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Dr. Geoffrey Marecek Director, Orthopaedic Limb Reconstruction Program View Profile for Dr. Geoffrey Marecek Cedars-Sinai named Official Medical Provider for LA28 Games Cedars‑Sinai will serve as the adviser for medical services and clinics at the LA28 games and is caring for Team USA athletes through affiliation with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Medical Network. Learn More about Cedars-Sinai and the LA28 Olympic Games Find the care you’re looking for Get Care with Cedars-Sinai Connect 24/7 Virtual Care Connect with providers for illnesses like flus, UTIs and rashes (ages 3+) or chronic conditions (ages 18+) Get care in minutes or schedule an appointment on your schedule Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays Find the right doctor for you Primary Care More than 30 convenient locations Online scheduling available Get help now Urgent Care Open 7 days a week Accepts most insurance Looking for a second opinion? Cedars‑Sinai’s Virtual Second Opinion service will empower you to make the best decisions for your health—and you can do it from the comfort of your home. Get a Virtual Second Opinion World-class specialty care at your fingertips Heart Best in California Cancer Highly Ranked in the U.S. Pediatrics at Guerin Children’s Expert Care Made for Kids Neurology & Neurosurgery Highly Ranked in the U.S. Orthopaedics Best in California Obstetrics & Gynecology #8 in the U.S. (tied for "Best Hospitals" ranking) View All Programs #1 in California* and recognized 10 years in a row on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report *Tied for #1 ranking Caring for our community Community Health Cedars-Sinai serves diverse populations by providing access to free health education, preventive screenings, immunizations, and grantmaking opportunities to address social determinants of health. Learn More about community health. Diversity and Inclusion Our diversity initiatives focus on employee engagement and community partnerships—building connections within our workforce and extending them beyond our walls. Learn More about diversity and inclusion. Health Equity We are committed to advancing the health of our patients and our community—eliminating health disparities and ensuring equitable outcomes for all. Learn More about health equity. Breakthroughs and breaking news 1 of 6 Cedars-Sinai Named Official Medical Provider for Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Cedars-Sinai Will Provide Medical Services and Clinics at LA28 Games, and Is Caring for Team USA Athletes Through Affiliation With U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Medical... 2 of 6 Cedars-Sinai Hospitals Earn Top CMS Star Ratings for 2026 Cedars-Sinai Health System hospitals earned top quality ratings for 2026 in data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The federal... 3 of 6 LA28: Inside the Medical Playbook Cedars-Sinai, the Official Medical Provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is  playing a key role in planning for what will be one of... 4 of 6 Cedars-Sinai Unveils Bold New Mural in Marina del Rey To view a striking new piece of public art in Los Angeles, you’ll need to go to a hospital. Cedars-Sinai has unveiled the largest artwork... 5 of 6 Black Maternal Health Week: Equity on Path to Pregnancy Irine Lagat-Fischer always knew she wanted a family. Originally from Kenya, she was one of 10 children and recalls her large, close-knit circle of relatives... 6 of 6 Sister Act of Love: A Kidney Donation Story Angelica Ponce was on cloud nine. She was in her mid-20s and starting her dream job as a kindergarten teacher. Recently, she also had become... 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The Cedars-Sinai Connect app is available for kids 3 and up. Get Care Now Medical providers featured in this article Accepting New patients Rajendra R. Makkar, MD IM Cardiology 4.8 ( 612 reviews) • 38 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile Accepting New patients Christine M. Albert, MD, MPH Cardiac Electrophysiology 35 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile In Brief Jane Booth was aghast when her cardiologist told her she needed heart surgery. {{cta-block}} ‍ Booth, a yoga and tennis enthusiast who walks 5 miles a day, had nevertheless developed severe aortic valve stenosis , the result of a congenital heart defect identified by chance years ago. Over time, the faulty structure of her heart’s major valve caused it to narrow, putting her at risk for heart failure. But the otherwise healthy 65-year-old felt fine and couldn’t fathom undergoing open-heart surgery for a condition that seemed to have no impact on her active life. Late at night, Booth would lay awake fearing her own heartbeat. On brisk walks, she’d get short of breath and wonder, "Is this it? Is this what the doctors were talking about?" Staggering advances over the last 10 years have revolutionized the treatment of heart valve disease, a diagnosis shared by about 5 million new patients annually. A decade ago, doctors treated valves with medication or open-heart surgery—or not at all. Today, innovative minimally invasive repair or replacement techniques performed by interventional cardiologists save, extend and improve the lives of countless patients previously considered too old or frail for surgery. And the paradigm-shifting procedures continue to evolve: The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai is a world leader in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for the oldest and sickest patients and also for healthier patients like Booth. The widespread adoption of this minimally invasive technique and its game-changing growth to a wider population is largely thanks to the tireless, methodical research of Booth’s physician Dr. Rajendra Makkar —and a pioneering, collaborative, care-team approach. Cedars-Sinai physicians have performed more TAVR procedures than any other U.S. center, and continue to make leading-edge advances on catheter-based fixes for all four heart valves. "With these procedures, we make a real impact," says Dr. Makkar, associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute and the Stephen R. Corday, MD, Chair in Interventional Cardiology. "Our mission is not just to follow the lead but to constantly refine our work to open new gateways." Our mission is to not just to follow the lead but to constantly refine our work to open new gateways." Dr. Raj Makkar DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY Heart valves often get tight or leaky with age, which causes fatigue and trouble breathing, and, if left untreated, can be fatal within two years—a prognosis worse than many cancers, Dr. Makkar notes. The old standard for repair and replacement was open-heart surgery: an incision down the breastbone and connection to a heart-lung machine while a physician removes the diseased valve and replaces it with an artificial one made of metal or human or animal tissue. Afterward, patients would recuperate in the intensive care unit and require at least five days of hospitalized recovery. The rise of TAVR challenges the old concept of heart surgery for valvular issues. In the appropriate patients. It can restore aortic valve function to normal, with fewer complications, less pain and shorter recovery time than open-heart surgery, all because of the nimble elegance of the procedure: A catheter is threaded into an artery in a patient’s leg, and acts as a "railway" to deliver the new replacement valve. Guided by X-ray, an interventional cardiologist—not a surgeon—positions the new valve within the old one and, immediately, blood flow improves. The wires are removed, the incision closed, and patients typically stay overnight before recovering at home. Dr. Makkar performed Cedars-Sinai’s first TAVR in 2007, following an introduction at a conference to French interventional cardiologist and professor Dr. Alain Cribier—a former fellow at Cedars-Sinai who performed the world’s first TAVR in 2002. The encounter clarified the trajectory of Dr. Makkar’s career: He immediately recognized TAVR as the next wave in his field. He led enrollment in landmark, multicenter trials that directly contributed to the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of TAVR, first for patients over 65 who are inoperable or at high risk for surgical complications, and later for low-risk patients. In 2020, Makkar published the results of a five-year study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrating that patients who underwent TAVR did just as well over the long term as those who underwent traditional surgery. "The early days were very exciting and slightly nerve-racking because the first-generation catheter was much bigger, and patients were much older with many underlying conditions," Dr. Makkar says. "Even in these patients who were very sick and very old, we were able to do it safely." As valve design evolved, Dr. Makkar continued to push the envelope. Early studies of TAVR excluded patients with bicuspid aortic valve, the condition Booth was born with. A bicuspid aortic valve has only two "leaflets," the flaps that act as the valve’s doors, instead of the usual three. Such valves degenerate faster than normal aortic valves and were initially thought to be too risky for TAVR. But in 2021, Dr. Makkar published an analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association finding that nationwide outcomes of TAVR for low-risk patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis had the same risk of death or stroke at 30 days and at one year as those with normal aortic valves. EXPANDED BENEFIT For Booth, a routine electrocardiogram nearly 10 years ago revealed her faulty bicuspid aortic valve, and she began to see a cardiologist for twice a year monitoring. In 2019, the valve had deteriorated enough that her aortic stenosis was getting severe, and she was introduced to a surgeon. He suggested surgical valve replacement, which would have had Booth recovering for 60 days. She’d only ever been hospitalized to deliver her children and was wary of such an intensive procedure. Inspired by her late husband, Skooter, who had been meticulous about his own health, she wanted a second opinion, and a family member suggested she contact Dr. Makkar. She met the qualifications for TAVR, and Makkar’s office kept in close contact with her as they waited for approval from Booth’s insurance. 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Find a Doctor Contribute Giving Give Now Volunteer Patient & Family Advisors Learn More About Us Visiting Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Quality Measures Diversity & Inclusion Health Equity Supply Chain Community Health For Professionals Resources Nursing Staff Login Practitioner Primary Source Verification Connect Contact Us Newsroom Stories & Insights Events International International Patients Global Collaborations Patient Tools Symptom Checker Conditions Library Patient Rights Help Paying Your Bill Join Our Team Careers call us 1-800-CEDARS-1 Follow Us Join us on Facebook Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn get our app © 2026 Cedars-Sinai. All rights reserved. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Patient Rights Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Nondiscrimination Accessibility Statement Price Transparency Sitemap Website Terms and Conditions | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Medical Records Request | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Search Results | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Search Results | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Neurology & Neurosurgery – Los Angeles, California | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. LA28 Olympic Medical Planning: Q&A With Casey Batten Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Los Angeles, 04 May 2026 | 07:00 AM America/Los_Angeles LA28: Inside the Medical Playbook A Q&A With Casey Batten, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games By Melissa Vizcarra Cedars-Sinai, the Official Medical Provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games , is  playing a key role in planning for what will be one of the largest sporting events in the world. Behind the scenes, that preparation includes building a vast, coordinated medical system designed to support not only the elite athletes taking part in the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the coaches, staff, volunteers and spectators. The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Casey Batten, MD, chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine , to discuss what it takes to plan medical care at the scale of the Olympic and Paralympic Games—and what it means for athletes, fans and the Los Angeles community. What is the role of the chief medical officer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games? Ultimately, the role of the chief medical officer is to oversee all of the medical infrastructure delivered to all stakeholders—including athletes, coaches, their entourages and spectators. Medical care for the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place across multiple settings. One of the central hubs is the polyclinic in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, which primarily serves athletes and those living there, including coaches and support staff. Beyond that, care extends to training locations and competition venues spread across the region, each requiring its own coordinated medical presence. Ensuring that all of these environments are properly staffed, connected and prepared is a key part of delivering care at this scale. What types of injuries do you expect to be treating? As with any major sporting event, we expect to see common overuse injuries, along with strains and sprains—especially as athletes ramp up training closer to the Games. But one of the biggest concerns isn’t injury—it’s illness. When you think about it, most of these athletes have been training their entire lives for this moment. For many, this is their one shot at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Even something as simple as a common cold can completely derail years of preparation and impact performance on the world stage. That’s why, from a medical planning perspective, so much focus is placed on preventing and managing illness. Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal bugs and other viruses are among the biggest risks during the LA28 Games. What is the main challenge gearing up for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games? The scale is unlike anything else. When I first stepped into this role, one of the most eye-opening aspects was just how much detailed planning is required—and how many different teams and functional areas are involved in every decision. Delivering medical care at the LA28 Games isn’t about making decisions in isolation. Every choice requires coordination. Even something that seems straightforward—like deciding where to place an X-ray machine—can impact multiple departments, from venue operations to logistics to athlete flow. Now multiply those types of decisions across roughly 50 venues, and it quickly becomes a massive, interconnected puzzle. Having worked in sports medicine for two decades and having supported large-scale sporting events, I can say that nothing compares to the Games. A common comparison is that it’s like putting on seven Super Bowls a day for several weeks—and that really captures the magnitude of what we’re preparing for. What are you most excited about? It’s hard to overstate how special the LA28 Games will be. For most athletes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the culmination of years, often decades, of training and sacrifice. Being able to witness that level of intensity, focus and emotion in person is incredibly powerful. There’s an energy at the Olympic and Paralympic Games that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it, it’s something you feel across every competition, every race and every moment. I’d especially encourage people to watch the Paralympic Games—the level of competition, the determination and the passion are extraordinary. Even if you’re not familiar with a particular sport, I think people will find themselves drawn in. Whether it’s Olympic or Paralympic competition, there’s something universally compelling about watching individuals push the limits of what’s possible.  Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Safety Tips to Get the Most Out of Exercise More From the Newsroom View all headlines - More From the Newsroom Emergency Care in Sport Conference Targets Athlete Safety, Preparation May 15 , 2026 | 07:00 AM America/Los_Angeles When emergencies happen in sports, experts agree that the difference between life and death often comes down to seconds—and preparation. Preparation was at the center of the 2026 Emergency Care in Sport (ECS) Conference in Woodland Hills, … Read more A New Season: Savy King Returns to the Pitch March 13 , 2026 | 08:30 AM America/Los_Angeles For professional soccer player Savy King, returning to the pitch for this season’s home opener with Angel City FC means everything. Nearly one year after the defender had a life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest on the field, Sunday’s game … Read more Cedars-Sinai and Select Medical, in Collaboration With Dignity Health, Launch Soccer Medicine Conference March 12 , 2026 | 06:00 AM America/Los_Angeles As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Cedars-Sinai and Select Medical, in collaboration with Dignity Health, will bring together leading sports medicine experts from around the world for an educational … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Newsroom Team Email:  [email A Nonprofit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric Orthopaedics - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology) - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. CSF Leak – Los Angeles, California | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Urology – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Cardiac Electrophysiology Care | Heart Experts | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric and Congenital Heart - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Quality Measures | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Lung - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Maternity Care | Prenatal, Delivery and Postpartum Care | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Nursing – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Smidt Heart Institute - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. High-Risk Pregnancy Program | Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Lung Transplant – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric Nephrology - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Epilepsy – Los Angeles, California | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Digestive & Liver Diseases - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Equity in Fertility Care at Cedars-Sinai Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Los Angeles, 15 April 2026 | 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Black Maternal Health Week: Equity on Path to Pregnancy After a difficult fertility journey, Irine and Keith Fischer found answers at Cedars-Sinai, where fertility specialists guided their care. They were soon expecting their twins, Lily and Liam. Photo courtesy of Irine Lagat-Fischer. A little girl (left) and little boy--Lily and Liam--pose for a photo wearing red sweaters. Download Media Kit Preparing your download... Download An error occurred while preparing your download One Patient’s Fertility Journey Began With Frustration and Misdiagnosis Until She Found Personalized Care That Led Her to Having the Family She Always Wanted By Laura Coverson Irine Lagat-Fischer always knew she wanted a family. Originally from Kenya, she was one of 10 children and recalls her large, close-knit circle of relatives was the center of her world. But when the former collegiate long-distance runner struggled to conceive, she didn’t expect the journey to motherhood to become a grueling marathon. “I was in my early 30s, and we’d been trying for about two years,” said Lagat-Fischer, a nurse in Tucson, Arizona. “I started thinking that something was not right and that we needed help.” Rather than finding help, she said she endured two years of shuttling from one specialist to another, with visits to several OB-GYNs and fertility specialists who immediately wanted to start costly in vitro fertilization (IVF). One physician erroneously told Lagat-Fischer that she had endometriosis. Another doctor told her that she had benign uterine fibroid tumors, a more common condition among Black women that often leads to higher rates of fertility issues. She later found out that her fibroids were small and not the cause of the couple’s fertility challenges. “It was frustrating and discouraging. My husband and I are both healthcare professionals, and we felt the care we received was all over the map. I didn’t feel like our difficulty conceiving was being fully assessed, and there was never a deeper conversation about what might be causing it in my individual case,” Lagat-Fischer said. Her experience as a Black woman seeking fertility care is common, according to recent studies. Difficulty conceiving among Black women and men has been understudied. But research published in Fertility & Sterility found that Black women in the U.S. are significantly less likely to seek or receive a fertility evaluation or treatment compared with white women. Despite having a higher or equivalent prevalence of infertility, Black women appear to face barriers that result in delayed care and lower utilization of services. Lagat-Fischer also noticed that when her husband, Keith, who is white, started accompanying her to every visit, whether he was having tests or not, there was more focused attention from the specialists. When her husband asked the questions, she felt the information they were given was clearer and more direct. “I felt like I was being heard differently when he was there,” she said. “That was very difficult for me to experience, and the emotional toll was significant. There were times I would be driving and just crying.” The emotional toll their fertility journey was taking on his wife was very difficult for Irine’s husband. “We struggled to conceive, which was stressful,” said Keith Fischer, a physical therapist. “Then, when we sought help, we were met with incomplete answers, a