Healthyliving - Guam Resident Makes 12,000-Mile Journey Don't Neglect Those Physician Conversations (Even When It's Embarrassing) - PIH Health
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healthyliving
SPRING /SUMMER 2022
FR O M YO U R FR IE N D S AT PI H H E A LT H
Guam Resident Makes Don’t Neglect Those Woman with Zero
12,000-Mile Journey Physician Conversations Symptoms Discovers
to Health (Even When It’s Embarrassing) the Value of Breast Imaging
FEATURED STORIES
03 04 20
Guam Resident Makes Don’t Neglect Those Woman with Zero
12,000-Mile Journey Physician Conversations Symptoms Discovers the
to Health (Even When It’s Embarrassing) Value of Breast Imaging
IN THIS ISSUE
06 PIH Health at Home:
A New Service for
14 Circle of Excellence
Members
22 PIH Health’s Commitment
to Cardiovascular Health
the Community
16 Turning Love of Horses
24 Workout Enthusiast
08 Tennessee Resident
Receives Specialized
Into a Gift Towards Health Finds Himself Needing
Orthopedic Surgery
Care to Remove Inner 17 Thank You to Our
PIH Health Sustainers
Ear Tumor IN EVERY ISSUE
10 Thank You Generous 18 UroLift Procedure Brings
Relief for Prostate Gland 25 Health Education Calendar
Supporters and Support Groups
Enlargement
13 Legacy Society Members
26 List of PIH Health Services
Exciting News at PIH Health Downey Hospital
NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LOBBY AND WAITING ROOM OPEN
The Emergency Department (ED) at PIH Health evaluation, three new treatment rooms and a
Downey Hospital has opened its doors to a new nursing station. The spacious waiting area offers
waiting room and lobby. The new space is more a warm and open environment for patients and
than three times larger than the former waiting visitors. The former ED entrance and waiting
room with a drop off area for patients at the front room will be closed for construction as a new
entrance, two new triage rooms for rapid patient computed tomography (CT) scanner is installed.
2 SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Los Angeles
12,000 miles
Guam
12,000-MILES
Guam resident Christopher Blas
and sister, Bonnie, with Guy Mayeda MD,
PIH Health interventional cardiologist.
TO HEALTH
After facing two life-threatening health issues in his early 40s, Guam resident
Christopher Blas knows the value of expert cardiovascular care—but he had to travel
a long way to get it.
Christopher’s journey began when he experienced development—a thoracic graft endoleak at the
chest pain and went to his community hospital in site of the original dissection.
Guam, a U.S. Territory located 6,000 miles away
“An endoleak is a complication that affects
from Los Angeles in the Western Pacific Ocean.
about 15 to 25% of patients who undergo TEVAR,”
A CT scan revealed an aneurysm that caused a
explained Dr. Gheissari. “It means that some
3-centimeter dissection (tear) in his aorta, the major
amount of blood is still flowing around the graft
blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to
into the aneurysm cavity.”
the body.
Christopher returned to Los Angeles for a second
Christopher needed a thoracic endovascular
round of treatment. The repair was a success. Today,
aneurysm repair (TEVAR), but the surgery was too
Christopher is back to his favorite hobbies of driving
advanced for a hospital facility in Guam. Thanks
off-road vehicles and mountain biking.
to the International Patient Services Program at
PIH Health, Christopher was able to have the repair PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital has been
done at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. He Guam’s off-island healthcare partner since 1986.
was flown 15 hours by air ambulance to Los Angeles Hundreds of patients travel from overseas each
where Guy Mayeda MD, interventional cardiologist, year to seek advanced treatment from experienced
and Ali Gheissari MD, cardiothoracic surgeon, physicians.
performed the life-saving surgery.
“I traveled to PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital
“Acute aortic dissection is a rare, but very lethal because I knew I would receive excellent care,” said
cardiovascular condition responsible for about Christopher. “I had full confidence in the doctors and
13,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Twenty percent their expertise. They truly saved my life—not once,
of patients with an acute aortic dissection die before but twice.”
reaching the hospital and 50% of patients die if not
treated within 24 hours,” said Dr. Mayeda.
To learn more about cardiology and
Two years later during a follow-up appointment i cardiothoracic surgery please visit
in Guam, a CT scan showed a troubling PIHHealth.org/HeartCare.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 3
DON’T NEGLECT THOSE
PHYSICIAN CONVERSATIONS
(EVEN WHEN IT’S EMBARRASSING)
How One Patient Finally Solved a Pesky Unexplained Issue
Sometimes, talking to your doctor about a problem can be uncomfortable, if not
downright embarrassing. That was certainly the case for Michele, a 39-year-old wife
and mother of two, who experienced an unexplained vaginal discharge that occurred
on-and-off for years, but simply never went away.
Your PIH Health physician is here to help you
feel better. By mentioning all new symptoms,
even if you find them embarrassing, you may
help your doctor catch a health condition
before it becomes serious.
4 SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Several physicians told Michele that occasional vaginal
discharge is normal, so she didn’t worry too much—
until it got worse.
AS K TH E E X PE RT
After having a hysterectomy to remove a mass on
her ovaries, Michele was referred by Samuel Im MD,
PIH Health oncologist, to another doctor, Armen
Gregorian MD, PIH Health colorectal surgeon, to
investigate further. Dr. Gregorian concluded that
Michele had developed a rectovaginal fistula—an
abnormal connection between the large intestine
(rectum) and the vagina, enabling bowel contents to
leak through. Divya Mallam MD
11480 Brookshire Avenue, Suite 204
“Rectovaginal fistulas can result from Downey, CA 90241
a variety of things—like injury during
562.904.4445
childbirth, an inflammatory bowel
disease like Crohn’s disease, or radiation
treatment in the pelvic area,” explained Q. Has the age for getting my first
Dr. Gregorian. “Whatever the cause, colonoscopy changed?
the condition can cause emotional A. In the past, adults who are at average risk
and physical discomfort, which can for colorectal cancer were advised to start
impact self-esteem and intimacy. Some having regular colonoscopies when they
rectovaginal fistulas may close on their turned 50. Today, that age has changed.
own, but most need surgical repair.” The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
now recommends that colorectal cancer
Over the course of six months, Michele had two screenings begin at age 45 due to the rise of
surgeries to repair the fistula. The first involved colorectal cancer cases among young and
rectovaginal surgery to remove the fistula and close the middle-aged people.
tear, plus ileostomy (a procedure that enables waste to
When you get your first colonoscopy (and
leave the body through a surgically created hole called
how often after that) will depend on your
a stoma), giving the area time to heal. Six months later,
family and personal health history. Talk to
Michele had a second surgery to remove the ileostomy.
your primary care physician to determine the
“Dr. Gregorian was so awesome, and he did a great job right time for you.
with my complicated case,” said Michele. “After years
Colorectal cancer is most treatable when
of struggling with this issue, I’m finally back to living a
found early. Colonoscopies not only detect
normal life. No discharge at all, and I’m back to doing
the disease, but can prevent cancer because
what I love—swimming, living an active lifestyle, and
precancerous polyps can be removed during
taking fun vacations with my husband and family.”
the procedure.
For more information or to schedule
For more information on PIH Health
your colonoscopy, visit
i Physicians or to find a doctor, please visit
PIHHealth.org/Colonoscopy
PIHHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor.
or call 562.967.2656.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 5
INTRODUCING PIH HEALTH AT HOME:
A NEW SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Home Care Option Offers a Wide Variety of
Non-Medical Services
PIH Health at Home provided by 24 Hour Home Care® is a new customized
service that provides affordable non-medical home care to individuals needing
companionship or assistance with activities of daily living in order to stay
independent in their own home.
PIH Health at Home offers
an array of non-medical
services in the comfort
of one’s home.
