Saint John's Cancer Institute

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Saint John's Cancer Institute

Saint John's has received acclaim for advances in melanoma; prostate, liver, breast & colon cancer; & SJCI also maintains a robust fellowship program.

In 1991, the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) launched a successful affiliation with Saint John’s Health Center and opened in Santa Monica, California. Combined with the exceptional quality of Saint John’s Health Center and expertise of their medical staff, the John Wayne Cancer Institute was renamed on January 1, 2021 to Saint John’s Cancer Institute (SJCI). SJCI, renowned for its strength in oncology research, genomic sequencing, and science-based collaboration, offers exception support in the areas of surgical oncology, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. SJCI conducts multidisciplinary basic, clinical, and translational research for complex cancers, focusing particular on melanoma, breast, prostate, colon, neuroendocrine, gastro-intestinal, and sarcoma. With renowned researchers and advanced technologies, Saint John’s Cancer Institute has the unique ability to respond, explore, and investigate life-saving cancer treatments quickly and effectively. Developed at the Institute, the Sentinel Node Biopsy is one such innovation. Now considered the worldwide standard of care for melanoma and breast cancer, the Sentinel Node Biopsy has revolutionized treatment options by offering a minimally invasive technique to determine the spread of tumor cells. The Donald L. Morton Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship (formerly the John Wayne Cancer Institute Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship) was developed to train and educate world-class surgeons, who through their research and dedication, find solutions to complex cancer cases that remain unsolved. Recognized as one of 35 accredited training programs in the United States and Canada approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology, SJCI’s fellowship program has trained over 150 surgical oncologists and remains a leader in surgical oncology education. Learn more at https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/

10/17/2025

Join us Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, for an engaging discussion on Melanoma for patients and caregivers. Held at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited. Guest speakers include experts from Saint John's Health Center, City of Hope, The Angeles Clinic, and more. This symposium is presented by The Borstein Family Foundation Melanoma Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute and the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Register today:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/melanoma/sjci-melanoma-symposium-november-2025/

Virtual attendance is also available.

Program Directors:
Kim Margolin, MD, FACP, FASCO
Medical Director of The Borstein Family Foundation Melanoma Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Richard Essner, MD, FACS
Co-Director, The Borstein Family Foundation Melanoma Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute

10/13/2025

The Margie Petersen Breast Center's annual health center lighting ceremony | Friends, family, and caregivers gathered at Saint John's Health Center on October 3rd to honor women who have bravely faced breast cancer and those still courageously fighting. With over 100 attendees, including Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, city council members, and many breast cancer survivors, all joined in solidarity and celebrated. Supported by the Saint John's Health Center Foundation, the event was beautifully catered by Erewhon.

Learn more and view additional moments and photos from this event:

Blog: The Margie Petersen Breast Center welcomed October with its cherished annual lighting ceremony—a radiant tribute to strength, hope, and sisterhood
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/breast/providence-saint-johns-health-center-glows-pink-for-breast-cancer-awareness/

Margie Petersen Breast Center:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/breast/

The Difference Between Diagnostic Breast Exams and Screening Mammograms:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/breast/why-you-need-to-know-the-difference-between-diagnostic-breast-exams-and-screening-mammograms/

10/10/2025

An Amazing Leader and Advocate for Women’s Health | LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath honored at Power of Pink 2025 for her advocacy for breast cancer care and community resilience. Hosted by Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, Power of Pink celebrates the life-saving work of the Margie Petersen Breast Center (MPBC), which has been a beacon of hope for women facing breast cancer for more than 30 years. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was presented the Ruth Weil Spirit of Hope Award by Dr. Janie Grumley, Director, Comprehensive Breast Program, Margie Petersen Breast Center, for her unwavering commitment to women’s health and her advocacy for Saint John’s. In her remarks, Horvath praised the MPBC’s comprehensive approach to care, which includes cutting-edge clinical trials, a breast surgical oncology fellowship, and holistic support for patients’ emotional and spiritual well-being. “I have seen how Saint John’s has shown up in unique ways to support women who are on this journey. I can’t help but advocate for a place that takes women’s health so seriously."

Learn more:

SJCI News: Supervisor, Lindsey Horvath, honored at Power of Pink 2025 for her advocacy of breast cancer care and community resilience
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/news/supervisor-lindsey-horvath-honored-at-power-of-pink-2025-for-her-advocacy-of-breast-cancer-care-and-community-resilience/

Margie Petersen Breast Center:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/breast/

The Difference Between Diagnostic Breast Exams and Screening Mammograms:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/breast/why-you-need-to-know-the-difference-between-diagnostic-breast-exams-and-screening-mammograms/

Saint John's Health Center Foundation:
https://saintjohnsfoundation.org/

Ways to Give:
https://saintjohnsfoundation.org/your-support

10/08/2025

Santa Monica Melanoma Symposium 2025: A Day of Insight and Innovation | Experts gathered from around the country, including from Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, MD Anderson in Texas, and local leaders from UCLA, The Angeles Clinic, and City of Hope.

