Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a condition in which the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, often causing a rapid heartbeat. Some people with AFib also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or heart palpitations. Others may notice only mild fatigue during activity. And still others may feel no symptoms at all. AFib also increases the risk of stroke.

“That’s why it’s especially important to carefully manage AFib in the summer, when people may spend more time in the sun, lose fluids through sweating, and drink more alcohol on vacation, at barbecues and at other outdoor social gatherings,” said Archana Ramireddy, MD, a clinical electrophysiologist in the Smidt Heart Institute. “Older adults are especially affected by the heat, even if it may not seem obvious at first.”

In recognition of AFib Awareness Month in September—when Southern California often experiences some of its hottest weather—the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Ramireddy about steps people with AFib can take to stay healthy.

What summer factors can trigger an AFib episode?

Hot weather can put added stress on the heart, but heat itself isn’t necessarily the primary concern. Dehydration is of special concern because people lose fluids through sweating. Older adults may be particularly susceptible to heat-related dehydration because the body’s ability to conserve fluids and regulate temperature can decline with age. Alcohol is another concern because it is a well-recognized trigger for AFib, and people tend to drink more during the summer while vacationing, spending time outdoors and attending social gatherings.

Should people with AFib drink plain water to stay hydrated, or do they need electrolytes?

Plain water is usually the best choice. Electrolyte drinks may be helpful in some circumstances, although individual needs vary based on heat exposure, activity level, how much a person has been sweating, and underlying health conditions.

What are the signs of dehydration?

Signs of dehydration can include dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, confusion and a rapid heartbeat. If symptoms are prolonged or severe, or if a person also is experiencing chest discomfort or shortness of breath, they should seek medical attention.

Is coffee off-limits for people with AFib?

One cup of coffee a day generally isn’t a concern. Even two cups may be acceptable, although for some patients I recommend switching extra servings to decaf or half-caf. It’s most important that people pay attention to their own bodies. If caffeine consistently triggers symptoms, cutting back is recommended. I’m far more concerned about the consumption of multiple energy drinks, because high doses of caffeine and other ingredients in these drinks can increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Is it safe for people with AFib to exercise in the summer?

I encourage regular exercise for my patients with AFib. If physical activity consistently triggers episodes, the underlying AFib should be evaluated and treated rather than simply avoiding exercise. That said, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day and to stay well-hydrated if outside in the heat. To combat overheating, seek air conditioning, drink plenty of water, take a cool shower or use cool towels.

What if a person thinks they may have AFib?

If a person has heart palpitations and isn’t sure what is causing them, capturing an episode can be key for diagnosis and treatment. This is where wearable devices, such as smartwatches, can play a role. If a device can record an ECG, or electrocardiogram, during an episode, a physician can review the tracing to determine whether it is consistent with AFib. Wearable devices have helped us identify more patients sooner, allowing us to begin treatment sooner. Preventing stroke is a major goal of AFib treatment. People who have been diagnosed with AFib should work with their healthcare team to determine whether further evaluation by a cardiac electrophysiologist is appropriate.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Atrial Fibrillation—Know the Warning Signs

L-glutamine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and plays an important role in digestion, has been studied as a potential way to ease side effects in other cancers. But this was the first trial to evaluate it as an anti-cancer therapy in human patients, said Jun Gong, MD, associate professor of Medicine, medical director of Colorectal Cancer at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and first author of the study.

“Current treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is a cocktail of chemotherapy, with overall survival ranging from eight to 13 months,” Gong said. “We found that by adding L-glutamine to this treatment, we increased overall survival to as much as 22 months—and these positive results merit larger clinical trials of this combination.”

In this Phase I clinical trial, investigators studied 16 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. All patients were treated with a standard chemotherapy combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, along with clinical-grade L-glutamine supplements.

“We began the trial in the hope of improving gut health in these patients,” said Neil Bhowmick, PhD, Mark Goodson Chair in Oncology Research, professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, research scientist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, and senior author of the study. “Patients with pancreatic cancer do not absorb nutrients well, and often develop a condition called cachexia—a loss of weight and muscle that can be fatal. Glutamine is known to help the gut heal.”

Half of the patients in the study maintained their weight, and investigators found a correlation between the way the bacteria in the gut responded to the glutamine and patient outcomes, Gong said.

“At the time of our paper’s publication, the life expectancy of these patients taking glutamine and chemotherapy was more than double the average life expectancy associated with the historical standard of care,” Gong said. “The study did not compare the two options head-to-head, but our result is striking enough for us to advance to a larger randomized trial where patients are given glutamine or not.”

In the lab, investigators also found that cancer cells exposed to high-dose glutamine were particularly vulnerable to chemotherapy, a result in line with the reduction in tumor size seen in patients.

“It is really satisfying to see science from the bench translated so well into patient outcomes,” Bhowmick said.

The supplements used in the study are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of sickle cell disease, meaning they are federally regulated, Bhowmick and Gong said.

“The survival rate for advanced pancreatic cancer is poor,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “This trial points to a potential new option for optimizing first-line chemotherapy for patients while also opening up a number of new avenues for our physician-scientists to study.”

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Hayato Muranaka, So Yung Choi, Mourad Tighiouart, Aleksandr Stotland, Jennifer Van Eyk, Omer H.M. Elmadbouh, Mouad Edderkaoui, Sunao Tanaka, Hideki Furuya, Arsen Osipov, Jeremy Lorber, Sandrine Billet, Stephen J. Pandol, and Andrew Hendifar.

Other authors include Shrikant Bhute, Ezinne R. Aja, Jonathan P. Jacobs, Alexzandra Morris, Johanna ten Hoeve-Scott, and Thomas Graeber.

Funding: This project was funded by the 2019 Tower Cancer Research Foundation Experimental Therapeutics Endowed Fund/Cedars-Sinai Cancer 2019 Developmental Funds for Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs; J.G.). This project was also supported in part by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) UCLA CTSI (UL1 TR001881-01; M.T.) and NCI grants P01CA233452 (M.T., S.J.P., N.A.B.) and U01 grant CA232859-01 (M.T.).

Competing Interest Statement: H.M., N.A.B., J.G. and A.H. have a pending patent related to the work.

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.

Soliz initially shrugged it off as a pulled muscle. But the pain grew progressively worse. Soon, he was experiencing sharp pain throughout the day, using walls for support as he walked and struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep.

Soliz underwent an MRI, revealing a large tumor in his spine. Recognizing the critical diagnosis of this bone tumor, an orthopedic surgeon in Ventura County near Soliz’s home referred him to Cedars-Sinai.

An image-guided biopsy performed by interventional neuroradiologist Marcel Maya, MD, co-chair of the Department of Imaging at Cedars-Sinai, made the diagnosis of an aneurysmal bone cyst, a rare, blood-filled tumor that can grow rapidly and, as in Soliz’s case, destabilize the spinal column and compress the spinal cord.

Although the tumor was benign, its location made it dangerous, said his surgeon, Tiffany Perry, MD, associate professor of Neurosurgery and co-director of Spine Oncology.

“Spinal fluid normally surrounds the cord, providing space for the cord and the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column,” Perry said. “But in Ryan’s case, the tumor was taking up about 80% of the spinal canal and was blocking the flow of fluid and compressing the cord, causing weakness in his legs.”

For Soliz, the diagnosis quickly became about more than treating a rare tumor—it was about saving his ability to walk. Three days after his outpatient appointment in the neurosurgery clinic, Soliz began losing feeling in his legs, prompting doctors to act emergently. By the time he was admitted to the ICU, he had lost the ability to walk.

“It was a roller coaster of emotions. I was terrified thinking I might never be able to walk again,” Soliz said.

A Rare Tumor and Emergency Surgery

Aneurysmal bone cysts are uncommon, and involvement of the spine with significant spinal cord compression is particularly unusual, Maya said.  

“Although these tumors are benign, they can be locally very aggressive—destroying bone, bleeding significantly and, when they occur in the spine, compressing the spinal cord,” Maya said.

After Soliz was seen in the outpatient clinic, his case was reviewed by a spine tumor board, a group of specialists at Cedars-Sinai from different disciplines that discusses complex spinal tumors. The board ensures patients like Soliz receive coordinated care, formulating a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for each patient. Maya said the multidisciplinary tumor board allows specialists in neurosurgery, imaging, interventional neuroradiology, pathology and other disciplines to develop a coordinated treatment strategy from the outset. Given the rapid decline of Soliz’s condition, his care team implemented the developed plan in an expedited manner.

Before removal of the tumor, Michael Alexander, MD, vice chair of Neurosurgery, performed a preoperative embolization of the tumor. This minimally invasive procedure blocked blood flow to the tumor, reducing the risk of major blood loss during surgery.

Following the embolization, Perry resected the tumor during a five-hour surgery, ultimately relieving the pressure on Soliz’s spinal cord and preserving his ability to walk.

In addition to Perry, Maya and Alexander, many Cedars-Sinai specialists contributed to Soliz’s care, including the pathologists who confirmed his diagnosis. The specialists and staff in the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit were also instrumental in his recovery, providing attentive care before and after surgery that helped him begin walking again.

“Ryan’s case reflects the importance of every team bringing its expertise together toward one shared goal—taking care of every patient and ensuring the best outcomes possible within our abilities,” Perry said.

A Recurrence, and Off to College

After surgery, Soliz spent time in rehabilitation recovering his strength. But in April, the tumor returned.

Alexander performed another embolization, blocking the blood vessels supplying the tumor. The approach allowed Soliz to avoid another operation to remove it and instead take medication to suppress the tumor’s growth.

Today, Soliz is in good health, golfing and hiking, and preparing to start his freshman year at the University of Hawaii, where he will be followed by a specialist throughout the school year. During breaks, he will continue his medical care at Cedars-Sinai.

Despite everything he has been through, Soliz is looking ahead to college and to a possible career in healthcare.

“I’ve always had huge respect for healthcare workers, but being a patient made me realize I want to work in healthcare and help others as a nurse,” he said.

For Perry, Soliz’s story feels personal.

“I have a daughter one year older than Ryan who just went through the college application process and moved away,” Perry said. “I could only imagine what Mrs. Soliz was feeling. I knew we had to work together for Ryan. He has amazing things he will do—and I cannot wait to see how he changes the world.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Seeking a Second Opinion for a Spine Condition

, a national recognition awarded to programs that bring together specialists across disciplines to advance care for patients with complex skull base tumors through clinical expertise, research, education and innovation. These programs offer advanced surgical approaches to treating skull base tumors, including some cases considered inoperable elsewhere.

The designation recognizes Cedars-Sinai’s collaborative approach to treating tumors that develop at the base of the skull—an anatomically complex area where tumors grow near nerves and blood vessels that control vision, hearing, facial movement and swallowing.

“There is very precious real estate, and treatment often requires expertise from multiple specialties,” said Vladimir Ljubimov, MD, assistant professor of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai, where he and other neurosurgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center collaborate with a range of specialists to remove some of the most complex tumors.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Ljubimov about what skull base surgery involves, why a multidisciplinary team is essential, and how advances in surgical techniques are expanding treatment options for patients.

What is skull base surgery?

Skull base surgery involves treating tumors that develop in one of the body's most anatomically complex regions. But the goal isn't simply to remove the tumor—it's to do so while preserving the nerves and blood vessels that control critical functions. Even a small injury to one of these structures can have life-altering consequences, including stroke, vision loss or facial paralysis. That's why skull base surgery requires advanced techniques, meticulous planning and close collaboration among specialists.

Treatment is tailored to each patient. Depending on the tumor's location, we may perform a traditional craniotomy, in which surgeons temporarily remove a small section of the skull to reach the tumor. We also use minimally invasive endoscopic techniques through the nose, orbit, or mouth, or combine multiple surgical approaches. These techniques allow us to safely treat tumors that were once considered extremely difficult or even impossible to reach.

What does a multidisciplinary skull base team involve?

Skull base surgery is truly a team effort. Neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists often work together during surgery, especially for minimally invasive endoscopic procedures performed through the nose or ear. Depending on where the tumor is located, other specialists may join the team. For example, ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons help us safely treat tumors near the eye while preserving vision and appearance. Plastic surgeons may assist with reconstruction when needed. We also collaborate with endocrinologists, neuro-oncologists, neurologists and radiation oncologists, depending on the patient's diagnosis.

Every case is reviewed by our multidisciplinary team before surgery. Together, we evaluate imaging, discuss treatment options and determine the safest, most effective approach. Just as important as removing the tumor is reconstructing the skull base afterward. Our specialists work together to rebuild these structures, helping prevent complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks or infection while allowing patients to recover safely. After surgery, we continue coordinating care, which may include hormone management, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or rehabilitation.

What are the symptoms of a skull base tumor?

Not all skull base tumors are cancerous. Many are benign, but because of where they're located, they can still cause serious problems by pressing on the brain, nerves or blood vessels.

Skull base tumors include tumors such as pituitary tumors, tumors that arise from the lining of the brain (meningiomas), rare tumors that develop near the pituitary gland (craniopharyngiomas), tumors of the bone and cartilage (chordoma, chondrosarcoma), as well as cancers that have spread to the skull base from other parts of the body.

Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located and may include vision changes or vision loss, double vision, dizziness, balance problems, headaches, nausea or hormonal changes.

What are the latest advances in skull base surgery?

One of the biggest advances is the development of sophisticated endoscopic techniques that allow us to reach tumors through the natural openings of the nose, avoiding large incisions in many cases. These approaches give us access to areas that were once considered too risky to operate on, including tumors deep within the skull base and around the cavernous sinus.

As technology continues to advance, we're able to treat increasingly complex tumors with greater precision while reducing complications and improving quality of life for our patients.

How should patients look for the right skull base surgeon for them?

Patients should look for a program that offers multidisciplinary care. Complex skull base conditions often require expertise from multiple specialists, and having those experts work together from the beginning leads to more comprehensive treatment planning.

At Cedars-Sinai, we evaluate each case as a team and offer the full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. If a patient has been told their tumor is too difficult to remove or has limited treatment options, seeking a second opinion at a high-volume skull base center can help determine whether additional approaches may be available.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: From Vacation Vertigo to an Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis

“Through my interests in research and patient care, I saw a need for a tool that could streamline a critical gatekeeper process,” said Ella Tetrault, who has worked at Cedars-Sinai for two years and is earning a master of science in health systems at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

Her tool is designed to save staff time and help patients receive faster access to care by flagging missing details, drafting justification letters, and creating a checklist with action items for staff before they submit the request to insurers.

Tetrault’s tool also is a perfect example of how Cedars-Sinai is empowering employees to use AI to solve common healthcare problems and improve patient care, said Mouneer Odeh, MA, chief data and artificial intelligence officer at Cedars-Sinai.

“We see artificial intelligence as an opportunity to rethink how we deliver care and run our operations,” Odeh said. “Our employees are our first step in identifying how new technologies can become part of our workflows, and their willingness to adopt these technologies drives our innovation.”

During Cedars-Sinai’s “Prompt-A-Thons,” employees compete to develop AI tools to solve operational, clinical and administrative challenges. Nearly 80 groups submitted proposals at the summer competition. Topics ranged from personalizing patient education to assessing patients’ risk for pharmaceutical side effects.

Ten employee teams were then selected to present their AI solutions at a final showcase in front of a panel of judges. Second- and third-place presentations aimed to streamline the Emergency Department trauma documentation auditing process and provide faster, more integrated reporting for medical center data.

During her winning presentation, Tetrault estimated that her pre-authorization tool could save 450 hours per year per authorization staff member.

“According to the American Medical Association, prior authorizations take up roughly 13 hours a week of any given employee’s time,” Tetrault said. “Unfortunately, many of these authorizations are denied due to missing information or submissions not matching the payer’s policy. Most appealed denials get overturned.”

Chain Insights: Turning Prompt-A-Thon Experience Into Action

The Cedars-Sinai Supply Chain Department won a 2025 Prompt-A-Thon for designing an app to help streamline nursing paperwork and give nurses more time for direct patient care. The app, Chain Insights, monitors supplies, tracks back orders, and flags approved substitutes for items that might become unavailable.

Chain Insights, built by a Cedars-Sinai team from Supply Chain Operational Excellence, Enterprise Information Services and Nursing, was first tested as a pilot on an inpatient floor at Cedars-Sinai. Early data shows that it reduced nurses’ supply-ordering time by 1 1/2 minutes per call.

“This time savings adds up to roughly seven hours each day once fully rolled out for the nursing team,” said Nausheen Ahmed, executive director of Supply Chain Operational Excellence. “With approximately 300 calls to our supply chain team each day, this modest but important efficiency means nurses can reclaim time to focus on their most important role, patient care.”

For supply chain staff, knowing how much inventory is available and where it is housed is critical, especially when a nurse calls with a need for supplies. Each call requires a detailed discussion including when the supplies must be in hand and possible substitutions if an item is on back order.

Chain Insights replaces the phone call with an app that precisely locates inventory. The app also identifies unnecessary items to help clear space, a “quieter win” but one that compounds over time.

Regina Chung, MSN, RN, CMSRN, a nurse at Cedars-Sinai, uses Chain Insights every shift.

“Chain Insights has made it easy to quickly order the supplies I need while on the go, even while I am walking in the halls between patients,” Chung said. “I always receive the correct product and quantity, and when items are out of stock, it tells me immediately, so I am not aimlessly waiting. These efficiencies allow me to focus on providing exceptional care to our patients.”

Leaders from Supply Chain Operational Excellence designed data models, decision frameworks and inventory intelligence that tell the tool how to think about supply risk and priorities.

Cedars-Sinai employees from Enterprise Information Services wrote the code and built the infrastructure, turning that back-end logic into a working application. Nursing colleagues provided continuous frontline input, including real-world testing of the tool to ensure it solved the right problems.

“This effort stands as an example of what happens when teams build something together to solve a real problem,” Odeh said. “It's also a signal of what's possible when the people closest to the work are empowered to build the solution, and there's more to come. There is nothing more motivating than seeing knowledge be translated into solutions.”

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 multi-institutional study offers one of the clearest pictures of what happens during the earliest stages of disease. The findings could help researchers develop new ways to detect and prevent heart disease before plaque builds up inside arteries.