6 SPRING/SUMMER 2022
PIH Health at Home can be customized to include:
• Personal care: help with hygiene, using the restroom
or navigating a home environment
• Medication reminders: reminders and monitoring
for negative side effects or complications from
medications
• Meal preparation: grocery shopping assistance,
general kitchen safety, cooking and cleaning
• Respite care: allows scheduled breaks for family
and primary caregivers MAKING TOMORROW’S
• Companionship: socialization and engagement MEDICINE TODAY
in thoughtful and meaningful interactions
• Transportation: partnership with RideWith24 for
TM
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A
on-demand rides at any time of day without the use CLINICAL TRIAL?
of a smart phone or app
People participate in clinical trials for many
reasons. Healthy volunteers often join clinical
PIH Health at Home caregivers can be trials to help others and contribute to moving
available for up to 24 hours a day, seven science forward. People with an illness
days a week with an out-of-pocket charge. or disease participate for the possibility
This allows individuals to retain their of receiving the newest and best drugs,
independence at home without relying on treatment options and patient therapies—long
costly residential homes or assisted living before they become available to the public.
Many want to play a more active role in their
facilities. “We’re so fortunate to offer this
own healthcare, under the close supervision
service to our community. Often times
of doctors and researchers.
a person just needs a little bit of human
interaction and assistance to prevent an “Clinical trials offer hope for many people,
and an opportunity to help researchers find
unnecessary hospitalization,” says Shelly
better treatments for current and future
Necke, PIH Health vice president of
generations,” said Jennifer Yanovski,
Post-Acute Care Services. PIH Health director of research. “I’m excited
to add to the number of clinical trials available
Choosing a home caregiver for yourself or a loved to our community this year—and I hope
one is an important decision that requires attention. many people will consider participating.”
That’s why the hiring process for PIH Health at Home
is unique and selective, and each caregiver undergoes PIH Health currently has more than 70
a thorough and extensive background check as well clinical trials in various stages in oncology,
as specialized training. To facilitate the best caregiver stroke, cardiovascular, neonatal, peripheral
match, a consultation held early in the decision-making vasculature and other therapeutic areas.
process helps ensure the highest level of compatibility. For more information, visit
PIHHealth.org/ClinicalTrials. To learn
To learn more about PIH Health more, speak to your physician or email
us at ClinicalTrials@PIHHealth.org.
i at Home, please call 562.742.3348
or visit PIHHealth.org/HomeHealth.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 7
SWEET SOUND OF SUCCESS
Tennessee Resident Receives Specialized Care
to Remove Inner Ear Tumor
When 53-year-old Philip Atteberry woke up with ringing in his ears in late 2019,
he initially suspected allergies. But when the ringing didn’t go away and he started
developing hearing loss, he went to his primary care physician in Knoxville, Tennessee,
who referred him to a local ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.
PIH Health patient Philip Atteberry
and his wife, Alicia.
8 SPRING/SUMMER 2022
A few weeks later, Philip received a steroid shot, but
it didn’t help. The ENT then recommended an MRI,
which revealed an acoustic neuroma.
AS K TH E E X PE RT
“Acoustic neuroma is a rare noncancerous
tumor that grows slowly from an
overproduction of Schwann cells that
surround nerve fibers,” explained
Gregory Lekovic MD PhD, PIH Health
neurosurgeon. “As it grows, the tumor
presses on the nerves in the inner ear
that control balance and hearing.” Ahl Jeffrey Caseja MD
12400 Bloomfield Avenue
Since the acoustic neuroma was discovered in March Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
2020—right before the COVID-19 lockdown—and 562.967.2760
since the tumor was benign and slow-growing, Philip
decided to hold off on treatment. But as the year went
on, his hearing got worse, so he connected with a Q: What glucose numbers indicate
friend, who was also treated for this rare condition. type 2 diabetes?
In March 2021, Philip had a video consult with A. There are several ways to diagnose type 2
Dr. Lekovic, who reviewed his MRI and recommended diabetes, which is the most common form
surgery to remove the tumor. of diabetes. Having type 2 diabetes means
“If the tumor gets large enough, it can press against your body doesn’t use insulin properly.
the brain stem,” said Dr. Lekovic. “This can affect The condition is usually diagnosed using the
neurological function or even become life-threatening.” glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test—a blood test
that indicates your average blood sugar level
Philip decided to proceed with surgery in May 2021 at
for the past two to three months. Having
PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital with Dr. Lekovic
glycated hemoglobin below 5.7% is normal;
and Kevin Peng MD, PIH Health otolaryngologist.
5.7% to 6.4% is diagnosed as prediabetes;
Not only was the surgery a success, Philip recovered
and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests
quickly enough to enjoy a trip with his wife exploring
indicates diabetes.
California sights in July—a trip that was previously
postponed due to the pandemic. If the A1C test isn’t available, or if you have
certain conditions that interfere with an A1C
“Today I’m feeling great,” said Philip. test, your doctor may use a different test
“I feel very blessed to have had a fantastic to diagnose diabetes, such as random blood
surgeon, a wonderful team of physicians, sugar blood test (taken after fasting) or
and incredible nurses.” an oral glucose tolerance test (taken after
fasting and drinking a sugary liquid at the
doctor’s office).
For more information on ear, nose
For more information, visit
and throat services, please visit
PIHHealth.org/Endo.
i PIHHealth.org/ENT. For more information
on neurology services, please visit
PIHHealth.org/Neuroscience.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 9
THANK YOU TO OUR
GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
We Are Honored to Acknowledge Your Generosity.
JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2021
$250,000+ Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hamar Mrs. Ruth Hillecke Dr. and Mrs. First Pacific Advisors, LP
The Estate of Mrs. Dr. Stephen K. Kwan + Eduardo A. Tovar+ Robert and Shirley Foster
The Atwood Family Patricia Janda Dr. Jason Lai+ US Bank Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Foundation Los Angeles Imaging Mr. and Mrs. Peter Greaney
George Joseph Ms. Gloria Joseph & Interventional James R. West* Lucile Horton Howe
Dr. Richard C. Onofrio Mark A. Kadzielski Esq. Consultants (LRMG) Whittier Internal & Mitchell B. Howe
I.N. and Susanna H. Dr. Sabeen Dhand+ Medicine & Nephrology Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Medical Group
Van Nuys Foundation Samuel A. Mathis Dr. Rodger Hughes+ Mrs. Connie Irwin
The Estate of Ameta Dr. Robert Kleinman+ Dr. and Mrs.
$100,000+ Mae Sanman Dr. Nanette Kovash+ $5,000+ Richard J. Kiechler
Sodexo, U.S.A. Dr. Shao-Pow Lin+ Ms. Joan B. Lee
Anonymous Mr. James M. Andreoli
Dr. Yong Park+ Debra* and Roy Legan
The White Family Mr. and Mrs.
LA Health Foundation Dr. Joseph Park+
White Emerson Mortuary Robert S. Andrews Richard Luciano
Dr. and Mrs. Rangasamy Dr. Amish Patel+
Whittier Breast Imaging Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Matt and Melanie Lyons
Ramanathan+ Dr. Jagdish Patel+
Athens Services Mr. and Mrs.
The Seaver Institute Dr. Daniel Saket+
$10,000+ William T. Macnider
U.S. Department of Health Dr. Brian Yue+ Barlow Respiratory
Hospital Mr. and Mrs.
and Human Services
Anonymous Dr. Davis Lee+ Chico Manning*
Human Resources and and Dr. Janet Yang Ms. Regina Rengifo
Services Administration Bewley, Lassleben Bialorucki* Mr. and Mrs. Brent Melton*
& Miller, LLP Dr. Rosalio J. Lopez+
Mrs. Eileen M. Bigelow Mr. and Mrs.
Mrs. Peter D. Bundy Mrs. Carolyn McFarland Patrick Monroe
$50,000+ Daryl and Sherry Braun
Peggy Chulack* Medical Staff of Good Janet and Patrick Moore
Samaritan Hospital Ms. Bonnie Cairns
Anonymous Ms. Stephanie Courtney Mr. and Mrs.
