Latest news with #Hoag
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Mother and daughter, diagnosed with breast cancer five days apart, ring the bell at Hoag
Jeannette Reding was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer on Valentine's Day earlier this year. Hoag Hospital gave the same news to her daughter, Kristina Walters, five days later. The mother and daughter have always been close. They live in the same neighborhood in Orange. Now, they're both breast cancer survivors, and this experience over the last few months may have brought them together that much more. 'It's almost like it's been easier for my dad [Tony] and my husband [Mike],' said Kristina Walters, 43. 'My dad is a big worrier, but it was almost more calm. It was kind of a blessing in disguise, which is weird. You're not alone. You do feel alone, but you're really not. 'It wasn't like, 'Oh my God, poor us.' It was more like, 'Thank God we have each other.' Kind of crazy.' Walters finished her cancer treatments a couple of weeks ago. On Thursday, the family gathered as her mother also rang the bell signifying the completion of cancer treatment at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach. Reding, 66, called it 'surreal' that her daughter was also diagnosed with cancer. 'I couldn't believe it,' she said. 'Here I am, and I have cancer, and she's invading my moment.' Both mother and daughter have gone in for mammograms each year, and catching the cancer early helped their chances. Walters had her breast cancer just on her right side — ductal carcinoma — while Reding had both ductal and lobular carcinoma. Each went through radiation, though they avoided chemotherapy. Reding said her older sister, Pat, who is also a breast cancer survivor and had a mastectomy, didn't go in to get checked out until she found a lump. Pat gave advice to both mother and daughter — and their experience highlights why early detection is important. 'Don't wait, just do it,' Walters said of her mammogram advice to other women. 'It's not a big deal, just get it done. That one year of waiting could change a lot of things. The technology nowadays is pretty incredible.' Dr. Elizabeth Kraft, a breast and oncoplastic surgeon at Hoag who treated both mother and daughter, said this is the first time in her decade in the field that she's seen two generations have breast cancer concurrently. Both had small enough tumors that they were eligible for oncoplastic surgery, which not only removes the tumor but allows for better cosmetic results for the breast. Walters underwent her oncoplastic surgery two weeks before Reding underwent a double lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Both were performed by Kraft with help from Hoag plastic surgeons Nirav Savalia and Raquel Minasian, respectively. Kraft said her mentor, Dr. Mel Silverstein, was an innovator in oncoplastic surgery in the 1990s. He was recruited to Hoag in 2008 and started training other surgeons in a fellowship that was developed between USC and Hoag that Kraft herself went through before the partnership ended. Oncoplastic surgery is only offered in a couple of locations throughout the country, Kraft said, and the people teaching it came from the Hoag fellowship. 'I describe it to a patient like if you have a pizza,' Kraft said. 'If the whole pizza has a disease, you can't do much with that to make it a circle. But if we only have one slice of pizza we have to take out, we can really put the pizza back together in a nice way so that you're still the same shape and size. 'They're able to wear swimsuits again. They're able to wear the same bras. That stuff makes a difference, every day getting dressed. It was really amazing that we could offer them this. It's another positive outcome from this.' It adds up to a newsworthy story, something Mike Walters would know well. He's the co-founder and former news director at TMZ. The Walters' children — Tyler is 14 and Ava is 12 — were also able to attend Thursday's cancer bell ringing. Kristina said she will make sure that Ava goes through the proper screenings as she gets older. Kristina was emotional even before her mother rang the bell. 'Finally, it's over for her,' she said. 'It was hard watching her, because she was a lot more sore, and the burns and everything were harder for her. I was more happy for her, that she's done. She's not a complainer, but she's been in a lot of pain.' Reding certainly seemed to have a good sense of humor after ringing the bell. She had an area that didn't heal as well, which required medicated gauze each night. She said the smell was tough to bear for her husband, Tony. 'I lost my sense of smell during COVID, so it didn't bother me,' Reding said.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue Shield of California Members Have Network Access to Hoag Hospitals and Providers
Nonprofit health plan and Hoag continue their long-standing network relationship with a new agreement focusing on clinical quality, member experience and affordability OAKLAND, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California and Hoag have reached a new agreement that ensures the nonprofit health plan's Commercial HMO and PPO and Medicare PPO members continue to have in-network access to care from Hoag providers, services and facilities. The renewed collaboration includes the health system's hospitals and facilities across Orange County, including Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine and Hoag Orthopedic Institute. The agreement also includes Hoag Clinic, which supports Hoag Medical Group and Hoag Physician Partners. Hoag continues to be committed to Blue Shield of California's program to support clinical quality and member experience. "Blue Shield of California has an unwavering commitment to creating a healthcare system that provides access to high-quality care at an affordable price for all Californians. Our strong and