“We analyzed proteins and gene activity in coronary artery tissue from young adults who died of trauma and had no known coronary artery disease, and we found that more than half already had preclinical atherosclerosis,” said study first author Sarah Parker, PhD, an associate professor of Cardiology and Biomedical Sciences and co-director of the Proteomics and Metabolomics Core at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. “This suggests that changes in cellular metabolism and communication begin before the inflammation long considered a hallmark of the disease.”

Published in the European Heart Journal, the study findings point to previously unrecognized molecular pathways—and a potential “master regulator” called MLXIPL—that could become targets for therapies aimed at preventing plaque from developing.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Parker about the findings and how proteomics—the study of proteins—is helping researchers rethink the earliest stages of heart disease.

Why are proteins so important in understanding heart disease?

Proteins are the molecules that make cells function. They tell us how the body’s cells are responding to risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure or smoking. Two people can have identical cholesterol levels, yet only one develops plaque. Proteins may help explain why. They provide a much more direct picture of what's happening inside the artery wall and may reveal why some people are more vulnerable to heart disease than others.

What did this most recent study reveal about the earliest stages of atherosclerosis?

Previous studies had shown that the earliest artery lesions can appear in the first decade of life. What we haven’t understood is what causes those early changes to progress into dangerous plaques that lead to heart attacks. In studying coronary artery tissue before people ever developed symptoms, we were able to capture some of the earliest molecular changes that appear to set the disease in motion. One of the biggest surprises was that we saw changes in cellular metabolism and communication before we saw the classic inflammatory signals traditionally associated with atherosclerosis.

To be clear, inflammation remains a defining feature of advanced atherosclerosis. What our study suggests is that important molecular changes begin much earlier. If we want to prevent plaque from forming, we need to understand those earliest changes—not just what happens after inflammation has already taken hold.

Explain MLXIPL, the potential ‘master regulator’ you identified.

We performed a master regulator analysis to identify the genes that may be coordinating these early events. Some of the regulators we found were exactly what we expected. But one stood out. MLXIPL is a transcription factor gene involved in cellular metabolism. Previous genetic studies have linked it to coronary artery disease through its role in the liver. Our findings suggest it may also play an important role directly within the artery wall. When we altered MLXIPL activity in lab-grown human artery tissue, we saw the protein changes we predicted. That makes it an exciting candidate for future therapies that interrupt disease before plaque develops.

How could these findings change atherosclerosis prevention?

Today, we estimate cardiovascular risk using factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, age and family history. By the time plaque is visible on imaging, disease often is well underway. We hope to identify protein biomarkers in the blood that reveal what’s happening inside the artery wall much earlier. One day, a simple blood test could identify people who would benefit from preventive treatment before symptoms develop.

That said, our findings do not change current prevention recommendations. Managing cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, exercise and diet remain essential.

This study relied on a decades-long collaboration. Why was that essential?

This is a collaboration more than 20 years in the making. The project was spearheaded by proteomics pioneer Jennifer Van Eyk. (Van Eyk, PhD, is director of the Advanced Clinical Biosystems Research Institute in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and co-director of the Proteomics and Metabolomics Core.)

Our collaborators included investigators from many other institutions across the country. What began as a small group has grown into an ecosystem of investigators, trainees and collaborators. This kind of large-scale molecular study simply isn’t possible without that level of long-term partnership and shared expertise.

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 four-year agreement builds on a longstanding relationship that has connected Blue Shield members with Cedars-Sinai Health System's nationally recognized care and establishes a framework for continued collaboration in the decade ahead, focused on quality, improved outcomes, and affordability.

The renewed collaboration includes Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Huntington Hospital, affiliated ambulatory surgery centers and ancillary providers, as well as providers participating in the Cedars-Sinai, Torrance Memorial, and Huntington Health physician networks. Together, Blue Shield and Cedars-Sinai Health System remain committed to delivering access to care, exceptional member experience, and greater value for Californians.

“As a nonprofit health plan, we work closely with leading providers like Cedars-Sinai Health System to modernize the healthcare system while enhancing patient outcomes,” said Mike Stuart, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California. “Cedars-Sinai Health System recognizes the importance of a coordinated approach to supporting the health of our members. We are pleased they will remain in our network and look forward to advancing strategic initiatives.”

“Our commitment to Los Angeles is rooted in providing the highest level of patient care while ensuring affordability and continuously improving health outcomes for our community,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System. “By working closely with Blue Shield, we are helping to build a more connected and equitable healthcare system that truly serves the people of Southern California.”

Under the new guidance, students in early education and kindergarten through first grade will have no weekly classroom screen time. Students in grades 2 and 3 will be limited to 1 hour and 40 minutes per week, with those in grades 4 and 5 limited to 2 1/2 hours, students in grades 6 through 8 limited to 6 hours per week, and high school students limited to 10 hours per week.

The limits include time spent on screen-based homework.

“Screen time is literally changing the trajectory of brain development. It’s growing the visual cortex at the expense of the areas responsible for language, reading and social skills,” said Jane Tavyev Asher, MD, pediatric neurologist and director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. “Parents should actually be very delighted that their kids are going to have less screen time in the school setting, and they should view the school as working as their partner in helping with their child’s brain development.”

As the new policy takes effect this school year, the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Tavyev Asher about why reducing screen time can benefit children’s brain development—and how parents can reinforce healthy screen habits at home.

Why were these new screen time policies needed?

Research continues to show that excessive screen time can affect how children’s brains grow and develop. During childhood, the brain is building important skills for language, reading, attention and social interaction. We want the brain to develop for reading, language and social skills. And screen time is really growing the visual cortex at the expense of all of the other parts of the brain.

Sharply reducing screen time at school can help create more opportunities for students to have active learning, conversation and deeper cognitive development in the long run.

Now that schools are seeing the neuroscience behind what screen time does to the developing brain, many are beginning to embrace this research and implement limits. They want what’s best for students’ brain development, just as parents do. At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: helping our children learn, grow and thrive.

Why is limiting screen time especially important during early childhood?

Early childhood is a critical period for learning to speak, read, write and develop social skills. During these years, the brain’s auditory and language centers are rapidly developing through conversation and human interaction.

For example, speech development begins around age 1, when children start learning how to speak. This process depends on the development of nerve signals and the continued growth of the auditory cortex, which develops significantly during the first few years of life. The auditory cortex is also the part that builds not just language but also social interaction.

Excessive screen use may interfere with these processes by overstimulating visual pathways while reducing opportunities for face-to-face communication, language development and recognizing social cues such as facial expressions and body language.

How can screen use affect brain development in middle schoolers?

Higher-level cognitive functions really begin to take off around age 12. This is when intellectual curiosity starts to develop. It’s a stage where children naturally begin making connections between ideas, such as reading one thing, connecting it to something else they’ve learned, asking questions, and wanting to find the answers. That’s exactly how we want their brains to develop.

But if everything is fed to them passively through AI or excessive screen-based learning, that part of the brain isn’t being exercised in the same way. They’re consuming information rather than actively thinking, questioning and making connections. It’s wonderful that our schools are finally coming to this realization and changing the way the curriculum is given to our children.

What screen time advice do you have for parents of high schoolers?

For a high schooler, I would try to keep the same guidelines in the home that you’ve done for the younger children. The reason for that is they still have that developing brain, and screen time is still very addictive.

I think at this age, they really do have the understanding as to why screens are not ideal for them. By the time they’re in high school, teenagers can understand the logic behind reducing screen time. This is the time when their intellect is developing. They can read the studies about it. As parents, this is also an ideal time to expose them to the studies that are showing what screen time addiction is doing to the brain in the long run.

How should parents approach smartphones for middle and high school students?

The smartphone is really the worst form of screen time because it is so easily accessible in the pocket. It’s easier to become addicted to that. So, it’s important to monitor how children access and use their smartphones.

There is so much social growth that happens in middle school. If you can just get the kids over that hump without a phone, then you can keep them from getting addicted to that phone.

There’s a program called “Wait Until 8th.” It’s a movement where parents sign a pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least the end of eighth grade or until they’re 13 years old. When families make this commitment together, it creates a community where fewer kids have smartphones early on, which helps reduce the peer pressure to get one before they’re ready. It gives parents support in setting healthy boundaries and makes it easier for children to wait alongside their friends.

If you need to be in touch with your teenager, give them a simple flip phone that has no internet access. This way, they can call who they need to call. In some phones, you can also program who they call or receive calls from.

How can parents set and enforce screen time limits at home?

Parents have a huge influence on how children develop their relationship with screens. It’s much easier to not introduce screens than to set limits or take it away later in life. Instead of focusing only on taking screens away, parents can help children discover other activities, like reading, creative play, spending time outdoors and connecting as a family.

It’s important to point out that parents should model habits they hope to see by practicing healthy screen use themselves, since children are more likely to follow behaviors they observe at home.

Firstly, implement a no-screen-time rule at least two hours before bedtime. This will help kids avoid bright lights right before bed, promoting deeper sleep. Secondly, avoid screens during mealtime. Mealtime is a great time for the family to sit together and have conversations. There are so many positive studies about what family mealtime does for children’s social development and for their cognitive development.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: A Family Guide to Teens, Screens and Social Media

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll for the 11th consecutive year. It also tied for #1 in California and Los Angeles.

Cedars-Sinai Health System affiliates Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Huntington Health also earned high state and local rankings. Torrance Memorial Medical Center ranked #7 in California and #4 in Los Angeles, while Huntington Health was #10 in California and #5 in Los Angeles.

“These strong results are a credit to the dedicated healthcare professionals and staff who work every day to advance our four-part mission of healing, discovery, education and community service,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System.

The U.S. News rankings, released Tuesday, are based on patient outcomes, patient experience, ability to handle complex medical conditions and a variety of other health-related measures.

U.S. News identified the nation’s top 20 hospitals for the Honor Roll based on their high rankings and ratings in multiple specialties, procedures and conditions.

The publication also ranked the top hospitals by clinical specialties in the U.S.

Ten Cedars-Sinai Medical Center specialties were ranked among the best in the nation, including three that ranked in the top five:

• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (#4)
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (#3)
• Orthopedics (#5)

In addition to the above specialties, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#9) was ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Three specialties also were #1 in California (highest U.S. News ranking in the region):

• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• Orthopedics

Those three were #1 in Los Angeles along with Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Three Cedars-Sinai Health System affiliate hospital specialties also ranked nationally:

• Torrance Memorial Medical Center Orthopedics (#27)
• Torrance Memorial Medical Center Obstetrics & Gynecology (#44)
• Huntington Health Obstetrics & Gynecology (#33-tie)

Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital ranked as “High-Performing” in Common Adult Procedures and Conditions, including Back Surgery, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Hip Fracture, Hip Replacement and Pneumonia.

Slavin said the strong rankings reflect Cedars-Sinai’s patient-care philosophy, even during a time of profound change in the healthcare industry.

“We are driven by an enduring commitment to improve the health of patients in Los Angeles and across the globe,” he said. “That is our most important priority.”

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 designation recognizes emergency departments with specialized expertise, staffing and resources for patients 65 and older, who represent about one-third of all patients treated in Cedars-Sinai’s Emergency Department each year.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered emergency care for the older adults of our community,” said Claude Stang, RN, executive director of the Cedars-Sinai Emergency Department. “As the No. 1 Medicare provider in California, we care for thousands of older adults every year, and we are dedicated to keeping them safe and healthy.”

Accreditation reviewers cited several programs and features that distinguish Cedars-Sinai’s approach to geriatric emergency care, including the Barry and Rena Plost Senior Emergency Center within the Emergency Department.

“We try to place patients who would benefit from a quieter environment in our senior care unit, where private rooms, dim lighting and reduced noise can help minimize delirium for patients who are susceptible,” Stang said. “Those seemingly small changes can make a meaningful difference for older adults in the Emergency Department.”

Other components highlighted by reviewers included:

• A specialized geriatric nurse assessment team, trained to identify delirium, dementia, fall risk and social determinants of health.
• Integrated physical therapy and pharmacy services, including prescription medication screening, review and reconciliation.
• Senior-friendly amenities, including reserved reclining chairs in the waiting area, improved signage and lighting, handrails, and accessible bathrooms.
• Tender Loving Care volunteers, who are specially trained to provide companionship and comfort for older adult patients.
• A physician who leads ongoing education on geriatric emergency care for physicians and physician assistants.

Level 1 accreditation builds on Cedars-Sinai’s broader commitment to age-friendly care. The health system also has been named an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence, a recognition from The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

“Older adults often have unique medical and social needs that require a different approach to emergency care, that centers around the 4M’s (What Matters Most, Mobility, Medications and Mentation) of age-friendly care,” said Sonja Rosen, MD, chief, Section of Geriatric Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. “As an Age-Friendly Health System, every member of our team plays an important role in ensuring patients receive compassionate, specialized attention from the moment they arrive through a seamless transition to the next stage of their recovery.”

The Emergency Department’s research team also has been active in advancing geriatrics research, publishing on sepsis, brain injury, cardiac biomarkers and observation care. The work helps to inform evidence-based practices that further strengthen care for older adults.

Emergency Department Expansion Underway

The accreditation comes as Cedars-Sinai continues a major expansion of its Emergency Department, an investment designed to increase capacity while supporting the specialized care needs of a growing patient population.

The project will add 16,550 square feet to the department and increase the number of care spaces from 60 to 100.

Sam Torbati, MD, chair and medical director of the Emergency Department, said the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

“Smaller improvements, such as a new laboratory, are expected to open this fall,” Torbati said. “Patients will begin to see more significant changes next summer.”

The first major phase will add 15 acute care beds, eight behavioral health beds to treat patients with mental health needs, six critical care and trauma beds, and a dedicated room designed to care for critically ill children. The expansion also will include new waiting areas, an updated triage space and a redesigned patient entrance to improve capacity and the overall care experience.

“Demand for emergency care continues to grow, and we’re committed to finding new ways to improve the experience and quality of care for our patients,” Torbati said. “The expansion is a significant investment in meeting those needs.”

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.

An average woman has about a 13% chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation raises breast cancer risk to 30%-70%, and BRCA testing is recommended for women with personal or family history of certain cancers, a known BRCA mutation in the family, or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

“While most women who undergo genetic testing do not test positive for a cancer-risk-increasing BRCA mutation, they have generally been referred for testing because of strong personal or family cancer history,” said Fahima Dossa, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and lead author of the study. “Future cancer risk for these women has not been well studied, and our findings are the first to calculate that risk so that we can better guide all women who undergo BRCA testing.”

Looking at the health records of almost 16,000 women who underwent BRCA testing in Ontario, Canada, from 2007 to 2016, investigators found that women who tested negative for a BRCA gene mutation still had a 25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

And lifetime risk for those with a variant of unknown significance, which means little is known about that particular variant, was 30%, according to the findings.

Each patient’s individual risk for breast cancer was substantially affected by their family history. Among women who tested positive for a BRCA mutation, breast cancer risk varied from roughly 56% to 86%, depending on the number of immediate family members who had breast or ovarian cancer, the study found.

“Based on these findings, a physician might recommend more frequent mammograms or breast MRI to a BRCA-positive patient in their 50s or 60s with no family history of breast cancer, but suggest preventive mastectomy as an option for a young BRCA patient with several cases of breast cancer in the family,” Dossa said.

Dossa said that the only women in the study with the same breast cancer risk as the general population were those who had family history of cancer and a known BRCA mutation in the family, and were tested for that specific mutation but did not have the mutation.

“This study is a reminder to patients about the importance of having discussions with their doctors about genetic test results,” Dossa said. “We finally have some data to help inform those conversations.”

In July, Cedars-Sinai opened the Cedars-Sinai Cayton BRCA Center to provide coordinated screening, guidance and treatment to patients with BRCA mutations.

“Our leading-edge research supports our efforts to care for and improve outcomes for these patients,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “Connecting science with cancer care is at the heart of what we do.”

Other study authors include Kelly Metcalfe, RN, PhD; Zharmaine Ante, MSc; Ning Liu, PhD; Jordan Lerner-Ellis, PhD; Andrea Eisen, MD; and Nancy N. Baxter, MD, PhD.

Funding: This study was supported by ICES, which is funded by an annual grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC). This study also received funding from the Canadian Cancer Society (grant #315358). This work was also supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant funding no #148470.

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 therapy, called deramiocel, is the first treatment shown to preserve heart function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare inherited disease that progressively weakens muscles throughout the body. Heart failure caused by Duchenne commonly leads to early death.

“After more than two decades of hard work, we have demonstrated that deramiocel can slow or even halt not only the loss of upper limb function, but also progression of heart failure in boys and young men with Duchenne,” said Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD, executive director of the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and senior author of the study. Deramiocel is based on Marbán’s discoveries.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy primarily affects boys because it is caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. Children born with this mutation develop muscle weakness throughout the body, including in the heart. As they grow older, these children have difficulty running, jumping, pedaling a bicycle and doing other activities, and eventually lose the ability to walk. There is no known cure.

Positive Findings

The randomized, double-blind study, called the HOPE-3 trial, compared deramiocel to placebo in 106 participants ages 10 to 22 with advanced disease. Every three months for one year, participants received an IV drip of either deramiocel or a placebo.

Results showed that the therapy slowed weakening of skeletal muscles by 54% and slowed heart dysfunction by 91%. In patients diagnosed with a condition called cardiomyopathy, which impedes the heart’s ability to pump blood, those who received deramiocel showed full preservation or slight improvement of heart function.

“The benefits we observed could mean important improvements in quality of life in people with advanced Duchenne,” said Craig McDonald, MD, distinguished professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pediatrics at UC Davis Health and national principal investigator of HOPE-3. “If young people maintain their upper limb function, it will help preserve their ability to do normal activities, such as feeding themselves. The heart benefits could reduce mortality.”

Decades in the Making

The potential therapy takes a different approach from other therapies that have been studied for Duchenne. Deramiocel is made from cells taken from healthy hearts donated for transplantation but unable to be used as such and that would otherwise be discarded. The work began in 2004, when Marbán first isolated a population of heart progenitor cells called cardiosphere-derived cells. The first clinical studies of cardiosphere-derived cells were performed at Cedars-Sinai, on patients who had survived heart attacks.