MediWaste Disposal California Academy
The Estate of Samuel Mrs. Virginia Dickinson Peter W. Mullin
of Family Physicians
and Norma Ayres Dr. and Mrs. Yong H. Park+ Anup* and Payal Patel
Dignity Memorial California Funeral
The Estate of Leeba Lessin Ms. Judy B. Pugach* Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs.
Carrie Estelle
QueensCare Doheny Foundation Mr. David A. Pyle Robert F. Peck
Mr. and Mrs.
R.C. Baker Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Rose Hills Memorial Park Richard A. Casford PIH Health Medical Staff
Gwladys and John Zurlo Ronald A. Fischman+ and Mortuaries Mr. Noel Coppinger* Premier Ambulance
Charitable Foundation Mrs. Joyce Fitzgerald Mr. Jack Scheifly Mr. and Mrs. Progressive Management
Betsy Frost Mr. Vid Shivaraman* Harry C. Crowell Systems
$25,000+ Ms. Marissa Goldberg Ms. Alicia M. Signaigo CSI Electrical Santa Fe Springs
Contractors, Inc. Firefighters, Local 3507
Dr. and Mrs. Brent J. Gray+ Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Sprague Mr. David De La Torre*
Howard Applebaum Norman Sauco*
Stephen E. Griffith Mr. Michael Starratt Mrs. Jane M. Dick
Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. B. A. Shaw+
Jack L. Blumenthal The Estate of Bank of America Digital Health Strategies
Eleanor K. Hauger Merrill Lynch Global
County of Los Angeles Dr. Pearl D’Sa+
Institutional Consulting
Ms. Christine Herrera and Mr. Bosco D’Sa
+
* PIH Health Employee Physician
10 SPRING/SUMMER 2022The Smolskis Family* Intercommunity Emergency Dr. Aidan P. O’Brien+ Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Beck Ms. Lillian J. Cordova
Mrs. Laura P. Stoneman Medical Group OptumRx Inc. Georgene B. Beckner Mr. Vincent Cortes
Dr. Kevin E. Andruss+ Vincor Construction, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Bharti Patel Mr. Kenneth B. Bennett
Paul A. Treinen Dr. Steven Chin+
PIH Health Physicians Dr. and Mrs. Credit Union of
WHH Philanthropy Dr. Adrian Crisan+ Medical Group Stephen Bezahler Southern California
Dr. Marco A. Diaz+ Drs. Blayne Cutler
Whittier Pathology Mr. and Mrs. Tim Place* Dr. Shalini Bhargava+
Medical Group, Inc. Dr. Parham Farahat+ and Mr. Avinash Bhargava and Thomas Spieker
Ms. Rebecca S. Planer
Dr. Hoori Hovanessian+ Dr. and Mrs.
Willis Towers Watson Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Kimberly Bickell+
Dr. Edward J. Jarema+ and Mr. Matthew Bickell Riad Y. Darwish+
Mrs. Paula Woo William E. Pratt*
Dr. Michael Y. Liu+ Mr. Martin C. Bischoff Mrs. Maria L. Davila*
Zotec Partners Ms. Karen R. Seulke*
Dr. Michael L. Martin+ Jairo and
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Gregory M. Sharp Ms. Leslie Blackner
Dr. Alisa Sato+ Roberta Delgado*
Andrew Zwers* Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Stephen L. Bland +
Dr. G. Donald Shook+ Mr. Randal DeMore
William W. Shubin Mr. and Mrs.
Dr. Michael L. Sporty+
$2,500+ Leonard Bobier Dr. Joan D. Dengrove
Dr. Richard M. Zoraster+ Mr. and Mrs.
and Dr. Neal Shindel+
Hatem S. Sinnukrot Mr. Bryan Boehrer
Alignment Health Plan The Estate of Rev. Dennis Tello Properties, LLC
Albert E. Jenkins Ms. Griselda Torres* Bonne, Bridges, Mueller,
Mr. and Mrs. Leighton O’Keefe & Nichols Mrs. Alma Diaz
and Nancy G. Jenkins TRL Systems
Anderson Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. John Joyce U.S. Bank Private Debbe and Spike Booth
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Dickinson
Junior Amateur Wealth Management Mr. Bill Bornhorst
Dann V. Angeloff Mr. and Mrs.
Golf Scholars Mr. and Mrs. Antair F. Yang and Mrs. Margit H. Polyak
The Rev. Michael S. Bell* Lawrence A. Dicus
Mr. Ram G. Kakkar Ms. Tess Bradlee
Mrs. Paul S. Bilgore Dave Dieu*
Mr. James R. Kalyvas $1,000+ Ms. Marsha Braunstein*
Mr. Jing B. Cheung* Ms. Terri Dixon*
Mrs. Patricia Kasababian Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. Christopher W. Cohick Anonymous Rodney Bremer* Ms. Kathleen Dotson
The Kidney Specialists
Ms. Paula Cowan 24 Hour Cares LLC Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs.
Dr. Dorsa Maryska+ Mark D. Dubin+
Ms. Julianne Coyne* Mrs. Jeanette Abundis* Richard E. Brinnon*
Dr. Brian Zwecker+ and Dr. Stephen Docherty
Mr. and Mrs. Buena Vista Healthcare LLC Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Cutcher Mr. Kevin Koga* Ms. Gina Adams* Kenneth J. Dudley
and Ms. Myrna Ling Natalie Bumanglag
Dr. Jaime Diaz+ Dr. and Mrs. and Family* Ms. Jacqueline T.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Akhavan+ DuMontier
Mr. Joseph Fasone Douglas Kotkin Dr. and Mrs.
and Mrs. Jeanette Mr. and Mrs. Alex Alvarez K. Leo Buxbaum Mr. Paul DuMontier
Zavala-Fasone Mr. Robin C. Lee*
Amigos de los Ninos Ms. Phyllis Cairns Mr. and Mrs.
Fasone Construction Legends Group Kevin P. Duthoy
Dr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs.
Ms. Karen D. Fish* Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Andruss+ Wayne W. Campfield Mr. Ron Eickhoff*
Robert K. Maloney
Mr. William Seals Mr. Michael C. Apodaca* Mrs. Cynthia G. Carrillo Mr. and Mrs.
and Mrs. Amy Fitzgerald* Ms. Vicky Marquez* George H. Engelage IV
Dr. Paul Appelbaum Mrs. Norma Casford
Mr. Michael Graley Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Martin* Mrs. Judith Ennis
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs.
Graley Marketing Dr. and Mrs. Henry T. Arakaki Steve Cazares Mrs. Christine Eusoof-Alviz*
Guy S. Mayeda+
Mrs. Dot Hamblin Robert and Virginia Ball Mr. Hearng Choy* Dr. and Mrs.
Dr. and Mrs. Philip J. Fagan, Jr.+
Mrs. Mary C. Helfrey Mr. and Mrs. Scott Barnes* Ms. Ann Chung*
John D. McCarthy+
Dr. Jung Ho + Mr. and Mrs.
R.D. and Kathleen Kathleen+ and Carl Spencer Classic Performance
Edward Ferguson
Dr. and Mrs. McDonnell Ms. Melanie Batiste Products, Inc.
Nathan Honda+ Foley & Lardner
Mr. Paul Mulcahey Reverends Kraig* Ms. Sherry L. Cline Martin*
Mrs. Sylvia L. Foltz
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Necke* and Erin Beardemphl Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Coffey
Mrs. James Neville Dwight and Rewa Cooper*
+
* PIH Health Employee Physician
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Scott Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Chapter 351 Ms. L’Tanya Simien Robnett Dr. and Mrs.