long-standing partnership with Hoag is an important part of achieving that in Orange County. This agreement is a testament to how mutual commitments to members can be realized, when partners work together toward a shared goal," said Mike Stuart, Blue Shield of California's interim president and CEO. "Hoag's priority is delivering the highest-quality care and ensuring patients have access to the physicians, services and facilities they know and trust. We appreciate the collaboration with Blue Shield in reaching an agreement that supports that mission and maintains uninterrupted access for Hoag patients. This outcome reflects the value of Hoag and Blue Shield's shared goal of preserving local access to world-class care," said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive officer. About Hoag HealthHoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women's health, and orthopedics through Hoag's affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit About Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. CONTACT: Mark SeeligBlue Shield of California 510-607-2359media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Shield of California Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hoag expands care network with new health centre in US
Nonprofit health care delivery system Hoag has opened a new centre in the US, marking the 13th addition to its network of care facilities. The new Hoag Health Center San Clemente aims to enhance access to personalised healthcare for residents of South Orange County, California. With a 20,000ft2 space, the centre provides a range of services. The facility's broad spectrum of medical offerings encompass primary care, internal medicine, family medicine, and urgent care. Patients can also access obstetrics and gynaecology, advanced imaging, radiology, and specialties such as spine, neuroscience, pain management, and orthopaedic services provided by surgeons from Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Hoag president and CEO Robert Braithwaite said: "We've built Hoag Health Center San Clemente with our community in mind by integrating cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary care model, and a patient-first design to deliver the most advanced care possible.' The Hoag centre is also introducing programmes to promote health and longevity. It is piloting the Hoag Health Lab, which focuses on key health pillars: exercise, nutrition, sleep and community. It provides patients with baseline evaluations through various assessments. Additionally, the centre features a 3,000ft2 outdoor patio for hosting wellness classes along with activities. Another significant programme at the centre is Hoag Compass, an integrated preventive health programme. This initiative blends biomarker testing, specialist consultations, digital tools, and tailored action plans to assist patients in comprehending their health risks and making sustainable lifestyle changes. Patients visiting the new Hoag centre will experience a connected and collaborative model of care. The centre offers an open layout with clean architectural lines and a light-filled lobby designed to offer a spa-like atmosphere. In November 2023, Hoag received a $50m donation from philanthropist Richard Pickup for the establishment of the Richard H Pickup Center for Brain Health. "Hoag expands care network with new health centre in US" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Malaysian Reserve
14-07-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Hoag Health Center San Clemente
Hoag's newest health center expands advanced, integrated health care in South Orange County SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hoag has officially opened the doors to its newest facility, Hoag Health Center San Clemente, expanding access to world-class, personalized health care for South Orange County residents. As Hoag's 13th health center, the facility strengthens the health system's growing network of care and brings trusted services closer to home for South Orange County patients. The 20,000-square-foot center offers convenient access to primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology and advanced imaging, as well as specialties including neuroscience, spine, pain management and orthopedic services provided by Hoag Orthopedic Institute surgeons. 'We've built Hoag Health Center San Clemente with our community in mind by integrating cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary care model, and a patient-first design to deliver the most advanced care possible,' said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag President and Chief Executive Officer. 'This new center reflects our long-term commitment to South Orange County and reinforces Hoag's mission to provide personalized care and an exceptional experience for every patient.' In addition to expanding Hoag's clinical footprint, the health center introduces innovative programs aimed at improving health and longevity. The center is piloting the Hoag Health Lab, a destination for patients to take a proactive approach to their health. It offers baseline evaluations for key health pillars – nutrition, exercise, sleep and community – through nutritional/metabolic assessments, movement and strength benchmarking, and recovery education. An adjacent 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio will host wellness classes and activities. The center is also home to Hoag Compass, Hoag's integrated preventive health program. Compass combines in-depth biomarker testing with digital tools, specialist consults and personalized action plans to help patients better understand their health risks and make sustainable lifestyle changes. No matter the service or specialty, the care delivered at the center will reflect what patients have come to expect from Hoag: personalized attention, strong provider relationships, and seamless coordination between