Results published in 2012 showed that the cell infusions regenerated heart muscle damaged by heart attack. Ever since, Marbán’s team has been studying the broader therapeutic potential of these cells. The investigators have made several important discoveries, such as that cardiosphere-derived cells secrete packets of RNA molecules that help cells repair the body’s tissues.

In 2011, Catherine Jayasuriya, the mother of a child with Duchenne and a patient advocate, influenced Marbán to turn his focus from studying how cardiosphere-derived cells could repair the heart after a heart attack to studying their potential for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Jayasuriya’s fundraising provided the seed funding needed for Marbán’s laboratory to launch initial investigations. The biotechnology company Capricor Therapeutics licensed Marbán’s technology and continued the work by running clinical trials studying the safety and efficacy of deramiocel.

“This is the first Phase III trial to show that a cell therapy is effective against a genetic disease, or any type of heart disease,” said Marbán, the Mark S. Siegel Family Foundation Distinguished Professor. 

Investigators plan to continue studying the therapeutic effects of deramiocel, including whether it can be used to treat other diseases with major unmet medical needs.

“These results represent an important advance for cell-based therapy, one driven by relentless scientific pursuit made by Dr. Marbán and team,” said Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the Medical Faculty at Cedars-Sinai.

Authors: A complete list of HOPE-3 investigators can be found in the supplementary appendix of the study.

Funding: The HOPE-3 trial was funded by Capricor Therapeutics Inc.

Disclosures: Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD, is an inventor of patents licensed by Capricor Therapeutics Inc. and holds founder's equity in the company.

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.

Gilliam, 32, suffered sudden cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction of the heart that causes it to abruptly stop beating. The odds were stacked against him: Sudden cardiac arrest kills about 90% of those who experience it outside of a hospital. Survival depended on a chain of people acting within minutes.

A fellow dancer immediately started CPR. Other dancers ran out of the dance studio in search of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and found one at a nearby dentist’s office. A speech pathologist who had just completed CPR recertification and happened to be nearby used the AED to revive Gilliam’s heartbeat.

Paramedics then rushed Gilliam to the Cedars-Sinai Emergency Department, where he had another cardiac arrest. Surgeons placed Gilliam on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a form of advanced life support that temporarily took over the work of his heart, giving it time to recover—or, if necessary, bridging him to a transplant.

Cedars-Sinai experts say Gilliam’s case illustrates the importance of bystander CPR and quick medical response.

“The key to G’bari surviving sudden cardiac arrest was the fast-acting individuals who provided CPR, facilitated the use of an AED, and the Cedars-Sinai Emergency Department and cardiothoracic surgery teams who began ECMO within the hospital,” said Evan Kransdorf, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute and one member of Gilliam’s team of physicians and surgeons.

During cardiac arrest, blood stops circulating, explained Pedro Catarino, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai.

“The cells of the body, particularly the brain, will die within a few minutes without circulation,” Catarino said. “Gilliam’s heart was in and out of a rhythm that doesn’t sustain circulation, so the surgery team put him on emergency life support.”

Gilliam’s heart had ceased working, so he was listed in the organ donation system. After 12 days on life support, Gilliam received the news every transplant candidate hopes for: A donor heart had become available.

“Heart transplantation offers a new chance at life for patients like Gilliam,” Catarino said. “Gilliam is an athlete and can look forward to going back to his career with a heart that has a long lifespan.”

A pathology report showed Gilliam had a severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken so that the heart cannot contract and pump blood properly. The condition likely caused Gilliam’s sudden cardiac arrest, his medical experts say.

“Many people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don’t have symptoms, and athletes who are used to pushing themselves to be out of breath might not realize they have it,” Kransdorf said.

Geneticists in the Smidt Heart Institute tested samples of Gilliam’s heart and found that he had a genetic variant associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Experts encourage anyone with a family history to be screened for the condition, which affects about 1 in 500 people. Gilliam’s close family members are undergoing genetic testing.

Gilliam, whose credits include performing with Bad Bunny and on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is now in physical therapy and preparing to return to dance.

“With dancing, it feels like I'm able to be my most authentic self and be the most vulnerable version of myself. It makes me feel alive,” he said.

Prior to his medical emergency, Gilliam’s schedule consisted of dance classes and gym training five days a week. He hopes to return to intense days and to continue teaching dance to elementary school students and choreographing dancers on TV and film sets. His mother and girlfriend are supporting him, as are many friends, family members and fellow dancers.

“What I learned from this experience is everyone should be trained in CPR because you never know what's going to happen,” Gilliam said. “Even more so, be a person of service. If you have the opportunity to help someone, do it.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights—Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Genetic Cause More Common in Younger People

The findings, published in npj Digital Medicine, suggest this technology could help surgeons refine their techniques and improve patient outcomes.

The AI system, called Frame-to-Outcome (F2O), analyzes video recorded during the nerve-sparing portion of robot-assisted prostate surgery, when surgeons work to preserve the nerves responsible for sexual function. Rather than relying on experts to manually evaluate each procedure, the system automatically identifies patterns in a surgeon’s movements—called “surgical gestures”—and uses them to predict patient recovery.

Prior studies of these surgical gestures demonstrated a strong relationship between the gestures performed by the surgeon—such as the sequence of instruments used or the speed of stretching nerves to move them aside—and the patient’s outcome. By analyzing the gestures used during surgery, the AI system made determinations about whether the patient will be more or less likely to have a good outcome. Until now, this type of analysis required labor-intensive review by trained human observers.

“Our goal isn’t simply to predict who will recover,” said Andrew Hung, MD, corresponding author of the study and professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai. “We want to identify the surgical techniques with the best outcomes so surgeons can learn, refine and improve care for our future patients.”

Investigators found that F2O matched expert human reviewers in predicting patient outcomes while dramatically reducing the time required to analyze surgical performance. The technology could eventually provide surgeons with objective feedback on the techniques most closely associated with successful patient recovery.

To develop the system, researchers trained the AI system using videos annotated by human analysts from 294 surgeries from 23 surgeons across four international centers. Then they tested it on an additional 29 surgeries and found its predictions closely matched those of expert human reviewers.

“By identifying and interpreting the gestures that result in positive patient outcomes, we can offer surgeons insights that can help improve surgical performance and patient care,” Hung said.

The study was a collaboration between the Department of Urology, the Department of Computational Biomedicine and the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education (CAIRE) at Cedars-Sinai.

“This work highlights what we can achieve when surgeons and computational biomedicine experts work together toward a shared clinical goal," said Jason Moore, PhD, chair of the Cedars-Sinai Department of Computational Biomedicine and director of CAIRE. "Bringing together these disciplines allowed the team to build something that is technically rigorous and genuinely meaningful for surgeons—and their patients."

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Xi Li, Nicholas Matsumoto, Jay Moran, Miguel E. Hernandez, Cherine Yang, Jeanine Kim, Jasmine Lin, Peter Wager, Ujjwal Pasupulety and Atharva Deo.

Other authors include Alvin C. Goh, Christian Wagner and Geoffrey A. Sonn.

Funding: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01CA273031. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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.

A new study led by Karlstaedt and published in Circulation reports that a specific enzyme plays an important role in keeping the heart beating. The discovery could help scientists create drugs that mimic the enzyme’s role and help people with heart failure, a condition in which the heart becomes too weak to pump blood properly.  

Karlstaedt, assistant professor of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, has spent more than a decade studying heart metabolism—the chemical process that powers the heart. She spoke with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom about her dedication to uncovering treatments for the millions diagnosed with heart failure every year.

How is the heart’s metabolism different from the metabolism of other parts of the body?

There are thousands of tiny molecules called metabolites—including amino acids, glucose and fatty acids—that act as an energy source to help cells function properly. The heart is the only organ that can use almost any metabolite.

The heart is also unique because it never stops beating. It's not like other muscles, which can rest. Fueling heart cells requires fine-tuned, organized chemical reactions. The system functions perfectly until something disrupts it, and metabolism is at its center. 

What was one of the major discoveries that led to your current work? 

My colleagues and I published a study in 2016 in which we discovered that the heart uses unusual fuel-processing routes to adapt to metabolites released by cancer cells. It’s like in a city where you have streets and traffic moves along those streets. If a construction site suddenly blocks a street, traffic finds another way around. The heart does the same thing.

We also found that in response to cancer-related metabolic stress, the heart suddenly started using an unusual enzyme called ATP-dependent citrate lyase, or ACL. This enzyme drives the process that creates fatty acids, something we didn’t think happened in heart cells. But when we blocked ACL, the heart could not pump well. That told us this enzyme might be much more important for the heart than previously thought.

Could you describe your recent discovery?

We found that when ACL slows down, heart function drops. To make this discovery, we studied heart tissue samples from people with healthy hearts and people with failing hearts. We also observed ACL in the hearts of laboratory mice. When ACL activity decreased, meaning it no longer efficiently produced fatty acids, the heart tried to adapt by taking up more sugar and rewiring parts of its metabolism. But those changes did not fully protect the heart. Instead, the heart had less available energy and did not pump as well.

To dig deeper, we used CardioNet, our computational model of heart metabolism. The model pinpointed another enzyme, IDH1, that compensates for the loss of ACL. When we reduced IDH1 in our model, the heart could pump better. We're now studying whether future heart failure therapies could target IDH1.

What do you hope to accomplish as this work progresses?

Heart failure can look similar from one patient to another, but the underlying metabolic changes may be different. We hope to use our computational model to predict which fuel pathways are disrupted in people with heart failure and which treatments can get the heart working better. We are not there yet, but this study is an important step toward understanding heart failure as a disease of both mechanics and metabolism.

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.

But one of the unwanted consequences of spending lots of time in the water is ear infections, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke to Abhita Reddy, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, about what causes swimmer’s ear, how parents can protect their children, and how physicians diagnose and treat the condition.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear, properly known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal where you often have drainage. You can have fluid sitting in the ear canal. Sometimes it looks like fluffy tissue that drains. It can cause discomfort and can also cause hearing impairment if left untreated.

What causes swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear occurs most commonly in the summertime when people are swimming in contaminated water like lakes or rivers, even sometimes in the ocean. We also see it a lot when people go surfing or do water sports, or when kids are going under water frequently or diving deep. Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools is less likely to cause swimmer’s ear.

How do you know if your child has swimmer’s ear?

Parents usually know when their child is getting an external infection like swimmer’s ear when they see drainage coming out of the ear, not something brown that looks like wax, but oftentimes it’s white or yellow, and it can smell bad. Swimmer’s ear is often associated with children having pain in their ear, and sometimes it can be associated with small children not letting you touch their ear, so if you tug at their ear or pull their ear it hurts a lot.

How does swimmer’s ear differ from other ear infections?

The biggest difference between a middle ear infection, known as otitis media, versus an outer ear infection, known as otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is that middle ear infections, which are behind the eardrum, do not have drainage coming out unless your child has ear tubes. Usually when children have middle ear infections they tug or pull at their ears, which makes it feel better. They also may develop a fever. The opposite is true with swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, which hurts when you tug on the ear.

How are these infections treated?

Swimmer’s ear is often treated with ear drops because it’s very easy for the drops to get to the area where the infection is. With middle ear infections we often must treat it with antibiotics because unless you have ear tubes, it’s very hard for the drops to reach the infected area.

How can you prevent swimmer’s ear?

When parents ask me how to prevent their kids from getting swimmer’s ear, it often has nothing to do with swimming at all. I just tell them not to use cotton swabs such as Q-tips in their kids’ ears. When you use Q-tips in your children’s ear, it can offset the pH balance inside the ear canal, or cause small breaks in the canal skin, which can then increase the risk of getting ear infections. It is also helpful to consider using earplugs or swim caps for children. Parents can also try to dry the ear if the ear is very wet after a swim. Parents can use a hair dryer around a shoulder length away from their child’s ear on the lowest setting for about 10 seconds at a time, and that can dry out the ear canal and help prevent swimmer’s ear.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: How to Treat Sleep Apnea in Children

The Pinedas were worried about their baby’s future. Often, if left untreated, cleft lip and palate can lead to speech and socioemotional developmental delays. Some babies also face feeding issues.

However, even before the parents reached their home, Victor Chien, MD, a pediatric plastic surgeon and director of Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, called the Pinedas to reassure them and offer a novel solution: robot-assisted surgery.

“We left the ultrasound feeling really sad with the news,” Marisol Pineda said. “But Dr. Chien reassured us that everything was going to be okay. He explained that although Luka has a cleft lip and palate, he would be able to fix it.”

July marks National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. A cleft lip typically occurs when the tissues that make up the upper lip don’t join properly before birth. Children born with a cleft lip can also have a cleft palate—a condition in which the roof of the mouth doesn’t fuse properly. About 1 in every 1,031 babies in the United States is born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Luka was born prematurely at 33 weeks of gestation and was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. In addition to being a preterm baby, Luka experienced breathing difficulties due to his cleft lip, which made it hard for him to close his mouth. He also gained weight more slowly because he struggled to latch onto the bottle, so he required a temporary feeding tube.

At first, Luka’s parents were apprehensive about a robot assisting with the surgery. But Chien reassured them by explaining the procedure. However, he recommended waiting until Luka weighed at least around 10 pounds or was 3 months old.

Robot-assisted cleft lip repairs are still under Food and Drug Administration review and have been used only in a handful of cases. Surgeons control the robot remotely, facing a screen away from the patient, performing the surgery using chopstick-like instruments, which allows for finer movements in small spaces like an infant’s mouth.

“The robot-assisted approach takes about the same time as the traditional approach, but it offers surgeons enhanced precision, especially when carefully separating delicate tissue and suturing. We’re using the robot for key fine sutures in three critical layers of the lip repair and now superfine dissection,” Chien said. “The main thing we are trying to reduce with all the finer techniques a robot offers is the amount of trauma and scarring on the smallest, delicate tissues.”

Furthermore, robotic assistance reduces awkward operating positions for surgeons working on the smallest patients. Chien noted that the robot’s precision eliminates hand tremors, making the procedure “gentler on the tissues.”

The family put their trust in Chien—and the results amazed them.

Following his robotic cleft lip repair, Luka was smiling, thriving and finally able to gain weight as feeding became easier.

“Physically, the surgery made a big difference. My son’s lips looked really good. The scarring was barely noticeable,” Pineda said. “He’s such a happy baby. He smiles a lot.”

Earlier this year, Luka underwent his second surgery to repair his cleft palate, an opening in the roof of the mouth that made eating solid foods and swallowing difficult. While the robot was not used for that procedure, the operation was successful, marking another important milestone in his care.

Today, at 18 months, Luka is active and playful just like any other toddler and is meeting developmental milestones. Pineda said she is relieved his early feeding struggles are behind him.

“The thing about a cleft lip and palate is there are so many emotions and worries that come with it, but we’re grateful for the advancements in technology and the care Luka received,” Pineda said. “He loves to eat; he’s such a happy eater. You would never know everything he’s been through.”

Chien is optimistic about what robotic surgery can offer and is eager to train future surgeons to adopt the technology.

“This technology could transform the way we perform delicate pediatric procedures,” he said. “It’s a new frontier for plastic surgery.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate FAQ

Although polio has largely receded from public health concerns in the U.S., where it was eliminated more than four decades ago, strains of the virus that causes the disease still circulate in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. At home, measles outbreaks have recently been reported in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Utah, pushing the total number of cases in the U.S. during 2026 to more than 2,220—already more than last year’s count, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“More than anything, it’s a good reminder that staying up to date on vaccinations is critical to staying safe and healthy while traveling,” said Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Ben-Aderet about what travelers should know about polio and measles and how to stay safe this summer.

Where does polio still exist?

Polio is caused by a highly contagious virus that has essentially been eliminated from most of the world through vaccination. Wild strains still persist in a handful of countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, which means the vast majority of international travelers are at relatively low risk, particularly if they’ve been vaccinated. In recent years, roughly 30 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, including the U.K. and Germany, have shown signs of the virus circulating. However, those signs are not necessarily tied to outbreaks. For example, public health officials in the U.K. have detected the virus in wastewater tests, which likely points to some degree of asymptomatic polio.

How does polio spread?

The poliovirus typically spreads when an infected person doesn’t wash their hands after using the restroom and contaminates water, food or other surfaces that others touch. It usually causes a mild illness that most people recover from quickly. What makes polio historically frightening is that a small percentage of infections can progress to paralysis, typically affecting the legs and feet, when the virus invades the nervous system. That’s why vaccination is so important. It has essentially eliminated that fear in populations where immunization rates are high.

How big of a threat is polio to international travelers?

Almost everyone in the U.S. received the polio vaccination series as a child. For vaccinated travelers, the risk is minimal. For older adults concerned that their immunity may have waned over the years, a booster is worth considering before visiting regions where polio transmission remains a possibility. The polio vaccine has minimal side effects, so there is little harm in getting the vaccine. You won’t receive the full benefit of immunity until four weeks after vaccination, but you’ll start receiving some protection immediately.

Where is measles a concern?

Measles is, in many ways, a more immediate risk to summer travelers, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces. It’s far more contagious, spreading through airborne particles from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, and it can stay in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves.

Recent clusters have emerged in parts of California, Texas and Oklahoma, and the largest outbreaks have been reported in India, Bangladesh, Yemen, Mexico and Pakistan. Measles outbreaks are happening in multiple countries throughout the world. You could try to avoid known measles outbreaks as you travel, but the chance of encountering someone with measles has risen as fewer people get vaccinated, and you don’t know when you’ll be exposed.

How protected are those who have been vaccinated?

Most fully vaccinated individuals are well protected for life. Adults who are uncertain whether they ever received the two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, should consider getting at least one dose. Adults at high risk should consider two doses at least 28 days apart. Children are recommended to receive two doses: one at 12 to 15 months and one at 4 to 6 years old. Babies 6 to11 months old should get one dose before they travel and two more doses after their first birthday.