Mrs. George Fritzinger Seiichi Ishikawa* The Rafael Ms. Katrina M. Rodriguez* Michael D. Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. IV League & Sharyl Mendez Mr. and Mrs. Roy Tyra
Family Foundation Mr. Brendan Rowe*
John Frohnapfel Mrs. Brenda Jahn Mr. Thomas Umemoto
Ms. Dora O. Mensah* Dr. Waldemar Sadowinski+
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Robert Jansen Monique and
Dennis G. Gahuman* Mr. James K. Michiuye Mrs. Janet R. Sahagian
Mr. and Mrs. Gustavo Velasco*
Dr. Gautam Ganguly+ Jason and Brooke Miller Ms. Carol Salas*
Lamar S. Jervik* Mr. and Mrs. Larry Villalba*
Ms. Ramona A. Garcia Taylor Moorehead Mr. Gerald L. Salzman
Ms. Stacy E. Johnson* Ms. Alicia Viramontes*
Ms. Rosemary Garcia Dr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs.
Dr. Mewhish A. Khan +
Marc A. Samson+ Ms. Felicia Viselli
Dr. Mohammed Ghonim* Pramod Multani+
Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Jeanie Sanden Sylvia and Lincoln Watase
Kathy Goin Richard Kikuchi Mr. and Mrs.
Daniel Munoz* Mr. Raj and Dr. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Watje
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Gordon Dr. and Mrs. Smeeta Sardesai+ Dr. Charlotte Weaver
Arthur C. Klein+ Music for Sharing
Mrs. Evelyn Wong Gross Dr. Dennis J. Sargent +
Mr. Stephen Wen
Mr. and Mrs. David Klinger Sudhaker and
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grove Mithra Nayak+ and Dr. Kathy Forte Mr. Karl Werner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Krupin Dr. and Mrs.
and Gwen Camenson Mr. Mark Nelson Western Specialty
Ronald Gunther Mark Schneider+ Contractors
Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Thalia Nguyen
Mr. William Haag* Dr. Yasmeen Shaw+ Mr. and Mrs.
Sheldon Kulkin Mr. and Mrs.
Dr. and Mrs. Ali Hafezi+ Jeffrey K. Nickell Ms. Jeanette Shea* Michael Weyant*
Dr. Nupur Kumar+
Mr. and Mrs. George Harb and Dr. Sunil K. Mr. and Mrs. Greg Nordbak Diane Sheley* Whittier Presbyterian
Mr. and Mrs. Singhania Estate of Sheryl G. Parker Church
Ms. Barbara Ogawa
Tracy R. Harcourt Dr. and Dr. James Kuo + Ms. Suzy Shih Whittier Trust Company
Ms. Kathleen O’Hara*
Dr. and Mrs. E. R. Harris +
Dr. William S. Kurohara+ Mr. Steve Shokouhi Kenton and
Ms. Suzette Otlewis* Florence Woods
Ms. Kathleen H. Hatfield and Dr. Helen Chen Dr. and Mrs. Alvin C. Shon+
Dr. Joseph J. Park+ Dr. Shang C. Wu+
Dr. Wesley Heartfield +
Mr. Scott Larimer Dr. and Mrs. Bijan Siassi+
and Dr. Leah Mintz Mr. Atit Patel* and Mrs. Mei Ho
Mrs. Richard. C. Lawton Mr. and Mrs.
Ms. Silvia A. Hernandez* Dr. and Mrs. Dr. Brian W. Yue+
Ms. Carrie Levinson* Jagdish M. Patel+ Brian Slaughter* and Mrs. Andrea Yue
Mr. Erik Hillard Mr. Terry Lew Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Tae Yun
Mr. and Mrs. Allan and Corina Lipstein* Hemanshu Patel* Lowell W. Smith
Horst Hillebrand Mrs. Irena Zuanic*
Mr. Alvin L. Luna Mr. Daniel Patino* Mr. and Mrs.
Dr. Ivannia Hinman Stephen L. Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. $500+
HMRG (a service division Talal M. Malhis+ Michael Pazzulla Ms. Carole Snyder*
of CMRE Financial SoCal Post Acute Care
Ms. Dawn Maliff* Ernesto and Anonymous*
Services, Inc.)
Ms. Cheryl Ann A. Malm* Kathleen Penuelas* Paul and Patricia Springer Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. John Hole Jr.
Mr. Meredith H. Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abbate
Mrs. Ceonne Mr. Mel Marquardt
Mr. Semeon Persaud* Mark St. Julien Advanced Systems
Houston-Raasikh* Mrs. Sally W. Marsh
Stephenson, Acquisto Services
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Alejandrino C. Dr. and Mrs. Gary Pirnat +
& Colman Allscripts
Bradley N. Howard Mayol Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pobanz
Ms. M Joy Stephenson Ms. Joan B. Alvaney
Ms. Gaylin Hughes Ms. Cecile Mayoralgo* Dr. and Mrs. Norman Rapp
Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs.
Mr. Michael D. Ikeda Rick McGill Mr. and Mrs. Krikor D. Sulahian Ruben Armienta
Mr. Kenneth Im* Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Ratkovich
SWA Architects Mr. and Mrs.
Imperial Health Michael E. McMinn Mr. and Mrs. Frank Renek
Mrs. Marjorie Swanson Jeffrey S. Baird
Care Center Mr. and Mrs. Greg Medlin* Pacific Parts
and Controls, Inc. Ms. Sanna Tam* Mrs. Joyce M. Bjorklund
Mr. and Mrs.
Ira Meiselman* Mrs. Aurora R. Taylor
+
* PIH Health Employee Physician
12 SPRING/SUMMER 2022Ms. Faith Brinnon* Ms. Maria E. McNulty*
Mr. and Mrs. Miguel M. Castillo Mr. and Mrs. Danny Merkle*
Mr. and Mrs. Raul M. Castillo* Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Miller PIH HEALTH FOUNDATION
Mr. Matthew L. Cloutman* Mr. Thomas Moffett
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Coates Mr. Robert J. Nagle
HONORS OUR LEGACY
Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Croxall Mr. and Mrs. James L. Nalley SOCIETY MEMBERS
Ms. Consuelo E. Flores* National Charity League, Inc.
Mr. Jeremiah Flores* Whittier Chapter
The PIH Health Legacy Society
Ms. Michelle Flores* Ms. Elizabeth Navarro
honors those special friends
Forest Lawn Memorial Parks Mr. and Mrs. Gary N. Nesbit of PIH Health who have made
Ms. Jill Frieze Prado Mrs. Tammi C. Numata* provisions in their wills or estate
Ms. Deborah Gangi-Morrow Dr. Sushil Ojha+ plans to support the future of
Ms. Nancy Ghadimi* Ms. Ethel Paisley healthcare provided throughout
Mr. Anish Patel all of PIH Health’s entities. It
Dr. and Mrs. John W. Given
Mr. and Mrs. John Peel is the legacy gift that is often motivated by a
Dr. and Mrs. Joel Golden+
vision for a better tomorrow. We are grateful
Ms. Karen L. Gordon Ms. Andrea Redeker
to so many friends who, through thoughtful
Ms. Judelyn Gutierrez* Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Rutigliano*
planning, have made plans in their estates to
Mr. John Hager Mr. Joe R. Sanchez*
support their charitable interests beyond their
Mrs. Mallory A. Harris Mr. Ralph R. Santoro lifetimes. On behalf of future generations, we
Mr. and Mrs. James J. Hawk Ms. Jill Sciulli* say thank you.
