Torrance Memorial

11/30/2025

The holiday spirit returns to Torrance Memorial Medical Center for the 42nd annual Holiday Festival, running December 2 thru December 7. Held under a 23,000-square-foot tent on the hospital campus, this beloved community event features festive trees, shopping, entertainment by E Funk Lite, Sabor de México and many more. In celebration of Torrance Memorial’s Centennial, admission is free during all public hours.

This year’s display includes 32 themed trees, including “A Sweet Christmas Golden Ticket” inspired by W***y Wonka, “Tinsel & Tuxedos,” “A Cowboy Christmas,” and “Lilo & Stitch’s Pink Paradise.” All trees are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the expansion of the Torrance Memorial Emergency Department.

A 12-foot “Heroes Tree” will stand in the Lundquist Tower lobby, where donors may dedicate a crystal-adorned metal star in honor of a hero, with gifts ranging from $100 to $5,000.

Learn more: www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/holiday-festival/

11/29/2025

Early detection saves lives.
Dr. John Abe, pulmonologist at Torrance Memorial, shared how new diagnostic tools like the Biodesix's Nodify Lung blood test are helping physicians make more informed decisions when a lung nodule appears on a CT scan.

This simple test — just a few drops of blood — can identify antibodies linked to lung cancer, helping determine whether to “watch and wait” or take a more aggressive approach.

Dr. Abe also notes a growing trend in the South Bay: Asian women who have never smoked developing lung cancer due to a gene mutation. Thanks to advanced screening and minimally invasive robotic bronchoscopy, many of these cancers are now being caught early — when they’re most treatable.

🔹 Lung cancer remains the #1 cancer killer, but screening can change that.
If you’re between 50 and 80 and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Learn more: www.torrancememorial.org/screenings

11/28/2025

Meet Krixie Vivo Silangcruz, MD, MBA, board-certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine. With training from the University of Hawaii and experience caring for patients around the world, Dr. Silangcruz brings a compassionate, collaborative approach to every patient she meets.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys photography, travel, baking, tennis, and spending time with her family.

Welcome to the South Bay, Dr. Silangcruz!

Krixie Vivo Silangcruz, MD, MBA, is a board certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from...

11/27/2025

Alexander Mejia, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist) is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 12 years of experience in women's health. A graduate of the Pontifical Catholic University of Quito, Ecuador, where he earned his Medical Degree with honors, Dr. Mejia completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, where he refined his skills in gynecologic surgery and high-risk obstetrics.

Dr. Mejia performs minimally invasive gynecologic procedures and robotic-assisted surgery, specializing in the da Vinci Surgical System. His commitment to innovative, patient-centered care has led to faster recovery times and improved outcomes for his patients. He has held privileges at three prominent Miami hospitals, where he collaborated with colleagues to maintain the highest standards of surgical and reproductive care.

In recent years, Dr. Mejia has expanded his focus to include functional and longevity-based medicine, integrating a root-cause, systems-oriented approach to women's health. He emphasizes personalized, science-backed protocols that support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and overall vitality. His areas of focus include PCOS, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, perimenopause, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and mood disorders related to the menstrual cycle. Dr. Mejia's treatment plans incorporate nutrition, lifestyle interventions, targeted supplementation, and advanced therapies such as peptides and hormone optimization.

Dr. Mejia is excited to continue his mission at Torrance Memorial Hospital in California, where he looks forward to empowering women through compassionate, comprehensive care-combining the best of modern gynecology with a functional, preventative approach to lifelong wellness.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Torrance Memorial.
This season, we are especially grateful for our incredible patients, dedicated staff, and supportive community. Your trust and partnership inspire us every day to provide compassionate care and make a meaningful impact.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our Torrance Memorial family.
What are you most thankful for this year? Share below!

11/26/2025

Taking small steps in your daily diet can make a big difference in managing diabetes. From portion control to fiber-rich foods, discover simple ways to support your wellness journey! Need more personalized guidance? Our Diabetes Care Team is here to help! Call us at 310-891-6707 or visit our website to learn more: torrancememorial.org/diabetes

11/25/2025

We’re proud to honor Ignacio “Nacho” Roldan, RN, Emergency Department, as a DAISY Award recipient.

During a frightening late-night emergency, Nacho provided exceptional care to a young patient experiencing severe postoperative bleeding. For nearly two hours, he knelt beside the child’s bed applying pressure, offering reassurance, and keeping the family informed and calm. Even after his shift ended, he remained to comfort the child’s mother during an emotional moment.

Nacho’s compassion, professionalism, and steady presence made a profound difference that night—not only for the patient, but for the entire family.

Congratulations, Nacho, and thank you for representing the very best of Torrance Memorial.

11/24/2025

Experts are warning of a potentially severe flu season after Australia experienced an early surge, record case numbers, and higher hospitalizations. With LA County already reporting its first flu death, it’s an important reminder that flu can be serious.
Protect yourself and those around you. Flu vaccines are now available throughout the South Bay. Getting vaccinated early offers the best protection.

11/24/2025

If you're craving bold flavor without compromising your health goals, this recipe is your new weeknight hero. Ginger garlic turkey meatballs glazed in a savory bulgogi marinade, nestled over steamed broccoli florets and nutty brown rice—this dish is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Check out the full recipe:

Dietitian's Corner: Bulgogi Turkey Meatballs with Broccoli and Rice

11/22/2025

Thank you to the City of Carson, CA for recognizing the incredible work of our NICU and Maternal/Child Health teams during Prematurity Awareness Month. Natalie Thorpe, RNC-OB, MSN, CLE, director of Maternal/Child Health Services, and Elizabeth Lowerison, BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC, nursing manager, NICU/Pediatrics, were on hand at a recent City Council meeting to receive the official proclamation from Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and the Council.

Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born pre-term, emphasizing the importance of maternal and infant health education and support. Torrance Memorial offers a full range of prenatal and parenting classes designed to help parents-to-be gain confidence, knowledge, and peace of mind:

▪️Prenatal Yoga – Strengthen and relax your body in preparation for labor.
▪️Breastfeeding Basics – Tips to get your feeding journey off to a strong start.
▪️Newborn Baby Care – Learn how to care for your baby’s early needs.
▪️Prepared Childbirth – Breathing, exercises, and guidance for labor and delivery.
▪️Infant & Child CPR – Lifesaving skills for your baby’s safety.

Our programs provide education, support, and reassurance to help reduce risks associated with prematurity and ensure every baby has the best start possible.

11/20/2025

Celebrate the Hero in your life this holiday season by sponsoring an ornament in their name on the Torrance Memorial Heroes Tree, now on display in the Lundquist Tower Main Lobby for all to see. Donations support the expansion of our Emergency Department, which will allow us to treat more patients during critical emergency situations.

Donate today by visiting https://www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/

11/20/2025

The most glamorous night of the season is almost here. Join us on Friday, December 5 for the Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival Gala, an unforgettable evening of dancing, live entertainment, hosted cocktails, elegant dining, and dazzling auction experiences you won’t want to miss.

Live and silent auctions will feature spectacular trips, curated experiences, luxury items, and more. Enjoy hosted cocktails and appetizers, followed by an elegant dinner amongst the beautifully decorated holiday trees, then dance the night away.

All proceeds support the expansion of Torrance Memorial’s Emergency Department, helping us provide faster, advanced care to the South Bay.

Tickets and details: https://www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/gala-and-live-auction