It’s always a good idea to check your vaccination records and to consult your primary care provider or a travel medicine clinic four to six weeks before traveling abroad.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: 8 Expert Tips to Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel

Fires can leave behind more than visible damage. The lingering smoke and airborne contaminants from the recent warehouse fire in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles may continue to affect air quality for weeks or even months. Exposure to pollutants released during the fire and after it was extinguished can significantly increase the risk of developing respiratory problems and other health issues. 

While some people experience only temporary irritation, others, especially children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions or breathing issues, may face more serious or long-term health effects.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Irina Dralyuk, MD, director of Pediatric Pulmonology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, about the health risks associated with fire and smoke exposure, who is most vulnerable and what people can do to protect themselves.

What are the health dangers following a fire like the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights?

Following a fire, air quality can be affected for an extended period of time. Fires release a variety of chemicals and fine particles into the air, and many of those substances may not be immediately identified as materials continue to burn and break down.

The first few weeks after a fire are generally the most concerning, but people should remain cautious for at least two to three months. For individuals with respiratory diseases, weakened immune systems or heightened sensitivity to environmental pollutants, the health effects can last much longer, potentially up to a year.

Who should be especially cautious following a fire?

Several groups are at higher risk, including infants and young children, especially babies born prematurely, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.

However, even people with healthy lungs should take smoke exposure seriously. Environmental hazards from a fire can trigger inflammation or respiratory problems in otherwise healthy individuals, so everyone should take steps to protect themselves when air quality is poor.

What precautions can people take after a fire?

One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure indoors is by using air purifiers. It's important to choose a purifier that's appropriately sized for the room and to replace filters regularly. Home HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] filters should also be changed according to manufacturer recommendations.

If possible, limit activities that bring smoky outdoor air into the home. During periods of poor air quality, consider using fans instead of air conditioning, as it typically draws outside air into your living space. When spending time outdoors, wear a well-fitting mask on days when air quality is poor, especially during the weeks and months following a fire.

When should people seek medical attention?

Even mild symptoms such as an itchy or scratchy throat, irritated eyes, or persistent coughing are signs that smoke may be affecting your body and should not be ignored.

People experiencing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should see a doctor or head to an urgent care. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend diagnostic tests such as a chest X-ray or lung function tests. Your doctor might also listen to the lungs and determine whether medications, including inhalers, nebulizer treatments or oral medications, are needed to reduce inflammation, open the airways and improve breathing.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: What Parents Should Know About Teen Vaping

investigators linked higher coffee consumption with lower risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death.

“Previous studies suggested that coffee might benefit the liver, but most were smaller or looked at only one piece of the puzzle,” said hepatologist Hyunseok Kim, MD, MPH, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and corresponding author of the study. “We followed hundreds of thousands of people for more than a decade and looked at their health outcomes along with liver MRI scans and blood protein analyses. Together, those findings help explain the biological mechanisms behind coffee’s association with better liver health.”

A Cedars-Sinai study of more than 355,000 adults found that drinking coffee was associated with lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death. The investigators analyzed data from 354,957 UK Biobank participants who did not have cirrhosis or liver cancer at the start of the study. Over a median follow-up of 13 years, researchers tracked new diagnoses of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death through linked health records.

Compared with people who did not drink coffee, those who drank five or more cups of coffee a day had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer and a 42% lower risk of liver-related death. Participants who drank more coffee also had lower levels of liver fat, liver iron, fibrosis and liver inflammation in MRI scans. And coffee drinkers’ blood tests showed higher levels of proteins tied to healthy liver function and lower levels of proteins linked to scarring and inflammation.

While liver health risk decreased as coffee consumption increased, researchers noted that benefits were seen even at one to two cups per day and appeared strongest around three to four cups per day. They emphasized that while the highest intake group (five or more cups daily) showed benefit, they would not recommend increasing consumption to that level specifically.

Similar protective associations were observed for caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that caffeine itself is unlikely to be the only active component, and that other naturally occurring compounds in coffee may contribute to the benefits. Because the study was observational, investigators noted it does not prove that coffee itself prevents liver disease. And they emphasized that coffee should complement—not replace—established strategies for preventing liver disease.

“Our findings support moderate coffee consumption for people who already enjoy and tolerate it well,” said study senior author Ju Dong Yang, MD, medical director of the Liver Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai. “However, we would not recommend that someone begin drinking coffee solely for liver protection based on this study alone. Prevention should continue to focus on maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.”

Because caffeine isn’t appropriate for everyone, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart rhythm disorders, severe anxiety, insomnia or other conditions that require limiting caffeine should consult their healthcare provider before increasing their coffee consumption.

“The next step in our research is to identify the specific compounds in coffee that are responsible for these liver-protective associations,” said study author Shelly Lu, MD, the Women’s Guild Chair in Gastroenterology and director of the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai. “Our findings point to biological pathways involving inflammation and scarring and highlight molecular targets that future research can explore to better understand how coffee may influence liver health and who stands to benefit the most.”

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Yufeng Wang, Abdelrahman M. Attia, Minsun Kwak, Seungwon Burm, Derin Celtik, Daniel Legaspi, Osama Khattab, Naomy Kim, Beza M. Mengistu, Kelsey N. Larios, Walid Ayoub, Alexandar Kuo, Paul Martin, Aarshi Vipani, Yun Wang, Debiao Li and Stephen Pandol.

Other authors include Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh, David Sooik Kim and Suthat Liangpunsakul.

Conflicts of Interest: Ju Dong Yang reports the following conflicts of interest: consulting service for AstraZeneca, Eisai, Exact Sciences, and Fujifilm Medical Sciences.

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.

As the United States men’s national team competes on soccer's biggest stage,

A longtime leader in sports medicine, Mandelbaum has been involved with U.S. Soccer since 1989 and has worked with every U.S. Men's World Cup team since 1994. Today, he is chief medical officer for U.S. Soccer as well as a team physician for the U.S. Men's National Team. He also is vice chair of Network Development at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, an accredited FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence.

Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is one of only three FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence in the United States, a designation recognizing leadership in clinical care, research, education and injury prevention.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Mandelbaum about caring for athletes, preparing for the demands of the World Cup and how innovations developed for professional players are helping patients of all ages live healthier, more active lives.

Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence. What does that mean?

We are very proud at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine to be a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence.

It means we're proficient at taking care of the most professional athletes—from national teams and professional players—to youth athletes and everyone in between. But clinical care is only part of the equation.

To earn and maintain this designation, we also have to demonstrate leadership in research, education and injury prevention. It really separates us as leaders worldwide in the care of athletes.

Why is that designation important for athletes and patients?

Our expertise extends across every level of the game. We care for professional athletes, youth competitors and the weekend warrior.

What makes the program unique is the multidisciplinary approach. Physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists and performance specialists work together as an integrated team. That same collaborative model benefits not only elite athletes, but every patient who comes to Cedars-Sinai seeking orthopedic and sports medicine care.

What is your role during the World Cup?       

My role as one of the two team physicians for the U.S. Men’s National Team is to oversee every aspect of the medical and performance side of the team.

We focus on three primary pillars: prevention, performance, and injury and illness care when issues arise.

At this level, success isn't just about treating injuries. It's about helping players stay healthy, optimizing performance and making sure athletes are available to compete throughout the tournament.

As chief medical officer, my responsibilities extend beyond the Men's National Team.

I oversee medical operations and strategy across all 27 U.S. Soccer teams, including men's, women's, youth, adaptive and other national team programs.

It's an exciting time for FIFA, particularly with the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Georgia, which provides a centralized home for player development, performance and medical care.

What are the biggest medical challenges players face during a World Cup?

Our priorities remain consistent: prevention, performance and care.

Before competition even begins, players undergo extensive medical assessments that include orthopedic, medical and cardiovascular evaluations. We are constantly thinking about injury prevention, concussion management and cardiac health.

Once the tournament starts, the most common injury concern is muscle injury, particularly hamstring strains.

Hamstring injuries are among the most burdensome injuries in soccer because of the high-speed demands of the sport. They can affect team continuity and player availability, so preventing those injuries is a major focus throughout the tournament.

How has sports medicine evolved since your first World Cup in 1994?

The evolution has been remarkable.

In 1994, we didn't have the protocols and procedures that exist today. Now we have sophisticated concussion management programs, detailed return-to-play guidelines and emergency response protocols for cardiac events and other serious medical conditions.

We've also become much more integrated in how we think about athlete health. Medical care and performance are no longer separate disciplines. They work together as one team.

Today, we're focused on what we call performance preservation—using data, technology and multidisciplinary expertise to help athletes stay healthy, resilient and available for competition.

What have you learned from caring for high-performing athletes that benefits all patients?       

One of the biggest lessons is that everyone wants the same thing.

Professional athletes want to extend the lifespan of their careers. The rest of us want to extend our health span and quality of life.

We use the term "playspan" to describe maximizing the number of years we can remain active and engaged in the activities we enjoy.

The principles are similar whether you're a World Cup player or someone who wants to stay active with their family: How you eat, how you hydrate, how you think, how you move and how you recover all matter.

After decades in soccer, what continues to inspire you about the game?

Soccer is global.

What I've learned through years of World Cups and Olympic competitions is that the sport transcends borders, cultures and backgrounds.

The beautiful game [as soccer is known] sits at the intersection of what I call the sport of life and the life of sport. It's where humanity comes together, and that's where some of the most meaningful lessons are learned.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Regenerative Medicine for Orthopedics

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

His labored breathing and exhaustion prompted him to see his physician, who ordered a battery of tests. Aster’s diagnosis: A rare cancer called a neuroendocrine tumor was causing a condition called carcinoid heart disease, and causing his heart to fail.

With treatment at the Cedars-Sinai Neuroendocrine Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinic, Aster is now back on the trail, his bike, his board and the court.

“I went from wondering how long I have to live to understanding that this can be managed,” Aster said. “I feel better than I have felt in years.”

Aster’s symptoms came on slowly over several months: crushing fatigue, bloating, loss of appetite and swelling in his legs and feet. Blood tests ordered by his primary doctor were normal, but a CT scan showed tumors in his liver, which were eventually diagnosed as stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer.

“We received the diagnosis the day we dropped the youngest of our four kids off at college,” Orr said. “We had other plans, so we just had to reset.”

Unable to sleep the night they got the news, Orr—who Aster said was his caregiver and support throughout this difficult time and credits with helping save his life—spent hours online. She clicked her way to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. The organization, a resource for research funding, patient education and support, directed the couple to  the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation, which referred them to Cedars-Sinai and its multidisciplinary clinic.

“We were concerned about Ken’s neuroendocrine tumors, which had spread to his liver and were making it difficult for his stomach to work normally,” said Andrew Hendifar, MD, who leads the clinic and is a professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. “But we knew from experience that his heart failure would have to be treated first. We didn’t have a minute to lose.”

Neuroendocrine tumors begin in neuroendocrine cells, which connect the nervous system with the hormone-producing endocrine system. They can occur anywhere in the body.

Aster’s began in his small bowel and produced a hormone called serotonin, which thickened two of his heart valves and caused them to leak. The condition is called carcinoid heart disease.

Prashanth Venkatesh, MD, assistant professor of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, is the cardiologist on the neuroendocrine team.

“The pulmonary valve, which sends blood from the heart to the lungs, is notoriously difficult to evaluate with standard imaging techniques because of its location in the chest and the relative rarity of pulmonary valve disease in adults,” Venkatesh said. “Significant pulmonary valve involvement in carcinoid heart disease is hence very easily missed.”

Venkatesh, a congenital heart specialist, often employs more extensive imaging techniques for patients born with structural heart defects. Aster’s results showed there was a leak in his pulmonary valve as well as a leak in his tricuspid valve. Both valves needed to be replaced.

“When there is a leaky valve, which we call regurgitation, some of the blood in the heart goes in the wrong direction,” said Raj Makkar, MD, vice president of Cardiovascular Innovation and Intervention at Cedars-Sinai and the Karsh Distinguished Chair in Interventional Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute. “With leaky pulmonary and tricuspid valves, the blood that is supposed to go into the lungs can leak back toward the upper chamber of the heart.”

Aster’s pulmonary valve was replaced via a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter was threaded up through an artery in the groin to maneuver the valve into its proper place. Four weeks later, Makkar replaced Aster’s tricuspid valve using a similar procedure. 

“Patients with carcinoid heart disease are going through a lot because of the neuroendocrine tumor, and traditional valve replacement surgery puts them at higher risk for complications,” Makkar said. “We pioneered testing of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement around five years ago, and this was the option we chose for Mr. Aster.”

To address the neuroendocrine tumors on Aster’s liver, Alexandra Gangi, MD, director of the Division of Surgical Oncology and co-director of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinc, chose another minimally invasive approach: tumor embolization.

“We accessed the tumors with a catheter, through the artery in the groin,” Gangi said. “This allows us to block off the blood flow to the specific arteries that feed the tumors. This starves the tumors, and results in shrinking and tumor control.”

So far, Aster has avoided surgery and chemotherapy because of the nature of neuroendocrine tumors and the expertise of his care team in sequencing his therapies based on his sypmtoms.

“I think the difference between metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and most other types of gastrointestinal cancers is that we’re playing the long game,” Gangi said. “We often do the least invasive thing and save more aggressive options for when we really need them. These tumors tend to recur, but prognosis is generally good and patients can live a long time with them.”

Additional treatment or surgical procedures might be on the horizon, but today, Aster is doing well.

“We feel very fortunate that we were able to identify this as early as we did and intervene in the way that we did,” Hendifar said. “A few years ago, even six months ago, Ken wouldn't have been a candidate for minimally invasive valve replacements. He would have required open-heart surgery, and I'm not sure if the outcome would have been as good.”

Aster describes his current health as “great.”

“I just started cycling again in January, 13 months after the second valve replacement,” Aster said. “Now I'm doing a 25-mile ride in the hills two or three times a week with no problem. My heart feels as normal as can be.”

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 new

“The generosity and foresight of the Cayton Goldrich Family Foundation gave us the resources to conduct outreach and coordinate care for these patients,” said Cristina Ferrone, MD, chair of the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai. “By bringing together our dedicated physicians and recruiting top talent from around the country, we are making this centralized BRCA center unlike any other.”

Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and those with family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer, or people who have been diagnosed with one of these cancers, should be screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, Ferrone said.

Cancer Screenings

“This center will provide every relevant service: comprehensive risk assessment, state-of-the-art surveillance, prevention strategies, clinical trials, and access to the latest scientific discoveries,” said Farin Amersi, MD, a surgical oncologist who treats patients with BRCA mutations. “More importantly, it will create a true home for patients and families facing hereditary cancer risk.” 

A patient’s first visit to the center begins with genetic counseling to help patients understand their unique cancer risk. For women, the initial visit also includes a breast MRI or mammogram, and a pelvic ultrasound and blood test to screen for ovarian cancer. Men undergo imaging to screen for breast cancer and an exam and blood test to screen for prostate cancer. For pancreatic cancer, both men and women may have abdominal imaging and discuss the possibility of endoscopy screening, depending on their individual risk.

“At many other institutions, patients diagnosed with a BRCA mutation have to make appointments for each of these screenings separately, with different physicians,” Amersi said. “Our patients will have all their screenings—and receive their test results—in one visit. This will help relieve the anxiety of juggling multiple appointments and waiting to learn the results of these tests.”

The process condenses what could be eight to 12 different appointments into a single day, Ferrone said.

“For patients with BRCA mutations, these screenings are repeated every six to 12 months, so you can imagine how disruptive separate appointments are for patients, many of whom work and have families,” Ferrone said.

Based on their test results, patients meet with a team of specialists about the best path forward, taking into account the patient’s age, fertility goals and individual cancer risk.

Preventive Treatment

For breast and ovarian cancer prevention, patients and their care team discuss the need and timing for possible preemptive surgery.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have slightly different risks associated with them, said Marla Scott, MD, a gynecologic oncologist.

“People with BRCA1 mutations have roughly a 40% higher risk for gynecologic cancers, and are a younger average age when cancer tends to appear,” Scott said. “This means we have a discussion about removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as consideration for hysterectomy and mastectomy, between ages 35 and 40.”

A reproductive endocrinologist is on-site to discuss fertility preservation—including egg and embryo freezing and in-vitro testing and fertilization—as well as hormone replacement options to manage symptoms of surgically-induced menopause, Scott said.

For people with BRCA2 mutations, there is a slightly lower increased risk of gynecologic cancer, and age of cancer onset tends to be about 10 years later, allowing doctors to delay preventive surgeries, Scott said.

“With the exception of regular breast exams, patients may get to ‘graduate’ out of further screening for gynecologic cancers if they have a risk-reducing surgery and show no signs of cancer,” Scott said.

Scott added that while managing cancer risk can be challenging for people with a BRCA mutation, having a place they can go for guidance is empowering. The hope, Ferrone said, is that community outreach efforts will bring these benefits to even more patients.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer free genetic testing in high-risk populations in the near future,” Ferrone said. “This will help us identify more at-risk patients and get them enrolled in the appropriate programs to help them manage their risk and preserve their health.”

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.

“Spinal CSF leaks can be incredibly debilitating, and in many cases we haven’t understood why they happen,” said Wouter Schievink, MD, co-senior author of the study and professor of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai.

The brain and spinal cord are bathed in protective cerebrospinal fluid. A tear or hole in the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord can allow this fluid to leak out, leading to nausea, neck stiffness and severe headaches that worsen when standing. Current treatments for spinal CSF leaks focus on sealing the leak after it occurs. Patients are often treated with epidural blood patches, which can provide temporary relief, or may require specialized surgery to repair the tear when symptoms persist.

Spinal CSF leaks are associated with genetic connective tissue diseases that affect tissues supporting the body’s structure, but for many patients without a diagnosis of connective tissue disorder, the cause of the ruptured membrane is unknown.

“Because some patients with unexplained spinal CSF leak show subtle signs of connective tissue disease, even though they do not have a defined diagnosis, we sought to find a genetic cause,” Schievink said.

Investigators, including lead author of the study Cassie Parks, MD, PhD, and co-senior author Hal Dietz, MD, analyzed whole-exome sequencing from 42 patients with unexplained spinal CSF leak and compared the results with more than 3,800 individuals without the condition. They tested how the genetic variants they detected behave in human cells and laboratory mice.