Ms. Leslie A. Helton* Mr. Anthony E. Stewart*
Mr. and Mrs. Lance T. Sylvester Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Robert Foster
Mr. Carlos Hernandez
Ms. Ruth Tan* Mrs. Richard Angstadt* Mr. and Mrs. John Frohnapfel
Dr. Jason S. Ho+
Mrs. Susan M. Treinen Mr. and Mrs. John Antonelli* Mr. Louis Hermo
Ms. Elizabeth Huerta*
Mrs. Carrie K. L. Tse The Atwood Family* Dr. and Mrs. Nathan Honda
Ms. Stephanie Jones*
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Uhlman Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Bassette Ms. Jill Jackson
Rainbow Jung* and Dr. Shannon Moore
Mr. Reginald Valdez Mr. Richard Luciano*
Rev. Stephanie Kang* Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. Christopher Weide Mr. and Mrs. Matt Lyons
JoAnna Kuehl, N.P.* Jack L. Blumenthal
Mr. and Mrs. D.E. “Bill” Mrs. Herbert Martian
Mr. James N. Lajoe Ms. Patricia E. Bray*
and Jan Wood Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mathis
Mr. Gerald K. Lee Mrs. Miriam Brookfield
Mr. and Mrs. Huey-Min Yu Mrs. Carolyn McFarland*
Ms. Lucia J. Lee* Mrs. Peter D. Bundy
Mrs. Jane Vruwink Palmer
Ms. Laura Lenhardt* Ms. Bonnie Cairns
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peck*
Mr. William Lo Ms. Peggy Chulack*
Mr. and Mrs. John Peel*
Dr. Oariona Lowe Mrs. LeGrande Coates
and Dr. Evangelos Rossopoulos Ms. Marisa Reyes
Mrs. Paula Cowan
Dr. and Mrs. James V. Luck, Jr. Mrs. Jean Felcyn Ristic
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dicus
Mr. Elijah Macaraeg* Mr. Ralph Seifer
Mrs. Ida K. Elby*
Dr. Ghasak A. Mahmood+ Ms. Carol Widmer
Mrs. Joyce Fitzgerald*
and Mr. Laith Mahmood *
Denotes PIH Health Legacy Society Charter Member
Mr. and Mrs. Roberto N. Martuccio
For more information about the PIH Health
Legacy Society or to become a member
today, please contact PIH Health Foundation
at 562.967.2745.
+
* PIH Health Employee Physician
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 13CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE MEMBERS
PIH Health Foundation Circle of Excellence recognizes the generous
donors in our communities who support PIH Health. Through annual gifts
of $1,000 or more, members ensure great healthcare for our communities.
JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2021
Anonymous Mrs. Eileen M. Bigelow Mr. Christopher W. Cohick++ Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. Ali Hafezi
24 Hour Cares LLC Mrs. Paul S. Bilgore++ Dwight and Rewa Cooper* George H. Engelage IV++ Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hamar
Mrs. Jeanette Abundis* The June and Paul Bilgore Mr. Noel Coppinger* Mrs. Judith Ennis Mrs. Dot Hamblin
and Dr. Stephen Docherty Charitable Fund Ms. Lillian J. Cordova++ Mrs. Christine Eusoof-Alviz* Mr. and Mrs. George Harb
Ms. Gina Adams* Mr. Martin C. Bischoff Mr. Vincent Cortes Dr. and Mrs. Philip J. Fagan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tracy R. Harcourt
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Akhavan++ Ms. Leslie Blackner Vincor Construction, Inc. Mr. Joseph Fasone Dr. and Mrs. E. R. Harris
Alignment Health Plan Dr. Stephen L. Bland Ms. Stephanie Courtney and Mrs. Jeanette Ms. Kathleen H. Hatfield
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Alvarez Mr. and Mrs. Zavala-Fasone
Ms. Paula Cowan++ Dr. Wesley Heartfield
Jack L. Blumenthal++ Fasone Construction
Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Julianne Coyne* and Dr. Leah Mintz
Leighton Anderson++ Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Bobier++ Mr. and Mrs.
Credit Union of Mrs. Mary C. Helfrey++
Mr. Bryan Boehrer Edward Ferguson++
Mr. James M. Andreoli++ Southern California Ms. Leslie A. Helton*
Bonne, Bridges, Mueller, Dr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Crowell++ Ms. Silvia A. Hernandez*
O’Keefe & Nichols Ronald A. Fischman
Robert S. Andrews++ CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc. Ms. Christine Herrera
Debbe and Spike Booth Ms. Karen D. Fish*
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Andruss Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cutcher Mr. Erik Hillard
Mr. Bill Bornhorst Mr. William Seals
Mr. and Mrs. Dann V. Angeloff++ Drs. Blayne Cutler Mr. and Mrs. Horst Hillebrand
and Mrs. Margit H. Polyak++ and Mrs. Amy Fitzgerald*
Mr. Michael C. Apodaca*++ and Thomas Spieker Mrs. Ruth Hillecke++
Ms. Tess Bradlee Mrs. Joyce Fitzgerald++
The Howard and Nikki Dr. and Mrs. Riad Y. Darwish Dr. Ivannia Hinman
Daryl and Sherry Braun++ Mrs. Sylvia L. Foltz
Applebaum Foundation++ Mrs. Maria L. Davila* Robert and Shirley Foster Dr. Jung Ho++
Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Marsha Braunstein* Mr. David De La Torre*++
Howard Applebaum Mr. and Mrs. Scott Freeman Mr. John Hole Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Jairo and Roberta Delgado*
Dr. Paul Appelbaum Rodney Bremer*++ Mrs. George Fritzinger++ Dr. and Mrs. Nathan Honda++
Mr. Randal DeMore Mr. and Mrs. John Frohnapfel Mrs. Ceonne
Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Arakaki++ Mr. and Mrs.
Richard E. Brinnon*++ Dr. Joan D. Dengrove Betsy Frost++ Houston-Raasikh*
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Dr. Neal Shindel++
Natalie Bumanglag and Family* Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs.
Athens Services Mrs. Alma Diaz Dennis G. Gahuman*++ Bradley N. Howard
The Atwood Family++ Mrs. Peter D. Bundy++
Mrs. Jane M. Dick Dr. Gautam Ganguly Lucile Horton Howe
Robert and Virginia Ball Dr. and Mrs. K. Leo Buxbaum++
Mr. and Mrs. & Mitchell B. Howe
Barlow Respiratory Hospital Ms. Bonnie Cairns++ Ms. Ramona A. Garcia
Richard J. Dickinson Foundation++
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Barnes*++ Ms. Phyllis Cairns Ms. Rosemary Garcia
Mrs. Virginia Dickinson++ Ms. Gaylin Hughes
Kathleen and Carl Spencer++ Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Mohammed Ghonim*
Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Michael D. Ikeda
Ms. Melanie Batiste Wayne W. Campfield Lawrence A. Dicus++ Dr. and Mrs. John W. Given
Intercommunity Emergency
Reverends Kraig* Mrs. Cynthia G. Carrillo Dignity Memorial Kathy Goin++ Medical Group++
and Erin Beardemphl Mrs. Norma Casford++ Dave Dieu* Ms. Marissa Goldberg Dr. Kevin E. Andruss
Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Beck++ Mr. and Mrs. Digital Health Strategies Mr. and Mrs. Brad Gordon Dr. Steven Chin
Georgene B. Beckner++ Richard A. Casford++ Mr. Michael Graley Dr. Adrian Crisan
Ms. Terri Dixon*
The Rev. Michael S. Bell*++ Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cazares++ Graley Marketing Dr. Marco A. Diaz
Ms. Kathleen Dotson
Mr. Kenneth B. Bennett Mr. Jing B. Cheung* Dr. and Mrs. Brent J. Gray Dr. Parham Farahat
Dr. Pearl D’Sa
Mr. Hearng 0Choy* Mr. and Mrs. Peter Greaney Dr. Hoori Hovanessian
Bewley, Lassleben and Mr. Bosco D’Sa
& Miller, LLP++ Peggy Chulack*++ Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Edward J. Jarema
Dr. and Mrs. Mark D. Dubin
Ms. Ann Chung*++ Stephen E. Griffith++ Dr. Michael Y. Liu
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Bezahler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Dudley
Ms. Sherry L. Cline Martin* Mrs. Evelyn Wong Gross Dr. Michael L. Martin
Dr. Shalini Bhargava Ms. Jacqueline T. DuMontier++
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grove Dr. Alisa Sato
and Mr. Avinash Bhargava HMRG (a service division Mr. Paul DuMontier
of CMRE Financial Dr. G. Donald Shook
Ms. Regina Rengifo Bialorucki* Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gunther++
Services, Inc.) Ms. Ericka Duran* Dr. Michael L. Sporty
Dr. Kimberly Bickell Ms. Judelyn Gutierrez*
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Coffey++ Mr. and Mrs. Kevin P. Duthoy Dr. Richard M. Zoraster
and Mr. Matthew Bickell++ Mr. William Haag*
Mr. Ron Eickhoff*
++
* PIH Health Employee 5 Years of Consecutive Support
14 SPRING/SUMMER 2022Mrs. Connie Irwin Dr. Jagdish Patel Mr. Michael A. Meyer++ Mr. and Mrs. Frank Renek++ Stephenson, Acquisto
Mrs. Janis Isenberger Dr. Daniel Saket Mr. James K. Michiuye Pacific Parts & Colman
Mr. and Mrs. Seiichi Ishikawa* Dr. Brian Yue Jason and Brooke Miller and Controls, Inc. Mr. Anthony E. Stewart*
IV League Mr. Scott Larimer Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Monroe Ms. Jill Ries Mrs. Laura P. Stoneman++
Mrs. Brenda Jahn Mrs. Richard. C. Lawton Janet and Patrick Moore++ Ms. L’Tanya Simien Robnett Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. Robert Jansen Dr. Davis Lee Taylor Moorehead Ms. Katrina M. Rodriguez* Krikor D. Sulahian++
Jerome Foundation++ and Dr. Janet Yang++ Mr. and Mrs. Peter W. Mullin Rose Hills Memorial Park SWA Architects
Ms. Joan B. Lee++ and Mortuaries Mrs. Marjorie Swanson++
Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. Pramod Multani
Lamar S. Jervik*++ Mr. Robin C. Lee*++ Mr. Brendan Rowe* Ms. Sanna Tam*
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Munoz*++
Ms. Stacy E. Johnson*++ Debra* and Roy Legan++ Santa Fe Springs Firefighters, Mrs. Aurora R. Taylor
Music for Sharing
Legends Group Local 3507 Mr. and Mrs. Eric Themm
Mr. and Mrs. George Joseph++ Sudhaker and Mithra Nayak
The Estate of Leeba Lessin Dr. Waldemar Sadowinski Dr. and Mrs.
