Hoag

02/10/2026

What actually makes a healthcare system different?

In Episode 2 of Take Me to Hoag, Dr. Steven Grossman, Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute, shares how Hoag puts its philosophy into practice — pairing academic-level medicine with compassion, connection, and truly holistic care. It’s an approach designed to support not just patients, but their families and caregivers, every step of the way.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube.com//podcasts

02/09/2026

Hoag took on a leading role at one of Super Bowl weekend’s most iconic events, the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party and 13th Annual Brain Health Summit in San Francisco. 🏈

As the presenting sponsor, Hoag helped bring together an incredible mix of leaders from sports, medicine, technology and philanthropy to explore resiliency of the brain, body and spirit.

Hoag physicians and leaders shared insights on brain health, performance and longevity, bringing Hoag’s expertise into conversations shaping the future of care, on a national stage.

02/06/2026

Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself with severe chest pain. In fact, some of the earliest warning signs are subtle and often overlooked.

“In many cases, the earliest warnings are subtle, easily brushed off, or mistaken for everyday stress or fatigue,” says Kevin Kheder, MD, an interventional and structural cardiologist at the Hoag Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute.

Here are 8 sneaky signs of heart disease you shouldn’t ignore:
→Unusual fatigue that doesn’t go away
→Shortness of breath during everyday activities
→Chest pressure, heaviness, or discomfort (not always sharp pain)
→Persistent heartburn or indigestion-like symptoms
→Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
→Dizziness or lightheadedness
→Irregular heartbeat or fluttering sensations
→Discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, or arms

These symptoms are easy to explain away—stress, busy schedules, or diet—but your body’s early warning signs matter. Recognizing them could help prevent a major cardiac event.

If symptoms are new, persistent, or appear during activity, schedule an evaluation with your provider. If symptoms are sudden or severe, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, call 911 immediately.

👉 Tap the link below to read more.

https://bit.ly/4r5ZuRq

Best Healthcare System in Orange County

02/05/2026

Behind every healing moment is a caregiver who went the extra mile. Help us shine a light on the Hoag doctors, nurses and staff who made your experience special.

02/04/2026

At Hoag, cellular therapy is opening new doors by using the body’s own immune system to recognize, target, and destroy cancer cells—offering new possibilities when other treatments may no longer work.

As the first in Orange County to offer FDA-approved cellular therapy for blood and lymphatic cancers, and a leader in advancing cell therapy for solid tumors through clinical research, Hoag is bringing tomorrow’s treatments to patients today.

For patients, this means more personalized care, access to breakthrough therapies close to home, and new hope for longer, better outcomes. From CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma to leading-edge clinical trials for both blood and solid tumors, cellular therapy is helping create more options, and more time, when it matters most.

02/02/2026

Runners brought the magic to Orange County during the Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend ✨

Hoag’s Sports Medicine, Emergency, Urgent Care, and Hoag Medical Group teams were proud to support athletes throughout the weekend—from the 5K and 10K to the Half Marathon—helping runners stay healthy, strong and ready to cross the finish line.

Post-race tip: Rehydrate, refuel with a mix of carbs + protein, prioritize rest, and add gentle movement like walking or stretching to ease soreness and support recovery.

01/29/2026

Digestive troubles can affect anyone. Occasional bloating or heartburn after meals is common, but persistent digestive issues can interfere with daily life and may signal an underlying condition that needs expert care.

Q: I’ve been experiencing ongoing digestive issues. How do I know when it’s time to see a specialist?

A: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or affect your daily routine, it’s time to seek expert evaluation. “Persistent symptoms can be signs of an underlying condition that requires attention,” says Dr. Jennifer Phan, Medical Director of the Hoag Irvine Advanced Endoscopy Center.

At Hoag Digestive Health Institute, patients receive comprehensive care through specialized Centers of Excellence, with experts in gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, and more. Programs like the Advanced Endoscopy Program, led by Dr. Kenneth Chang, offer minimally invasive treatments for complex conditions, reducing recovery time and improving comfort.

Patients also benefit from early access to breakthrough clinical trials and treatments, often before they are widely available elsewhere.

