow nurses here in the Spine department,” Santos said. “I went into the rooms with them, met patients and saw the work they were doing—and I thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing. I could do this one day.’”

That moment helped Santos envision his future.

“After high school, I plan to become a registered nurse,” Santos said. “I really want to pursue pediatrics.”

Santos hopes that one day, his journey will come full circle—just like Giron’s.

“Hopefully, once I finish college, I can come back to Cedars-Sinai and work here,” Santos said. “That would be my dream.”

A Pipeline With Purpose

For Cedars-Sinai, programs like YED are about more than career exposure—they are about building a workforce that reflects the Los Angeles community while creating opportunities for success.

“Programs like YED are essential to the future of nursing,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai. “They give students early exposure to the profession, build confidence and create pathways into meaningful careers.”

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Behind the scenes, that preparation includes building a vast, coordinated medical system designed to support not only the elite athletes taking part in the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the coaches, staff, volunteers and spectators.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Casey Batten, MD, chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, to discuss what it takes to plan medical care at the scale of the Olympic and Paralympic Games—and what it means for athletes, fans and the Los Angeles community.

What is the role of the chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

Ultimately, the role of the chief medical officer is to oversee all of the medical infrastructure delivered to all stakeholders—including athletes, coaches, their entourages and spectators.

Medical care for the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place across multiple settings. One of the central hubs is the polyclinic in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, which primarily serves athletes and those living there, including coaches and support staff.

Beyond that, care extends to training locations and competition venues spread across the region, each requiring its own coordinated medical presence. Ensuring that all of these environments are properly staffed, connected and prepared is a key part of delivering care at this scale.

What types of injuries do you expect to be treating?

As with any major sporting event, we expect to see common overuse injuries, along with strains and sprains—especially as athletes ramp up training closer to the Games.

But one of the biggest concerns isn’t injury—it’s illness. When you think about it, most of these athletes have been training their entire lives for this moment. For many, this is their one shot at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Even something as simple as a common cold can completely derail years of preparation and impact performance on the world stage.

That’s why, from a medical planning perspective, so much focus is placed on preventing and managing illness. Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal bugs and other viruses are among the biggest risks during the LA28 Games.

What is the main challenge gearing up for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

The scale is unlike anything else.

When I first stepped into this role, one of the most eye-opening aspects was just how much detailed planning is required—and how many different teams and functional areas are involved in every decision. Delivering medical care at the LA28 Games isn’t about making decisions in isolation. Every choice requires coordination.

Even something that seems straightforward—like deciding where to place an X-ray machine—can impact multiple departments, from venue operations to logistics to athlete flow. Now multiply those types of decisions across roughly 50 venues, and it quickly becomes a massive, interconnected puzzle.

Having worked in sports medicine for two decades and having supported large-scale sporting events, I can say that nothing compares to the Games. A common comparison is that it’s like putting on seven Super Bowls a day for several weeks—and that really captures the magnitude of what we’re preparing for.

What are you most excited about?

It’s hard to overstate how special the LA28 Games will be.

For most athletes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the culmination of years, often decades, of training and sacrifice. Being able to witness that level of intensity, focus and emotion in person is incredibly powerful. There’s an energy at the Olympic and Paralympic Games that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it, it’s something you feel across every competition, every race and every moment.

I’d especially encourage people to watch the Paralympic Games—the level of competition, the determination and the passion are extraordinary.

Even if you’re not familiar with a particular sport, I think people will find themselves drawn in. Whether it’s Olympic or Paralympic competition, there’s something universally compelling about watching individuals push the limits of what’s possible. 

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“Significa absolutamente todo”, dijo King. “No hay nada mejor que volver a estar en la cancha con mis compañeras, especialmente frente a nuestra afición y la ciudad de Los Ángeles. No hay otra sensación igual”.

Un Equipo Médico Coordinado

Después de que King colapsó en la cancha el año pasado, el personal médico presente la estabilizó y la trasladó a Cedars-Sinai, donde fue diagnosticada con una afección cardíaca congénita previamente desconocida. A esto le siguieron meses de atención médica intensiva y rehabilitación.

King fue sometida a una cirugía para corregir una anomalía en una arteria coronaria y posteriormente siguió un programa de recuperación cuidadosamente supervisado que incluyó rehabilitación cardíaca y entrenamiento progresivo.

La Dra. Rachel Triche, cirujana ortopédica de Cedars-Sinai y directora médica de Angel City FC, se encontraba en la banda el día del incidente y ayudó a coordinar su atención.

“Estamos muy emocionados de ver a Savy regresar a la cancha”, dijo Triche. “Realizamos una planificación muy cuidadosa y desarrollamos un proceso riguroso de regreso a la actividad, donde todo fue monitoreado de cerca. Ha tenido un desempeño increíble y ha cumplido—e incluso superado—todo lo necesario para sentirnos seguros de su regreso al juego”.

Durante su recuperación, King también se sometió a un segundo procedimiento en Cedars-Sinai: una cirugía para reparar una lesión de muñeca de larga data que ya tenía previsto tratar antes de su paro cardíaco.

“Había necesitado la cirugía de muñeca durante mucho tiempo”, dijo King. “Tuve que esperar un par de meses hasta que los cirujanos se sintieran cómodos con que volviera a recibir anestesia, pero al final el tiempo funcionó perfectamente. Mis recuperaciones prácticamente coincidieron”.

Ahora, King puede enfocarse nuevamente en lo que más le apasiona: jugar fútbol.

“Estoy muy emocionada de volver a la cancha y jugar con mis compañeras”, afirmó.

El ‘Equipo Detrás del Equipo’

Cedars-Sinai es el socio oficial de salud de Angel City FC desde la temporada inaugural del equipo en 2022, brindando atención integral a las jugadoras dentro y fuera del campo.

Especialistas en medicina deportiva de Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics—clasificado entre los mejores programas ortopédicos del país—se desempeñan como médicos del equipo.

“Como proveedor médico oficial de Angel City FC, ayudamos a cuidar a las atletas de principio a fin”, explicó Triche. “Realizamos los exámenes físicos previos a la temporada, estamos en la banda durante los partidos y coordinamos la atención con especialistas cuando es necesario. Si se requiere cirugía, nuestro equipo ortopédico también puede brindarla”.

Cedars-Sinai y Angel City FC también colaboran en iniciativas comunitarias para mejorar la educación y el acceso a la salud para mujeres, familias y jóvenes atletas. Las jugadoras visitan el hospital para convivir con pacientes, y ambas organizaciones trabajan juntas para ofrecer experiencias en el campo y clínicas de fútbol juvenil en toda el área de Los Ángeles.

Para King, regresar a la cancha también significa reconectarse con su comunidad, gracias al apoyo de sus compañeras, su familia y los profesionales de la salud que guiaron su recuperación.

“Creo que cualquier profesional médico es increíble”, dijo King. “Son héroes y merecen mucho más reconocimiento del que reciben”.

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La cuarta cumbre anual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, organizada por Cedars-Sinai, ofreció a los estudiantes una experiencia práctica sobre carreras en medicina a través de demostraciones interactivas, mentoría y paneles de discusión.

“Tenemos estudiantes de toda el área metropolitana de Los Ángeles e incluso de lugares tan lejanos como Palm Springs”, dijo Nicole Mitchell, directora de diversidad, inclusión y bienestar de Cedars-Sinai.

A lo largo del día, los asistentes rotaron por distintas estaciones donde exploraron tecnologías y técnicas médicas utilizadas por profesionales de la salud. Los estudiantes practicaron suturas quirúrgicas, aprendieron sobre terapia respiratoria, examinaron imágenes médicas y extrajeron ADN de fresas. También participaron en paneles con líderes en medicina, academia y rendimiento deportivo, quienes compartieron sus trayectorias profesionales.

Para Marcell Jones, de 11 años y estudiante de Los Angeles Adventist Academy, la cumbre se ha convertido rápidamente en uno de sus eventos favoritos del año.