Ms. Gloria Joseph++ Mr. and Mrs. Steve Necke*++
Ms. Carrie Levinson* Mrs. Janet R. Sahagian Michael D. Thomas++
Mr. John Joyce Mr. Mark Nelson
Mr. Terry Lew Ms. Carol Salas* Ms. Griselda Torres*++
Rainbow Jung*++ Mrs. James Neville
Dr. Rosalio J. Lopez Mr. Gerald L. Salzman Dr. and Mrs. Eduardo A. Tovar++
Junior Amateur Golf Scholars Ms. Thalia Nguyen
Allan and Corina Lipstein* Dr. and Mrs. Marc A. Samson++ Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Treinen
Mark A. Kadzielski Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey K. Nickell
Richard Luciano++ Greg and Jeanie Sanden Mr. and Mrs. Roy Tyra++
Mr. Ram G. Kakkar Mr. and Mrs. Greg Nordbak
Debbie Lugibihl* Mr. Raj and Dr. U.S. Bank Private
Mr. James R. Kalyvas Ms. Doerthe O. Obert Smeeta Sardesai++ Wealth Management
Rev. Stephanie Kang* Matt and Melanie Lyons++ Dr. Aidan P. O’Brien Dr. Dennis J. Sargent Mr. Thomas Umemoto
Mrs. Patricia Kasababian++ Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Barbara Ogawa and Dr. Kathy Forte Monique and
Dr. Mewhish A. Khan William T. Macnider++
Ms. Kathleen O’Hara*++ Mr. and Mrs. Norman Sauco* Gustavo Velasco*++
The Kidney Specialists Dr. and Mrs. Talal M. Malhis
Dr. Richard C. Onofrio Mr. Jack Scheifly++ Mr. and Mrs. Larry Villalba*
Dr. Dorsa Maryska Ms. Dawn Maliff*
OptumRx Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Schneider Ms. Alicia Viramontes*
Dr. Brian Zwecker Ms. Cheryl Ann A. Malm*++
Ms. Suzette Otlewis* The Seaver Institute Ms. Felicia Viselli
Dr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. Robert K. Maloney
Dr. Joseph J. Park Ms. Karen R. Seulke* Sylvia and Lincoln Watase
Richard J. Kiechler Mr. and Mrs. Chico Manning*
Dr. and Mrs. Yong H. Park++ Mr. Gregory M. Sharp Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Watje
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kikuchi++ Mr. Mel Marquardt
Anup* and Payal Patel++ Dr. and Mrs. B. A. Shaw++ Dr. Charlotte Weaver
Dr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Klein Ms. Vicky Marquez*
Mr. Atit Patel* Dr. Yasmeen Shaw Mr. Karl Werner
Mr. and Mrs. David Klinger Mrs. Sally W. Marsh++
Bharti Patel++ Ms. Jeanette Shea* Mr. and Mrs. James R. West*++
Mr. Kevin Koga* Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Martin*
and Ms. Myrna Ling Dr. and Mrs. Jagdish M. Patel Diane Sheley* Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kotkin Samuel A. Mathis++ Mr. and Mrs. Hemanshu Patel* Ms. Suzy Shih Michael Weyant*++
Robert H. Krupin Dr. and Mrs. Guy S. Mayeda Mr. Daniel Patino* Mr. Vid Shivaraman* The White Family++
and Gwen Camenson Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Steve Shokouhi White Emerson Mortuary
Mr. Alejandrino C. Mayol Jr.*
JoAnna Kuehl, N.P.*++ Michael Pazzulla++ Dr. and Mrs. Alvin C. Shon Whittier Breast Imaging
Ms. Cecile Mayoralgo*
Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Kulkin Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Peck++ Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shubin Whittier Pathology
Dr. and Mrs.
Ernesto and Dr. and Mrs. Bijan Siassi Medical Group, Inc.
Dr. Nupur Kumar John D. McCarthy++
and Dr. Sunil K. Singhania++ Kathleen Penuelas* Whittier Presbyterian Church
R.D. and Kathleen McDonnell Ms. Alicia M. Signaigo
Dr. and Dr. James Kuo++ Mr. Semeon Persaud* Willis Towers Watson
Mrs. Carolyn McFarland++ Mr. and Mrs.
Dr. William S. Kurohara PIH Health Physicians Hatem S. Sinnukrot++ Mrs. Paula Woo
Rick McGill Medical Group
and Dr. Helen Chen Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. D.E. “Bill”
Mr. and Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. Gary Pirnat
Dr. Stephen K. Kwan Brian Slaughter*++ and Jan Wood
Michael E. McMinn
Dr. Jason Lai Mr. and Mrs. Tim Place* Mr. and Mrs. Lowell W. Smith Kenton and Florence Woods++
Medical Staff of Good
Los Angeles Imaging Samaritan Hospital++ Ms. Rebecca S. Planer Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Shang C. Wu
& Interventional Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pobanz Stephen L. Smith++ and Mrs. Mei Ho
MediWaste Disposal
Consultants (LRMG)++ Mr. and Mrs. William E. Pratt* The Smolskis Family*++ Mr. and Mrs. Antair F. Yang++
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Medlin*
Dr. Sabeen Dhand Progressive Management Sodexo, U.S.A. Dr. Brian W. Yue
Mr. and Mrs. Ira Meiselman*
Dr. Rodger Hughes Systems Mr. and Mrs. John T. Sprague++ and Mrs. Andrea Yue++
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Melton*
Dr. Robert Kleinman Ms. Judy B. Pugach*++ Paul and Patricia Springer++ Mr. Tae Yun
Dr. Nanette Kovash Mended Hearts Chapter 351
Dr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Mark St. Julien++ Zotec Partners
Dr. Shao-Pow Lin The Rafael & Sharyl Mendez Rangasamy Ramanathan++
Mr. Michael Starratt Mrs. Irena Zuanic*
Dr. Yong Park Family Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Norman Rapp++ Bank of America Gwladys and John Zurlo
Dr. Joseph Park Ms. Dora O. Mensah*
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Ratkovich Merrill Lynch Global Charitable Foundation++
Dr. Amish Patel Mr. and Mrs. Danny Merkle*
Institutional Consulting Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Zwers*
We invite you to join PIH Health Foundation’s exclusive Circle
i membership today by making an annual gift of $1,000 or more
* PIH Health Employee ++
5 Years of Consecutive Support to support PIH Health. Learn more at PIHHealth.org/Circle.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 15PIH Health Foundation donor Lurene Ross.