Learn more:

Blog, Photos, and Full program (4:15:00):
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/melanoma/santa-monica-melanoma-symposium-2025-a-day-of-insight-and-innovation/

Or watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/H328KjUgQkc?si=ZCwtLsmxtNGyyukU

Event Chapters and Speakers:

"The Approach to Regionally Advanced Metastatic Melanoma"
Jonathan S. Zager, MD
Chief Academic Officer; Chair, USF Department of Oncologic Sciences
Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
00:47 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=47s

“Promising Data on Vaccines and Other Novel Immunotherapies”
Kim Margolin, M.D., FACP, FASCO
Medical Director of the Saint John's Cancer Institute Melanoma Program
42:20 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=2540s

“Non-cutaneous and Acral Melanoma”
Inderjit Mehmi, MD
Medical Oncology, Cutaneous Malignancy
The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Cedar-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, CA
1:04:04 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=3844s

“Liquid Biopsy in Cutaneous Oncology and its Implications in Melanoma”
Matthew Hedberg, MD, PhD
Dermatopathologist
City of Hope, Duarte, CA
1:34:59 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=5699s

“Highlights of Molecular Melanomagenesis”
Roger S. Lo, MD, PhD
Dermatologist
UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
2:04:29 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=7469s

“MicroRNA in Melanoma”
Richard Essner, M.D. FACS
Director of Surgical Oncology, Co-Director of Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Research Program, Professor of Surgical Oncology
2:30:16 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=9016s

“Role of Mohs Surgery in the Management of Cutaneous Malignancies”
Nima Gharavi, MD, PhD
Dermatologist
Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
2:52:00 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=10320s

“Management of Skin Cancer in Head and Neck“
Vivian Wu, MD
Head & Neck Surgeon
Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
3:11:55 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=11515s

“Diet and Microbiome in Melanoma and Tumor Immunity”
Jennifer McQuade, MD
Medical Oncologist
MD Anderson, Houston, TX
3:41:09 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H328KjUgQkc&t=13269s

10/06/2025

You give everything to your family—but don’t forget to care for your own heart. ❤️

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women. Hispanic women, 50+, face even higher risks due language barriers, access to care and lack of awareness, making heart health harder to manage.

💬 Tag a woman you care about and remind her: your heart health matters.

10/05/2025

Happiness is contagious. Let your attitude inspire those around you! 🌞💛

Let's pass on positivity and not the flu 😁 Talk to your provider about vaccination options!

10/03/2025

A journey of hope: Mother and daughter overcome congenital heart defects 💙

Meet Mary and Christine, who share more than just a mother/daughter bond-- they both have the same congenital heart defect. Thanks to the expert care at Providence, both women received life-saving treatment. 🩺

There are many doctors at Providence who care for and collaborate on treatment plans for both Christine and Mary. “More than hope, the team provided humanity in every conversation,” Christine said. “Even the hard conversations. They wanted to help me have the life I wanted.”

Check out their full story in the comments below ⤵️

📍 Providence Inland Northwest

10/02/2025

Taking a walk down memory lane?
It’s also a great moment to prioritize your health. 🩺

Breast cancer screening is recommended starting at age 40—and early detection can make all the difference.

💖 We’re here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your today and take a proactive step toward lifelong wellness.

🔗 http://provhealth.org/6181sQTrW

10/02/2025

🕊️ G'mar Chatimah Tovah! 🕊️

As we observe , the Day of Atonement, let's take this time for , repentance and renewal.

Wishing you peace, forgiveness, and a fresh start in the new year. ✨

10/01/2025

☕🍂 Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is flu season. While you're sipping on that pumpkin spice, don't forget the real fall essential: your flu vaccine.

💉October is the perfect time to get vaccinated.

09/30/2025

At Hope Street in Walla Walla, Wash., women like Markell Goudie are finding support, community and hope after facing the challenges of substance use disorder.

Through safe, sober living, guidance from recovery advocates and a network of community partners, including Providence St. Mary Medical Center, residents are reclaiming their lives—one day at a time.

✨ “Hope Street has taught me a new way of being. There is so much love and hope here.” – Markell Goudie

09/29/2025

Heart rhythm problems were the last thing Josh Smith, 58, expected to find when his smartwatch alerted him to an irregular heartbeat in November 2020. But then his naturopath noticed “something odd” during a routine checkup and suggested he see a doctor, just to be safe. ⌚

After extensive testing at another facility, Smith was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib – a type of heart rhythm issue called arrhythmia. The diagnosis took Smith by surprise.

“At first, I had paroxysmal AFib, meaning I would bounce between a normal sinus rhythm and AFib. I didn’t really feel bad. I was still biking 25 miles a day,” says Smith. “I kept thinking, ‘How can I have a heart issue and not know it?’ I didn’t have any of the typical risk factors. I wasn’t overweight. I had no major family history of heart problems. I’m super athletic. But I guess sometimes you’re just an outlier.”