“Mi parte favorita de hoy fue lo del ADN de la fresa y la práctica de respiración”, dijo Jones, refiriéndose a actividades donde los estudiantes aprendieron a extraer ADN y a intubar un maniquí.

Jones asistió el año pasado y regresó este año con entusiasmo, no solo por las actividades, sino también por la oportunidad de reencontrarse con uno de los médicos que conoció anteriormente.

“Me tomé una foto con un doctor el año pasado y lo vi otra vez este año”, dijo. “Así que creo que lo veré otra vez el próximo año”.

La experiencia ya está influyendo en sus aspiraciones futuras.

“Cuando sea grande quiero ser cirujano”, dijo Jones. “Porque quiero salvar vidas”.

Mitchell señaló que el evento brinda a los estudiantes la oportunidad de explorar las múltiples posibilidades dentro del campo de la salud.

“Hasta que los jóvenes pueden verlo y experimentarlo, es difícil imaginarse en estos roles”, dijo Mitchell. “Eventos como este les permiten conocer cómo es realmente el mundo de la salud—desde médicos y enfermeros hasta investigadores y líderes—y esperamos que despierte una pasión que los lleve a seguir una carrera en este campo”.

El evento ha crecido significativamente desde la primera cumbre organizada por Cedars-Sinai, que contó con menos de 100 participantes. Este año, casi 2,000 personas se registraron.

“Programas como este son una parte importante de nuestra misión de servir a la comunidad”, dijo Peter L. Slavin, MD, presidente y director ejecutivo de Cedars-Sinai. “Al exponer a los jóvenes a carreras en el cuidado de la salud, podemos inspirar a la próxima generación de médicos, enfermeros y profesionales de la salud. Al mismo tiempo, invertir en los estudiantes de hoy ayuda a garantizar que contemos con una fuerza laboral capacitada y compasiva para atender a nuestras comunidades en el futuro”.

Para muchos participantes, el evento ofreció la oportunidad de verse reflejados en los profesionales de la salud que conocieron.

Kennady Ardines, estudiante de penúltimo año en Etiwanda High School en Rancho Cucamonga, dijo que la experiencia reforzó sus aspiraciones.

“Quiero ser enfermera de la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos—o tal vez obstetra”, dijo Ardines. “No muchas mujeres embarazadas tienen apoyo, especialmente las madres adolescentes. Siempre he querido ser esa persona para alguien”.

Ardines destacó que la representación es clave para imaginar su futuro.

“No es común ver a una doctora afroamericana”, dijo. “Yo busco médicos afroamericanos incluso cuando voy al doctor, porque sé que me entienden, porque son como yo”.

Mitchell agregó que la cumbre también brinda a los empleados de Cedars-Sinai la oportunidad de contribuir a un futuro más saludable para la comunidad del sur de California.

“Cedars-Sinai es uno de los mayores empleadores en Los Ángeles, y es importante estar presentes para nuestra comunidad”, dijo Mitchell. “Nuestros médicos, enfermeros y personal donan su tiempo para orientar a los estudiantes porque creemos en invertir en la próxima generación de profesionales de la salud”.

Para Jones, la experiencia ya lo está ayudando a imaginar su futuro.

“Siento que es importante venir aquí”, dijo, “para aprender todo lo necesario para tener éxito”.

La Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai está impulsando investigaciones innovadoras y formando a los futuros líderes en medicina, ciencias biomédicas y ciencias de la salud afines. Más información sobre la universidad.

“It means the absolute world,” King said. “There’s nothing better than being back out there on the field with my teammates—especially in front of our home fans and the city of L.A. There’s no other feeling like it.”

A Coordinated Medical Team

After King collapsed on the field last year, on-site medical professionals stabilized her and brought her to Cedars-Sinai, where she was diagnosed with a previously unknown congenital heart condition. Months of intensive medical care and rehabilitation followed.

King had surgery to repair a coronary artery anomaly, then worked through a carefully monitored recovery program that included cardiac rehabilitation and progressive training.

Rachel Triche, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai and chief medical officer for Angel City FC, was on the sidelines the day King collapsed, and helped coordinate her care.

“We are really excited to see Savy get back on the field,” Triche said. “We did a lot of careful planning and created a very rigorous return-to-activity process where everything was closely monitored. She’s done incredibly well and has hit—and exceeded—everything we need to see to feel confident about her returning to play.”

During her recovery, King also underwent a second procedure at Cedars-Sinai—surgery to repair a longstanding wrist injury she had planned to address before her cardiac arrest.

“I had been needing wrist surgery for a long time,” King said. “I had to wait a couple of months until the surgeons felt comfortable with me going under anesthesia again, but the timing ended up working out. My recoveries kind of lined up perfectly.”

Now King is free to focus on what she loves most—playing soccer.

“I’m just excited to be back out there and playing with my teammates again,” she said.

The ‘Team Behind the Team’

Cedars-Sinai has served as the official health partner for Angel City FC since the team’s inaugural season in 2022, providing comprehensive care for players on and off the field.

Sports medicine specialists from Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics—ranked among the nation’s top orthopedic programs—serve as team doctors.

“As the official medical provider for Angel City FC, we help take care of the athletes from beginning to end,” Triche said. “We administer the pre-participation physicals, we’re on the sidelines during games, and we coordinate care with specialists when needed. If surgery is required, our orthopedic team can provide that as well.”

Cedars-Sinai and Angel City FC also collaborate on community initiatives to improve health education and access for women, families and young athletes. Players make visits to the hospital to meet patients, and the organizations work together to provide on-field experiences for patients and youth soccer clinics across Los Angeles.

For King, returning to the field represents a return to her community, thanks to the support of her teammates, family members and the medical professionals who helped guide her recovery.

“I think any medical professional is just incredible,” King said. “They’re superheroes and deserve more recognition than they get.”

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The fourth annual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, hosted by Cedars-Sinai, gave students hands-on exposure to careers in medicine through interactive demonstrations, mentorship and panel discussions.

“We have students here from across the greater Los Angeles area and even as far away as Palm Springs,” said Nicole Mitchell, chief diversity, inclusion and wellbeing officer at Cedars-Sinai.

Throughout the day, attendees rotated through activity stations where they explored medical technologies and techniques used by healthcare professionals. Students practiced surgical suturing, learned about respiratory therapy, examined medical imaging and extracted DNA from strawberries. Students also participated in panel discussions featuring leaders in medicine, academia and sports performance, who shared insights about their journeys into the field.

For 11-year-old Marcell Jones, a student at Los Angeles Adventist Academy, the summit has quickly become a favorite annual event.

“My favorite part of today was the strawberry DNA and the breathing practice,” Jones said, referring to activities where students learned how to extract DNA and intubate a mannequin.  

Jones attended the summit last year and returned this year with excitement—not just for the activities, but for the opportunity to reconnect with one of the doctors he met previously.

“I took a picture with a doctor last year and I saw him again this year,” Jones said. “So I think I’ll see him again next year.”

The experience is already shaping his future ambitions.

“When I grow up I’d like to be a surgeon,” Jones said. “Because I want to save lives.”

Mitchell said the event gives students an opportunity to explore the many possibilities within healthcare.

“Until young people can actually see it and experience it, it’s hard to imagine yourself in these roles,” Mitchell said. “Events like this give students the opportunity to explore what healthcare really looks like—from physicians and nurses to researchers and leadership roles—and hopefully spark a passion that leads them toward a career in the field.”

The event has grown dramatically since Cedars-Sinai hosted its first summit, with fewer than 100 participants. This year, nearly 2,000 registered.

“Programs like this are an important part of our mission to serve the community,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, Cedars-Sinai’s president and CEO. “By exposing young people to careers in healthcare, we can help inspire the next generation of physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals. At the same time, investing in students today helps ensure we have the skilled and compassionate workforce needed to care for our communities in the future.”

For many participants, the event provided an opportunity to see themselves reflected in the healthcare professionals they met.