lack of attention to our needs and poor guidance from the medical experts.” “It was hard to navigate a situation where you have a partner that is sad, frustrated and fearing she’ll never have a family. It was gut-wrenching for me,” Fischer said. After two years of frustration and $20,000 of unsuccessful IVF attempts, a friend in Arizona suggested the couple go to Los Angeles to seek fertility care at Cedars-Sinai. “Even though Irine had already been through IVF, I took a step back and tried to evaluate from the beginning, with a fresh perspective. Every couple deserves an individualized plan that is tailored to their specific health needs,” said Jessica Chan , MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and clinic director of the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center at Cedars-Sinai. Chan said that after reviewing all of their testing, she recommended they try a less invasive option before returning to IVF. After discussing the options, the Fischers and Chan agreed upon a treatment plan. “When we came to Cedars-Sinai, it was a completely different experience. From the moment we walked into the clinic, I felt like someone was really listening and taking the time to understand the full picture,” Lagat-Fischer said. “Two weeks after treatment, I found out I was pregnant. I honestly couldn’t believe it after everything we had been through.” Does Chan believe racial bias can play a role in the kind of fertility evaluation and treatment a patient might receive? “Communication and building trust between the doctor and the patient are critical in the fertility care process, as is a thorough understanding of a patient’s medical and social history,” Chan said. “But we know that implicit bias is also a significant factor that can lead to disparities in care and outcomes.” It was a very long journey, but the couple says that their now 3-year-old twins, Lily and Liam, were well worth the difficulties they had. “I would go through that journey again to have my children. It was all worth it,” Lagat-Fischer said. “My advice to other Black women is to advocate for yourself. Ask questions, seek thorough answers, and if you feel like you’re not being heard, get care somewhere else.” Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: How Cedars-Sinai Is Working to Improve Black Maternal Health More From the Newsroom View all headlines - More From the Newsroom Study: New Preeclampsia Treatment May Safely Extend Pregnancy April 27 , 2026 | 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University investigators have developed and successful Routine Gynecology – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Advance Directives – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Aortic Disease - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. General Questions & Feedback | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Cedars-Sinai Newsroom | Health Breakthroughs & Expert News Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Cedars-Sinai Newsroom | Health Breakthroughs & Expert News RSS feed - Headline Tiles - Top row (opens in new window) View all headlines - Headline Tiles - Top row Finding Calm Through Meditation, Music and Awe May 15 , 2026 | 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles More than 60 succulents, shamrocks, four-o’clock flowers and other potted plants are … Read more tag --> At-Home Monitoring Device Could Improve Asthma Care for Pediatric Patients May 14 , 2026 | 11:29 AM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s is launching a new program for children with asthma that … Read more tag --> Cedars-Sinai Hospitals Earn Top CMS Star Ratings for 2026 May 13 , 2026 | 12:30 PM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Health System hospitals earned top quality ratings for 2026 in data released … Read more tag --> Understanding Clinical Trials: What Patients Need to Know May 11 , 2026 | 06:00 AM America/Los_Angeles What is a clinical trial? Are they safe? Are they free? Who can participate? These are among the most common questions patients ask when they consider joining a clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai, … Read more tag --> Building the Next Generation of Cedars-Sinai Nurses May 07 , 2026 | 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles At Cedars-Sinai , nursing is more than a profession—it’s a commitment to caring for people in their most vulnerable moments. For Ilse Giron, RN, that commitment is deeply … Read more tag --> Cedars-Sinai Media Coverage RSS feed - Cedars-Sinai Media Coverage (opens in new window) View all headlines - Cedars-Sinai Media Coverage May 08 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles NBC 4: Mini Therapy Horses Bring Joy to LA Hospitals and First Responders Read more May 05 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles L.A. Parent: Is Your Child Ready for an E-Bike? Read more May 04 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Motz Feinberg on Transforming Supply Chain at Cedars-Sinai Health System Read more May 01 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles NPR: In the Brain, Objects Seen and Imagined Follow the Same Neural Path Read more April 29 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Everyday Health: 9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor if Heart Disease Runs in Your Family Read more April 24 , 2026 | 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Healio: ‘Blended Intelligence’—Combining Human Wisdom, AI Poised to Transform Clinical Care Read more Show previous item Show next item Cedars-Sinai Newsroom   Noticias Research News Faculty News Cedars-Sinai International Philanthropy News Media Advisories Search the Newsroom Search the Newsroom Subscribe Oops! It looks like you have subscribed already. But if you think there is a problem with your subscription, please call 310-248-6566. This module is undergoing maintenance so the subscribe attempt failed. 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Patient Rights Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Nondiscrimination Accessibility Statement Price Transparency Sitemap Family Planning Services and Contraception Care | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Hip & Knee Replacement – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric Gastroenterology - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Volunteer Services - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Orthopaedic Trauma – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Locations | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Colon Cancer - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Stroke – Los Angeles, California | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Lung Cancer – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. General Surgery – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Memory Disorders – Los Angeles, California | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Price Transparency | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Breast Cancer - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Cedars-Sinai Receives Top Medicare Quality Ratings Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Los Angeles, 13 May 2026 | 12:30 PM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Hospitals Earn Top CMS Star Ratings for 2026 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earned a five-star CMS quality rating for the ninth consecutive year, reflecting sustained commitment to safe, timely, and effective patient care. Photo by Cedars-Sinai. A panoramic view of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center campus at dusk with traffic rushing around it. Download Media Kit Preparing your download... Download An error occurred while preparing your download Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center Received 5 Stars; Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital Again Earned 4 Stars By Cedars-Sinai Newsroom Cedars-Sinai Health System hospitals earned top quality ratings for 2026 in data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The federal agency annually rates more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide on a one-to-five-star scale, giving patients a widely recognized way to compare hospital performance. The ratings, published on  Medicare's Care Compare website , evaluate hospitals on more than 50 quality measures across five areas: mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center each earned five-star ratings, the highest mark of excellence. Only 12.5% of the 2,277 hospitals rated nationwide achieved five stars. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earned a five-star rating for the ninth consecutive year. Torrance Memorial advanced from four stars last year to five stars this year. Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital earned a four-star rating for the third consecutive year, joining only 29% of hospitals nationwide to reach that mark in 2026. Huntington Hospital did not receive a published rating for 2026 after it asked to exclude some data due to the impact of the nearby Eaton Fire and its transition to a new electronic medical record system. However, CMS quality and patient experience data publicly reported across each of the five CMS domains reflected Huntington’s ongoing commitment to excellent care for its community. “These extraordinary results reflect our sustained efforts to provide excellent, safe, timely and effective care at each of our hospital sites,” said  Peter L. Slavin, MD , president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System. Slavin pointed to advances made by teams at the hospitals who worked to lower readmission rates for the most vulnerable patients, reduce hospital-associated infections and improve patient experience. “I feel tremendous pride in our achievements across Cedars-Sinai Health System ,” Slavin said. “I am deeply grateful to all our healthcare professionals for their daily commitment to our mission of healing and to the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities. It is a privilege to work among colleagues driven by such strong dedication.” Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Creating a Lasting Legacy More From the Newsroom View all headlines - More From the Newsroom Finding Calm Through Meditation, Music and Awe May 15 , 2026 | 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles More than 60 succulents, shamrocks, four-o’clock flowers and other potted plants are thriving in the Cedars-Sinai office of Rebecca Hedrick, MD , director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in the Department of … Read more At-Home Monitoring Device Could Improve Asthma Care for Pediatric Patients May 14 , 2026 | 11:29 AM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s is launching a new program for children with asthma that tracks a child’s respiration and aids early detection of breathing problems via a smart, wearable stethoscope.   