Hoag

11/13/2025

Welcome to Hoag’s new podcast series, where you’ll meet the experts redefining what’s possible in medicine. At Hoag, innovation thrives in an environment where world-class physicians deliver breakthrough care grounded in compassion and purpose.

🎙️In the pilot episode, host and Hoag Hospital Foundation Board Chair Robert Brunswick sits down with Hoag President and CEO Robert Braithwaite for a candid conversation about what truly sets Hoag apart in a landscape increasingly dominated by “big healthcare.”

From attracting top physician talent to building facilities like the new Hoag Health Center in San Clemente based on community input rather than corporate mandates, Braithwaite shares how Hoag continues to grow while preserving the warmth, agility, and humanity that make people proudly say, “Take me to Hoag.”

Full episode coming November 18th.

11/11/2025

Ever feel like life is moving too fast and you’re just trying to keep up? It is easy to get lost in work, family, and endless responsibilities. But sometimes well-being is not about doing more, it is about pausing and being present in the small moments.

Rituals can help. Unlike routines, which focus on efficiency, rituals bring intention and presence to ordinary actions. They are small ways to reconnect with yourself throughout the day.

Here are a few ideas to try:
🌱 Mindful Tea Preparation – Take a few minutes to brew your tea with care. Let this simple act center you before the day begins.
🌱 Post-Meal Walks – Step outside, leave your phone behind, and give your mind and body a chance to reset.
🌱 Low-Pressure Journaling – Write down your thoughts without worrying about perfection. Gratitude lists or stream-of-consciousness writing both work.

Even just one small ritual can reduce stress, cultivate awareness, and help you feel more connected to yourself.

For many of us, daily responsibilities can feel both overwhelming and monotonous. Trying to find balance while juggling professional roles, caregiving, relationships, and community involvement can lead to a sense of personal disconnection. This is wher...

11/10/2025

This week, we shine a spotlight on the incredible Nurse Practitioners at Hoag who make a difference every day.

Whether it’s diagnosing and treating patients, guiding them through their health journey, or offering comfort and support when it’s needed most, Nurse Practitioners are at the center of patient care. They combine expertise, compassion, and dedication to ensure every person receives the best care possible.

To all our NPs: thank you for your knowledge, your commitment, and the countless lives you touch. Your impact is felt in every corner of Hoag. 🧡

11/07/2025

Sometimes forgetting a name or struggling to find the right word can feel scary as if our brain is failing. But small memory “blips” are often just normal brain inefficiencies caused by stress, lack of sleep, or even aging.

Dementia is different. It causes ongoing memory problems that affect daily life and is often linked to changes in the brain’s metabolism. The good news is while genetics play a role, lifestyle choices like exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management can help support brain health

Dr. Aaron Ritter, director of Hoag’s Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program, says “Laugh at least once a day. And if you haven’t, do something that makes you.”

Take care of your brain today and your future self will thank you.

Our brains don't always work perfectly. Forgetting a neighbor's name or struggling to find the right word can feel unsettling--as if our minds are failing. But Dr. Aaron Ritter, Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health and Director of the...

11/07/2025

When Melissa Smith scheduled her annual breast screening at Hoag, she never imagined it would change her life, and her children’s future.

After losing her husband Danny, great-grandson of George and Grace Hoag, Melissa focused on staying strong for her two young kids. But when Hoag radiologist Dr. January Lopez suggested a breast MRI based on Melissa’s dense breast tissue and family history, something inside told her to listen.

That choice revealed what her mammogram couldn’t: invasive lobular carcinoma, an often hard-to-detect form of breast cancer. With the guidance of Dr. Heather Macdonald, Medical Director of Hoag’s Early Risk Assessment Program, Melissa underwent a successful surgery and is now cancer-free.

“Dr. Lopez’s recommendation saved my life,” she said. “It saved my kids’ lives because they still have their mom. It saved all of us.”

Today, Melissa is turning her experience into advocacy, encouraging women to trust their intuition, know their risk, and take that next step for their health. 💕

11/06/2025

Love has a way of shining brightest in the hardest moments.

Yesterday, the Hoag community was deeply honored to witness a wedding in the chapel of Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. It was a beautiful ceremony celebrating the love between Steve and Nancy.

Steve, who is courageously battling cancer, recently underwent procedures with Hoag Neurosurgeon Dr. Nathan Han, who removed a tumor that had spread to Steve’s spine, and Dr. John Ibrahim, a Hoag Orthopedic Institute surgeon who repaired a fractured femur. Before heading home to continue his recovery, Steve shared a wish with his care team—to marry his beloved, Nancy.