The study found that about 1 in 5 patients with this type of spinal CSF leak had changes in the FBN2 gene, and that these changes appeared significantly more often in patients with CSF leak than in those without the condition.

Additional experiments showed that these genetic changes disrupt the way cells attach to the supportive tissue surrounding the spinal cord, potentially weakening this protective layer. In laboratory mice carrying the same mutations, the spinal lining was more prone to tearing and leaking.

Together, these findings suggest that defects in connective tissue caused by FBN2 variants may increase a person’s risk of developing spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

“By identifying a genetic contributor, we now have the first understanding of cellular events that may be targetable for prevention or treatment of spontaneous CSF leaks,” said Dietz, professor of Genetic Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

“Potential future treatments can include medications that strengthen connective tissue or target the biological pathways affected by the FBN2 gene,” Schievink added.

Additional authors include Mukti Singh, Elizabeth Wohler, Renan Martin, Silke Peeters, Emily Juzwiak, Xinyi Sun, Bart Loeys, Nara Sobreira and Claire Baldock.

Funding: This work was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Marfan Foundation, the Pease/Scheeler Fund and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

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 52-year-old has always enjoyed a high-energy lifestyle, managing the intensity of producing films and television shows (Ladder 49, Flight Plan, Top Gear, Wheeler Dealers) by eating healthy, running and biking along the Los Angeles River. After his daughter was born in 2020, Nieminen assumed his constant exhaustion was the typical kind that comes with sleepless nights caring for a newborn. Still, he and his wife, Kaisa, found it odd that picking up his daughter left him depleted.

“My battery was constantly drained,” Nieminen said. “Being physically active all my life, it was quite alarming. Deteriorating this quickly when I’m just over 50 seemed sort of dramatic.”

Nieminen also noticed his heart seemed to beat too fast at times and occasionally it would skip a beat, so in 2023 he made an appointment with Cedars-Sinai cardiologist Ronit Zadikany, MD. Zadikany diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync. The condition tends to worsen with time and can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly or irregularly, impeding blood flow. Common symptoms include fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness and reduced stamina. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can cause a slew of cardiovascular complications—including stroke.

Nieminen’s cardiologist referred him to Christine M. Albert, MD, MPH, an expert in atrial fibrillation and chair of the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute. Albert recommended cardioversion, a procedure commonly used to reset the heart to a normal rhythm. The results made Nieminen feel like himself again, but only for a day. A second cardioversion combined with a medication known to work for many people also had temporary effects.

Albert was determined to find Nieminen a treatment that would have long-term results. She suggested he might benefit from catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys cells and creates a small scar within the heart, breaking up or insulating the electrical signals causing the heart to beat out of sync. She connected him with Michael Shehata, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist in the Smidt Heart Institute.

Shehata was leading a clinical trial investigating a new catheter ablation called pulsed field ablation. Rather than create scars, pulsed field ablation targets heart cells involved in an abnormal heart rhythm.

Nieminen underwent the procedure in January 2024.

“When other options fail, this procedure can be life-changing for patients,” Shehata said.

Pulsed field ablation is done by threading a catheter through a vein in a patient’s leg until it reaches the top chambers of the heart. Once in place, a cardiologist sends a high-voltage electrical impulse through the catheter. The energy penetrates cell walls and destroys specific heart cells, preventing abnormal signals from causing an irregular heartbeat. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

“The energy is delivered specifically to heart cells without injuring nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, or other, healthy cells,” said Shehata, who is also director of the Interventional Electrophysiology Laboratory at the Smidt Heart Institute. “For some patients with atrial fibrillation, this procedure may be safer than conventional ablation procedures that destroy small areas of heart tissue.”

Following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of several pulsed field ablation systems, the procedure is now available for use outside of a clinical trial.

Advances in treatment couldn’t come at a better time. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and deaths related to the condition have been increasing for more than two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Today, Nieminen is back to long runs and cycling through his neighborhood. He also works with local organizations to advocate for safe walking and biking paths in Los Angeles. Most importantly, he can now lift his daughter into the air like the high-energy dad he is.

A device that was implanted to record Nieminen’s heart rhythm shows proof of his progress: He has been free from atrial fibrillation since getting pulsed field ablation.

“Don’t hesitate to share with your doctors when something feels off because you feel like you’re being a hypochondriac or you think it’s too insignificant to bring up,” he said. “As you get older, it’s especially important to listen to your body, eat right and stay active, and that doesn’t necessarily mean doing a 10K. Everything your mom would tell you growing up: Stay active, eat healthy, get sleep and get checkups with your doctor. Mom knew what she was talking about.”

Read more on Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Back Into Rhythm | Adjusting to an AFib Diagnosis

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 allied health school prepares students—particularly those from Southern California’s underserved communities and Cedars-Sinai employees—for healthcare careers.

Jessica Chung, 29, is one of five students graduating from the allied health program, established with a $30 million gift from the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. She is completing the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program, which prepares students with the innovative skills, clinical practices and procedural techniques needed for a successful career in a hospital laboratory.

“The training experience has been challenging but highly rewarding,” said Chung, a Pasadena resident. “Working as a clinical laboratory technician inspired me to grow professionally and make a greater difference in patient care.”

Chung, who holds a bachelor of science degree in molecular, cell and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, praised the instruction she received throughout the program.

“My Cedars-Sinai instructors generously shared their knowledge and gave me a deeper appreciation for how every part of the laboratory works together to support patients,” Chung said. “I look forward to developing my skills further and mentoring new specialists entering the field.”

The graduating class also includes students receiving a doctorate in biomedical and translational sciences, a master of science in health systems, and a master of science in magnetic resonance in medicine. The graduate programs combine scientific and translational medicine curricula with dedicated mentorship from scientists and clinicians.

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System, will serve as a commencement speaker.

“This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of our health sciences university,” Slavin said. “With this graduating class and the ones that follow, our university will expand its contribution to biomedical science, clinical care, practitioner advancement and a rich variety of healthcare careers.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University was established in 2024 to prepare generations of academic scientists, physician leaders and allied health professionals for the future of healthcare and biomedical science.

Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the Medical Faculty at Cedars-Sinai, said graduates will use their training to shape healthcare delivery and scientific advances.

Melmed played a foundational role in establishing the Cedars-Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the health sciences university.

“Our graduates immersed themselves in basic and translational research and helped spur innovation, discovery and creative scholarship at Cedars-Sinai and beyond,” Melmed said. “We are delighted to watch the many ways they bring their training to myriad disciplines.”  

Melmed will be honored during the ceremony for 46 years of extraordinary service to Cedars-Sinai. He transitions to the role of dean emeritus of the Medical Faculty and executive advisor to the president and CEO at the end of 2026.

Melmed and other commencement speakers said the university’s students gain a better understanding of human disease and how best to treat individuals and populations, enhance disease prevention and elevate the overall health of communities.

“Our university brings an energy and enthusiasm unique to Cedars-Sinai,” said Jeffrey A. Golden, MD, executive vice dean of Research and Education who also helped found the health sciences university.  “This energy is best exemplified by the graduates we get to recognize at commencement—innovators in healthcare delivery, pioneers of medical technologies and forward-thinking leaders who are now equipped to solve the many mysteries of medicine.”

The first graduates from the Chuck Lorre Allied Health School include clinical laboratory scientists Melissa Amy Casillas and Jessica Chung, and pharmacy technicians Mehdi Allahbakhsh, Fariba Fazeli and Jayson Flores.

The class of 2026 of master of science in health systems graduates includes Brianna Garcia; Claudia Carrillo; Alexa Schroer; Elisa M. Ditman; Fiorella Agredas; Ayako Ikenouchi; Elizabeth LeeAnn Jackson; Jigna Dhyani, MSHS; Katherine Eckert; LaShon Heidelberg; Michael Fine; Michelle E. Riley, PA-C; Rainier Francisco Pizarro; Ranjalika Aashna Devi; Rongsen Li; Samaneh Samadi; Julio Silvestre, MD; Jenna Mattinson; Sheree Wynn; Ta'Nia J. Harris, BSBA, CIIP; Thomas J. Hoffmann; and Harmon Arthur Clarke Jr.

Doctor of philosophy in biomedical and translational sciences graduates include Alicia Gamboa, Sehrish Javed, Arati Naveen, Michael Edison P. Ramos, Fardad Serry, Vaishnavi Devarakonda and Jianhang Zhou.

Master of science in magnetic resonance in medicine graduates include Dante Rigo de Righi, Angel Liu, Yimeng He, Sophia Katherine Mostowy, Chen Wang and Yufeng Wang.

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 National Institutes of Health has launched its first agencywide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research, a five-year initiative aimed at accelerating research into diseases that affect an estimated 50 million Americans and cost more than $100 billion annually.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system, designed to protect the body from viruses, bacteria and other threats, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Nearly every part of the body can be affected, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs and nervous system.

The result is often chronic and debilitating illness as most autoimmune diseases have no permanent cure and require lifelong management. While treatments continue to improve, many patients still rely on the long-term use of immunosuppressive therapies to manage their disease.

One of the key features of autoimmune diseases is that they disproportionately affect women, who account for more than 70% of patients worldwide, a distinction the NIH initiative will explore.

At Cedars-Sinai, scientists and clinicians with the Kao Autoimmunity Institute are working to understand how biological sex influences immune responses and disease risk. In lupus, for example, 90% of the patients are women and investigators are trying to understand what factors drive that enormous disparity and what could improve treatment.

Autoimmune disease and lupus investigator Caroline Jefferies, PhD, scientific director of the Center for Research in Women’s Health Science at Cedars-Sinai, and rheumatologist Mariko Ishimori, MD, associate director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center, sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to discuss how sex differences can shape lupus risk, symptoms and patient care.

Why do autoimmune diseases affect women more often than men?

Jefferies: Differences in sex chromosomes, hormones and environmental exposures all influence the immune system. Some genes involved in regulating immune responses are located on the X chromosome. Although females typically have two X chromosomes, one is usually switched off in each cell. Certain immune-related genes, however, can escape that inactivation process and remain active, which may contribute to a heightened immune response and help explain why autoimmune diseases are more common in women.

How does the immune system function differently in women compared to men?

Jefferies: Women generally mount stronger immune responses than men, resulting in faster responses to viruses and better responses to vaccines. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when men experienced higher mortality and more severe disease. But that significant antiviral advantage also may contribute to the higher rates of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases seen in women, including lupus.

Why is lupus a key example of sex differences in autoimmune disease?

Jefferies: About 9 out of 10 lupus patients are women, and lupus was one of the first autoimmune diseases linked to overactivation of antiviral immunity. Decades ago, researchers discovered that interferons—proteins released when the body detects viruses—were elevated in lupus patients. Interferons drive immune cell activation, antibody production and cell death, all of which can contribute to the development of autoimmunity and illness.

Does lupus present differently in women and men, and can those differences affect diagnosis or treatment?

Ishimori: Women are far more likely to develop lupus, especially during their reproductive years, when the ratio of women to men with the disease is about 9 to 1.

Lupus symptoms can vary widely, but women commonly experience fatigue, joint pain, swelling, rashes and oral ulcers. Men may be more likely to develop inflammation around the heart or lungs, or organ-threatening disease affecting the kidneys or heart. Because there is no definitive blood test, or single symptom, that confirm lupus, delays in diagnosis can occur. Men may face additional delays because lupus is generally considered more common in women and may be less likely to be considered in the differential diagnosis in men.

Are there stages in a woman’s life when autoimmune symptoms may change or become more noticeable?

Ishimori: During pregnancy, the immune system adapts to tolerate a growing fetus while continuing to protect the mother. Some women with autoimmune disease experience flares during pregnancy, while others do not. Patients with known autoimmune disease are generally encouraged to achieve good disease control before conception because well-controlled disease is associated with fewer pregnancy complications. Several weeks after delivery, there may be an increased risk of disease flare or even a first presentation of autoimmune disease as the immune system readjusts.

Around menopause, some autoimmune symptoms can overlap with changes naturally associated with that stage of life, which can sometimes complicate diagnosis of a specific disorder.

What should women do if they think they may have an autoimmune disease?

Ishimori: Autoimmune symptoms often persist over time, although they may come and go. Because infections and other illnesses can sometimes cause similar symptoms, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Keeping track of symptoms—such as fevers, rashes or patterns of joint pain—can help patients have more informed conversations with their doctors. Patients should feel comfortable asking what conditions are being considered, what tests are being ordered and whether autoimmune disease could be a possible explanation for their symptoms.

How could a better understanding of sex differences change autoimmune disease treatment?

Jefferies: One of the biggest gaps in our knowledge is understanding how sex chromosomes and sex hormones influence the immune system across different tissues and organs. A better understanding of those mechanisms could eventually help researchers develop more targeted treatments for organ-specific complications of lupus, including heart and lung disease. Ultimately, that is why we do this work—to help patients, many of them women, live healthier lives.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Cultivated Care for Autoimmune Diseases

The Holoman gift establishes the Cedars-Sinai Holoman Health Equity Center and endows the Holoman Chair in Health Equity, to be held by Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai.

“We are grateful to Eric and Terri Holoman for their civic-minded vision to help balance the scales in health equity reform,” said Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, senior vice president of Advancement and chief advancement officer at Cedars-Sinai. “This gift reflects deep alignment between the Holomans’ values and Cedars-Sinai’s.” 

Health equity has been a bedrock of Cedars-Sinai’s mission to offer hope and healing to all, regardless of factors including, but not limited to, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Yet, evolving challenges in healthcare access and delivery, in combination with long-standing systemic barriers, make this a pivotal time that calls for re-evaluation and restructuring of processes and procedures, Harris said. Many people still face obstacles including coverage and affordability gaps that are inextricably tied to social determinants of health such as income, housing, transportation and education.

Harris said she will use her platform as the Holoman Chair in Health Equity to drive comprehensive programs and research.

“This endowed chair is, in many ways, a commitment to the profound legacy of the late Linda Burnes Bolton, DrPH, RN, FAAN,” Harris said. “She became Cedars-Sinai’s first chief health equity officer after launching the Office of Health Equity in 2019. I am honored to carry this mission forward, standing on the shoulders of her esteemed leadership.”

Cedars-Sinai hosted a dinner in honor of the Holomans at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on May 27. Highly regarded nationally for their philanthropy, the Holoman family is a long-time supporter of Cedars-Sinai. Over the past decade, they have contributed to the medical center to support the Neurosurgery Scholars Program and The Brain Trust, a volunteer group that advances fundraising and awareness in support of the work of Keith Black, MD. Black is chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience.

Eric, an insurance and finance entrepreneur, sits on the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors. He is also minority owner of the Washington Commanders, managing partner of the Los Angeles Sparks and a member of the WNBA Board of Governors.

Terri, a collector of African American art, is on the board of the California African American Museum and a founding member of its foundation. She also sits on the boards of the USC Black Alumni Association and St. Anne’s Family Services, a Los Angeles nonprofit.

“I invest for a living and I feel like we’re investing in something important,” Eric said. “Terri and I are fervently dedicated to helping local communities thrive, and that is exceedingly difficult without coordinated health services and patient support delivered not only in the hospital but, just as importantly, across Los Angeles neighborhoods.”

Terri added, “This donation is one way we can effect positive change in marginalized communities across the region we call home.”

As a data and innovation engine, the Cedars-Sinai Holoman Health Equity Center will identify opportunities to accelerate solutions for combatting health equity deficiencies by meeting goals, including:

• Expanding Cedars-Sinai’s research equity infrastructure to increase inclusion in clinical research
• Deepening partnerships with local nonprofits and community resources, and advancing coordination of health services for comprehensive patient support
• Upgrading processes like data analytics to measure healthcare disparities
• Strengthening patient care and navigation through an equity dashboard interactive tool
• Equipping field teams to partner on health equity programs
• Enhancing the framework for care that links hospital affiliates across the Cedars-Sinai Health System

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai, said the medical center remains committed to upholding the highest standards of equitable care.

“Through this amazing gift, Cedars-Sinai will cultivate and sustain a stringent system of checks and balances to optimize health equity,” said Slavin, the David and Meredith Kaplan Presidential Chair. “This will hold us accountable—as it should—across the board in clinical settings, research labs, conference rooms and local communities.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Inspiring Community Health by Meeting Patients Needs

Katie Buchholz always knew that she wanted to be a dancer.

“I had been taking classes since I was 4,” Buchholz said. “By eighth grade, I told my parents that this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

After graduating from college with a degree in dance, Buchholz set off from her Texas hometown to pursue her dream in Los Angeles. She spent several years working at a professional dance studio, teaching dance classes for children. She also danced on an international tour with a well-known children’s entertainer. Buchholz was well on her way to the career of her dreams.

But on the night of July 3, 2024, one single moment changed everything.

A Life-Altering Incident

While driving home from an outing with friends, Buchholz sustained life-threatening injuries in a devastating, head-on car crash.  She was rushed by an emergency services team to Cedars-Sinai.

“Katie came to us as a polytrauma, meaning she had multiple serious injuries, and required immediate intervention,” said Yassar Hashim, MD, associate medical director of Trauma at Cedars-Sinai, who was the trauma surgeon on duty the night Buchholz arrived at the medical center. “She had to be intubated right away to secure her airway, and she received a massive blood transfusion to replace what she had lost due to her injuries from the accident.”  

Buchholz had major trauma to both legs, including a broken femur in her right leg and vascular and nerve injury in her left. She broke multiple ribs and her left wrist and had a traumatic brain injury from the impact of the crash.

As a Level I trauma center, Cedars-Sinai is equipped to handle complex injuries like Buchholz’s.

“It’s all about teamwork,” Hashim said. “Each individual, from the trauma surgeons to the Emergency Department physicians, our residents, nurses and more, has a specific role. We follow our protocols and are trained to support these critically injured patients in an environment where every second counts.”

Coordinated Care

As the attending trauma surgeon, Hashim had the role not only to save Buchholz’s life, but to also help coordinate the multidisciplinary care she would need to manage her various injuries.

