Hoag

02/25/2026

Vanessa Bryant, wife of late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has made a generous gift to Hoag establishing the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.

During an intimate ceremony on Feb. 24, Hoag leaders and Bryant family members unveiled the new signage on the building. Located at the hospital’s Sue & Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion, the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court serves as a prominent departure space where Hoag patients, particularly those with newborns, prepare to leave the hospital and return home.

“Hoag is a special place,” Bryant said. “I have wonderful memories of the care and support I received from the amazing doctors and nurses. I want this gift to help more people experience that level of care when they need it.”

Read more about the gift at hoag.info/bryant

02/24/2026

“When you live on borrowed time, certain things don’t matter as much—and certain things matter a lot.”

In Episode 2 of Take Me to Hoag, Dr. Kenneth Chang reflects on a near-fatal moment that reshaped his purpose, and the calling that continues to guide how he shows up for his patients every day. A powerful reminder of leading with intention, faith, and compassion.

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

02/20/2026

Why does a team-based approach to healthcare matter? Because your health is never one-dimensional.

At Hoag Medical Group, care doesn’t happen in silos. Your primary care physician leads a connected team—including medical assistants, nurse practitioners, care managers, and specialists—who work together to support every aspect of your care.

What that means for you:�
✔️ Fewer gaps in care and fewer repeated tests�
✔️ Faster access to the right specialists when you need them�
✔️ Care plans that reflect your full health picture, not just a single visit�
✔️ Less stress navigating appointments, referrals, and follow-ups

Instead of asking you to connect the dots, Hoag’s team-based approach puts coordination where it belongs, with us. The result is smarter care, better outcomes, and a more personal healthcare experience at every stage of life.

Learn more and find the right HMG physician for you: hoag.org/find-care/

02/19/2026

For many patients, brain surgery comes with one overwhelming question: what will life look like after?

When 30-year-old Claire Arata needed surgery to remove a 1.5-centimeter brain tumor, she was treated by Ezequiel Goldschmidt, MD, neurosurgeon at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute. The day before her procedure, she did something unexpected. She went to the salon.

Through Hoag’s Styled for Surgery program, neurosurgery patients receive a custom haircut designed to naturally blend their incision, offered at no cost through generous donor support. Instead of shaving hair in the operating room, this thoughtful step helps preserve confidence, dignity and identity during a vulnerable time.

“It’s a little daunting to imagine waking up and not knowing what you’re going to look like,” Claire shared. “There’s some kind of control given back.”

Her surgery was successful. She went home the next day knowing her tumor was removed and that she would still recognize herself in the mirror.

This innovative, whole-person approach to care was recently featured on CBS News. Watch Claire’s full story in the video link below.

Rina Nakano reports on the Hoag Hospital program that is providing brain surgery patients with a free trip to the salon to get them styled for surgery.

02/18/2026

Golf isn’t as low-impact as it looks. Your body feels every swing. 🏌️‍♂️

“Non-golfers” may think it’s easy on the body, but according to Dr. Aaron Przybysz, Division Chief of Pain Medicine at the Hoag Spine Institute, the repetitive rotation of golf can place real strain on your back, shoulders and core. The good news? Smart prevention can make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Przybysz’s golfer-approved tips:
✔️ Strength train and stretch between rounds
✔️ Focus on your core. Planks, bridges and bear crawls help protect your lower back
✔️ Keep shoulders strong and mobile to reduce repetitive strain
✔️ Don’t ignore dull aches. Early physical therapy can prevent more serious injury
✔️ If pain persists or begins to limit daily life, seek expert evaluation

As the 2026 Hoag Classic returns to Newport Beach Country Club March 22-29, it’s a timely reminder that staying at the top of your game starts with taking care of your body, on and off the course.

🎟️ Watch the pros swing with power and precision.
Purchase your tickets to the 2026 Hoag Classic today: hoagclassic.com

02/17/2026

Chanel Diaz’s struggle with weight didn’t begin in adulthood.�
It started when she was 12.

For years, she cycled through dieting and weight-loss medications—losing weight, feeling hopeful, then watching it return. Even medications like Phentermine followed the same pattern, with difficult side effects and no lasting success.

Everyday activities, like hiking with friends, became challenging. She reached a point where moving and breathing comfortably no longer felt easy.

After talking with a family friend who had undergone bariatric surgery, Chanel decided to explore her options at Hoag. There, she met Adrian Dobrowolsky, MD, director of the Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute.