The at-home … Read more Understanding Clinical Trials: What Patients Need to Know May 11 , 2026 | 06:00 AM America/Los_Angeles What is a clinical trial? Are they safe? Are they free? Who can participate? These are among the most common questions patients ask when they consider joining a clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai, … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Newsroom Team Email:  [email protected] Contact Marni Usheroff Manager, Health System Growth Communications; Deputy Editor, Cedars-Sinai Newsroom marni.usheroff@cshs.org Share this page Cedars-Sinai Hospitals Earn Top CMS Star Ratings for 2026 Share on: X Share on: Facebook Share on: LinkedIn Search the Newsroom Search the Newsroom Newsroom Home Social Media Visit our LinkedIn page (opens in new window) Visit our Instagram profile (opens in new window) Visit our Facebook page (opens in new window) Visit our Youtube profile (opens in new window) Latest news 15 May 2026 - Encontrando Calma con Meditación, Música y Asombro 15 May 2026 - Faculty Publications May 7-14 15 May 2026 - Finding Calm Through Meditation, Music and Awe 15 May 2026 - Emergency Care in Sport Conference Targets Athlete Safety, Preparation 14 May 2026 - At-Home Monitoring Device Could Improve Asthma Care for Pediatric Patients 14 May 2026 - Cedars-Sinai Urology Experts Available for Interviews at AUA2026 Contribute Giving Give Now Volunteer Patient & Family Advisors Learn More About Us Visiting Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Quality Measures Diversity & Inclusion Health Equity Supply Chain Community Health For Professionals Resources Nursing Staff Login Practitioner Primary Source Verification Connect Contact Us Newsroom Stories & Insights Events International International Patients Global Collaborations Patient Tools Symptom Checker Conditions Library Patient Rights Help Paying Your Bill Join Our Team Careers call us 1-800-CEDARS-1 Follow Us Join us on Facebook Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn get our app © 2026 Cedars-Sinai. 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Patient Rights Terms and Conditions Priv Lymphoma Care - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Primary Care | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Comprehensive Transplant Center – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Gynecologic Cancer – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Supply Chain | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Locations | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Cedars-Sinai Website Privacy Policy | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Search Results | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Childhood Cancer Survivor Aiden Duong in Rams Spotlight | Cedars-Sinai Navigation placeholder Stories and Insights Healthy Living Cancer Childhood Cancer Survivor Aiden Duong in Rams Spotlight Date September 9, 2022 By Victoria Pelham Date September 9, 2022 Credits By Victoria Pelham 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care Connect with an expert pediatric provider for rashes, fevers and other urgent care needs. The Cedars-Sinai Connect app is available for kids 3 and up. Get Care Now No items found. Virtual Second Opinion A Virtual Second Opinion from Cedars-Sinai puts your peace of mind first. Get Started 24/7 Virtual Care See a Cedars-Sinai provider in minutes from the comfort of home using the Cedars-Sinai Connect app. Get Care Now 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care Connect with an expert pediatric provider for rashes, fevers and other urgent care needs. The Cedars-Sinai Connect app is available for kids 3 and up. Get Care Now Medical providers featured in this article Accepting New patients Fataneh Majlessipour, MD Peds Hematology Oncology 35 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile In Brief {{cta-block}} Flanked by his dad and his wheeled IV pole, Aiden Duong took his first, shaky steps down Cedars-Sinai's long pediatric cancer wing , his hospital gown matching his tiny bright blue sneakers. The 1-year-old, in treatment for liver cancer, spent weeks at a time receiving chemotherapy and recovering from infections caused by a weakened immune system. But he couldn't wait to get out of his hospital bed. Soon after teetering down the hallway, the active toddler was racing past nurses' stations, smiling ear to ear—even when he fell. Sometimes his parents packed him into a wagon and carted him to new areas. "You do what you have to do where you are, under whatever circumstances you have," says his mom, Nancy Duong. "Clinical trials offer cutting-edge treatments not otherwise available that make a difference for your child and also help other children in the future." Promoting wellness Now cancer-free for more than a decade, 12-year-old Aiden is channeling that momentum to keep pushing his—and the community's—health forward. Aiden earned the honor of becoming Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's health correspondent for the Los Angeles Rams' "Kid Reporter" video series during the 2022-23 season, airing segments on the video board at select home games, including during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. An avid athlete, Aiden learned how his favorite football players stay in shape, from their diets to bench presses. Physical activity boosts length and quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, especially cardiovascular health. He was also a Coin Toss Captain at the 2019 Rams " Crucial Catch " game, supporting early cancer detection. "I want other kids to know it will be OK," he says, "and that you can still be your own person even though you had cancer."  'Complete shock' At Aiden's 10-month checkup, his pediatrician noticed that his liver felt slightly low. He was immediately sent for an ultrasound and referred to Dr. Fataneh Majlessipour , now director of pediatric hematology-oncology at Cedars-Sinai. She conducted a series of diagnostic exams, including measuring alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) load, a hepatoblastoma tumor marker.   {{providers}} Healthy levels are less than 9 nanograms per milliliter. Aiden's was nearly 122,400. An abdominal MRI and biopsy confirmed a tumor the size of an orange. Almost exclusively affecting children younger than 3 years old, the liver cancer forms in fetal or embryonic tissue. Children born underweight or with genetic conditions—including Beckwith-Wiedemann and Aicardi syndromes or glycogen storage disorders—are at higher risk. While rare—making up just 1% of childhood cancers—hepatoblastoma is the main type of pediatric liver tumor, and it is on the rise. About 50 to 70 cases are diagnosed each year, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Depending on its size, hepatoblastoma can cause a mass or abdominal swelling, leading to pain, discomfort, loss of appetite, weight loss and nausea. Patients might also experience fatigue, itchy skin, fevers, inflamed veins and yellowing skin and eyes . Aiden, though, was eating, sleeping and playing normally. "The diagnosis was a complete shock," Nancy says. His parents had to power through their panic. "It couldn't be debilitating," she emphasizes. "He needed us to stay strong." Cutting-edge treatments Before he was 18 months old, Aiden underwent six rounds of intensive chemotherapy and a complete liver tumor resection at Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Cancer Center. Aiden's tumor was stage 3 and involved both lobes, with the potential to spread to other organs. It was too large to be surgically removed without affecting function. Dr. Majlessipour enrolled Aiden into a Children's Oncology Group clinical trial that strengthened the standard chemotherapy regimen to improve survival in advanced hepatoblastoma patients. The regimen added a powerful drug, doxorubicin, to the cocktail of cisplatin, fluorouracil and vincristine. Doxorubicin had successfully treated liver cancer in the past but was typically ruled out because of side effects. Clinical trials like these offer "cutting-edge treatments not otherwise available that make a difference for your child and also help other children in the future," she notes. Dr. Majlessipour stresses that the trials are thoroughly vetted and have allowed survivorship to soar to more than 80%. She recommends everyone ask their doctor about available studies and to seriously consider participating. Aiden completed two rounds of intense chemotherapy over six weeks. His tumor shrank to nearly half the size, and his AFP level plummeted to 183—clearing him for a complete liver tumor resection. In May 2011, he underwent surgery removing the cancer and some surrounding liver tissue. Afterward, he received four more chemotherapy infusions to ensure all traces were gone. The strong treatments caused hair loss, as well as vomiting and fevers. Cisplatin permanently affected Aiden's high-frequency hearing, a common side effect for 25% to 90% of children who take the drug. Despite these struggles, he always bounced back and hit new milestones. "It was very hard to see him go through this so young, but at the same time, it was amazing how resilient he was," Dr. Majlessipour recalls. "He drove us to stay positive, because he was such an easygoing, cheerful kid," Nancy agrees. "We had to do the same for him that he was doing for us." Safety in a support system At 18 months, Aiden went into remission. Over the years, his doctors have fitted Aiden with a hearing aid and continue to monitor him for the risk of cancer return and other treatment-related complications such as heart disease. The Duongs view Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Cancer Center as a second home and say the close-knit, welcoming team has made an often-scary journey less daunting. "Seeing the same smiling faces over and over helps Aiden feel comfortable and block out the uncomfortable stuff he has to do," Nancy says. Aiden says he can speak with his doctors about things that he can't with other people, because they know him so well and understand what he's been through. "He's grown up in front of our eyes," Dr. Majlessipour says. Nancy encourages families facing pediatric cancer to not lose hope. Find a strong support system like Aiden's that "you know will be there for your child every step of the way," she says. Still on the go Now a seventh grader at Arroyo Seco Junior High School, Aiden has moved on to the basketball court. He's played the guard position for the San Fernando Guardians community team and its coach, Vince, since he was 5. "It's a really fun, fast-paced activity, and I've made a lot of close friends," Aiden says. Aiden also plays football, runs, and competes with his best friend, Lucas, in sports and video games. "I wake up every day, and I make the mos International Patients – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pancreatic Cancer - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Skip to main content Virtual Second Opinion Need help? Login Our Process Benefits & Outcomes About Us Find Your Condition I am seeking a Virtual Second Opinion in Choose a department Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart & Vascular Lung & Thoracic Neurology & Neurosurgery Orthopaedics Pediatric Conditions Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Spine Transplant Undiagnosed Conditions Women's Health See all departments Cedars-Sinai’s Virtual Second Opinion service will empower you to make the best decisions for your health — and you can do it from the comfort of your home. Explore the Virtual Second Opinion process Getting a second opinion helps you have the facts you need about your condition. Watch this video to learn how the Virtual Second Opinion Program at Cedars-Sinai works. How Virtual Second Opinion works 1 We’ll retrieve your health records We’ll contact you within one business day to confirm your information, answer any questions, and help you begin your personalized second opinion journey. 