“There were a lot of teams involved,” Hashim said. “Katie required care from my colleagues in orthopedics, vascular, plastic and reconstructive surgery, Surgical ICU, and more.”

One of the many doctors she would encounter was Mitchel Seruya, MD, director of the Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery Fellowship and professor of Surgery in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery. Seruya was called upon to repair the severe nerve injury in her left leg.

“The nerve that was severed is an important one because it feeds sensation in the bottom of the foot,” Seruya said. “Especially because she’s a dancer, she needs the feedback of that sensation to be able to feel where her foot is in space. If we couldn’t repair it, the hope of getting back to a career in dance would have been out.”

By harvesting a graft from the nerve that feeds her outer calf and sewing under a microscope with a suture thread that is finer than a doll hair, Seruya was able to reconstruct the injured nerve. The fix is not immediate, though, as electricity goes through the graft at the rate of about an inch per month. As time goes on, sensation will return as it continues to improve.

Little by Little

After being discharged from Cedars-Sinai, Buchholz went home to Texas for several months to stay with her parents.

“I still needed so much help at the beginning,” Buchholz said.

She worked diligently with physical, occupational and speech therapists to improve her strength and coordination. Through her determination and positive attitude, she saw progress. By July 2025, just one year after her accident, she was able to move back to Los Angeles to restart her life and career, even if it looks a little different than what she initially imagined.

“I know this is a long journey, but I live by the mantra of ‘little by little,’” Buchholz said. “Whether it’s being able to blow my own nose, relearning how to walk, or being able to lift heavier weights, I celebrate every incremental step as a win.”

Even while she waits for the nerve regrowth to get full sensation back to her foot, she continues her therapies and has returned to teaching at a local children’s dance studio. She believes her passion influences her healing.

“I was a dancer; I am a dancer,” Buchholz said. “I have progressed so much physically and mentally because I am determined to get back eventually.”

Her physicians praise this positive outlook.

“It is priceless to have patients with this kind of glass-half-full attitude,” Seruya said. “Their mindset helps heal them.”   

Inspiring Others

Buchholz is sharing her story at Cedars-Sinai’s upcoming Trauma Survivors Reunion on Monday, June 8. For the first time, Cedars-Sinai is bringing together trauma survivors, physicians, nurses, social workers, emergency services professionals and other medical staff to celebrate the strength of their patients who overcame life-altering injuries.

At the reunion, she will be able to reconnect with Hashim, the trauma surgeon who helped save her life.

“Because of my brain injury, I have no memories from immediately before or after my accident,” Buchholz said. “I may not recognize the people who were there that night, but I’m excited to meet them and say, ‘Thank you.’”

Hashim is looking forward to the event as well.

“We receive critically injured patients and see them in their most vulnerable state, often with no one else but us to advocate for them,” Hashim said. “I am excited to see Katie again and see how far she has come. These kinds of things are what make my job so rewarding. She went from struggling for her life to speaking at our event. It’s remarkable.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Stop the Bleed Courses at Cedars-Sinai

Dicker, an experienced art collector, made the tough call to exclude a beloved piece from his prized collection from the décor. Rather than storing or selling the 1987 lithograph Kite on Gibson Beach by Malcolm Morley, Dicker gifted the artwork to Cedars-Sinai—a poignant nod to his history with the hospital. He was born at the former Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in 1958 and grew up in Beverly Hills.

The painting’s new home: the new, nine-story Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, set to open late this year. Dicker says it’s the perfect spot because of the new hospital’s ocean-inspired design elements that reflect the coastal community.

“When my wife passed away in 2019, I decided to move to the log vacation home we built, and the Morley just didn’t fit in,” Dicker said. “But it’s a piece I’ve always loved and thought it would be better to donate so that more people could enjoy it.”  

Nancy Chaikin knows exactly how Dicker feels. The art advisor and collector has given Cedars-Sinai Marina artwork from her own collection, an oil on linen piece by Sean Landers called Untitled, which exudes ripples of the ocean using a special paint application technique.

“I am thrilled to contribute to the hospital's environment,” Chaikin said. “Art can activate a space, not only by creating warmth and beauty, but by provoking thought and emotion. I feel fortunate to share Sean Landers’ work with patients, employees and visitors at Cedars-Sinai.” 

Donated works of art have already made a difference to visitors like Gianna Chaisson, whose father recovered at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a major heart attack.

“I found myself walking through the hospital and was deeply impacted by the art collection,” Chaisson shared. “In moments when everything felt so uncertain, the artwork helped keep me grounded and, most importantly, hopeful.”

Cedars-Sinai, located in Beverly Grove, has long been known for its donated art collection and now is seeking to extend the art-as-healing philosophy to the new hospital.

“We love receiving art of all genres that enrich the healing spaces Cedars-Sinai is known for and that inspire everyone who enters,” said John T. Lange, curator of the Cedars-Sinai art collection and manager of the Cedars-Sinai Advisory Council for the Arts. “We consider it such an altruistic act to part with valued pieces that beautify, and inform our themes of hope and restoration to soothe those facing health challenges.”

Lange is busy these days, figuring out where to display the donated art. He strategically places every piece to generate and emphasize Cedars-Sinai’s healing environment. For example, a collection of handpicked images graces the walls of the surgical unit, so post-op patients are encouraged to walk a little farther every day to see the next art piece. Studies have proven that walking after surgery can speed a patient’s recovery and discharge.

Lange is also collaborating with Cedars-Sinai’s director of Urologic Oncology research, Timothy Daskivich, MD, to develop an app for patients to monitor their steps by choosing an art tour on their floor.

“Art is not only nice to see,” Lange said. “It is very powerful medicine that plays a huge role in creating a healing atmosphere for those facing health challenges, visitors and, of course, our employees.”

To participate in helping to expand the Cedars-Sinai art collection, email artcollection@cshs.org.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: The Art of High-Impact Philanthropy

Andrew Hendifar, MD, professor of Medicine and medical director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Office and the Gastrointestinal Oncology Disease Research Group at Cedars-Sinai, was a principal investigator on the trial and a co-author of the study, which was sponsored by Revolution Medicines, makers of the new drug. He sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to talk about the study results.

How does this new drug work?

The medication, called daraxonrasib, is the first drug that targets cancer-causing mutations in pancreas cells.

The drug targets a mutation in the KRAS gene, part of the RAS genetic family. KRAS mutations are present in 92% of pancreatic cancers. KRAS genes normally act as an “on-off” switch for cell growth. Mutated KRAS genes are stuck in the “on” position and send out a signal that causes cells to divide and grow uncontrollably, allowing cancer to form.

Daraxonrasib blocks the KRAS signal by fitting into a keyhole-type spot on the gene. That spot has a complex shape and is difficult to reach within the cell. The drug gets around this problem by using a “passenger protein” as a Trojan horse. When the cell allows this protein in, daraxonrasib tags along.

Why are these clinical trial results so groundbreaking?

There are no targeted treatments approved for pancreas cancer, and we haven’t had any significant progress for a long time. We've only come up with different chemotherapy combinations, and those are only moderately effective. This new treatment is staggeringly better than chemotherapy. Usually, when we think of an improvement in pancreatic cancer survival, we think of 25% improvement. This medication actually doubled survival in patients with advanced disease. We have patients who participated in the trial who are still alive, which is unheard of because the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is only 13%-14%. If the drug is approved by the FDA, it will most likely become the new standard of care for advanced pancreatic cancer and could replace chemotherapy as a first-line treatment.

What comes next?

We are now testing the drug in patients with earlier-stage pancreatic cancer, prescribing it while their tumors are still operable and before their cancer spreads.

Could daraxonrasib be effective against other cancer types?

RAS mutations are one of the most common cancer-causing genetic mutations, and the drug is now being studied in several cancer types. I think it's going to work especially well in tumors that are primarily RAS driven, including colon cancer and lung cancer. It might also work in other cancer types in combination with drugs targeting other genetic mutations, but further research is needed.

How will this discovery change cancer science?

This is a win for the field. Until now we have been focused on immune therapies that might make tumors more vulnerable to the body’s immune system, and on finding new chemotherapy combinations that kill cancer cells.

This new treatment has given us a new focus, and I think it will spur a lot of scientific discovery over the next few years. There have only been a handful of KRAS researchers and their relevance to therapy was always questioned. That is about to change.

The most important next step for the field is to better understand the biology of cancer. We know that many pancreatic tumors will eventually become resistant to daraxonrasib, and we need to understand how this happens. We also need to identify additional genetic pathways and treatments that can target them. That’s how we will turn pancreas cancer from a deadly, deadly cancer into something we can manage—and one day, even cure.

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.

Smidt Heart Institute cardiologist Janet Wei, MD, is one of the authors of a maternal health report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, a nonprofit organization that reviews published research and provides advice to the U.S. government. Wei, associate professor of Cardiology and Biomedical Sciences, sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to explain how pregnancy affects women’s hearts.   

How does pregnancy increase cardiovascular risk?

Pregnancy acts as a stress test for the heart and can uncover, or even worsen, problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. During pregnancy, the heart must work harder to support a growing fetus, and cardiac stress often continues after delivery.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S., yet most of these deaths are preventable. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on maternal health highlights that although 57% of cardiovascular-related deaths occur between seven days and one year postpartum, preventive care is often focused on the prenatal and immediate postpartum period.

What are two takeaways from the report?

The committee reviewed published medical research and gathered input from a wide range of stakeholders, including clinicians, professional societies, advocacy organizations and patients.

Several takeaways became clear. The report recommends, for example, that clinicians treat pregnant women with chronic hypertension so that their blood pressure is reduced to less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury.  This is because consistently elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and increase a woman’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

The new guidelines also recommended that clinicians caring for patients with postpartum hypertension or other hypertensive disorders give their patients home blood pressure monitors and use a program that allows the patients to report their readings. This way, clinicians can adjust treatment and set clear thresholds for action. 

Cedars-Sinai is already doing this through a postpartum blood pressure monitoring program that sends patients home with a blood pressure cuff and allows them to transmit readings to their care teams. (Kimberly Gregory, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, served as an adviser to the National Academies committee that created the maternal health report.)

How often should women visit a doctor in the year after giving birth?

How frequently a woman should see her doctor during the postpartum period depends on her cardiovascular risk. 

Not every woman can easily see a doctor or health specialist—especially in rural areas or when cost is a concern. Therefore, the National Academies report recommends the Health Resources and Services Administration use its telehealth, rural health and maternal health programs to reduce geographic, financial and system barriers to preventive cardiovascular services.

What can pregnant women do to protect heart health?

The National Academies created a resource for women that includes the following advice:

Share your history. Tell your healthcare team your family history of heart disease, especially early heart attacks or strokes, and your pregnancy history, including any past complications.

Keep postpartum follow-up appointments on your calendar. It’s important not to miss these appointments because risk for complications continues through the first year after delivery.

Take warning signs seriously—trust your instincts. If something feels wrong during pregnancy or after birth, seek care right away and tell providers that you’re pregnant or that you gave birth recently.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: High Blood Pressure—What Women Need to Know

At the crib side, a guitarist and singer serenades newborns hooked up to loud, beeping and flashing monitors. The sounds of gentle humming and guitar strumming do more than soothe a fussy baby—they stabilize vital signs, aid neurological and auditory development, and enhance the overall wellbeing of infants in the NICU.

“Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice using music to address nonmusical goals,” said Laura Cellini, Guerin Children’s board-certified music therapist. “Listening to music can help lower and stabilize heart rate, improve oxygen saturation levels and support a more regulated, calming state for newborns.”

According to Cellini, research has shown that music therapy can also help reduce NICU stays by as many as 12 days.

During a typical session in the NICU, Cellini works one-on-one with each infant, tailoring the therapy to meet every baby’s individual needs. She carefully monitors each newborn’s response to the music, including signs of overstimulation, and adjusts her music accordingly.

The music therapy program was made possible through a generous donation from 14-year-old twins Joey and Ryder Corleto, who spent considerable time in the NICU at Cedars-Sinai shortly after birth. Wanting to give back to the Cedars-Sinai community, the siblings chose to dedicate their bar and bat mitzvah gifts to help launch the program.

Their mother, Melissa Corleto, vividly remembers the challenges of spending time in a noisy NICU with the twins.

“When they look back at pictures of themselves as babies, it’s hard for them to imagine that this is where they started—at just 2.5 and 3.5 pounds,” Melissa said. “The idea of giving back to the NICU really resonated with them. As a family, we decided this was the meaningful way they wanted to give back.”

Music has always played a major role in the twins’ lives. Ryder is an avid drummer, while Joey is a competitive dancer. The twins said it felt natural to use their funds to help launch a music therapy program, especially one designed to soothe babies and support early brain development.

The bedside therapy sessions are also a welcome change of pace for parents and medical staff.

“The NICU can be a very traumatic and stressful environment, and music therapy helps create a sense of calm for the babies, their families and even the staff,” said Ashley Richardson, RN, assistant nurse manager of the NICU at Guerin Children’s.

For Jason Park, whose son Logan Park has spent more than two months in the NICU, watching his baby remain calm and relaxed as Cellini sang and played music at his bedside brought a sense of much-needed comfort and relief.

“I think the music brings a lot of joy to parents, especially for families like ours who have been here in the NICU for a long time,” Park said. “When the session ended, I was actually sad to hear it stop.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Strengthening Children’s Health

“We were really looking forward to it, discussing what kind of parents we’d be,” Sarkis said. “But we hardly ever talked about how hard it was going to be.”

Then the emotional challenges began.  

The couple’s first attempt to start a family ended in an ectopic pregnancy that required Seakly to have emergency surgery. The results of the procedure left the couple wondering if they would even be able to have a child.

But within the year, the Manukyans were elated to discover Seakly was pregnant again. During labor, however, the couple faced another frightening ordeal when complications led to an emergency cesarean section. After his birth in December of 2024, Masis, their son, had to spend 11 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s (NICU).

After they brought their baby home, the couple worked on adjusting to the major changes in their lives. Sarkis said the emotional weight of the experience began affecting him.

“Two months later, these fears started surfacing: Am I doing enough to protect my family?” he said. “Are we doing everything we can to keep something bad from happening?”

Sarkis said the fearful thoughts increasingly consumed him, fueled by stress, sleep deprivation and the pressure he felt to protect his wife and child.

Experts say growing awareness around maternal mental health is widening the conversation to include the emotional wellbeing of the entire family—especially fathers—during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

“You can’t predict the impact of having a new baby, especially after a difficult childbirth and time in the NICU,” Sarkis said. “Sleep deprivation and everything else just begins piling up.”

Seakly said she began noticing signs that her husband was struggling emotionally after the traumatic birth, as both parents devoted nearly all their energy to caring for their newborn son.

“I saw it pretty quickly, but I think I was in denial because all of our attention was on the baby,” she said. “Sarkis lost a lot of weight after Masis was born, and a few months later, when he finally verbalized how he was feeling, it clicked for me that partners can be just as affected by birth trauma as mothers.”

Drawing from her own positive experience of getting therapy during the ups and downs of their journey to become parents, Seakly, who is a registered nurse at Cedars-Sinai, encouraged Sarkis to seek professional support as well.

“I learned that taking care of ourselves and each other is vital to the physical, emotional and mental health of our child,” she said. “Without Sarkis’ support mentally and emotionally, the domino effect of all the negative things we experienced could have been detrimental to our family.”

With his wife’s encouragement, Sarkis sought support through the Reproductive Psychology Program at Cedars-Sinai.

Sarkis worked with therapist Ruth Maouda, PsyD, a postdoctoral fellow in the program. Maouda says new parents often experience self-doubt, anxiety and emotional overwhelm during the transition from pregnancy to postpartum—particularly after traumatic birth experiences or severe sleep deprivation.

“One of the most important things I tell first-time postpartum parents is that they are entering an experience of ‘firsts,’” Maouda said. “Nothing can fully prepare you for becoming a parent and acknowledging that learning curve can help relieve some of the anxiety and pressure parents place on themselves.”

Sarkis said that during his sessions with Dr. Maouda he also learned practical coping strategies such as breathwork and mindful meditation, techniques that have helped him manage anxiety and obsessive thinking during high-stress moments.

“Therapy helped me to show up better for my son because now I feel equipped,” Sarkis said. “I have tools I can use every day.”

Maouda said supporting a parent’s mental health can have a positive ripple effect throughout the household.

“Raising a child takes a village,” Maouda said. “Supporting a parent’s mental health allows them to better support their partner and child. Protecting your own mental health helps prevent stress from rippling across the entire family system.”

Sarkis believes that talk therapy and developing coping strategies helped him become more emotionally present and patient, allowing him to enjoy everyday moments with Masis and feel more connected to his family.

Eynav Accortt, PhD, director of the Cedars-Sinai Reproductive Psychology Program, said studies estimate paternal postpartum depression affects about 10% of fathers, and the risk doubles when mothers are also experiencing perinatal mood or anxiety disorders.

“If one or both parents are struggling with their mental health, it affects the entire family,” said Accortt, a clinical psychologist who supervised Maouda’s care of Sarkis. “Supporting the emotional wellbeing of both parents is essential to building strong family bonds during the transition to parenthood.”

Sarkis believes seeing a therapist ultimately strengthened not only his mental health, but also the couple’s communication and partnership.

“My husband’s decision to get professional help was one of the most impactful acts of love—for himself and for our family,” Seakly said. “It helped him become the father he wanted to be for Masis and the partner he wanted to be for me.”

Sarkis hopes other fathers will recognize that they, too, may need support during the transition to parenthood.

“I think that having children is romanticized a lot. It’s beautiful but it’s also life-altering, It’s OK to ask for help if you are struggling,” he said. “That made all the difference for me and my family.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Research Aims to Improve Maternal Health Equity

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

Less than a month since the season began in late March, Huntington Hospital’s Emergency Department is already seeing an uptick in hiking‑related injuries ranging from snake bites and broken bones to heat illness and cardiac emergencies.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom interviewed Amal Obaid-Schmid, MD, Huntington’s medical director of Trauma Services, and Janet Henderson, RN, clinical director of Huntington’s Emergency Department and a member of the Montrose Search and Rescue Team, about the most common hiking injuries they treat and how hikers can stay safe when they hit the trails.