Dr. Dobrowolsky explained that obesity is a chronic medical condition, recognized as such by the American Medical Association, and that long-term success often requires a structured, medical approach. What stood out to Chanel was Hoag’s comprehensive model of care, which includes ongoing follow-up, nutritional support, behavioral health resources, and access to specialists across disciplines.

“It was the first time I really felt seen and heard,” Chanel said.

She chose to undergo sleeve gastrectomy, the most common and least invasive bariatric procedure. Two years later, Chanel has lost 75 pounds. While she’s experienced many health benefits, the biggest change has been her ability to live an active life.

Today, her routine centers on movement, from camping and disc golfing to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which she began a year ago.

Chanel hopes her experience helps others understand that personalized treatment options exist, and that Hoag’s program can be a valuable resource, even for those still exploring their next step.

“They gave me my life back.”

To read Chanel’s story, visit: https://bit.ly/3OgcJ3j

02/16/2026

February is Heart Health Month, and there’s no better time to give your heart a little extra love by starting with what’s on your plate.

Heart disease remains one of the most common health challenges in the U.S., but many risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be improved—or even prevented—through simple, consistent lifestyle choices. Nutrition plays a powerful role.

Heart-healthy foods to prioritize:
Fruits & vegetables – Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood vessels.

Whole grains – Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat breads help manage cholesterol and keep blood sugar steady.

Lean proteins – Fish, skinless poultry, beans, and legumes provide essential protein without excess saturated fat.

Healthy fats – Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil support “good” cholesterol when enjoyed in moderation.

Low-sodium options – Cutting back on salt, especially from fast food, canned items, and takeout, can make a big difference in blood pressure.

Small changes add up. Choosing heart-smart foods today can help protect your heart for years to come, especially when paired with regular movement, stress management, and routine preventive care.

And remember: while genetics do play a role, you are your heart’s greatest advocate. Start now, fuel wisely, and give your heart the support it deserves.

02/14/2026

For many cancer patients, simply walking into the Cancer Center takes strength.

That’s why the first moments matter. At Hoag, care begins long before a patient sees their physician. Trish McNeal, our Cancer Center parking concierge, is often the very first person patients meet. She helps with wheelchairs, offers directions, and offers a calm, reassuring presence during an important time in their care.

A year ago, Trish decided she wanted to do something more. She began creating hand-drawn cards to give to patients – small, personal gestures meant to bring a moment of lightness to their day. What started as a simple act of kindness has become a meaningful tradition.

This Valentine’s Day, she’s once again sharing handmade cards, reminding patients they are seen, supported and surrounded by a team that cares deeply about them.

It’s a reflection of what Hoag stands for: care that sees the whole person, from the very first step forward.

02/13/2026

We are proud to share that Hoag has been ranked No. 9 on Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best Large Employers. 🧡

This top-10 recognition places Hoag alongside nationally admired organizations such as Stanford, Google, Microsoft, In-N-Out Burger and American Express. The ranking, developed by Forbes in partnership with Statista, is based on anonymous feedback from more than 217,000 U.S. employees and reflects sustained performance over three years.

For our patients and community, this recognition matters. When caregivers, physicians and staff feel supported, valued and inspired in their work, it strengthens every part of the care experience.

At Hoag, investing in our people is fundamental to earning the trust of those we serve. This honor reflects the culture our teams have built together and the standard of care our community can continue to count on.

To learn more about this recognition, visit:

Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers ranks the largest top companies to work for in 2026, featuring companies with the best benefits and best work-life balance.

02/11/2026

Protein seems to be everywhere lately—from powders and bars to viral high-protein meal plans. But do these diets really deliver on their promises?

According to Kirsten Bohrnell, RD, CDCES, a dietitian at Hoag’s Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, protein is essential for muscle health, immunity, and feeling full, but more isn’t always better. Extremely high-protein diets, especially those heavy in animal fats or that eliminate entire food groups, can increase heart health risks and leave out key nutrients.

Instead of following extremes, a balanced approach works best. Think lean and plant-based proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy to support your whole body, not just the number on the scale.

The bottom line: sustainable health isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about balance, consistency, and choices you can maintain long term.

Read more: https://bit.ly/49PvWkP

02/10/2026

What actually makes a healthcare system different?

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

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

02/09/2026

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

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

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