Kennady Ardines, a junior at Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, said the experience reinforced her ambitions.

“I want to be a pediatric ICU nurse—or maybe an obstetrician,” Ardines said. “Not a lot of pregnant women have support, especially young teen moms. I’ve always wanted to be that person for someone.”

Ardines said representation plays an important role in shaping how she envisions her future.

“It’s not a normal thing to see a Black female doctor,” she said. “I look for a Black doctor even when I go to the doctor, because I know they understand me, because they are me.”

Mitchell said the summit is also an opportunity for Cedars-Sinai employees to build a healthy future for the Southern California community.

“Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest employers in Los Angeles, and it’s important for us to show up for our community,” Mitchell said. “Our physicians, nurses and staff volunteer their time to mentor students because we believe in investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

For Jones, the experience already is helping him imagine his future.

“I feel like it’s important to come here,” he said, “to learn all the stuff to be successful.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

The conference—Soccer Medicine Updates and New Innovations—is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. It will be co-hosted by the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and Select Medical, in partnership with Dignity Health. Additional participants include the six-time MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy, along with fellow FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence partners Duke University and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). 

Cedars-Sinai, Duke University, and HSS represent the only three FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence in the United States, with Cedars-Sinai holding the designation since 2007.

“With the World Cup returning to the United States, this conference reflects our responsibility to share best practices that advance athlete safety and performance on a global stage,” said Bert Mandelbaum, MD, medical director of the Cedars-Sinai FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, interim chief medical officer of U.S. Soccer and co-chair of the conference. “By bringing together leading experts across disciplines, we aim to translate the latest research and innovation into real-world care for athletes at every level of the game.”

The program will include former and current soccer players and is designed for professional and lay audiences. Programming will explore evidence-based approaches to injury prevention, performance optimization and care for athletes of all levels from youth to adaptive and elite players.

“As the largest provider of outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine in the U.S., we are proud to partner with Cedars-Sinai to co-host this important event showcasing best practices in athlete injury prevention and recovery,” said Alan Evans, vice president of clinical programs and education, Outpatient Rehabilitation Division at Select Medical. “When clinicians, athletic trainers and performance specialists collaborate, we raise the standard of care and help athletes stay healthy, compete at their highest level and return to play safely. Together, we are advancing the future of sports medicine and strengthening the world’s athletic community.”

"We are honored to be part of this collaborative effort to advance athlete care and innovation during this exciting time for Los Angeles," said Julie Sprengel, California president of Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health. "This educational conference at the Dignity Health Sports Park embodies the shared commitment to excellence that Dignity Health has with Cedars-Sinai and Select Medical."

Advancing Innovation and Collaboration in Athlete Care

The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world, with 48 teams set to compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026. Preparing athletes for competition at this scale requires coordinated, multidisciplinary care that spans emergency preparedness, injury management and return-to-play decision-making.

The conference will be in person and feature a dynamic format with internationally recognized faculty who specialize in all aspects of soccer. Programming will include interactive sessions, panel discussions and on-demand educational content, with continuing education credits available.

Sessions will focus on medical and performance challenges, including:

• Emergency action planning for sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac considerations for return to play
• Advances in concussion management and evolving safety regulations
• Mental health considerations
• Knee injury evaluation, treatment and evidence-based return-to-play guidelines
• Common soft tissue injuries and strategies that bridge performance and injury prevention
• Innovations in athlete care, including biologics, youth athlete considerations and burnout prevention
• Team-based, interprofessional approaches to athlete care

The conference Scientific Planning Committee is co-chaired by Mandelbaum and Josh Scott, MD, a nationally recognized sports medicine physician and venue medical director for World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles.

For more information about the conference and to register, click here.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Las atletas femeninas tienen hasta ocho veces más probabilidades que los atletas masculinos de sufrir una rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior, lo que a menudo requiere cirugía y meses de recuperación.

Las lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior pueden ser devastadoras tanto física como emocionalmente para los atletas que desean seguir compitiendo. Sin embargo, con un entrenamiento adecuado, concienciación e intervención temprana, muchas de estas lesiones pueden prevenirse o tratarse para evitar consecuencias a largo plazo.

Para saber por qué las mujeres jóvenes son más vulnerables y cómo pueden reducir el riesgo, la redacción de Cedars-Sinai habló con Michael Banffy, doctor en medicina y jefe de Medicina Deportiva de Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics.

¿Qué es el LCA y qué función desempeña en la rodilla?

Banffy: El LCA, o ligamento cruzado anterior, es uno de los cuatro ligamentos principales de la rodilla. Cruza el interior de la articulación y ayuda a controlar tanto la rotación como el movimiento hacia delante de la tibia (hueso de la espinilla) con respecto al fémur (hueso del muslo). Ayuda a estabilizar la rodilla y protege estructuras como el menisco y el cartílago durante los movimientos de giro o corte.

¿Por qué las lesiones del LCA son más frecuentes en las atletas jóvenes?

Banffy: Hay múltiples factores. Anatómicamente, las mujeres tienden a tener una alineación más “arqueada” de las rodillas, llamada valgo, lo que puede ejercer más presión sobre el LCA al aterrizar o cambiar de dirección. También suelen tener menos masa muscular alrededor de la rodilla en comparación con los hombres, lo que limita el efecto protector de la musculatura circundante. Y creemos que las hormonas, como el estrógeno y la progesterona, afectan a la laxitud de los ligamentos y pueden influir, aunque todavía estamos investigando cómo exactamente. Las adolescentes son especialmente vulnerables, sobre todo durante la pubertad o después de ella, cuando los niveles hormonales comienzan a fluctuar de forma más significativa. Investigaciones recientes, incluidos estudios realizados en nuestra propia institución, sugieren que los niveles elevados de estrógeno durante determinadas fases del ciclo menstrual pueden aumentar el riesgo de lesiones del LCA.

¿Qué deportes conllevan el mayor riesgo?

Banffy: Los deportes que implican saltos, cambios bruscos de dirección y giros, como el fútbol, el baloncesto y el voleibol, suelen tener las tasas más altas de lesiones del LCA. Estos movimientos pueden ejercer una tensión repentina e intensa sobre el ligamento, especialmente si los deportistas no han desarrollado técnicas de aterrizaje adecuadas.

¿Cómo puede saber un deportista si se ha roto el ligamento cruzado anterior?

Banffy: A menudo, es evidente. Muchos deportistas dicen haber oído un “chasquido” y haber experimentado hinchazón o inestabilidad inmediatas. Pero no todas las roturas son dramáticas, algunas son más sutiles, especialmente en las lesiones sin contacto. Un síntoma común es la sensación de que la rodilla “se dobla”, incluso si no hay mucha hinchazón o hematomas.

¿Cómo se diagnostica y se trata una rotura del LCA?

Banffy: El diagnóstico comienza con un examen clínico y se confirma con pruebas de imagen, en particular una resonancia magnética. En el caso de personas jóvenes y activas, se recomienda encarecidamente la cirugía para reconstruir el ligamento roto, normalmente utilizando un injerto de tendón de la misma pierna. Aunque el paciente puede sentirse normal al cabo de unas semanas, la recuperación completa y el regreso al deporte suelen tardar entre nueve y doce meses, para que el injerto madure.

¿Se puede hacer algo para prevenir las lesiones del LCA en las atletas femeninas?

Banffy: Por supuesto. Los programas de prevención del LCA, que incluyen entrenamiento de fuerza, ejercicios de control neuromuscular e instrucción sobre técnicas de aterrizaje, son fundamentales. Estos programas suelen integrarse en los calentamientos del equipo y, si se realizan de forma constante, pueden reducir significativamente las tasas de lesiones. Por ejemplo, ejercicios sencillos con el peso corporal, como sentadillas y movimientos para fortalecer los isquiotibiales, ayudan a estabilizar la rodilla, mientras que el entrenamiento de saltos enseña a los atletas a aterrizar de forma segura y controlada.

¿Qué consejo le darías a las chicas que están ansiosas por volver al campo después de una operación?