2 We'll match you with a doctor Based on your specific diagnosis, we’ll pair you with a Cedars-Sinai doctor who is an expert in your condition. 3 Receive your Virtual Second Opinion report The doctor will prepare your personalized Virtual Second Opinion report after a thorough review of your medical records. 4 Attend a virtual education session You’ll meet virtually with the doctor to understand the details of your Virtual Second Opinion report and review the three questions you submitted. This virtual educational session is optional. View Example Report My nurse coordinator and the specialist were exceptionally thorough. They made the process simple and even collected my medical records. Their genuine care makes choosing Cedars-Sinai for a Virtual Second Opinion truly worthwhile. Mitch M., Virtual Second Opinion participant Virtual Second Opinions for children Cedars-Sinai's Virtual Second Opinion program is available to children, providing essential support for families facing serious medical diagnoses for their young ones. This ensures that children, just like adults, have access to expert medical opinions, offering peace of mind to parents and guardians that the healthcare decisions they make are well-informed and in the best interest of their child's health and well-being. View Pediatric Conditions Learn more Our Process Benefits & Outcomes About Cedars-Sinai Meet our doctors Get to know a few of the doctors who participate in Cedars-Sinai’s Virtual Second Opinion program. Leveraging the world’s experts for your path forward Joanna Chikwe, MD 1 of 3 Guiding patients through complex, high-risk surgeries Pedro Catarino, MD 2 of 3 Focusing on the individual Sumeet S. Chugh, MD 3 of 3 World-class healthcare for over 100 years Cedars-Sinai is known around the world The Virtual Second Opinion specialists are affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Cedars-Sinai is a non-profit hospital located in Los Angeles, CA. Cedars-Sinai tied for #1 in California and recognized ten years in a row on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report. Find Your Condition Frequently asked questions It’s natural to have questions about getting a Virtual Second Opinion. We’re here with answers to some of the questions participants often have about our Virtual Second Opinion program. What does my Virtual Second Opinion include? When you enroll in Virtual Second Opinion, we’ll match you with a nurse coordinator who will be with you throughout the process and who will help collect your medical records. We’ll also match you with a Cedars-Sinai doctor who is an expert in your condition. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions that the doctor will address specifically in your second opinion report, which addresses your specific condition and unique concerns. You’ll then have the opportunity to take part in a virtual education session with the doctor to review your second opinion report and get answers to any additional questions you may have. How much does a Virtual Second Opinion cost? A Virtual Second Opinion from Cedars-Sinai costs $590 if you live in California or $790 if you live outside California. The difference is due to additional costs associated with providing Virtual Second Opinions for out-of-state participants. Insurance plans do not cover this fee. Your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) may cover the cost of Virtual Second Opinion. Please check your plan details to determine eligibility. Your fee includes elevated concierge service, medical record collection and your second opinion report prepared by an expert doctor. You can also schedule a virtual educational session with the expert doctor to go over the second opinion report. Can I request a Virtual Second Opinion for my child? We presently offer Virtual Second Opinions for children, focusing on a select range of medical conditions. Can I request a Virtual Second Opinion for a loved one? We allow you to request a Virtual Second Opinion for a loved one over the age of 18 for all available conditions. To request a Virtual Second Opinion for a child or teen under the age of 18 you must be the parent or legal guardian. Virtual Second Opinions for minors are only available for select conditions. Participation from your loved one will be necessary at key points throughout the process to ensure we can provide the best second opinion possible. While the journey to get a second opinion for a loved one may seem complex, our nurse coordinators will be available to help you every step of the way. What will my current doctor think of me if I get a second opinion? Most doctors welcome a second opinion and take any new information into consideration. In fact, many doctors will recommend you get a second opinion. How do you match me with the doctor who prepares my second opinion report? We will carefully select a doctor who specializes in your specific condition. Our doctors are among the most respected doctors in the world. Can I choose the doctor who prepares my second opinion report? You may request a specific doctor. If the doctor you have requested isn’t available, we will choose another one of our expert doctors based on your unique needs and timeline. What if I can’t afford a Virtual Second Opinion? Your insurance plan may cover in-person visits with one of our doctors. How long will it take to receive a second opinion report? We aim for four to six business days after we complete the collection of your medical records for you to receive your Virtual Second Opinion report. Sometimes collecting records from other providers takes longer than expected, and delivery timelines are often out of our control. Each second opinion is unique, and we’ll keep you updated and ensure you receive your written second opinion report as quickly as possible. The timeframes for Virtual Second Opinions for Undiagnosed Conditions are different due to the complexities of these conditions. To learn more about the Undiagnosed Conditions process, visit the Undiagnosed Conditions portion of the Virtual Second Opinion website. Do I need to send my medical records to you? The nurse coordinator assigned to your case can gather all your medical records and test results for you. However, you also have the option to send your medical records to us electronically if you prefer. Can I participate in Virtual Second Opinion if I am currently hospitalized? Unfortunately, individuals who are currently hospitalized are not eligible to participate in the Virtual Second Opinion program. It's best to participate after you leave the hospital when we can get the most current and complete health information to help you. Am I required to get treatment at Cedars-Sinai if I get a Virtual Second Opinion? While we will be happy to arrange for treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you are free to obtain treatment anywhere you choose. 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Cedars-Sinai Named Official Medical Provider for Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Cedars‑Sinai Will Serve As the Adviser for Medical Services and Clinics at the LA28 Games and Is Caring for Team USA Athletes Through Affiliation With the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Medical Network Cedars-Sinai today announced a partnership with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games to serve as the Official Medical Provider for the 2028 Games, providing the highest-quality care for athletes, coaches, team personnel and visitors who travel across the world for the competitions in Los Angeles. Cedars-Sinai will be a critical resource and medical adviser to LA28 in establishing medical services in the Olympic and Paralympic village and at sporting venues for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Cedars-Sinai is also a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Medical Network, supporting medical treatment of athletes as they prepare to compete in national and international competitions leading up to the 2028 Games. These partnerships underscore Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of Angelenos and the athletes and visitors globally who will benefit from world-class care at one of the premier academic medical centers in the U.S. “We’ve been training for this,” said Peter L. Slavin , president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai. "Team USA’s pursuit of greatness drives them to never stop pushing what’s possible. Cedars-Sinai’s team shares this pursuit of greatness and is continuously expanding the boundaries of what’s possible for our patients and community.” As one of the leading medical providers in the country with more than 200 locations in Southern California, Cedars-Sinai is at the forefront of innovation in clinical care and medical research, combining expertise in orthopedics, cardiology and numerous other specialties with the most advanced facilities and technology to keep athletes healthy as they compete. “Cedars-Sinai has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles community for more than 120 years. LA28 is already creating a legacy driving community benefit, and we don’t need to wait until 2028 to make an impact,” said Chris Pepe, chief commercial officer at United States Olympic and Paralympic Properties and LA28. “This partnership will enhance our collective efforts to drive progress, reimagining the way the Olympic and Paralympic Games serve the world. We have a unique opportunity together to have everyone be a part of the LA28 story.” Cedars-Sinai is one of nine medical institutions in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Medical Network and has already begun offering care for Team USA athletes. Cedars-Sinai is the exclusive provider in Los Angeles and surrounding areas of Southern California. “Cedars-Sinai brings remarkable healthcare skill and knowledge to Team USA athletes as they train and compete,” said Jonathan Finnoff, DO, chief medical officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). “As a member of the USOPC’s Medical Network, Cedars-Sinai offers critical support to Team USA athletes, elevating the quality of care we offer to our athletes, and we look forward to continuing this partnership on the road to LA28.”   Cedars-Sinai is excited to be gearing up for the 2028 Games. “Athletes push the boundaries of human potential, breaking records and setting new standards,” said Slavin of Cedars-Sinai. “Similarly, our Cedars-Sinai team leads in medical innovation, constantly advancing the field. Just like Olympic athletes, our Cedars-Sinai staff are dedicating themselves to serve our community and our country as the Games come to Los Angeles.” About Cedars-Sinai Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars-Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients and in developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow’s health professionals. Cedars-Sinai serves as the official health partner for the Los Angeles Rams and the Angel City Football Club and treats professional and elite athletes throughout the world to ensure they perform at the highest levels. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents. About LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympic Games, previously hosted in 1984 and 1932, and first time to host the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles will host the world’s most elite athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage in sports. The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, nonprofit organization, with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee. For more information, visit LA28.org. Legends, a global premium company, helped source the partnership between Cedars-Sinai and LA28. About Team USA Team USA is the world’s largest and most diverse team of athletes from across the United States who compete at the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, founded in 1894, serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and is responsible for protecting, supporting and empowering Team USA athletes. For more information, visit TeamUSA.com. Read more on Spine Surgery and Back Pain Care in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Pediatric Neurosurgery - Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Stories and Insights | Cedars-Sinai Navigation placeholder Stories and Insights from Cedars-Sinai Healthy Living Nourishing food, tailored activity and smart preventive care generate the glow of good health. But a successful routine lies in the details. Explore a world of knowledge that will help you and your loved ones thrive. Disease Prevention Can a Smartwatch Really Detect Hypertension? Disease Prevention Sound Advice: Do Sound Therapy and Binaural Beats Work? Neurosciences Can You Slow Down Memory Loss? Women's Health What to Expect at Your First Mammogram Active Aging Should You Take Creatine? What to Know Before You Supplement View all Healthy Living Expert Advice Cedars-Sinai is your partner in care—no matter your location or condition. Read on for thoughtful tips and in-depth medical information from our world-class providers—and transform your health journey. Disease Prevention Cedars-Sinai Health Forecast: Stay Safe Gut Health Women Experience IBD Differently Than Men: Why It Matters Primary Care Why You May Have Trouble Peeing, Plus Solutions to Help Women's Health Pelvic Pain in Women: Why Effective Treatment Can Be Elusive Gut Health Appendicitis Symptoms: What It Feels Like and Where It Hurts View all Expert Advice Innovation and Research ‍ Discoveries takes you inside Cedars-Sinai’s Health Sciences University, where our investigators make the impossible possible. Through rigorous research and robust educational offerings, we are molding the future of medicine. Disease Prevention Decoding the Gut: How AI Mapping Is Redefining Type 2 Diabetes Surgery How AI Is Turning Surgery From Art Into Science Disease Prevention Inflammaging: Anti-Aging Research on the Space Station Neurosciences New Research Aims to Reverse Paralysis & Alzheimer’s Disease Surgery What Is Robotic Surgery? An Explanation for Patients View all Innovation and Research Advancing Our Mission At Cedars-Sinai, we believe that every donor has the power to make a lasting impact. Together, we can build a future that solves the most complex challenges in medicine. Giving Back Creating a Lasting Legacy Giving Back Investments in Emergency Care Giving Back Shaping the Future of Medicine Giving Back Strengthening Children’s Health Giving Back Helping Where It’s Needed Most View all Advancing Our Mission Community Impact Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. 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Community Cedars-Sinai Connects Patients to Services for Homelessness Community Cedars-Sinai Builds Coalition to Vaccinate Vulnerable Angelenos Community Support for Nonprofit Education Program Fuels Career Development Community Cedars-Sinai Grant Builds Momentum to Raise the Bar for Homeless Healthcare Community Cedars-Sinai Partners Provide COVID-19 Relief for Vulnerable Angelenos View all Community Impact Footer placeholder Help Paying Your Bill | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Art in Healthcare at Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Los Angeles, 23 April 2026 | 09:30 AM America/Los_Angeles Cedars-Sinai Unveils Bold New Mural in Marina del Rey Local Artist and Sailing Enthusiast Jay Yan Creates Giant Mosaic Sunburst on New Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital By Marni Usheroff To view a striking new piece of public art in Los Angeles, you’ll need to go to a hospital. Cedars-Sinai has unveiled the largest artwork in its extensive collection , and it’s located on the façade of the new Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital , now under construction in Marina del Rey. Measuring 120 feet wide and 16 feet tall, the mural is the only mosaic in Cedars-Sinai’s collection. It is also a solution to an unusual challenge. “The side of one of the support buildings to the main tower was going to have a big blank wall facing the community,” said John T. Lange , curator of the Cedars-Sinai Art Collection. “We saw an opportunity to engage the community with this mural.” Lange said Cedars-Sinai put out a call to local artists to propose artwork that could fill the massive 1,900-square-foot space on the side of the new hospital’s energy center. The goal was to select a design that would resonate with those who live and work in the area. Hospital leaders, staff and community members reviewed the submissions, ultimately selecting a vibrant sunburst reflecting off water, designed by artist Jay Yan , who has spent the past decade sailing in the harbor off Marina del Rey. “My favorite part of the day is the return home when you see the sunset on the water and that beautiful kind of half-sun sinking into the ocean, making the sky this kind of magenta, pink, dark blue shade,” Yan said, while seated at his desk in the cavernous studio he shares with other artists. “There is something just so beautiful about those colors that a digital camera just cannot capture. I was very inspired by trying to create that in tile.” Yan found further inspiration in the colorful mosaics lining the underground walkways between terminals at Los Angeles International Airport, just a few miles south of the hospital. “They are just absolutely spectacular and an icon of Los Angeles,” Yan said, gesturing to a photo of one of the mosaics pinned behind his desk. Building the Sky, Tile by Tile To re-create the vivid hues of the Marina sky, Yan worked with Cerámica Súro , a ceramics studio and factory in Guadalajara, Mexico, renowned among artists, designers and architects for its custom work. Over five visits, Yan selected colors from the studio’s vast library, working with a pigment specialist to refine the palette. The factory mass-produced tens of thousands of rectangular and curved tiles, glazing them on a giant conveyor belt. “Making this piece from glazed tile means that the brightness and beauty of the color will last for decades despite exposure to weather and the salty Marina air,” Yan said. With the help of computer software, Yan created tile patterns within the mural that are never repeated, grouping the bouncing sunrays into jigsaw panels glued to a fine netting to simplify installation. To make the half sun, the artisans produced large, curved ceramic plates, cutting them into wide slices. The factory hand packed the plates and panels into custom boxes, shipping them to Los Angeles, where a skilled crew laid out large swaths of the mural in a warehouse.    Finally, the crew hauled boxes of tile onto scaffolding 30 feet high to install the jigsaw pieces and plates on the hospital’s energy center. Honoring Hospital Staff The finished mural gives commuters a brilliant welcome as they exit the 90 Freeway, heading west on Mindanao Way.    “As the sun rises from the east, it will hit the sun motif on the right side of the façade,” Yan said. “As the day goes on transitioning toward evening, the sun will shine on the other end of the mural, where the color of the tile will match the night sky.” Yan named the mural “Tlaquepaque” after the neighborhood in Mexico where the tiles were made, to honor all the people who have worked on the piece—the artisans who mixed the pigments by hand, the women who assembled all the tiny pieces and the Los Angeles crew who installed the tiles—all of whom are from Guadalajara. “I wanted to honor their labor while also recognizing all the people who labor at the hospital,” Yan said. Healing Power of Art While the nine-story hospital has been under construction, staff members and physicians driving or walking by the site have texted photos of the progress to Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN , vice president of Hospital Operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital. “They are so excited, and this massive new mural is going to instill so much pride,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “They’re going to see this piece on the way into work and think, ‘That’s my hospital.’” Laguna-Kennedy is also looking forward to the paintings, prints, photography and sculptures that will fill the hospital’s hallways, waiting areas and patient rooms. “When I was a nursing leader at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, I used to take patients for walks to the artworks because they were everywhere,” she said. “I'm so excited that we will have that same opportunity here at the Marina campus as well. There is just such a healing component to artwork, and we are really fortunate to have such incredible artists sharing their masterpieces with us.” She also sees the art—and especially the mural—as symbols of Cedars-Sinai’s enduring commitment to the local community. Yan hopes the bright sun and its chromatic rays provide comfort to patients and their loved ones. “When we come to the hospital, it's typically not our happiest day,” he said. “I want to bring some joy to people as they enter, to relieve some of the tension they feel and some of their fears when they step through the hospital’s doors.” Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: The Healing Powers of Art More From the Newsroom View all headlines - More From the Newsroom Finding Calm Through Meditation, Music and Awe Search Results | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Urologic Oncology – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Find a Doctor Near You | Search by Specialty | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Locations | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Healthy Living Tips & Advice for Well-Being | Cedars-Sinai Navigation placeholder Stories and Insights Healthy Living Healthy Living Nourishing food, tailored activity and smart preventive care generate the glow of good health. But a successful routine lies the details. Explore a world of knowledge that will help you and your loved ones thrive. Explore all topics Explore Topics Disease Prevention Can a Smartwatch Really Detect Hypertension? Disease Prevention Sound Advice: Do Sound Therapy and Binaural Beats Work? Neurosciences Can You Slow Down Memory Loss? Women's Health What to Expect at Your First Mammogram Active Aging Should You Take Creatine? What to Know Before You Supplement Disease Prevention Bumps That Look Like Pimples: Is It Acne or Something Else? Women's Health Women’s Stroke Risk: Endometriosis and Early Menopause Disease Prevention Can Good Sleep Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia? Men's Health Radiation Therapy as Effective as Surgery for Prostate Cancer Heart High Blood Pressure: What Women Need to Know Pediatrics How to Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes Heart Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Heart Failure: What's the Difference? Neurosciences What Causes Alzheimer's? 