💛 Listen to your body. Take action. Your digestive health deserves expert care, close to home.

01/28/2026

What draws nationally recognized leaders in digestive health and cancer care away from top academic medical centers?

In Episode 2 of Take Me to Hoag, Hoag Board Chair Robert Brunswick sits down with Dr. Kenneth Chang, James & Pamela Muzzy Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair in GI Cancer, Digestive Health Institute, and Dr. Steven Grossman, Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute, to explore why they chose Hoag and what they’ve been able to build since arriving. From “science meets hospitality” to faster access, fewer barriers, and a culture designed to move ideas to patients quickly, this conversation reveals how Hoag’s model is different — and why it’s working.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube.com//podcasts

01/23/2026

For more than ten years, Cindy Lightner felt like she was slowly losing touch with who she was. Memory lapses, exhaustion, mood swings. Nothing seemed to make sense. Doctors told her it was menopause, but Cindy could not shake the feeling that something more serious was happening.

During a trip to Italy, a close friend noticed the changes Cindy had been trying to ignore. “You’re not yourself,” she said gently. Cindy realized she had been struggling quietly. Misplacing things. Sleeping too much. Losing her appetite. In that moment, she finally admitted to herself that something was wrong.

Back home, tests confirmed her fear. A 10-centimeter tumor was affecting her entire brain, including the part that controls emotions and behavior. Facing brain surgery was overwhelming. But at Hoag, care went far beyond medicine.

Cindy became the first patient to participate in Styled for Surgery, a program designed to help patients preserve their hair and their sense of self during a craniotomy. Working alongside Dr Ezequiel Goldschmidt, neurosurgeon at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute, and stylist Loni Kohlmyer, Cindy held onto her identity at a time when everything felt uncertain.

“The incision kind of blended right into my hair. People who saw me after had no idea I had just had brain surgery,” Cindy recalls.

The tumor was removed successfully and was benign. And the change was more than physical. “It was as if I had woken up from a very long sleep. I had a ton of energy. I had not felt that great in years.”

Today, Cindy is celebrating life in ways she once thought might not be possible. Dancing with her son and daughter-in-law at their wedding. Being present for the moments that matter most.

“Looking at where I was, to where I am now, it feels like a miracle. And I am just so thankful.”

Read Cindy’s full story: https://bit.ly/4bk7gSR

(Photo credit: Danirae Dunn Photography)

Best Healthcare System in Orange County

01/22/2026

When life doesn’t slow down, neither should your care — especially in the new year.

Hoag On-Demand, offers fast and trusted care by Hoag clinicians exactly when you need it. With our virtual option, you can:

💻 See a provider virtually from the comfort of your home, at work, or on the go and within minutes. Ages 12+ (parent/guardian required for minors).

Get help fast for common concerns like:�
→ Cold, flu or covid
→ Headaches
→ Skin rashes
→ Mental health support
→ Allergies�
→ Urinary tract infections

Visit ondemand.hoag.org to connect with a provider ready to help.

01/19/2026

Choosing a primary care physician is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health. 🩺

“Your primary care physician is the foundation of your health journey — coordinating care, guiding prevention, and helping you navigate every stage of life,” says Dr. Martin Fee, president of Hoag Medical Group.

When searching for a P*P, look for board certification, same-day appointment availability, strong preventive care, seamless coordination with specialists, and modern tools like patient portals and telemedicine. And watch out for red flags like limited accessibility, fragmented care, or outdated approaches.

👉 Tap the link below to read more

Best Healthcare System in Orange County

01/16/2026

Alzheimer’s is on the rise in Orange County and the impact on families is growing. By 2040, cases are expected to more than double, driving higher health care costs and placing heavy burdens on loved ones.

Hoag is taking action with the Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health, opening in 2027. This innovative center will lead the way in whole family brain health and healthy aging, focusing on prevention, early detection, and care for cognitive and mental health conditions, while considering their effects on overall health and quality of life.

Through advanced screenings, cutting-edge treatments, and a patient-centered approach that follows individuals throughout their health journey, the Center is redefining care for patients and the families who support them.