Without hesitation, the Hoag team came together to make it happen.

Together, they witnessed a deeply moving ceremony celebrating Steve and Nancy’s union filled with love, hope and gratitude.

From all of us at Hoag: Congratulations, Steve and Nancy.

11/05/2025

Imagine your own immune system becoming the treatment. That’s the power of cellular therapy, changing outcomes for people with blood cancers today.

Q: What is cellular therapy, and what does it mean for blood cancer treatment today?�
A: At its core, cellular therapy empowers the immune system to fight cancer, especially blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

💬 “Cellular therapy harnesses T cells, your own immune soldiers, and retrains them to attack cancer cells more effectively. It is transforming care right here in Orange County,” says Dr. Carlos R. Becerra, Margaret Givan Larkin Endowed Chair in Developmental Cancer Therapeutics at Hoag Family Cancer Institute.

At Hoag, that transformation includes CAR-T cell therapy, approved by the FDA for certain blood cancers, and clinical trials exploring the next generation of cellular treatments, including NK cell therapies that target cancers ranging from solid tumors to rare blood cancers. These innovations give patients access to tomorrow’s cancer care today, close to home.

11/04/2025

At Hoag, heart care is a team effort ❤️

It’s not just one doctor, it’s cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and advanced practice providers all working together with one goal in mind: you.

This coordinated approach means your treatment plan is seamless, personalized, and backed by the full expertise of Hoag. For patients, that translates to less stress, fewer unnecessary steps, and the confidence that every decision is made with your best outcome in mind.

“Families across Orange County deserve access to advanced cardiac care without leaving their community,” says Dr. Jack Sun, director of cardiovascular surgery (pictured middle). “Whether it’s preventive cardiology or the most complex surgery, patients can rely on Hoag.”

From preventive care to complex procedures, our team is also shaping the future of heart health with clinical trials, innovative minimally invasive procedures, and a growing network of specialists. Because every patient deserves expert care.

11/04/2025

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to learn how to recognize and respond to seizures with calm and confidence.

A seizure can look different for everyone. It may involve a sudden fall, stiffening or jerking movements, a blank stare, or a brief period of confusion or wandering. Understanding how to respond in these moments can help protect the person from injury and ensure their safety until the seizure passes naturally.

At Hoag’s Level 4 Epilepsy Center, accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), patients receive the highest level of comprehensive care available. From advanced diagnostics and medication management to minimally invasive surgery, Hoag’s team provides personalized treatment to help patients achieve seizure freedom and improve quality of life.

Every moment of care counts. Learn more at hoag.org/epilepsy.

10/28/2025

This October, something special is rolling through Newport Beach. A Newport Beach Fire Department ambulance wrapped in pink is proudly raising awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🚑💗

Hoag and NBFD have joined forces to support those impacted by breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and honor loved ones we have lost. Together, we’re driving home an important message: early detection saves lives, and no one in our community faces breast cancer alone.

10/27/2025

We’re proud to unveil the newly remodeled Athletic Training Center at San Clemente High School, made possible through Hoag’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of the San Clemente community. ❤️

This state-of-the-art space features upgraded equipment, modern therapy stations and essential tools designed to help student-athletes train safely, recover effectively and perform at their best.

More than just a renovation, this investment reflects Hoag’s dedication to fostering lifelong wellness and empowering the next generation on and off the field.

We’re honored to stand alongside San Clemente High School as a trusted health partner.

10/22/2025

Curious about the early signs of perimenopause and menopause?

Dr. Heather Macdonald, menopause specialist at Hoag, explains what many women experience as they approach midlife.

When does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause can begin in your early 40s, years before menopause, which usually starts around age 51.

What are the first signs?
Changes in your menstrual cycle are common—periods may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. You may also notice hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood swings, anxiety, or brain fog. Even subtle changes, like waking more often at night, can signal hormonal shifts.

What can you do?
You don’t have to just tough it out. At Hoag’s Menopause Program, specialists provide personalized care with safe treatments, lifestyle strategies, and support to help you feel like yourself again.

💬 Dr. Macdonald’s advice: “Listen to your body, track your symptoms, and bring your concerns to your provider. Early action makes the transition smoother.”

Menopause is a natural part of life. Knowing what to expect and getting the right support can help you navigate it with confidence.