Banffy: Que tengan paciencia. Es posible que el ligamento se sienta bien después de unos meses, pero la biología lleva tiempo. Esforzarse demasiado pronto puede suponer el riesgo de volver a lesionarse, lo cual es devastador para los deportistas. Utilizamos pruebas con plataformas de fuerza para medir el equilibrio y la fuerza entre las piernas; una vez que la pierna lesionada tiene al menos un 85 % de la fuerza de la pierna sana, podemos reintroducir gradualmente el entrenamiento específico para el deporte.

Si ya has tenido una lesión del LCA, el riesgo de lesionarte la rodilla contraria es cuatro veces mayor. Por eso es tan importante el entrenamiento preventivo, no solo antes de la lesión, sino especialmente después. Y aunque volver a lesionarse puede ser desalentador, no es el fin. Es posible realizar cirugías de revisión y muchos deportistas vuelven con éxito al deporte con el tratamiento y la rehabilitación adecuados.

Lea más en Historias y Perspectivas de Cedars-Sinai: Cómo Prevenir Lesiones Deportivas en Atletas Jóvenes

During the daylong event, students extracted DNA from strawberries, saw CPR demonstrations and ambulance simulations, and talked about science and medicine with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, professors and researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

“Early exposure to STEAM is critical, especially for students who may not always see themselves represented in science or healthcare careers,” said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai. “By partnering with the Rams and bringing Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University into this experience, we are helping students see that careers in medicine, research and innovation are exciting—and attainable.”

Participating students also explored behind-the-scenes areas of SoFi Stadium, connecting STEAM concepts to the innovation and engineering behind one of the world’s most advanced sports and entertainment venues.

“I liked that we actually got to try things ourselves,” said Elias Rivera, a fourth grader from Normont Elementary School in Harbor City who wants to one day become a doctor. “Math is my favorite subject, and my favorite part today was throwing the football into a small hole on the field.”

Through its involvement, Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University helped students see themselves reflected in the future of healthcare and science, reinforcing its commitment to education, research and advancing health equity.

“What’s powerful about a day like this is that students can see how many different career opportunities exist in healthcare,” said Michael Farkouh, MD, vice dean for Research and Clinical Trials at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. “You don’t have to leave Los Angeles to receive world-class training and education. Right here at Cedars-Sinai and our Health Sciences University, there are pathways in research, artificial intelligence, pharmacy technician, respiratory therapy and so much more.”

The Health Sciences University was established in 2024 to prepare generations of academic scientists, physician leaders and allied health professionals for futures in healthcare and biomedical science.

“Our goal is to spark a passion that goes beyond a job—and to show students they can build meaningful careers while staying rooted in their communities,” Farkouh said.

S.T.E.A.M. Field Day is part of a broader educational initiative to introduce Los Angeles youth to career pathways in sports, entertainment and healthcare. Cedars-Sinai helps shape the program’s educational content, spotlighting professionals whose work reflects each STEAM discipline, including:

• Science – Casey Batten, MD
  Co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, head team physician for the Los Angeles Rams and chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Batten represents how scientific research and evidence-based medicine support both elite athletes and everyday patients.
• Technology – Tiffani Bright, PhD
  An assistant professor of Computational Biomedicine and co-director of Cedars-Sinai’s Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education, Bright leads efforts to develop AI tools to improve clinical decision-making and advance health equity.
• Engineering – Hector Melara
  An engineer and architect at Cedars-Sinai, Melara helps design and build healthcare spaces that support patients, families and caregivers. His work blends engineering, technology and math to create safe, functional environments where care happens.
• Art – John Lange
  Curator of Cedars-Sinai’s art collection and manager of the Cedars-Sinai Arts Program, Lange leads initiatives that integrate art into healthcare settings to support healing and wellbeing.
• Math – Joycelyn Frederick, BSHCM, CPhT-Adv 
  Program director for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, Frederick prepares the next generation of pharmacy technicians for careers that rely on math, science and technology to ensure medication safety and accuracy for patients.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Durante esta jornada educativa, los estudiantes extrajeron ADN de fresas, presenciaron demostraciones de RCP y simulaciones de ambulancias, y conversaron sobre ciencia y medicina con médicos, farmacéuticos, enfermeros, profesores e investigadores de Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

“La exposición temprana a STEAM es fundamental, especialmente para estudiantes que no siempre se ven representados en las carreras científicas o de la salud”, afirmó Christina Harris, MD, vicepresidenta y directora de equidad en salud de Cedars-Sinai. “Al asociarnos con los Rams e integrar a la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai en esta experiencia, ayudamos a que los estudiantes vean que las carreras en medicina, investigación e innovación no solo son emocionantes, sino alcanzables”.

Los estudiantes participantes también recorrieron áreas del SoFi Stadium que normalmente no están abiertas al público, conectando los conceptos de STEAM con la innovación y la ingeniería detrás de uno de los recintos deportivos y de entretenimiento más avanzados del mundo.

“Me gustó que pudimos hacer las cosas nosotros mismos”, dijo Elías Rivera, un estudiante de cuarto grado de la Escuela Primaria Normont en Harbor City que sueña con ser médico algún día. “Mi materia favorita es matemáticas, y lo que más me gustó fue lanzar el balón de fútbol americano a un hoyo pequeño en el campo”.

A través de su participación, la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai ayudó a que los estudiantes se vieran reflejados en el futuro de la atención médica y la ciencia, reforzando su compromiso con la educación, la investigación y el avance de la equidad en salud.

“Lo poderoso de un día como este es que los estudiantes pueden ver cuántas oportunidades profesionales existen dentro del sector de la salud”, señaló Michael Farkouh, MD, vicedecano de Investigación y Ensayos Clínicos de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai. “No es necesario salir de Los Ángeles para recibir una educación y formación de clase mundial. Aquí mismo, en Cedars-Sinai y en nuestra Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud, existen trayectorias en investigación, inteligencia artificial, técnico en farmacia, terapia respiratoria y mucho más”.

La Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud fue establecida en 2024 para preparar a futuras generaciones de científicos académicos, líderes médicos y profesionales de la salud aliada para el futuro de la atención médica y la ciencia biomédica.

“Nuestro objetivo es despertar una pasión que vaya más allá de un empleo y mostrarles a los estudiantes que pueden construir carreras significativas sin alejarse de sus comunidades”, agregó Farkouh.

El Día S.T.E.A.M. forma parte de una iniciativa educativa más amplia para presentar a los jóvenes de Los Ángeles distintas trayectorias profesionales en los ámbitos del deporte, el entretenimiento y la atención médica. Cedars-Sinai contribuye al desarrollo del contenido educativo del programa, destacando a profesionales cuyo trabajo representa cada disciplina de STEAM, entre ellos:

• Ciencia – Casey Batten, MD
  Codirector de Ortopedia No Operativa y Medicina Deportiva en Cedars-Sinai, médico principal del equipo de Los Angeles Rams y director médico de los Juegos Olímpicos y Paralímpicos LA28. Batten ejemplifica cómo la investigación científica y la medicina basada en evidencia apoyan tanto a atletas de alto rendimiento como a pacientes cotidianos.
• Tecnología – Tiffani Bright, PhD
  Profesora asistente de Biomedicina Computacional y codirectora del Centro de Investigación y Educación en Inteligencia Artificial de Cedars-Sinai. Bright lidera esfuerzos para desarrollar herramientas de IA que mejoren la toma de decisiones clínicas y promuevan la equidad en salud.
• Ingeniería – Hector Melara
  Ingeniero y arquitecto en Cedars-Sinai, Melara ayuda a diseñar y construir espacios de atención médica que apoyan a pacientes, familias y cuidadores. Su trabajo integra ingeniería, tecnología y matemáticas para crear entornos seguros y funcionales donde se brinda atención.
• Arte – John Lange
  Curador de la colección de arte de Cedars-Sinai y gerente del Programa de Artes de Cedars-Sinai. Lange lidera iniciativas que integran el arte en los entornos de atención médica para apoyar la sanación y el bienestar.
• Matemáticas – Joycelyn Frederick, BSHCM, CPhT-Adv
  Directora del Programa de Técnico en Farmacia de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai. Frederick prepara a la próxima generación de técnicos en farmacia para carreras que dependen de las matemáticas, la ciencia y la tecnología para garantizar la seguridad y precisión de los medicamentos para los pacientes.

La Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Cedars-Sinai impulsa investigaciones innovadoras y forma a los futuros líderes en medicina, ciencias biomédicas y ciencias de la salud aliada. Conozca más sobre la universidad.

Continuing a beloved Cedars-Sinai tradition, Santa—a close friend of David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, Cedars-Sinai’s senior vice president and chief nursing executive—made bedside visits, accompanied by nurses and other health professionals. With Santa dressed in his signature red velvet suit, complete with a snowy beard and a pair of shiny new black boots adorned with jingling bells, his arrival was heralded before he even entered the room, drawing smiles from patients, families and staff alike.

“This visit is something I look forward to every year,” Marshall said. “I even found Santa a new pair of boots for the occasion, because the smallest details can spark the biggest smiles. It’s a reminder that compassion and connection are just as important as the care we provide—especially during the holidays—and it’s worth every jingle.”

In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, parents received keepsake ornaments imprinted with their baby’s footprints, a meaningful memento of their child’s first holiday season. Families in Guerin Children’s and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit were treated to gingerbread house-making kits, diaper-changing mats and cuddly stuffed animals donated by the Owie BowWowie and Friends Foundation, bringing a sense of holiday magic to the day.

For many families, the visit offered reassurance and joy—small but powerful reminders that they are supported not only medically, but emotionally, throughout their hospital journey.

“Our family hasn’t been able to join us yet, since they are traveling from China, so this visit meant a lot to us,” said Yan Wang, father of Wayne Wang, born four days ago. “Being able to take Wayne’s first photo with Santa and celebrate together as a new family made this moment feel even more special.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Caring for Newborns—Tips for Parents

Female athletes are up to eight times more likely than male athletes to experience an ACL tear, which often requires surgery and months of recovery.  

ACL injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating for athletes eager to stay competitive. But with proper training, awareness and early intervention, many of these injuries can be prevented or treated to avoid long-term consequences.

To learn why young women are more vulnerable and how they can reduce their risk, the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Michael Banffy, MD, chief of Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics.

What is the ACL and what role does it play in the knee?

Banffy: The ACL—or anterior cruciate ligament—is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It crosses over inside the joint and helps control both the rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) relative to the femur (thighbone). It helps stabilize the knee and protects structures like the meniscus and cartilage during pivoting or cutting movements.

Why are ACL injuries more common in young female athletes?

Banffy: It’s multifactorial. Anatomically, females tend to have a more “knock-kneed” alignment—called valgus—which can put more stress on the ACL when landing or changing direction. They also typically have less muscle mass around the knee compared with males, which limits the protective effect of the surrounding musculature. And we believe hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, affect ligament laxity and may play a role, though we’re still learning exactly how.

Adolescent females are particularly vulnerable, especially during or after puberty when hormone levels begin to fluctuate more significantly. Recent research—including studies from our own institution—suggests that high levels of estrogen during certain phases of the menstrual cycle may increase ACL injury risk.

Which sports carry the highest risk?

Banffy: Sports that involve jumping, cutting and pivoting—like soccer, basketball and volleyball—tend to have the highest rates of ACL injuries. These movements can put sudden, intense strain on the ligament, especially if athletes haven’t developed proper landing techniques.

How can an athlete tell if they’ve torn their ACL?

Banffy: Often, it’s obvious. Many athletes report hearing a “pop” and experience immediate swelling or instability. But not every tear is dramatic—some are more subtle, especially in non-contact injuries. A common symptom is a feeling of the knee “giving way,” even if there isn’t much swelling or bruising.

How is an ACL tear diagnosed and treated?

Banffy: Diagnosis starts with a clinical exam and is confirmed with imaging, particularly an MRI. For young, active individuals, surgery is strongly recommended to reconstruct the torn ligament—typically using a tendon graft from the same leg. While the patient may feel normal after a few weeks, full recovery and return to sport often takes nine to 12 months to allow the graft to mature.

Can anything be done to prevent ACL injuries in female athletes?

Banffy: Absolutely. ACL prevention programs—which include strength training, neuromuscular control drills and landing technique instruction—are critical. These programs are often built into team warmups and can significantly reduce injury rates when done consistently. For example, simple bodyweight exercises like squats and hamstring-strengthening movements help stabilize the knee, while jump training teaches athletes how to land safely and with control.

What advice do you have for girls eager to return to the field after surgery?

Banffy: Be patient. The ligament may feel fine after a few months, but the biology takes time. Pushing too soon can risk reinjury, which is heartbreaking for athletes. We use force plate testing to measure balance and strength between legs—once the injured leg is at least 85% as strong as the uninjured one, we can gradually reintroduce sport-specific training.

If you’ve already had one ACL injury, your risk of injuring the opposite knee is four times higher. That’s why prevention training is so important—not just before injury, but especially afterward. And while reinjury can be discouraging, it's not the end. Revision surgeries are possible, and many athletes successfully return to sport with the right treatment and rehab.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Beach Volleyball Players and Safety

That’s where Cedars-Sinai’s community health workers (CHWs) step in.  

“Our team meets patients where they are—literally and figuratively—and helps them navigate care as whole people, not just patients,” said Katie Hren, LCSW, MPH, director of the Community Connect Program at Cedars-Sinai. “Many of the patients we work with need more than medicine. They also may need assistance finding safe housing, accessing healthy food, arranging transportation to appointments or applying for benefits that support their daily lives.”

According to the National Association of Community Health Workers, interventions led by a community health specialist have been shown to reduce emergency department visits by up to 38% and hospitalizations by 30%—underscoring their positive impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Hren to learn how CHWs support patients beyond the hospital and why their role is becoming more essential than ever.

What is a community health worker?

A community health worker is a frontline public health professional who helps patients navigate healthcare and community resources. They often come from the same neighborhoods they serve, giving them insight into the cultural, social and practical challenges patients face.

Unlike most hospital professionals, CHWs continue working with patients after discharge. They connect patients to services such as meal delivery, transportation or caregivers, and follow up to ensure referrals and treatment plans are completed.

Who benefits most from CHWs?

CHWs focus on patients at higher risk of falling through the cracks. That might include someone discharged without stable housing, an older adult who no longer drives, or a family juggling chronic illness, child care and work while also needing access to food or benefits. These are patients who need more than clinical care, and CHWs help them connect to the right resources.

How do CHWs differ from other providers?

CHWs complement the work of nurses, social workers and case managers. While those providers focus on medical care, psychosocial support or discharge planning, CHWs specialize in navigating social barriers—such as housing, food and transportation—that affect health outcomes.

What does a typical day look like?

No two days are the same for a community health worker. They might start by rounding with clinical teams, meeting patients at the bedside before discharge, or following up by phone to make sure resources are in place.

Much of their work happens in the community—meeting patients at home, attending appointments with them or even sitting together in a coffee shop to complete applications for public benefits. CHWs also collaborate with external partners, such as Healthcare in Action, which provides street medicine to people experiencing homelessness. They may refer patients to these programs while continuing to help with longer-term needs like housing or benefits.

How do patients connect with CHWs?

At Cedars-Sinai, patients are referred by their care team—usually a physician, nurse or social worker. The community health specialist then proactively reaches out to build trust and begin support.

What results have you seen?

Cedars-Sinai’s program has shown measurable results. Patients who work with CHWs are more likely to attend follow-up and primary care visits, less likely to use the emergency department unnecessarily, and they report higher satisfaction with their overall care.

Providers also benefit, noting that CHWs allow them to focus on more complex medical issues. Patients frequently share that they feel less alone and more confident navigating the healthcare system thanks to the support and education CHWs provide.