What types of hiking injuries do you see most frequently in the Emergency Department?

Henderson: The most common injuries we see from hiking are falls—people slipping, losing their footing, or falling down a slope. These can lead to fractures, lacerations, and sometimes head or spinal injuries. We also see injuries from falling rocks or boulders, especially after heavy rain or wildfire damage has weakened trails.

Obaid-Schmid: Yes, the severity can range widely. Some hikers come in with sprains or simple cuts, while others have internal bleeding or organ injuries, such as a ruptured spleen. The mechanism of injury, how someone falls or what strikes them, matters a great deal.

Reports of falling rocks and boulders have been rising. What makes these injuries challenging?

Obaid-Schmid: We’ve treated hikers with multiple fractures, head injuries and internal bleeding after being struck by falling boulders. In one recent incident, two large boulders broke loose on the same day and injured two hikers at the same time. Both required emergency transport.

Henderson: Many of these rescues require helicopters because ambulances can’t access the terrain. When helicopters can’t fly due to weather or low visibility, it can take hours to get someone out, which delays lifesaving care.

If someone is injured, should they try to keep hiking to get help?

Obaid-Schmid: No. Trying to “walk it off” is one of the biggest mistakes we see. If there’s any chance you’ve fractured a bone, continuing to bear weight can significantly worsen the injury and complicate recovery. The safest option is to stop, stay put and call for help.

Henderson: It’s important to make yourself visible and, if possible, have someone go for help. Staying still often prevents a bad situation from becoming catastrophic.

How big of a concern are heat‑related illnesses?

Obaid-Schmid: Heat illness is one of the most common hiking‑related medical issues we treat, especially as temperatures rise. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can all become life‑threatening if people ignore early symptoms.

Henderson: People should hike early in the morning, bring more water than they think they’ll need, and know when to turn around. Finding shade, using sun‑protective clothing and pacing yourself go a long way.

What about wildlife dangers on local trails?

Henderson: Rattlesnake bites are a real concern in warmer months, especially since trails can be overgrown and snakes are easy to miss.

Obaid-Schmid: If someone is bitten, they should seek medical care immediately. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, burn the skin or use a tourniquet. Those myths cause more harm than good. Hospitals carry antivenom, which is very effective when given quickly.

Mountain lions pose the most serious wildlife risk, though encounters are rare. Coyotes may also approach humans, particularly if food is present. Hikers are advised to stay alert and avoid wearing headphones that limit awareness.

What first‑aid skills make the biggest difference before rescue arrives?

Henderson: Basic splinting for suspected fractures and knowing how to recognize allergic reactions are also important. Hikers with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or severe allergies should always carry their medications—including EpiPens—on longer hikes.

Obaid-Schmid: Every hiker should know how to stop bleeding. Applying direct pressure, packing a wound or using a tourniquet can be lifesaving while waiting for help. Huntington and Cedars-Sinai offer a Stop the Bleed program that provides this important instruction to the community.

Beyond hiking injuries, what other serious medical emergencies can happen on the trail?

Obaid-Schmid: While rare, we’ve treated cardiac arrests that occurred during hikes, particularly in people with known heart conditions. Knowing your limits and choosing hikes appropriate for your health is essential.

Henderson: Shorter, less strenuous hikes done more frequently can still provide the benefits of being outdoors without putting someone at unnecessary risk.

Is it safe to rely on a cell phone for emergencies?

Henderson: Cell service is unreliable in many hiking areas. One of the simplest safety steps is telling someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. That information often triggers rescue efforts.

Obaid-Schmid: GPS trackers or emergency beacon devices can also add an extra layer of safety, especially on remote trails. Hiking should be enjoyable, not dangerous. With a little planning and common sense, people can dramatically reduce their risk and safely enjoy the outdoors this summer.

Read More from Stories and Insights: Should I Go to Urgent Care or the ER?

At home, Hedrick tends to at least 60 more.

“I’m not listening to audiobooks, I’m not talking to family, I’m not thinking about work when I’m gardening,” Hedrick said. “I’m in the present moment, fully focused on my plants.”

For Hedrick, gardening is a form of mindfulness meditation. She initially turned to meditation to help manage stress after an autoimmune condition caused flare-ups that led to vision loss. Over time, meditation helped lessen both the frequency and intensity of those flare-ups.

Today, Hedrick incorporates mindfulness-based stress reduction into her work as a psychiatrist and encourages similar mind-body interventions as healthy, science-backed ways to help alleviate anxiety.

In a widely cited clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry, an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program was found to work as well as a commonly prescribed first-line medication for anxiety in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders.

“Meditation doesn’t just calm you down in the moment,” Hedrick said. “It changes how the brain is wired, helping the thinking part of the brain get better at dialing down the fear response.”

Hedrick said mindfulness meditation strengthens the connection between the prefrontal cortex—the area of the brain responsible for planning, higher-level thinking and information processing—and the amygdala, the brain’s danger center.

“Meditation is a bicep curl for your brain,” she said, noting that neuroimaging studies show meditation can produce measurable structural and functional changes in the brain. “The brain actually gets bigger in the areas that control attention regulation.”

One common meditation misconception, Hedrick said, is that meditating requires sitting perfectly still and emptying the mind. Instead, it’s paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

“Many people find movement—gardening, running, practicing tai chi or yoga, playing the guitar—to be a more accessible form of meditation than sitting still,” she said. “There are infinite ways to bring your mind into the present moment.”

Distraction during meditation is not failure, Hedrick added, but part of the exercise. Redirecting attention strengthens brain circuits involved in emotional regulation and self-awareness.

As with any form of training, the benefits build gradually over time.

“Stick with it,” she said. “The benefits come with practice. That’s why we call it a practice—you have to keep doing it.”

Hedrick cautions, however, that meditation should not be used to suppress difficult emotions.

“Meditation works best when you stop trying to use it to feel better and instead, use it to get better at feeling,” Hedrick said. “Mindfulness is most powerful when integrated with therapy. If unresolved trauma, grief or depression are driving these emotions, you still need the therapeutic work of understanding and processing them.”

Hedrick emphasized that meditation is not always calming or appropriate for everyone, particularly people with trauma histories, severe anxiety or certain psychiatric conditions. In those cases, treatment decisions should be guided by a healthcare professional.

“Meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution or a cure-all,” Hedrick said. “Consider it one part of a tool kit. Mindfulness works alongside therapy, physical activity, social connection—and, when appropriate, medication.”

For those interested in beginning a mindfulness practice, Hedrick recommends joining a guided meditation group, exploring a digital app, or incorporating breath work—slow, focused breathing that helps calm the body and anchor attention in the present moment.

Music to Calm and Heal

Meditation and mindfulness are not the only therapeutic tools that can help people cope with stress and anxiety. Music also can bring comfort, connection and emotional relief.

Bronwen Jones, MTheol, BCC, an interfaith chaplain in the Spiritual Care Department who works with the Patient and Family Support Program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, coordinates live, virtual concerts by professional musicians for patients receiving chemotherapy and other treatments.

In infusion areas, music—from Gershwin to Beatles classics—acts as a salve.

“Hearing live music completely changes the atmosphere of the room,” Jones said. “It’s extraordinary and powerful when a professional musician plays for one of our patients. It’s a uniquely personal and often emotional experience—a magical moment where people transform.”

Jones coordinates the performances with musicians through the Project: Music Heals Us “Vital Sounds Initiative.” Sessions are tailored to each person’s musical preferences, with musicians often taking requests and building rapport along the way.

Patients frequently describe the music as the highlight of their day, Jones said, helping them relax and reconnect with joy during the often-isolating experience of cancer treatment.

She recalled one patient whose blood pressure was dangerously high before chemotherapy. After watching a live cello performance, the patient’s blood pressure decreased so dramatically that she was able to proceed with treatment.

Jones, a former professional musician, said music can reach people emotionally in ways other interventions sometimes cannot.

“If you appreciate listening to music, you can use it to help shape your mood—whether you’re seeking tranquility or a sense of renewal,” she said. “I also encourage people to learn or relearn an instrument because engaging in learning is a wonderful coping skill when dealing with anxiety.”

The Power of Awe

Like meditation and music, awe—experiencing wonder, admiration and reverence when encountering something vast, powerful or beautiful—can allow for conceptual reframing by reconnecting people to meaning, gratitude and perspective.

Postdoctoral scientist Rebecca Benhaghnazar, PhD, founder and co-chair of the Scientific, Spiritual and Interfaith Community at Cedars-Sinai, said awe can emerge through music, prayer, mindfulness, nature or art—anything that helps people feel connected to something larger than themselves.

“Whatever allows a person to transcend themselves can create a very powerful shift in cognitive retraining,” Benhaghnazar said. “For some, that’s taking in a sunset or listening to beautiful music. For others, it’s prayer.”

Benhaghnazar, whose research focuses on therapeutic design and cell biology, finds those moments of awe in her own work.

“I get to take a look at nature on a microscopic level,” she said. “When I see inside a single cell, it’s wondrous.”

In a culture dominated by nonstop stimulation, Benhaghnazar emphasized the mental reset that even a few reflective moments can provide.

“A daily awe practice is a must,” she said. “Go outside for a few minutes and look at the leaves on a tree, look up at the sky. Awe, connection, spirituality, gratitude—they’re all grounding.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Sound Advice—Do Sound Therapy and Binaural Beats Work?

The at-home monitoring device is designed to track early signs of asthma and provides clinicians with continuous or on-demand remote monitoring of lung sounds. The real-time data enables healthcare professionals to monitor a child’s condition between clinic visits and respond early if a child’s symptoms worsen.

The easy-to-wear device, called AeviceMD, was developed by Aevice Health, a Singaporean digital health company and a graduate of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program.

“I saw strong potential in this technology to support how we monitor and manage children with reactive airway issues like asthma outside of the clinical setting,” said Irina Dralyuk, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Guerin Children’s. “Being able to assess respiratory symptoms in real time, especially overnight, provides valuable information that can guide earlier intervention and help prevent more serious breathing complications.”

About 4.5 million children in the United States have asthma, making it one of the most common chronic pediatric diseases. Traditionally, doctors have monitored children with asthma through periodic clinic visits and caregiver-reported symptoms such as rapid breathing, chest congestion and breathing difficulties.

However, asthma symptoms often fluctuate widely between visits, and self-reported symptoms are often unreliable. This makes managing worsening symptoms between appointments very difficult.

The wearable stethoscope allows parents to utilize the device at home to record lung sounds and securely share recordings with their doctors. The data enables doctors to build a more complete picture of disease progression, track medication use and assess how patients’ symptoms evolve in response to their treatment plan.

“What we’re trying to do is prevent exacerbations, reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and limit the need for interventions such as systemic steroid use to control asthma symptoms,” Dralyuk said. “Intervening early could decrease chronic inflammation and improve lung function and health over time.”

Children can wear the device, about the size of a half-dollar coin, on the chest for up to 10 hours a day. It is designed for use in children 3 and older.

“We built AeviceMD to make this kind of continuous symptom visibility possible. Having our technology deployed at a large, world-class health system like Cedars-Sinai validates our belief that there is a critical, unmet patient need,” said Adrian Ang, CEO of Aevice Health.

The device is the result of a multiyear collaboration with Cedars-Sinai that began in 2022 and included clinical input from physicians at Guerin Children’s. The collaboration included key regulatory milestones and a pilot program to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in pediatric respiratory monitoring. In 2023, the device received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“This collaboration demonstrates the importance of providing clinical and operational support to help advance a company’s promising technology toward real-world patient benefit,” said Nirdesh K. Gupta, PhD, managing partner of Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company. “It’s an exciting example of how innovation can directly impact care and improve the way we manage chronic conditions like asthma.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Common Breathing Problems in Kids and How to Treat Them

The federal agency annually rates more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide on a one-to-five-star scale, giving patients a widely recognized way to compare hospital performance. The ratings, published on Medicare's Care Compare website, evaluate hospitals on more than 50 quality measures across five areas: mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center each earned five-star ratings, the highest mark of excellence. Only 12.5% of the 2,277 hospitals rated nationwide achieved five stars.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earned a five-star rating for the ninth consecutive year. Torrance Memorial advanced from four stars last year to five stars this year.

Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital earned a four-star rating for the third consecutive year, joining only 29% of hospitals nationwide to reach that mark in 2026.

Huntington Hospital did not receive a published rating for 2026 after it asked to exclude some data due to the impact of the nearby Eaton Fire and its transition to a new electronic medical record system. However, CMS quality and patient experience data publicly reported across each of the five CMS domains reflected Huntington’s ongoing commitment to excellent care for its community.

“These extraordinary results reflect our sustained efforts to provide excellent, safe, timely and effective care at each of our hospital sites,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System.

Slavin pointed to advances made by teams at the hospitals who worked to lower readmission rates for the most vulnerable patients, reduce hospital-associated infections and improve patient experience.

“I feel tremendous pride in our achievements across Cedars-Sinai Health System,” Slavin said. “I am deeply grateful to all our healthcare professionals for their daily commitment to our mission of healing and to the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities. It is a privilege to work among colleagues driven by such strong dedication.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Creating a Lasting Legacy

These are among the most common questions patients ask when they consider joining a clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai, where more than 700 such studies are currently underway.

Those trials are essential to advancing medical care and offer patients access to emerging new therapies while helping researchers better understand diseases and improve future treatments, said Michael Farkouh, MD, vice dean for Research and Clinical Trials at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

“A clinical trial is the final step in translating research innovations into clinical practice—the bridge from research discovery to the patient,” Farkouh said. “As an academic medical center, Cedars-Sinai provides excellent clinical care alongside access to novel therapies that can enhance that care.”

To mark Clinical Trials Awareness Month, the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Farkouh about how patients can decide whether a clinical trial is right for them.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a carefully designed study that evaluates new drugs, devices or care strategies in eligible patients who choose to participate. A clinical trial typically compares a new approach with the current standard of care to determine whether it leads to better outcomes. If it does, it may become part of routine medical practice.

What are the phases of clinical trials?

Each phase serves a distinct purpose. Phase I focuses on safety, helping researchers determine whether a new treatment can be used safely in people.

Phase II evaluates whether the treatment shows signs of effectiveness, often by comparing before and after images or blood test results.

Phase III tests whether the treatment improves patient outcomes—such as reducing heart attacks, lowering mortality or improving quality of life—and is required for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Phase IV trials occur after FDA approval and involve larger populations to monitor long-term safety and effectiveness, including the identification of any side effects.

Are clinical trials safe?

Patient safety is a top priority. Participants must provide informed consent, meaning they fully understand the study and agree to participate. Studies follow strict ethical standards and are closely monitored by our Institutional Review Board to protect patient wellbeing. Patients enrolled in clinical trials often benefit from enhanced care because they are monitored more closely, with ongoing visits, tests and follow-up.

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Each study has specific eligibility criteria to make sure the treatment is appropriate and safe for participants. For example, some trials may exclude patients with certain underlying conditions if they may be at increased risk or if they have little probability for benefit.

Because of these criteria, trial results apply most directly to the group of patients who were studied. Doctors then use their clinical judgment to decide how those findings may apply to patients in real-world settings.

What is a placebo, and do clinical trials always involve a placebo?

Some trials use a placebo, an inactive treatment designed to resemble the real one. In these studies, the patient and the doctor are often unaware of who receives the actual treatment, a process known as “blinding.” Placebo-controlled trials are considered the most reliable way to understand whether a treatment truly works because they help reduce bias, ensuring that expectations don’t influence the results.

A placebo is not possible in some clinical trials. An example is when surgical procedures are being compared. In those cases, researchers rely on other methods to evaluate outcomes.

Are clinical trials free?

Yes—in most cases, tests, treatments or procedures that are part of the study are provided at no additional cost to participants.

How are patients benefiting from clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai?

Up to half of clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai focus on cancer, and the others are specific to other conditions. Participation tends to be higher in trials for serious or life-threatening diseases, where patients may seek access to innovative therapies that could improve or extend their lives.

Beyond the potential individual benefit, participants play an important role in advancing medical knowledge. Many of today’s standard treatments are the result of clinical trials made possible by patients who volunteered to participate. They’re the true heroes.

How can patients find a clinical trial?

Cedars-Sinai offers an online registry where patients can search for studies by condition. Physicians are also informed about available studies and can help determine whether a trial may be a good fit. For most patients, the best first step is a conversation with their healthcare provider to explore whether a clinical trial is an appropriate option.

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.

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.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: What Nurses See—Hidden Home Hazards for Older Adults

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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Neuro NICU is a specialized program that brings together multidisciplinary pediatric specialists to deliver advanced, coordinated care for newborns with complex neurological conditions. Housed within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai, the program is designed to provide timely intervention during the crucial period of early brain development.

The Neuro NICU’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary model of care includes leading experts in neonatology, neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and genomics. The staff also includes specially trained NICU nurses and social workers adept at deploying around-the-clock care tailored to the unique needs of newborns and their families.

“The newborn brain is fundamentally different from that of a child or an adult, which is why neurological care at this stage requires highly specialized expertise,” said David Rowitch, MD, PhD, deputy director for Research at Guerin Children’s. “Understanding how the developing brain responds to injury and how to interpret imaging in this context is critical. The Neuro NICU allows us to bring that expertise together in a coordinated way for each patient.”

The Neuro NICU team, led by co-directors Yolanda Brown-Madan, MD, and Xin Ye, MD, is equipped to treat patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including neonatal seizures, stroke, severe congenital neurological disorders, brain malformations, as well as birth complications and traumatic injuries to the brain or the nervous system.

A defining feature of the Neuro NICU is the early integration of genomics, which allows the team to deliver precision gene therapies and genetic diagnoses to infants sooner. Guerin Children’s is among the first programs to offer rapid whole‑genome sequencing for babies in a NICU setting, with genetic results delivered in a matter of days.

Research at Guerin Children’s has shown that more than 40% of children seen by pediatric neurologists have an underlying genetic condition. Having genetic information readily available can directly influence clinical decisions and improve the ability to personalize care for vulnerable newborns.