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Next 1 / 27 Healthy Living Giving Back Gut Health Advancing Our Mission Education Surgery Pediatrics OB-Gyn Spine Orthopaedics Neurosciences Cancer Heart Community Primary Care Men's Health Active Aging Women's Health Disease Prevention More Expert Advice Disease Prevention Cedars-Sinai Health Forecast: Stay Safe Gut Health Women Experience IBD Differently Than Men: Why It Matters Primary Care Why You May Have Trouble Peeing, Plus Solutions to Help Women's Health Pelvic Pain in Women: Why Effective Treatment Can Be Elusive View All View All Innovation and Research Disease Prevention Decoding the Gut: How AI Mapping Is Redefining Type 2 Diabetes Surgery How AI Is Turning Surgery From Art Into Science Active Aging Why to Shift Your Diet as You Age Disease Prevention Inflammaging: Anti-Aging Research on the Space Station View All View All Footer placeholder For Medical Professionals | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Search Results | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Make an Appointment | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Visiting a Patient | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. provider | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Cedars-Sinai Staff Login | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. App Locations | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Sister Act of Love: A Kidney Donation Story | Cedars-Sinai Skip to main content For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English English Select a Language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Patients Home Get Care Get Care Close 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations Close See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Find a Location Specialties Specialties Close Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Close Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Sign In (My CS-Link) Health Equity Sign In Home Get Care Get Care 24/7 Virtual Care Urgent Care Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Routine Gynecology Virtual Second Opinion Browse All Find a Doctor Locations Locations See All Locations Hospitals Primary Care Urgent Care Facilities Emergency Rooms Surgery Centers Medical Offices Imaging Facilities Labs Specialties Specialties Cancer Digestive & Liver Diseases Ear, Nose & Throat Heart Lung Neurology & Neurosurgery Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics at Guerin Children's Spine Surgery Transplant Urology Women's Health Browse All Records & Billing Records & Billing Medical Records Request Insurance & Billing Pay Your Bill Advanced Healthcare Directive Initiate a Request Help Paying Your Bill Health Equity Sign In For Patients For Providers Health Sciences University 1-800-CEDARS-1 English Search Menu Globe Arrow Right Close Los Angeles, 25 March 2026 | 06:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Sister Act of Love: A Kidney Donation Story download Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Sister Act of Love: A Kidney Donation Story When Angelica Ponce Needed a New Kidney, Her Younger Sister Donated One of Her Own to Save Her Sister’s Life By Jillian Scholten Angelica Ponce was on cloud nine. She was in her mid-20s and starting her dream job as a kindergarten teacher. Recently, she also had become engaged to her high school sweetheart and was excited to start wedding planning. Within weeks, though, Angelica’s world came crashing down. “I started getting swelling in my ankles, losing a bunch of weight and just generally not feeling very good,” Ponce said. “I went in for a blood test and knew quickly something was wrong.” It was a major flare-up of ANCA vasculitis, the autoimmune disease she had been diagnosed with in her teens but had been in remission for several years. Doctors now told her she had more than 60% damage to her kidneys and there was nothing they could do to reverse it. She would need to begin dialysis and, eventually, would require a kidney transplant.   “It is very unusual for people in their 20s to go into renal failure. Typically, kidney failure is related to diabetes and high blood pressure in patients in their 50s and older,” said Tsuyoshi Todo, MD , a kidney transplant surgeon at Cedars-Sinai. “In Angelica’s case, she was a college athlete and as healthy as they could come. It was very unfortunate she had her kidneys shut down due to her autoimmune disorder.” Ponce didn’t want to be on dialysis for her wedding, so she put planning on hold and began searching for a kidney donor. She didn’t have to look very far. Angelica’s younger sister, Miranda Ponce, immediately volunteered to get tested to see if one of her kidneys might be a good match. When the test results came back, the sisters were a perfect six out of six match. “That six out of six number indicates the number of matches that Miranda’s body shares in common with Angelica’s body,” said Justin Steggerda, MD , kidney transplant surgeon at Cedars-Sinai who served as the surgeon for Miranda Ponce. “This means Angelica’s body is less likely to react adversely to the transplant and less likely to form some sort of immune response that may later on lead to problems.” Miranda Ponce said she didn’t hesitate when she found out she was the perfect living donor for her sister. “I was happy that I had such a good match so that she could have the longest, healthiest years with the best kidney for her,” Miranda Ponce said. “And I knew it would be comforting for us, to go through this whole process together.” The Ponce sisters went through their kidney transplant surgery at Cedars-Sinai in November 2025. They spent the next few weeks recovering together at their parents’ home in Bellflower, California. “Anytime a living donor transplant is between siblings or family members, it’s always a really special occasion,” Steggerda said. “In this case, it facilitated Angelica being off dialysis, and I think that’s a really special story.” Todo said that Angelica’s determination and positive outlook fueled her recovery. “[Angelica] was determined to not walk down the aisle while she had a dialysis catheter hanging out of her chest,” Todo said. “And the fact that her sister stepped up to help her with a kidney donation for the biggest day of her life is very touching.” April marks the recognition of Donate Life Month, which promotes awareness about organ donation and honors those who gave the gift of life. To acknowledge this occasion, the Ponce sisters will participate in the annual Donate Life flag raising ceremony at Cedars-Sinai on Wednesday, April 1. “This month means so much to me, personally. This has become our story now, and being a transplant patient, I feel like I have a voice to raise awareness,” Angelica Ponce said. “By donating a kidney, you give someone their life back, and I feel like my sister gave me my life back because of this.” With Angelica’s health challenges in the rearview mirror, the Ponce sisters are looking forward to brighter days to come, including Angelica’s wedding in 2027. Miranda will be her sister’s maid of honor. “This will be my first time being in a wedding so I'm extremely excited,” Miranda Ponce said. “My biggest goal after the transplant was for her to get that wedding and to hopefully one day be a mother and give me nieces and nephews. That’s my biggest dream, honestly, just to be an aunt. So yeah, I'm really excited.” Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: After Lung Transplant, a Return to Running More From the Newsroom View all headlines - More From the Newsroom Cedars-Sinai Performs Its First Fully Robotic Kidney Transplant March 05 , 2026 | 06:00 AM America/Los_Angeles A Cedars-Sinai surgeon recently performed the medical center’s first fully robotic kidney transplant, paving the way for more patients to undergo the less invasive method, which results in less pain and faster healing for … Read more Cedars-Sinai Achieves Record Liver, Lung Transplants in 2025 February 26 , 2026 | 07:00 AM America/Los_Angeles The Cedars-Sinai  Comprehensive Transplant Center  and the  Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai completed 677 solid organ transplants in 2025, setting several new institutional records in liver and lung … Read more Cedars-Sinai Transplant Immunology Innovator Earns Top Distinction August 21 , 2025 | 07:30 AM America/Los_Angeles Innovative transplant nephrologist and investigator Stanley Jordan, MD , has received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Newsroom Team Email:  [email protected] Contact Jillian Scholten Senior Communications Specialist Jillian.Scholten@cshs.org Share this page Sister Act of Love: Events | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Foot & Ankle – Los Angeles, CA | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. OB-GYN Care | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Fertility and Reproductive Medicine | Cedars-Sinai You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Back on Her Feet Thanks to CSF Leak Repair | Cedars-Sinai Navigation placeholder Stories and Insights Healthy Living Neurosciences Back on Her Feet Thanks to CSF Leak Repair Date November 1, 2017 By Cedars-Sinai Staff Date November 1, 2017 Credits By Cedars-Sinai Staff Virtual Second Opinion A Virtual Second Opinion from Cedars-Sinai puts your peace of mind first. Get Started 24/7 Virtual Care See a Cedars-Sinai provider in minutes from the comfort of home using the Cedars-Sinai Connect app. Get Care Now 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care Connect with an expert pediatric provider for rashes, fevers and other urgent care needs. The Cedars-Sinai Connect app is available for kids 3 and up. Get Care Now 24/7 Virtual Care See a Cedars-Sinai provider in minutes from the comfort of home using the Cedars-Sinai Connect app. Get Care Now Virtual Second Opinion A Virtual Second Opinion from Cedars-Sinai puts your peace of mind first. Get Started Medical providers featured in this article No items found. In Brief {{cta-block}} After Excruciating Headaches Kept Her Bedbound For Weeks, New Mexico Woman Credits Cedars-Sinai With Recovery. Beth Johnson cooks dinner with partner Char Schnepf at their home in New Mexico. Johnson is back to her normal life after being treated at the Cedars-Sinai CSF Leak Program. When Beth Johnson stood up from working at her computer one beautiful October evening, she noticed "a kind of funny feeling" in the back of her neck. Five days later, the sensation had become an excruciating headache that came on whenever she tried to stand or sit upright. Her symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results suggested that a hole had developed in the lining around her spinal cord, known as the