TURNING LOVE OF HORSES
INTO A GIFT TOWARDS HEALTH
Former Horse Rancher Donates Business Proceeds
to PIH Health Foundation
In 1984, Lurene Ross bought a crumbling horse lymphoma—I spent a lot of time there during his
property in Whittier and over time, built it up to illness—and more recently, when I was diagnosed
become one of the most beloved and iconic horse with breast cancer in 2015. Thanks to the 3D
riding stables and boarding facilities in the Whittier mammography machines, my cancerous spot was
community—L Bar S Ranch. found very early, and a successful lumpectomy was
performed right away. It’s been seven years, and I’m
For 36 years, Lurene happily ran the ranch with
still cancer-free. I couldn’t be more grateful for the
her daughter and co-owner, Lori—operating out of
entire team and great people at PIH Health.”
the property’s red barn, a historic landmark originally
built in 1890. When Lori got married, she and her Today, Lurene lives in Bear Valley Springs, a mountain
husband built a home on the property, adding to community near Tehachapi, Calif. Her love of horses
Lurene’s love of the ranch. continues—she has six horses living on her 2-acre lot.
She’s thrilled that her donation will benefit PIH Health
So when Lurene, 81, decided to retire two years
and the Whittier community which she will always
ago, relocate and sell the ranch, it was a sad day
hold dear.
indeed. But there was a silver lining. The proceeds
from the sale enabled her to make significant “PIH Health has always been one of my favorite
donations to some of her favorite causes, including places,” she said. “The people there were always
PIH Health Foundation. so nice—it’s something that I’ll never forget.”
“PIH Health Whittier Hospital had been my regular
hospital for all the decades I lived in Whittier and For more information on the numerous
it provided excellent care through several significant ways you can support PIH Health Foundation,
life events,” she said. “It provided care years ago
i visit PIHHealth.org/Support or call
when my young husband had non-Hodgkin 562.967.2745.
16 SPRING/SUMMER 20222021 Frank Scott Pro/Am
THANK YOU TO
Golf Tournament Raises
OUR PIH HEALTH
over $330,000 for a Da Vinci SUSTAINERS
Surgical System
On December 6, 2021, community members and loyal Sustainers of PIH Health help us achieve
supporters turned out at Friendly Hills Country Club our commitment to our community with
in Whittier for PIH Health Foundation’s annual 2021 their unparalleled generosity and tireless
Frank Scott Pro/AM Golf Tournament. Thank you to dedication. These donors make possible the
our sponsors: high quality and compassionate care that
we provide, and our patients expect and
Title Sponsor Golf Ball Logo Underwriting deserve. We are incredibly grateful for each
R.C. Baker Foundation MediWaste Disposal of these individuals and organizations who
Greens Underwriting Opportunity Drawing Underwriting sustain our work now and for years to come.
The Atwood Family Sodexo, U.S.A.
If you or your business are interested in
Lunch Underwriting Friends of PIH Health becoming a Sustainer and supporting
CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc. Bewley, Lassleben & Miller, LLP the important work at PIH Health, please
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Mathis CMRE Financial Services, Inc. call 562.967.2745 today.
Cocktail Reception Underwriting Dr. Davis Lee and Dr. Janet Yang
Los Angeles Imaging and Shelly and Steve Necke PLATINUM CRYSTAL
Interventional Consultants (LRMG) Mr. and Mrs. Norman Sauco SUSTAINERS SUSTAINERS
SWA Architects $25,000 $5,000
Awards Underwriting
Vincor Construction, Inc.
MediWaste Disposal Allscripts Barlow Respiratory Hospital
Chipping Contest Underwriting
Breakfast Underwriting The Atwood Family Brookfield Residential
Bonne, Bridges, Mueller, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hamar Peggy Chulack
Whittier Internal Medicine
O’Keefe & Nichols
& Nephrology Medical Group Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Mathis Mr. Noel Coppinger
Fasone Construction The White Family Digital Health Strategies
Auction Underwriting
Anup and Payal Patel White Emerson Mortuary Mrs. Joyce Fitzgerald
First Pacific Advisors Whittier Breast Imaging
Mulligan Underwriting Gallagher Bassett Healthcare
Richard Luciano in Honor Dr. Davis Lee and Dr. Janet Yang
of Kathy Luciano Athens Services
Debra and Roy Legan
Credit Union of Southern California
Volunteer Underwriting GOLD Dr. Rosalio J. Lopez
The Legends Group Snack Underwriting SUSTAINERS Los Angeles Imaging
Ms. Peggy Chulack & Interventional Consultants (LRMG)
Wine Underwriting $15,000
Dennis Tello Properties, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Chico Manning
Richard Luciano in Honor Brent and Christy Melton
Larry and Jane Dicus Bewley, Lassleben
of Kathy Luciano and Miller LLP Anup and Payal Patel
Mr. Vid Shivaraman Fasone Construction
Dignity Memorial Progressive Management Systems
U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management Anup and Payal Patel Mrs. Judy B. Pugach
Rose Memorial Park
Bharti Patel and Mortuaries Vid Shivaraman
Golf Carts Underwriting
PIH Health Physicians Medical Group The Smolskis Family
Cisco
SoCal Post Acute Care Mr. Michael Starratt
ePlus Technology, Inc. Bank of America Global
Vincor Construction, Inc.
Institutional Consulting
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Treinen
Whittier Internal Medicine
& Nephrology Medical Group
If you’d like to make a donation to support Willis Towers Watson
Mr. and Mrs. James R. West
i PIH Health, please visit PIHHealth.org/Support
Zotec Partners
or call 562.967.2745. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Zwers
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 17HIP REPLACEMENT… ME?
Workout Enthusiast Faces Serious Denial About Needing
Orthopedic Surgery
Until two years ago, Randy Hew was one of the most Randy’s surgery happened in March 2021,
active guys you could meet. He worked out at least and today he’s pain-free and happy to be back
five times a week, was a competitive runner for more to his daily exercises.
than 30 years, an avid mountain hiker, and played
“From my first consultations with both orthopedists
almost every sport there is.
to the actual surgery and recovery, I was truly
So when he started having sharp pain in his thigh impressed with the entire staff at PIH Health,” said
when exercising, which progressed to lower Randy. “Their level of planning, organization and
back pain that forced him to stop running, he was professionalism always made me feel that I was in
truly dumbfounded. great hands—my treatment was the absolute best
I could ask for.”
X-rays on Randy’s hip showed moderate
osteoarthritis and bone spurs, and the lower back
revealed nothing remarkable. He did six months
of physical therapy and daily stretching exercises
with no improvement, and tried chiropractic and
acupuncture with no relief. By October 2020 the pain
was so intense he had to stop all activities. Sandra
Madrid MD, PIH Health primary care physician
referred Randy to see an orthopedic specialist.
In November, Andrew Hsiao MD, PIH Health
orthopedic specialist, ordered an updated set
of X-rays, now revealing severe osteoarthritis After surgery, Randy is back
in his hip joint. Randy tried a cortisone injection, to his daily exercises.
which generally provides relief for up to six months,
but lasted only 14 days for him. In December,
Dr. Hsiao concluded that Randy needed a total hip
replacement and referred him to Andrew Luu MD,
PIH Health orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in
anterior joint replacement surgery.