To expand this impact, Cedars-Sinai launched CS Community Resource, an online portal that connects patients and community members with free or low-cost health and social service programs.

What does the future look like for CHWs?

The role of CHWs is more essential than ever. I see their integration into healthcare continuing to expand, not just at Cedars-Sinai but across the country. As healthcare shifts toward whole-person care, CHWs bring skills and connections that can’t be replicated by other providers.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Inspiring Community Health By Meeting Patients’ Needs

Desde vacunas como la DTaP y la MMR hasta exámenes físicos completos, COACH for Kids lleva la atención médica de Cedars-Sinai a las escuelas y centros comunitarios locales.

«Estas vacunas protegen contra enfermedades infantiles prevenibles, como el sarampión, varicela, neumonía y meningitis», afirma el Dr. Arthur Cho, director médico de COACH for Kids. «En el pasado, veíamos altas tasas de estas infecciones. Hoy en día, gracias a las vacunas, rara vez las vemos. Cuando los niños no están vacunados, corren un mayor riesgo de enfermarse, terminar en el hospital o incluso algo peor».

La sala de prensa de Cedars-Sinai habló con Cho y una enfermera de COACH for Kids, Anne Traynor, RN, sobre por qué las vacunas son fundamentales, cómo la unidad móvil está mejorando la salud de las familias y el acceso a la atención médica, y qué deben llevar las familias a la clínica para vacunar a sus hijos.

¿Qué vacunas se requieren para ingresar a la escuela?

Traynor: Los niños que ingresan al jardín de infancia de transición necesitan refuerzos para el sarampión, las paperas, la rubéola, la varicela, la difteria, el tétanos, la tos ferina y la poliomielitis. Esto incluye la vacuna DTaP, que se administra a los niños más pequeños y protege contra la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina. Los niños mayores, especialmente los de 11 años y los adolescentes, reciben la vacuna de refuerzo Tdap, que ofrece protección continua contra las mismas tres enfermedades, pero en una dosis más pequeña adecuada para adolescentes y adultos. No se trata de un solo grupo de edad; vacunamos a niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 18 años.

¿Cuál es su mensaje para los padres que dudan sobre las vacunas?

Cho: Entiendo sus preocupaciones. Pero hemos estudiado estas vacunas durante décadas. Los efectos secundarios suelen ser leves (fiebre o algo de hinchazón), pero la alternativa es mucho peor. Estas enfermedades siguen existiendo y pueden ser mortales. Vacunarse protege a su hijo y a otras personas de la comunidad. Las consecuencias pueden ser graves. Tomemos como ejemplo el sarampión. Antes de la vacuna, solíamos tener 500 000 casos y cientos de muertes al año en Estados Unidos. Aunque el sarampión fue declarado erradicado aquí en 2000, la reciente reticencia a la vacuna ha provocado nuevos brotes. El sarampión puede causar complicaciones graves como meningitis, encefalitis e incluso la muerte.

¿A qué retos se enfrentan las familias cuando sus hijos necesitan vacunarse?

Traynor: El acceso es el mayor problema. Incluso con Medi-Cal, los padres pueden tener dificultades para conseguir una cita, carecer de transporte o no poder ausentarse del trabajo. Ahí es donde entra en juego COACH: nos reunimos con ellos donde se encuentren. Acudimos a su domicilio, a las escuelas y a los centros WIC. (Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) es un programa especial de nutrición complementaria).

Cho: Prestamos servicio a docenas de escuelas y centros comunitarios, especialmente en el sur de Los Ángeles, llevando la atención primaria y las vacunas a los barrios. Nuestra misión es hacer que la atención médica sea accesible. Muchas familias trabajan duro y no pueden acudir a una clínica tradicional, por lo que nosotros llevamos la clínica a ellas.

Estamos aquí para servir, sin juzgar. Queremos asegurarnos de que los niños estén lo suficientemente seguros y sanos como para volver a la escuela.

¿Durante cuánto tiempo ofrecerá COACH vacunas para el regreso a clases?

Traynor: Estaremos en la comunidad durante todo el mes de agosto y más allá. Ofrecemos todo lo que ofrece una clínica habitual, pero estamos en su vecindario. No hay copago y ayudamos a las familias a ponerse en contacto con una clínica habitual para recibir atención a largo plazo.

Pedimos a los padres que traigan el registro de vacunación de sus hijos, si lo tienen. Si no lo tienen, a menudo se puede encontrar en el Registro de Vacunación de California o acceder a él a través de su escuela o clínica anterior.

Clínica médica móvil COACH for Kids: calendario de agosto de 2025

Todas las clínicas abren de 9:00am a 3:00pm, salvo que se indique lo contrario. Cerrado todos los días de 12:00am a 1:00pm.

• Jueves, Aug. 14—Audubon Middle School, 4120 11th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
• Lunes, Aug. 18—Alliance Virgil Roberts Leadership Academy & Luskin Academy HS, 2941 W. 70th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043
• Martes, Aug. 19—Normandie Avenue Elementary School, 4505 S. Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037
• Miércoles, Aug. 20—6th Avenue Elementary School, 3109 6th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90018
• Jueves, Aug. 21 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)—Northgate Gonzalez Market, 944 E. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011
• Lunes, Aug. 25—WIC Manchester, 250 E. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Martes, Aug. 26—WIC Florence, 501 E. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Miércoles, Aug. 27—Raymond Avenue Elementary, 7511 Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
• Jueves, Aug. 28—Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001

Para obtener más información sobre COACH for Kids o para encontrar la clínica más cercana, visite Cedars-Sinai.org o llame a la línea directa de COACH for Kids al 888-926-2249.

Lea más en la Revista Cedars-Sinai: Las Comunidades Desatendidas Tienen un COACH en su Esquina

Ahora, con 18 años, Erick ha desafiado las probabilidades. Recientemente ha sido sometido a varias operaciones de columna que le han cambiado la vida en Cedars-Sinai, el único hospital que, en palabras de la familia Rivera, les ha dado esperanzas después de casi dos décadas.

Erick nació con el síndrome de Escobar, también llamado síndrome de pterigión múltiple, un grupo de trastornos genéticos raros que pueden provocar graves deformidades esqueléticas e incluso la muerte. Esta enfermedad provoca la contracción y rigidez de las articulaciones, limitando el movimiento normal. Los pacientes suelen desarrollar también una grave curvatura de la columna vertebral.

El diagnóstico vino acompañado de un futuro incierto, y los médicos de su país ofrecían poco tratamiento, esperanza u orientación, pero Ramón y su esposa, Viena, buscaron incansablemente respuestas. Se aferraron a la fe incluso cuando un médico les dijo que Erick era una causa perdida.

«Nunca olvidaré lo que dijo aquel médico», recuerda Ramón. "Nos dijo que estábamos perdiendo el tiempo y que debíamos empezar a ahorrar dinero para el funeral de Erick. Pero como padres, no podemos aceptar un “no” cuando se trata de la vida de nuestro hijo."

Columna vertebral desviada, opciones arriesgadas

Con el tiempo, la enfermedad de Erick había avanzado tanto que tenía la barbilla pegada al pecho y la parte posterior de la cabeza apoyada en la columna vertebral. Su escoliosis y cifosis -curvaturas de la columna en varias direcciones- le impedían sentarse derecho o respirar cómodamente.

El viaje de la familia les llevó miles de kilómetros desde Honduras hasta Los Ángeles y al cuidado del cirujano pediátrico de columna Dr. Kenneth Illingworth, director de Traumatología Ortopédica Pediátrica del Hospital Infantil Cedars-Sinai Guerin.

«Su columna parecía un acordeón», dijo Illingworth. "Tenía la oreja apoyada en el hombro, lo que le provocaba una ruptura de la piel y un dolor intenso con sólo sentarse en su silla de ruedas. Era una de las deformidades de columna más complejas y extremas que había visto".