“Our comprehensive approach in the Neuro NICU enables Guerin Children’s to deliver a seamless continuum of care as patients improve and grow beyond their stay,” said Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and deputy director of Guerin Children’s.

The Neuro NICU also employs state-of-the-art, infant‑specific technologies, including continuous video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, which provides real‑time data to help clinicians intervene quickly during critical moments.

That same level of technological capability extends beyond the unit. Designed to function as a regional center for neonatal neurological care, the Neuro NICU extends its reach to affiliated partners and hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Specialized neonatal transport services allow teams to initiate critical therapies before a baby arrives at Guerin Children’s.

“Our goal is to ensure that newborns receive the right care at the right time, regardless of where they begin their medical journey,” said Rangasamy Ramanathan, MD, director of the Division of Neonatology at Guerin Children’s. “Through advanced transport capabilities and virtual collaboration, the Neuro NICU allows us to support community hospitals and families across the region.”

Additionally, the program offers virtual consultations, enabling neurologists to guide care remotely and support physicians at referring hospitals.

“The launch of the Neuro NICU reflects Guerin Children’s’ commitment to advancing research‑driven, specialized, world-class pediatric care for the most vulnerable patients in greater Los Angeles and beyond,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s.

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experts at Cedars-Sinai are urging residents to take precautions to reduce their risk of infection.

“If you have pets that spend time outdoors, it’s important to take steps to prevent fleas, such as using flea control products,” said Jonathan Grein, MD, director of Hospital Epidemiology and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. “Typhus is not usually life-threatening, but if it’s untreated, it can result in severe illness.”

Flea-borne typhus, also known as murine typhus, is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted to humans by infected fleas.

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, a record 220 cases were reported in 2025—continuing a steady upward trend observed since 2010. At Cedars-Sinai, several patients required hospitalization for flea-borne typhus last year.

“While cases tend to peak in late summer and early fall, expanding urban wildlife habitats and warmer weather are likely contributing to increased transmission year-round, so we want people to be aware,” Grein said.  

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Grein about how flea-borne typhus spreads, its symptoms, treatment and ways to prevent infection.

How do people get flea-borne typhus?

Flea-borne typhus primarily circulates among rats, opossums and stray cats. Fleas that feed on these animals can become infected and then transmit the bacteria to humans through flea bites and flea feces—which enter the body through small breaks in the skin or when rubbed into the eyes.

Pets that spend time outdoors may carry infected fleas into the home, increasing the risk of human exposure. Because many fleas can feed on a single infected animal, the disease can spread and grow quickly within animal and flea populations, making outbreaks likelier to occur among humans.

Is flea-borne typhus contagious?

No. The disease is not spread from person to person; transmission occurs only through infected fleas.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are often flu-like and may include fever, headache and muscle aches. Sometimes people will develop a rash on the trunk or back of the body about one to two weeks after symptoms begin. While many cases resolve on their own within about a week, treatment is recommended because some people can develop complications affecting the brain and other organs.

How serious is typhus?

Flea-borne typhus is generally not life-threatening and is typically easy to treat. However, people who are pregnant or have a compromised immune system face a higher risk of severe illness.

Is typhus the same as typhoid?

Typhus is sometimes confused with typhoid fever. While the two have similar names and overlapping symptoms, they are caused by very different pathogens and are not related.

When should someone see a doctor?

Anyone who may have been exposed to fleas and develops persistent fever, severe headache and muscle aches within one to two weeks should seek medical care. A simple blood test is used to diagnose typhus, and early treatment helps prevent complications.

How is it treated?

Treatment typically involves the antibiotic doxycycline for about a week. Most patients respond quickly, with symptoms resolving soon after treatment begins.

How can people prevent flea-borne typhus?

Prevention centers on minimizing exposure to fleas. Keep pets on year-round flea control, avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and keep them away from areas where pets live or eat. Securing trash bins and controlling rodent populations around the home also can help reduce the spread of fleas between animals, and ultimately, to humans.

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The early-stage international study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, focused on removing a harmful protein from a mother’s blood.

Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure that can quickly become life-threatening. In its most severe early form—before 34 weeks of pregnancy—physicians frequently must deliver babies prematurely to protect the mother, even though early delivery can pose significant risks for the infant. The method tested by investigators was found to safely extend pregnancy, giving babies more time to develop before birth.

“Even a few extra days in the womb can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for premature infants,” said co-corresponding study author Ananth Karumanchi, MD, professor of Medicine, director of the Renovascular Research Center and the Medallion Chair in Vascular Biology at Cedars-Sinai. “We found a way to potentially buy that time safely. Our approach could shift how we manage very early preeclampsia.”

The approach focuses on a protein called sFlt-1, which is produced by the placenta and known to damage blood vessels and drive preeclampsia symptoms. Investigators engineered a specialized immune protein that binds to sFlt-1 and incorporated it into a blood-filtering device. Using a process called extracorporeal apheresis—similar to kidney dialysis—they were able to filter the mother’s blood and remove excess sFlt-1 without affecting other essential blood components.

The treatment was evaluated in 16 women. Their blood pressure improved, their babies continued to grow normally during treatment, and they remained pregnant for an average of 10 additional days—more than double the time seen in untreated patients.

“Right now, the only way to cure preeclampsia and protect the life and health of the mother is to deliver the baby,” said Sarah Kilpatrick, MD, PhD, an expert in maternal-fetal medicine and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai. “That puts very premature infants at high risk. This approach could give clinicians more flexibility in managing these high-risk cases.”

Researchers say the treatment is notable also because it removes a harmful factor rather than introducing new drugs, potentially reducing the risk of side effects. However, they note that despite the small study’s positive results, the treatment is experimental and needs to be tested in larger clinical trials.

“Our goal was to directly target one of the root causes of preeclampsia,” said the study’s co-corresponding author Ravi Thadhani, MD, MPH, executive vice president of Clinical Affairs, chief medical officer for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System. “By lowering sFLt-1, we were able to stabilize patients and extend pregnancy—a meaningful and exciting step forward.”

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Agnes Lo.

Other authors include Thomas F. Hiemstra, Manu Vatish, Holger Stepan, Ana Sofia Cerdeira, Jeremy Brockelsby, Tim James, Massimiliano Lia, Alissa Cornelis, Elena Krause, Martin R. Spath, Berthold Grüttner, Polina Todorova, Henning Hagmann, Kristen R. Yeung, Bei Xu, Scott Heffernan, Suzanne Pears, Richard Waugh, John Thompson, Jim Iliopoulos, Neroli Sunderland, Murray Killingsworth, Angela Makris, Annemarie Hennessy, Adelene Y. Tan, Paul Kussie, Yuchiao Chang, Linda Hanssens, Stefan Miltenyi and Thomas Benzing.

Funding: This work was supported by Miltenyi Biomedicine and Aggamin Pharmaceuticals.

Competing Interests: R.T. and S.A.K. are co-inventors on multiple biomarker patents related to preeclampsia that have been out-licensed to several companies (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Beckman Coulter, Siemens and Roche) and report financial interest in Aggamin Pharmaceuticals and serving as a consultant to Comanche Biopharma. R.T. and S.A.K. are named as co-inventors on a provisional patent held by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on a novel lateral-flow diagnostic assay for use in preeclampsia and related conditions. A.H. is an advisor to Comanche Biopharma. A.Y.T. and P.K. are employees of Aggamin.

Pharmaceuticals. L.H. is an employee of, and S.M. is the founder of, Miltenyi Biomedicine. All other authors disclose no conflicts. These financial interests have been disclosed in accordance with journal policies.

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.

Cedars-Sinai has unveiled the largest artwork in its extensive collection, and it’s located on the façade of the new Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, now under construction in Marina del Rey. Measuring 120 feet wide and 16 feet tall, the mural is the only mosaic in Cedars-Sinai’s collection.

It is also a solution to an unusual challenge.

“The side of one of the support buildings to the main tower was going to have a big blank wall facing the community,” said John T. Lange, curator of the Cedars-Sinai Art Collection. “We saw an opportunity to engage the community with this mural.”

Lange said Cedars-Sinai put out a call to local artists to propose artwork that could fill the massive 1,900-square-foot space on the side of the new hospital’s energy center. The goal was to select a design that would resonate with those who live and work in the area.

Hospital leaders, staff and community members reviewed the submissions, ultimately selecting a vibrant sunburst reflecting off water, designed by artist Jay Yan, who has spent the past decade sailing in the harbor off Marina del Rey.

“My favorite part of the day is the return home when you see the sunset on the water and that beautiful kind of half-sun sinking into the ocean, making the sky this kind of magenta, pink, dark blue shade,” Yan said, while seated at his desk in the cavernous studio he shares with other artists. “There is something just so beautiful about those colors that a digital camera just cannot capture. I was very inspired by trying to create that in tile.”

Yan found further inspiration in the colorful mosaics lining the underground walkways between terminals at Los Angeles International Airport, just a few miles south of the hospital.

“They are just absolutely spectacular and an icon of Los Angeles,” Yan said, gesturing to a photo of one of the mosaics pinned behind his desk.

Building the Sky, Tile by Tile

To re-create the vivid hues of the Marina sky, Yan worked with Cerámica Súro, a ceramics studio and factory in Guadalajara, Mexico, renowned among artists, designers and architects for its custom work. Over five visits, Yan selected colors from the studio’s vast library, working with a pigment specialist to refine the palette. The factory mass-produced tens of thousands of rectangular and curved tiles, glazing them on a giant conveyor belt.

“Making this piece from glazed tile means that the brightness and beauty of the color will last for decades despite exposure to weather and the salty Marina air,” Yan said.

With the help of computer software, Yan created tile patterns within the mural that are never repeated, grouping the bouncing sunrays into jigsaw panels glued to a fine netting to simplify installation. To make the half sun, the artisans produced large, curved ceramic plates, cutting them into wide slices.

The factory hand packed the plates and panels into custom boxes, shipping them to Los Angeles, where a skilled crew laid out large swaths of the mural in a warehouse.  

Finally, the crew hauled boxes of tile onto scaffolding 30 feet high to install the jigsaw pieces and plates on the hospital’s energy center.

Honoring Hospital Staff

The finished mural gives commuters a brilliant welcome as they exit the 90 Freeway, heading west on Mindanao Way.  

“As the sun rises from the east, it will hit the sun motif on the right side of the façade,” Yan said. “As the day goes on transitioning toward evening, the sun will shine on the other end of the mural, where the color of the tile will match the night sky.”

Yan named the mural “Tlaquepaque” after the neighborhood in Mexico where the tiles were made, to honor all the people who have worked on the piece—the artisans who mixed the pigments by hand, the women who assembled all the tiny pieces and the Los Angeles crew who installed the tiles—all of whom are from Guadalajara.

“I wanted to honor their labor while also recognizing all the people who labor at the hospital,” Yan said.

Healing Power of Art

While the nine-story hospital has been under construction, staff members and physicians driving or walking by the site have texted photos of the progress to Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president of Hospital Operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital.

“They are so excited, and this massive new mural is going to instill so much pride,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “They’re going to see this piece on the way into work and think, ‘That’s my hospital.’”

Laguna-Kennedy is also looking forward to the paintings, prints, photography and sculptures that will fill the hospital’s hallways, waiting areas and patient rooms.

“When I was a nursing leader at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, I used to take patients for walks to the artworks because they were everywhere,” she said. “I'm so excited that we will have that same opportunity here at the Marina campus as well. There is just such a healing component to artwork, and we are really fortunate to have such incredible artists sharing their masterpieces with us.”

She also sees the art—and especially the mural—as symbols of Cedars-Sinai’s enduring commitment to the local community.

Yan hopes the bright sun and its chromatic rays provide comfort to patients and their loved ones.

“When we come to the hospital, it's typically not our happiest day,” he said. “I want to bring some joy to people as they enter, to relieve some of the tension they feel and some of their fears when they step through the hospital’s doors.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: The Healing Powers of Art

But that all changed about four years ago when the 43-year-old father of two suddenly began losing weight, having migraines and trouble breathing, and experiencing debilitating bouts of major fatigue. He said he even became too weak to lift up his young children.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me,” Raden said. “I saw my primary care doctor, an infectious disease specialist, a pulmonologist and a gastroenterologist. My liver enzymes were off the chart, suggesting liver damage,  and one of the many CT scans I had revealed nodules all over my lungs. One doctor was convinced I had tuberculosis.”

But Raden says despite those physicians’ best intentions, no one had the answer or understood why he was getting sicker.

“I didn’t know if I was dying. I didn’t know if I needed to prepare a will and an estate for these little kids and my wife. It was brutal,” Raden said. “One day I finally ended up at Cedars-Sinai’s Emergency Department after having severe breathing problems. I was seen by Dr. Akhavan and that changed everything.”

A Complex Disease

Bobak Akhavan, MD, is a pulmonologist and director of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in the Sarcoidosis Program at Cedars-Sinai.

“Unfortunately, Jake’s experience reflects a common challenge for patients with sarcoidosis,” Akhavan said. “It’s a rare and often misunderstood inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, most often the lungs, and can mimic other conditions.”

Sarcoidosis occurs when the immune system mistakenly forms clusters of inflammatory cells—called granulomas—in healthy tissue. These clusters can cause lasting damage and affect the lungs, heart, liver, brain and other organs.

“I often hear from patients convinced they have advanced cancer because there was no clear explanation for all of their symptoms,” Akhavan said. “The fear and worry that come with not knowing where to turn can be as much of a burden as feeling so unwell.”

Under normal circumstances, the body fights some kinds of infections by forming granulomas, said Elizabeth Frame, MD, one of Raden’s Cedars-Sinai physicians and director of the Sarcoidosis Clinic in the Division of Rheumatology.

"However, in sarcoidosis, those granulomas start forming healthy tissues, where there is no infection, and the resulting inflammation damages the affected organs,” Frame said.

Approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. are living with sarcoidosis, according to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. While the rare disease can range from mild to severe—and in rare cases may require organ transplantation—specialized care can significantly improve outcomes.

Cedars-Sinai is a founding member of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance (FSR-GSCA), which is committed to finding a cure and offering evidence-based, patient-centric care for those living with sarcoidosis

Treatment Plan: It Takes a Village

At Cedars-Sinai, specialists across pulmonology, rheumatology, cardiology, neurology and other fields work together to evaluate patients with sarcoidosis, ensuring that all organs are assessed and treated.

“Because Jake’s case was complex and involved multiple organs, our specialists worked together closely—reviewing his tests and sharing their perspectives in real time—to confirm the diagnosis and create a treatment plan,” Akhavan said.

The multidisciplinary, evidence-based, approach to diagnosing and treating this rare disease is among the reasons Cedars-Sinai is designated a Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders, including neurosarcoidosis, as well as recognized as a "Sarcoidosis Clinic of Excellence" by the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG).

“Most of the diseases that rheumatologists take care of affect multiple organs,” Frame said. “We’re accustomed to organizing lots of disparate information and integrating it into a complete picture so everyone can get a comprehensive understanding of the patient as a whole.”

The Road to Recovery

With a diagnosis and treatment plan in hand, Raden received high-dose steroids and other therapies aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing further organ damage. Within weeks, his strength began to return. Lung function and blood tests, as well as CT scans, confirmed Raden’s condition was improving.

“The art of treating sarcoidosis has to do with finding the doses and combinations of medicines that are best for a specific patient,” Frame said. “The goal of treatment is always to help a patient live the healthiest, fullest, happiest life possible.”

Today, Raden is in remission and back to the life he feared he might lose.

“I can breathe again and I have energy,” Raden said. “I can exercise, I run around with my kids, and I can be of real help to my wife. Work is good. It’s not an exaggeration to say that finding these experts and this special sarcoidosis program saved my life.”

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But is agentic AI smart enough to replace actual scientists?

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom sat down for a conversation with Jason Moore, PhD, chair of the Department of Computational Biomedicine at Cedars-Sinai, to tackle the pluses and minuses of agentic AI. Moore is corresponding author of a new paper, published in Nature Biotechnology, that examines where agentic AI is today and where it is headed.

What is agentic AI? Why is it called ‘in silico team science’?

Conducting biomedical research requires a team of specialists with expertise in different aspects of the medical issue being studied, from physiology to data collection and analysis, study design and writing. 

Agentic AI replicates this approach in a computer (in silico) by coordinating the activities of a “team” of AI solutions dedicated to completing specific tasks.

How does agentic AI help biomedical scientists?

As a researcher, I have a lot more ideas than I can actually pursue in my laboratory. Agentic AI is opening the door for me to explore more scientific questions than I otherwise could. It has allowed researchers in my lab to complete complex software-engineering and computer-programming projects in days rather than months, and we're seeing mind-boggling levels of productivity and efficiency.

These benefits are coming along at a particularly useful time. As the healthcare industry faces rising costs and reduced reimbursements, agentic AI can help labs be more efficient and survive with smaller teams.

Does this mean agentic AI will replace human scientists?

There's a lot of discussion about this in the AI community. I don't yet have confidence that AI can fully replace anybody in my research lab—and maybe it never will.

Humans do many things that AI may not be good at, such as managing people, displaying emotional empathy, and coming up with new hypotheses and creative solutions to problems. Those things are important if you want a research lab that functions well.

Trust is also a barrier. We know how to trust a human collaborator, but with potentially dozens of AI agents doing very complex things very rapidly, how do you know what they're doing? How can you be sure that what they've done is accurate?

From a broader perspective, how do we design ethical guardrails that ensure we put the human subjects of our scientific research first? And how do we find an environmentally sound way to provide the enormous amount of energy to fuel the computing power that AI requires?

Given these challenges, what do you view as the future of agentic AI?

The genie's out of the bottle. This technology is here, and it’s going to affect absolutely everything we do in our professional and personal lives. It is going to turn things upside down.

The exciting thing for biomedical science is that agentic AI will allow each person to be 10 or 20 or 100 times more efficient. And assigning tasks to AI allows us to focus more on the human skills, the creativity and the emotional side of what we do. It has the potential to accelerate scientific discoveries and the translation of those discoveries into better healthcare practices.

I try not to make specific predictions because all of this is moving so quickly and unpredictably. But I think the one prediction I can make about agentic AI is that everything's going to be different a year—or even six months—from now.

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.