clinical teams. Whether visiting for a routine checkup or a specialty consultation, patients will benefit from a connected, collaborative model of care rooted in innovation, compassion and excellence. Patients will receive this coordinated, personalized care in an environment designed with serenity and sophistication in mind. Hoag Health Center San Clemente features a spacious, open layout that blends natural light, clean architectural lines, and timeless materials. A sprawling, light-filled lobby creates a welcoming first impression with a spa-like aesthetic. Flexible seating and built-in amenities ensure the space supports an exceptional patient experience at every step. Inspired by San Clemente's active, outdoor lifestyle, Hoag Health Center San Clemente was designed to support the way residents live, move and thrive. That includes partnerships with wellness-focused brands that align with the community's values of movement, performance and prevention. 'As a San Clemente resident myself, I'm proud to help bring this new level of care to our community,' Braithwaite added. 'This center is more than a building: It's an investment in the health and vitality of the families who live here.' Hoag Health Center San Clemente is located at 993 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92673. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Photographs of the center are available here. ABOUT HOAGHoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women's health, and orthopedics through Hoag's affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit
Los Angeles Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Hoag names Jack Sun its director of cardiovascular surgery
Jack Sun, who started as Hoag's director of cardiovascular surgery at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute last month, spent nearly seven years as chief of cardiac surgery not too far away, at UC Irvine. 'At UCI, I had always known about Hoag, and you never know what's going on over there,' Sun said with a smile. 'It's kind of like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. You hear great things about it, but you're not really sure what's going on inside of it.' Sun said he had always known Hoag's heart program had a good reputation. Now he seeks to elevate it further, into an academic, university-level program. When he heard the hospital was on the same page with that goal, he said it was like music to his ears. 'That's what I have always wanted to continue doing, to build out and expand advanced heart surgery programs and have accessibility for patients,' Sun said. 'Hoag is not only doing that at Newport Beach, but there's a big $1 billion expansion of the Hoag Irvine campus and they're planning to expand heart surgery and other cardiovascular services at Irvine as well. We want to reach as many patients as possible, and expand in areas where we feel like there's just not enough access right now to high-level cardiac services.' He gave examples of a heart transplant or a ventricular assist device, which is like a planted mechanical pump for the heart. Typically, those services are only available at academic or university level programs. Sun, 46, is a native Canadian who now lives in Costa Mesa. He earned a medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed an advanced fellowship in cardiac surgery at the Harvard University-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He also has worked at the University of Washington, and has spent just over a decade enjoying the Southern California sun since moving here in 2014. 'Dr. Sun's arrival marks a new chapter for cardiac care at Hoag,' said Robert Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive, in a statement. 'At Hoag, we are never satisfied with the status quo and continually strive to raise the bar for our patients. Dr. Sun's dedication to clinical excellence and his forward-looking vision will ensure that Hoag continues to deliver the highest level of cardiac care to our community — so ultimately no patient needs to leave Orange County for the most complex heart treatment.' Sun has authored or coauthored more than 60 publications, presentations and book chapters in leading medical and cardiology journals, so he is well versed on the academic side of healthcare. He joins Hoag at a time when it was ranked high-performing in several cardiac specialties in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report, including aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart attack and heart failure. According to Hoag, the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute was the top cardiothoracic program in Orange County in 2024, handling more than 440 cases. 'When I was in high school I learned about the heart, and the physiology and anatomy of the heart, and I just thought it was the most amazing thing in the world,' Sun said. 'It's this one organ in your body that is like the engine of your body, but also from an art standpoint, emotionally we connect it with how we feel and it has a romantic side. I've always loved that part of the heart, and I always wanted to work with my hands.' Now he is leading a top program at Hoag, where he said he appreciates the philanthropic side as well with programs like Hoag Innovators. A 19th century scalpel with a wooden handle sits on his desk. Sun said it's a gift from his program director at his residency in Boston. 'He said, 'It's great that you're using all of these new technologies, these catheter-based techniques and how to use wires, but at the end of the day you're a heart surgeon,'' Sun said. 'You have to hone your technique … your role to be a surgeon, that's where you hold the most value to the patient.' It's a reminder that Sun has taken, well, to heart. 'A patient's life is in your hands,' he said. 'You've got to really master your techniques and be very deliberate and meticulous in the operating room.'