A pesar de los riesgos asociados a una operación tan compleja, entre ellos la parálisis y la muerte, la familia decidió seguir adelante.

«No habíamos recorrido todo este camino para rendirnos», dijo Ramón. "El doctor Illingworth nos dijo: “Podemos no hacer nada o hacer algo”. Y él creía que se podía hacer algo".

Un acto de fe

Erick modificó su vida y pasó más de tres meses en Cedars-Sinai mientras se sometía a una serie de tres intervenciones quirúrgicas para corregir de forma lenta y segura su deformidad vertebral.

En primer lugar, Illingworth y su equipo colocaron un dispositivo de tracción de halo alrededor de la cabeza de Erick para estirar y alinear suavemente la columna vertebral durante varias semanas. A continuación se realizó una intervención para liberar las fusiones vertebrales congénitas que contribuían a la curvatura. Por último, Erick se sometió a una compleja fusión espinal de cuello a pelvis que cambió la trayectoria de su vida.

Meliza Perales, enfermera diplomada y asesora de Erick durante toda su estancia en Cedars-Sinai, asegura que nunca olvidará la capacidad de recuperación del joven.

«Le llamábamos el “chico de los pulgares arriba”», dijo Perales. "Incluso después de la operación, cuando tenía dolor o estaba cansado, siempre tenía una sonrisa y un pulgar hacia arriba para nosotros. Aportaba alegría a nuestra unidad, y estaba claro que luchaba cada día, no sólo por sí mismo, sino también por sus padres".

Mientras Viena permanecía junto a la cama de Erick y Ramón seguía trabajando para mantener a la familia, ambos padres sacaban fuerzas del espíritu inquebrantable de su hijo.

"Nunca perdió la esperanza. Y nunca dejó de sonreír", dijo Ramón. «Eso nos dio fuerzas para seguir adelante».

Una vida totalmente nueva

Los resultados de la cirugía y el tratamiento han sido transformadores.

Erick ha ganado varios centímetros de estatura. Puede respirar con más facilidad, sentarse erguido y pasar el día sin dolor. Ha empezado a aprender inglés y está ansioso por alcanzar nuevas metas académicas y personales.

«Me siento mucho mejor, mucho mejor física y mentalmente», dice Erick. «Mi salud ha mejorado, mi autoestima ha mejorado... todo ha mejorado».

Para Illingworth, el caso de Erick es un poderoso recordatorio de lo que es posible cuando las familias y los equipos médicos trabajan juntos con valor y confianza.

«Ramón y Viena nunca dejaron de abogar por su hijo», dijo Illingworth. "Y Erick nunca se rindió. Esa combinación -además de un equipo dispuesto a aceptar casos difíciles- marcó la diferencia."

Ahora que se acerca el Día del Padre, Ramón dice que este año no necesita regalos. Ya tiene todo lo que podría desear.

«Como padre, lo único que quieres es que tu hijo tenga una oportunidad», dice Ramón. «Fuimos bendecidos con esa oportunidad, y nunca olvidaremos a todos los que nos ayudaron a llegar hasta aquí».

Más información en el blog de Cedars-Sinai: Buscando una segunda opinión para una condición de la columna vertebral

Now 18, Erick has defied the odds. He recently underwent several life-changing spinal surgeries at Cedars-Sinai—the only hospital the Rivera family says gave them hope after nearly two decades.

Erick was born with Escobar syndrome, also called multiple pterygium syndrome, a group of rare genetic disorders that can lead to severe skeletal deformities and even death. The condition causes joints to contract and stiffen, limiting normal movement. Patients often also develop a severe spinal curvature.

The diagnosis came with an uncertain future, and physicians back in their home country offered little treatment, hope or guidance. Ramon and his wife, Viena, relentlessly searched for answers. They held onto faith even as one doctor told them Erick was a lost cause.

“I’ll never forget what that doctor said,” Ramon recalled. “He told us we were wasting our time and should start saving money for Erick’s funeral. But as parents, we can’t just accept a ‘no’ when it comes to our child’s life.”

Twisted Spine, Risky Options

Over time, Erick’s condition had progressed so dramatically that his chin was fused to his chest, and the back of his head rested on his spine. His scoliosis and kyphosis—curvatures of the spine in multiple directions—left him unable to sit up straight or breathe comfortably.

The family’s journey brought them thousands of miles from Honduras to Los Angeles and to the care of pediatric spine surgeon Kenneth Illingworth, MD, director of Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

“His spine looked like an accordion,” Illingworth said. “His ear was resting on his shoulder, causing skin breakdown and severe pain just sitting in his wheelchair. It was one of the most complex and extreme spinal deformities I’ve ever seen.”

Despite the risks associated with such a complex surgery, including paralysis and death, the family decided to move forward.

“We hadn’t come this far to give up,” Ramon said. “Dr. Illingworth told us, ‘We can either do nothing or do something.’ And he believed something could be done.”

Leaps of Faith

Erick uprooted his life and spent more than three months at Cedars-Sinai while undergoing a series of three surgeries to slowly and safely correct his spinal deformity.

First, Illingworth and his team placed a halo traction device around Erick’s head to gently stretch and align the spine over several weeks. Then came a procedure to release the congenital spinal fusions contributing to the curvature. Finally, Erick underwent a complex neck-to-pelvis spinal fusion that changed the trajectory of his life.

Erick’s nurse navigator throughout his care at Cedars-Sinai, Meliza Perales, RN, said she’ll never forget the young man’s resilience.

“We called him the ‘thumbs-up kid,’” Perales said. “Even after surgery, when he was in pain or tired, he always had a smile and a thumbs-up for us. He brought joy to our unit, and it was clear he was fighting every day—not just for himself, but for his parents, too.”

While Viena stayed by Erick’s bedside and Ramon continued working to support the family, both parents drew strength from their son’s unshakable spirit.

“He never lost hope. And he never stopped smiling,” Ramon said. “That gave us the strength to keep going.”

Whole New Life

The surgery and treatment results have been transformative.

Erick has gained several inches in height. He can breathe more easily, sit upright, and go about his day without pain. He has started learning English and is eager to pursue new academic and personal goals.

“I feel so much better—infinitely better, physically and mentally,” Erick said. “My health improved, my self-esteem improved—everything improved.”

For Illingworth, Erick’s case is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when families and medical teams work together with courage and trust.

“Ramon and Viena never stopped advocating for their son,” Illingworth said. “And Erick never gave up. That combination—plus a team willing to take on tough cases—made all the difference.”

With Father’s Day approaching, Ramon says he doesn’t need any gifts this year. He already has everything he could ever want.

“As a father, all you want is for your child to have a chance,” Ramon said. “We were blessed with that chance—and we’ll never forget everyone who helped us get here.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Seeking a Second Opinion for a Spine Condition

Eso es porque el ritmo y las instrucciones se dan en realidad virtual. 

Los bailarines participan en un focus group organizado por investigadores de Cedars-Sinai que están poniendo en marcha Movement Over Virtual Reality (MoVR), un programa de actividad física cuyo objetivo es ayudar a los latinos a reducir su riesgo de obesidad y diabetes Tipo 2 mediante ejercicios de RV inspirados en bailes latinos. 

“Consideramos que esta comunidad se está quedando al margen de esta increíble tecnología que puede ser divertida y atractiva”, señaló la doctora Yelba Castellón-López, investigadora científica del Laboratorio Castellón-López del Centro de Investigación de Cáncer para la Equidad en Salud de Cedars-Sinaí e investigadora principal del estudio. “Nuestro objetivo es llevarlo a la comunidad”. 

MoVR se basa en el éxito probado del Programa de Prevención de la Diabetes de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, una intervención de un año en el estilo de vida que recomienda 150 minutos de actividad física moderada cada semana. 

Pero para muchos latinos, el ejercicio regular en el gimnasio o al aire libre no siempre es una opción. 