“Randy was a great candidate for anterior hip
replacement surgery,” said Dr. Luu. “It has several
advantages over traditional hip replacement,
including less pain, faster recovery, a shorter hospital
PIH Health patient Randy Hew
stay, but most importantly, allows someone as active with Andrew Luu MD, PIH Health
as him to return to doing the things he enjoys with a orthopedic surgeon.
lower risk of post-surgical hip dislocation.”
To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, call 562.789.5461. To learn more
i about orthopedic surgery and our rapid recovery program, please visit PIHHealth.org/Ortho.
18 SPRING/SUMMER 2022PIH Health patient Manuel Quispe.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT HELPS
WHITTIER PASTOR MANAGE DIABETES
AND WALK AGAIN
Two years ago, Manuel Quispe’s diabetes was out insulin regimen,” said Dr. Tran. “Our team assesses
of control—but he didn’t know it. At the time, the patients’ medications to ensure accuracy and
62-year-old Whittier resident was wheelchair-bound appropriateness, and prevent harmful interactions.
due to a foot ulcer and not in the best health. More importantly, our team supports, develops, and
guides patients through complex and comprehensive
One day, severe kidney pain sent Manuel to the
treatment plans to achieve enhanced health outcomes.”
emergency department at PIH Health Whittier
Hospital. He was treated for his pain and it was Within the first couple months of working with
recommended that he follow up with a PIH Health PIH Health, Manuel’s health improved significantly.
primary care physician. His blood sugar was better controlled and the foot
ulcer healed. He avoided an amputation, gained
Manuel chose Nelson Dalla Tor MD, a family
independence and is now enjoying improved quality
medicine doctor at the PIH Health Washington
of life. He no longer needs a wheelchair and can
Medical Office Building. Manuel and Dr. Dalla Tor
drive again.
learned that they had a lot in common. Dr. Dalla Tor’s
parents were missionaries in Bolivia where Manuel “I love how all of the PIH Health doctors worked
was a pastor and both Dr. Dalla Tor and Manuel’s together to provide the best healthcare possible—
daughters went to UCLA. I’m so thankful,” said Manuel. “I take less medications
and I feel healthier than ever. I’m in the best state
Dr. Dalla Tor referred Manuel to an endocrinologist
of my life.”
to manage his diabetes and to Trina Tran PharmD,
PIH Health clinical pharmacist in the Medication
Management department. “After reviewing For more information about
Mr. Quispe’s medications and speaking with him, i medication management,
I realized that he was struggling with a complex visit PIHHealth.org/Pharmacy.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 19SEEING THE UNSEEN
Woman with Zero Symptoms Discovers the Value
of Breast Imaging
If anyone doubts the power of a routine mammogram to save lives, they should talk
with Sara Casillas, a 51-year-old Whittier resident and breast cancer survivor.
PIH Health patient Sara Casillas.
20 SPRING/SUMMER 2022When Sara had her annual mammogram in early
2019 at the PIH Health Breast Health Center Whittier,
she had no indication that anything was wrong.
Without detectable lumps or family history of cancer,
AS K TH E E X PE RT
she wasn’t worried.
When PIH Health radiologist Kimberly Bickell MD
informed Sara that her mammogram detected
something and wanted to do a biopsy, Sara was
surprised. When she received a breast cancer
diagnosis—ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), stage 0—
Sara was truly shocked.
“I didn’t even know there was a stage zero,” she Jessica Weiss DO
said. “Thankfully, I had many treatment options. 1245 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 703
After reviewing all of them, I chose to have a double- Los Angeles, CA 90017
mastectomy. This may seem aggressive to some based 213.977.0419
on the type of cancer I had, but it made the most
sense to me.”
Sara’s mastectomy was performed by Kennith
Q. How are heart attacks different
Thompson MD, PIH Health surgeon, who worked for women than men?
with John Britto MD, PIH Health plastic surgeon, A. Many people don’t realize that heart
for Sara’s reconstruction. attacks often affect women differently than
“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast men. First, heart attacks tend to be deadlier
cancer in their lifetime, and if you’re that one woman, in women. This may happen because women
getting a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40 are generally older than men when they
is the key to early detection and the best possible suffer from heart attacks. Women also tend
outcome,” said James Kuo MD, PIH Health radiologist to think their symptoms are not those of a
and co-medical director of the PIH Health Breast heart attack so they don’t seek immediate
Center. “Sara is a great example of how breast imaging care. For many women, a heart attack may
is powerful enough to detect cancer at its very feel like a strange discomfort in the back (or
early stages.” other subtle signs that are easy to ignore)
instead of crushing chest pain. Lastly, women
Nearly three years later, Sara is deeply grateful for the
expert care she received from the PIH Health team typically don’t respond as well as men to the
and gives a thoughtful reminder to women everywhere. treatments usually prescribed during or after
a heart attack. It takes expert medical care to
“Whatever you do, don’t put off your mammogram. address these issues specific to women.
A year—or even a month delay—can mean all the
difference. Early detection is your best chance of For more information on our heart services
survival. If I had put off my mammogram, I may be visit PIHHealth.org/HeartCare.
telling a very different story today.”
For more information on mammograms
or breast health at PIH Health, visit
i PIHHealth.org/Mammogram or call
562.906.5692.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 21INVESTING IN A “HEART SMART”
COMMUNITY
PIH Health’s Commitment to Cardiovascular Health
Given the heart’s never-ending workload, it’s a wonder it performs so well, for so long,
for so many people. But it can also fail—brought down by lack of exercise, a poor
diet, smoking, genetics, and more. These sobering statistics from the American Heart
Association are enough to give anyone concern:
• Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. (based on 2018 data); claiming more lives
each year than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined.
• Approximately every 39 seconds, an American will have a heart attack.
To encourage heart-healthy habits at a young age,
PIH Health is investing in prevention through a
collaboration with the American Heart Association.
22 SPRING/SUMMER 2022PIH Health is working hard to improve these national
statistics—starting here in our own community.
Recently, we’ve made significant investments in heart
health by acquiring the nationally recognized Los
Angeles Cardiology Associates medical group, and
through our comprehensive Heart and Vascular Center,
which includes screening and diagnosis, specialty
care for heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, heart
surgery, interventional cardiology and more.
“Although many people develop some
form of cardiovascular disease as they
get older, it’s not inevitable,” said Gerald
Beckham MD, cardiologist at PIH Health NEW LOS ANGELES
Whittier Hospital. “A healthy lifestyle, COMMUNITY PARTNERS
especially when started young, goes a
long way toward preventing heart disease. This past year, PIH Health expanded its
But if heart damage does occur, our committee of community stakeholders to
expert PIH Health team is always here to include partners serving PIH Health Good
offer specialized, compassionate care.” Samaritan Hospital’s service area in Los
Angeles, including the Koreatown Youth and
To encourage heart-healthy habits at a young age, Community Center, the Office of Los Angeles
PIH Health is also investing in prevention through County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and the Los
a collaboration with the American Heart Association, Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
which will provide three local elementary schools We have supported several local events with
with physical and nutrition education, plus playground our new partners, including vaccination events
equipment that promotes exercise and active play. and a regional food distribution. Also, a new
shared space for healthcare workers and the
“The early years play a vital role in the community was built at CultivaLA’s Westlake
development of healthy behaviors that Community Garden (adjacent to PIH Health
can carry into adolescence and Good Samaritan Hospital).
adulthood,” said Sang-Mi Oh, senior “This space is exactly what we needed to
vice president/executive director, continue healing after the pandemic—a place
American Heart Association Los Angeles. that builds connections in our community,
“Collaborations with organizations like while promoting health and wellness, nutrition,
PIH Health are important to making a exercise and education. We look forward to
lasting impact and building a foundation what we can do together.” said Jose Miguel
of health and wellbeing where our kids Ruiz, executive director, CultivaLA.
spend most of their day.” To learn more about PIH Health’s
commitment to the community, visit
To learn more about PIH Health’s heart health PIHHealth.org/CommunityBenefit.
i services, visit PIHHealth.org/HeartCare.
562.789.5982 PIHHEALTH.ORG 23You can also read