dura. The resulting loss of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and protects the brain and spine, caused Johnson’s brain to shift and sag away from her skull when she tried to stand. This led to severe positional headaches and eventually periods of confusion. "I have said to Dr. Schievink repeatedly, 'I couldn't stand. I couldn't sit. And my brain was being totally compromised. You saved my life. I am so grateful." Wouter Schievink, MD After two attempts at another neurosurgical center failed to patch the hole, Johnson, who lives 13 miles from Santa Fe, N.M., came to Cedars-Sinai, where Wouter Schievink, MD , director of microvascular neurosurgery and the CSF Leak Program in the Department of Neurosurgery , surgically repaired the tear. Schievink, one of the world's most experienced CSF leak specialists, said Johnson's tear was extensive but no larger than many he has treated. It was, however, located on the front side of her spinal cord, making surgical access more challenging and the repair procedure more delicate. Johnson, left, credits Wouter Schievink, MD, for her recovery When Johnson, a self-described fast-moving, quick-thinking, Type-A personality, initially felt the strange sensation in her neck, she didn't slow down at first. But as symptoms got worse, she wondered if she should go to an urgent care center. Friends suggested she was simply “stressed out” and recommended therapeutic massage. When she was no longer able to sit or stand without pain, however, she broke down and saw her primary care physician. Her doctor immediately sent her for MRIs that showed she had spontaneous intracranial hypotension . A defect in the dura had opened, allowing the CSF to leak. Two days later, Johnson was flown by air ambulance to another neurosurgical center, where doctors used injections of her own blood to try to seal the tear. This treatment, known as an epidural blood patch, often is used to treat CSF leaks that will not heal on their own. Johnson was allowed to go home a week later, but soon it was clear to her and Char Schnepf, her partner of 15 years, that the treatment had not worked for her. "When I called the doctors, they said to come back and have a third blood patch. They said sometimes people need 10 of them,” said Johnson, manager of a family compound and a life transitions coach. “This didn't make sense to me." Johnson is grateful for the ability to do the things she loves again – things like sitting in her hammock, reading a good book. At the suggestion of a client and friend who had found Schievink's name online, Johnson called Cedars-Sinai. Schnepf wrote a letter, collected copies of the original MRIs and shipped them overnight to Schievink. "He looked at my MRIs and called me the next day," recalled Johnson, who again was flown by air ambulance, this time to Los Angeles. She met Schievink the afternoon she arrived and immediately underwent a series of diagnostic procedures. They confirmed the defect's location at the front of the spine and showed a calcium deposit on a disc, which may have contributed to the tear. But working from the back to shave down the calcification and repair the lining at the front of the spinal canal is not straightforward. The spine's large, drum-shaped bones, called vertebral bodies, are stacked on the front side of the spinal canal, and separated by discs that act as cushions. Each vertebral body has a hard, bony structure called a pedicle that consists of two parts – left and right. These form the sides of the spinal canal and connect the large bones to the smaller ones in back. The entire structure protects the spinal cord, nerves and nerve roots that carry electrical signals to and from the brain. "We removed a piece of bone from the back part of the spinal canal and took out half of one of the pedicles. By removing half of a pedicle, I could rotate the spinal cord away from where the tear was, which gave me enough room to work. I closed the tear with four sutures, which I'm confident will provide a strong and permanent repair," Schievink said. "We always use advanced technology to frequently monitor the spinal cord – before and after each suture is placed," he added. "When her last suture was in place, the monitor detected a reduced signal to her right leg, and she woke up with some weakness in that leg, which resolved overnight. But she had considerable weakness resulting from weeks spent incapacitated. That kind of generalized deconditioning doesn't improve immediately, and she would need a course of physical therapy to really get back on her feet." In Discoveries: Better Brain Surgery After surgery, Johnson remained quiet and flat in bed for a day. She sat up in a chair the following Sunday afternoon. It was the first time in more than a month that she had been upright for any real length of time. She was able to walk with a walker the next day. An MRI done three days post-surgery confirmed what already was obvious to Johnson: The leak was closed and the CSF was steadily returning to its normal level. Johnson likes to ride her bike and participate in yoga regularly. She is working hard to rebuild the muscle mass she lost, and is regaining the mental quickness she had before her ordeal. "I have said to Dr. Schievink repeatedly, 'I couldn't stand. I couldn't sit. And my brain was being totally compromised," Johnson said. "You saved my life. I am so grateful." 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Get Started Virtual Second Opinion A Virtual Second Opinion from Cedars-Sinai puts your peace of mind first. Get Started 24/7 Virtual Care See a Cedars-Sinai provider in minutes from the comfort of home using the Cedars-Sinai Connect app. Get Care Now 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care Connect with an expert pediatric provider for rashes, fevers and other urgent care needs. The Cedars-Sinai Connect app is available for kids 3 and up. Get Care Now Medical providers featured in this article Accepting New patients Zuri A. Murrell, MD Surgery-Colo-Rectal 25 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile Accepting New patients Alexandra Gangi, MD Surgical Oncology 4.9 ( 184 reviews) • 16 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile Accepting New patients Jun Gong, MD IM Hematology Oncology 4.9 ( 185 reviews) • 17 years of experience View Profile View Profile View Profile In Brief {{cta-block}} Lois Buckman values every second of her time. She doesn't spend any of it avoiding hard truths. "My name is Lois Buckman, and I have stage 4 colon cancer," she says. "I've been living with this for over two years. The reason I'm still here is science, clinical trials and a dream team of doctors." In April 2020, Lois felt exhausted. For years she flew to Detroit from Los Angeles every couple of weeks to care for her ailing mother. After her mother died, Lois reflected on her busy life. She'd been an executive at a major telecommunications company. She's a mother of three grown daughters. Putting everyone else first was a habit. "Finally, my girlfriends told me, 'You look like a dish rag,'" she says. "'You've been dragging yourself back and forth across the sky, and you really need to check on yourself.' And they were right, so I went to see my doctor." Lois noticed her fatigue and some constipation—symptoms she attributed to flying too frequently, the stress of being a caregiver and grief over the loss of her mother. As soon as some test results came back, her doctor called her and told her to go to Cedars-Sinai's Emergency Department immediately. In an emergency surgery, doctors discovered her colon had been completely blocked by tumors. "Processing that I had cancer was the hardest reality," she says. "I realized how incredibly unprepared I was to hear such startling news—and that this disease could result in my demise." She learned from Dr. Zuri Murrell that her chance of surviving the emergency surgery had been only about 25%. She calls him Superman, and refers to her doctors—including Dr. Jun Gong , Dr. Alexandra Gangi , Dr. Daryl Houston and the late Dr. Donald Henderson—as her dream team. They devised a treatment plan paired with bimonthly CT scans to track how the cancer was progressing. For two months, her condition steadily improved, but then the cancer rebounded. That's when she was offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that would combine chemotherapy with targeted therapy. "When they asked me how I feel about clinical trials, I said if the trial can help me and others, then that's what we need to do," she says. "I know sometimes, as women of color, we have a tendency to shy away from these things—experimental drugs and trials—but they have the potential to conquer this disease. I don't want women of color left out of that." {{providers}} "I know sometimes, as women of color, we have a tendency to shy away from these things—experimental drugs and trials—but they have the potential to conquer this disease. I don't want women of color left out of that." Clinical trials provide the opportunity to develop new and effective treatments to improve cancer outcomes. "Most—if not all—current cancer therapies have themselves been developed from clinical trials," Dr. Gong says. "We, as clinicians, are deeply indebted to the altruism of patients like Lois." Over the next several months, Lois continued the regimen, and her cancer has been slowly shrinking. "As you go through a life-threatening disease, you really understand your mortality. You have choices, and if you have the chance to do better to save yourself and others, then why shouldn't we take that opportunity?" she says. Lois has long been invested in helping her community. She is currently president of the Regalettes, a nonprofit that has raised money and created programs to support the education and career opportunities for minority communities for over 60 years. Lois is still in treatment for her cancer. She refers to herself as a "prayer warrior," and connects with others in daily prayer calls. She spends time with her daughter, who attends all her appointments with her. She chooses to focus on the joy in her life, laughing with her friends and connecting with her family. "I'm an independent thinker. A single mom. I had a great career, and I was never a person that gave up just because it got tough," she says. "I'm living today. I'm grateful every single day I open my eyes." Her care team notices her gratitude, as well. She's known not only for her great strength and attitude, but also for the delicious cakes she's baked as treats for the cancer center staff. "She has ultimate gratitude," Dr. Murrell says. "I really believe her attitude and her spirit helped see her through this." She also values the importance of taking care of herself. "Something I want to say to people, especially to African American women and women of color, is that we have to put our health first," she says. "We need to pay attention to the signs our body gives us because it's so easy to get caught in a spin of taking care of others." She tells everyone in her life—especially her daughters and friends—to always prioritize their wellbeing. Lois Buckman celebrating her 75th birthday at Cedars-Sinai. Learn more about the Colorectal Cancer Center and the Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai. 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