“Algunos participantes han comentado que trabajan todo el día, llegan tarde a casa y no se sienten seguros caminando por los parques de su comunidad”, explica Castellón-López. “Ven en este programa una forma de superar esa barrera: hacer ejercicio de una forma totalmente inmersiva, pero en la seguridad de su propia casa”. 

Hasta ahora, mas de 100 angelinos han participado en los focus groups de MoVR, que se realizan tanto en inglés como en español y se dividen por edades. Los participantes, de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 70 años, llevan auriculares de realidad virtual y siguen enérgicas rutinas de baile ambientadas en vibrantes entornos virtuales, sin necesidad de desplazarse ni ser miembro de un gimnasio. 

“Me gusta mucho”, dice Julia Hernández. “Quizá mis hijos también quieran probar. Si me ven haciendo ejercicio, puede que digan: 'Ay, mamá, yo quiero hacer eso'. Creo que podría ser bueno para toda mi familia”. 

Otra participante, Evelyn Pacas, dijo que la experiencia iba más allá de los beneficios físicos. 

“Además de hacer ejercicio y sudar, me reí mucho, y la risa te levanta el ánimo”, dijo. “sólo 10 minutos, pero imagínate lo bien que me sentiría haciendo esto con más frecuencia en casa”. 

Después de que Castellón-López y su equipo revisen los resultados de los focus groups, tienen previsto iniciar un nuevo estudio en el que los participantes recibirían sus propios lentes de RV para hacer ejercicio en sus propias casas. 

“El objetivo no es sustituir el paseo al aire libre”, afirma Castellón-López. “Es ofrecer una herramienta adicional -algo culturalmente relevante, seguro y motivador- para ayudar a la gente a llevar una vida más sana”. 

Lea Mas en el Blog de Cedars-Sinai: Una Dosis Diaria de Ejercicio a Medida que Envejece 

Momentum Spine, a graduate of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program, is an AI, mobile spine-imaging and monitoring platform. The platform personalizes the monitoring of spinal deformities while reducing the lifelong consequences of repeated radiation exposure.

“This technology is a true game changer, allowing many of our patients outside Southern California to receive radiation-free scoliosis assessments without the need for travel,” said David Skaggs, MD, co-director of Cedars-Sinai Spine, executive vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and director of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's. “Scoliosis can progress rapidly in growing children; this tool allows us to monitor changes closely and intervene early when needed.”

The pilot program, launched at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, centers on Momentum Spine’s AI-driven, 3D-scanning technology, which enables radiation-free scoliosis assessments and digital models of the patient’s spine.

Parents can utilize the Momentum Spine application on their mobile phones to record a 45-second video of their child standing still while the parent walks around their child. This video is then automatically converted into a 3D model and analyzed by AI to determine the Cobb angle—a measurement used by healthcare providers—to determine the degree of spinal curvature in conditions like scoliosis. Both the 3D model and the analysis results are shared with the care team through a secure web portal. 

Patients also get electronic sensors that are fitted into the custom-fitted back braces. Through the advanced sensor technology and AI-driven, 3D analytics, clinicians can optimize treatment strategies while providing personalized feedback to patients and their families.

Traditionally, physicians rely on in-person visits, X-rays and self-reported brace compliance to treat scoliosis patients.

"Momentum Spine empowers parents to partner with their child’s doctor by providing real-time tracking of brace wear and scoliosis progression,” said Elaine Butterworth, RN, pediatric nurse navigator and the director of Patient Experience and Education for the Pediatric Spine Program. “By increasing compliance and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, this technology enhances both patient care and peace of mind for families."

Patients also benefit from reduced travel—especially for those in rural areas. The app also enables closer monitoring and earlier intervention when necessary.

“Cedars-Sinai is the first health system to integrate Momentum Spine with both 3D scanning and brace sensors into its pediatric clinics,” said Philippe Miller, CEO of Momentum Health. “This collaboration is a significant step forward in spinal health, as we share the same goal—to ensure every child receives the best possible scoliosis care.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Seeking a Second Opinion for a Spine Condition

Through a series of innovative programs, Cedars-Sinai’s initiative—nicknamed NextGen—inspires, educates, and empowers students, creating a pipeline for a more inclusive healthcare workforce.

“NextGen Pathways is a pipeline program that creates opportunities at many different entry points,” said Nicole Mitchell, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Cedars-Sinai. “It's thinking about how we take these young people and get them exposed to careers in healthcare and really plant the seed.”

The program’s holistic approach addresses multifaceted needs and barriers, ensuring students are supported financially and academically as well as through community involvement and mentorship. The programs are designed to help students thrive and navigate various career opportunities within healthcare.

Some of these students are the first generation in their families to be born in the U.S. or to be headed to college, Mitchell said. “And figuring out how to get into college or just knowing what to do next can be overwhelming.”

NextGen is made up of five core programs: Youth Employment and Development (YED), Educational Mentorship for Empowering Resilient Growth and Excellence in Healthcare (EMERGE), Dynamic Internship for Students Cultivating Opportunities and Vision in Healthcare Education and Research (DISCOVER), Empowering Learning and Vocational Advancement Through Excellence (ELEVATE), and Black Men in White Coats.

Opening Doors to Healthcare Careers

Founded in 1993, the YED program is a collaboration with Fairfax High School in Los Angeles that engages 11th- and 12th-grade students through a combination of school-based education, hands-on workplace learning, and mentoring.

Each year, participating students gain access to paid, part-time jobs throughout various departments at Cedars-Sinai, are guided by professional mentors, and earn credits toward their high school diploma.

“Through this program I’ve been able to grow my social skills because this job requires a lot of networking,” said Emily Choi, 2024 YED graduate. “I’ve grown as a person and professionally and have learned how to be in a work environment.”

Since its inception, more than 1,000 students have participated in the program, with many now employed full time at Cedars-Sinai.

“Most of these students come to us not knowing what they want to do after high school, much less knowing the endless possibilities within healthcare, outside of clinical positions,” said Daniela Villegas, NextGen Pathways program manager. “By the time they graduate from YED, most usually go on to continue their education within healthcare and several come back to work here.”

Villegas herself was a YED graduate in 2005 and credits the program with helping her find a successful career pathway.

Continuing the Journey

After graduating from YED earlier this month, five graduates are joining the inaugural EMERGE class in the fall.

The EMERGE pilot initiative supports students as they transition from high school to college, offering employment opportunities at Cedars-Sinai while they pursue their degrees. To participate, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and provide proof of college enrollment.

The mentorship and support system ensures that aspiring healthcare professionals stay on track to achieve their dreams.

“Creating a support system where alumni and mentors provide guidance is critical, and having that community to ask questions about balancing work, life and academics is invaluable,” Mitchell said.

Inspiring Future Leaders

NextGen's impact extends beyond high school. The DISCOVER program, in collaboration with UNITE-LA and the Los Angeles mayor's office, offers undergraduate students a 10-week paid summer internship.

“NextGen Pathways is about creating the next generation of healthcare heroes. DISCOVER gives college students a real taste of the healthcare industry, helping them see the diverse and amazing roles they could pursue,” Mitchell said.

The journey doesn't stop there. DISCOVER participants can continue through the ELEVATE program, which provides yearlong paid internships focused on allied health careers. This initiative offers valuable hands-on experience and paves the way for full-time employment at Cedars-Sinai, ensuring a smooth transition into professional roles.

A Brighter Future

In partnership with the group Black Men in White Coats, Cedars-Sinai hosts an annual youth summit, a day filled with mentorship, hands-on activities and networking opportunities—with the goal of introducing Black middle school and high school students to careers in medicine.

Founded in 2013, the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit aims to reverse the declining number of Black men applying to medical school.

By fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, all the NextGen programs contribute to building the healthcare workforce and improving the educational, social and economic outcomes for historically underrepresented youth and their communities.

“We're a large employer in the Los Angeles area, and I think NextGen Healthcare Pathways is a way that we can continue to make sure that we have really knowledgeable healthcare workers for the future,” Mitchell said.

Read more in Discoveries Magazine: Residency Programs Move Toward Greater Diversity