Josh's team at Providence Swedish was able to personalize a treatment plan that fit both his lifestyle and individual health needs. ❤️

➡️ Read Josh's full story here: http://provhealth.org/6189sSOJT

❣️ AFib affects more than 12 million people in the U.S. If left untreated, the condition may cause stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, but our care teams are here to help. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

09/26/2025

When Ruth Ellsworth developed sepsis, she had no idea how quickly things could spiral.

Her story is a powerful reminder: knowing the signs and acting fast can save your life.

👉🏼 Swipe through to learn how she turned a medical emergency into a mission for awareness.

📖 Full story in comments.

09/25/2025

Nurse Manager Therese applied to work at Providence because of her older brother and sister, who both worked in the kitchen at Providence Portland Medical Center. “They would rave about Providence and how much they liked it,” says Therese. “That made me very excited to get my first job here—and I’ve never looked back.”

She’s now been with the organization for 24 years and jokes that “pretty much grew up here.” 💫

Therese’s first job was with her siblings in the kitchen. “I got exposure to nurses while delivering trays to patients,” says Therese. “I asked a ton of questions, and I saw how happy they were with Providence. That sparked my interest in becoming a nurse.”

Therese’s brother, Tom, continues to work in the kitchen, now as Lead Food Service Attendant. “I’m able to see him every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s a lot of fun working in the same hospital as my brother. He’s very friendly to everyone and is well liked, so it’s nice to be able to tell people we’re family.” 💙 💚

Happy to Tom and all the dedicated caregivers who ensure our patients, guests and employees are fed each and every day.

09/24/2025

When you hear the word cancer, suddenly, every moment matters. 💙

We provide innovative, compassionate care throughout your journey. Our clinical trials offer tomorrow’s care today, with cutting edge research that has made immunotherapy a new standard of cancer care. 🔬

💡 Learn more at http://provhealth.org/6184SmA10

09/23/2025

Today we celebrate our legacy and heritage by honoring Blessed Émilie Gamelin, the Foundress of the Sisters of Providence, with the Table of the King. 👑

Table of the King is celebrated by sharing a simple meal of soup 🍲🥄 and bread 🥖, modeling Émilie’s practice of serving those who were hungry at her own kitchen table with dignity.

Émilie’s care went far beyond feeding the hungry. She saw the inherent dignity of every person and offered comfort, care and compassion where it was needed most.

Our Mission today is inspired by this same spirit. Let today be a reminder to us all that even the smallest gestures can bring the community together and spark meaningful change. ✨

09/21/2025

Histotripsy Webinar: Non-Invasive Treatment for Liver Tumors | Paul Shin, MD, to Host Free Webinar on Histotripsy this Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at 12:00 Noon. “Histotripsy is a remarkable breakthrough for liver tumors and cancer. Please join me in discussing this new non-invasive treatment. I’m looking forward to your questions.” – Paul Shin, MD.

Histotripsy is an advanced ultrasound-based therapy that uses pulsed sound waves to precisely break down tumors without surgery, radiation, or needles. This innovative approach allows for:

• Non-invasive treatment with minimal risk to healthy tissue
• Outpatient care often allows patients to return home the same day
• Targeted precision, potentially eliminating tumors in a single session
• Rapid recovery with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments

Learn more and register today:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/events/free-webinar-on-histotripsy-discover-a-breakthrough-in-liver-cancer-treatment/

Download and share the registration flyer:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PSJHC-Histotripsy-9-25-25-VF-compressed.pdf

Listen to Thomas Zisfain share his experience after receiving histotripsy:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/gastrointestinal/treatment/liver-cancer-treatment/histotripsy-for-liver-cancer/

About Paul Shin, MD:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/people/paul-shin-m-d/

09/11/2025

The Santa Monica Melanoma Symposium is taking place this Saturday, September 13th, 2025. This is a CME event for medical professionals that will be live-streamed via YouTube. Join us for breakfast and network with peers by attending in person.

Subscribe to Saint John's Cancer Institute to receive an alert that our stream has started:
https://www.youtube.com/?sub_confirmation=1
Choose Live from the tabs in the channel header to watch.

There's still time to attend in person!
Register here and learn about CME credits:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/melanoma/melanoma-symposium/

Download and share our flyer:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Melanoma-Symposium-Program-2025-Save-the-Date-8-3.pdf

09/10/2025

Lights of Hope – A night of remembrance, resilience, and hope | On Sunday, September 7th, 2025, families and friends gathered at Saint John’s Health Center to honor loved ones who had passed from cancer, celebrate survivors, support those in treatment, and recognize the caregivers who make a difference. We at Saint John’s aim to help each patient throughout their entire cancer journey, guided by “Know me, Care for Me, Ease My Way,” as our stated mission.

Blog: https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/cancer-awareness/saint-johns-health-center-lights-of-hope-a-night-of-remembrance-resilience-and-hope/

08/27/2025

Bronchoscopic Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation for Lung Tumors – A First in Los Angeles County. |. George Chaux, MD, describes the significance of PEF treatment via bronchoscopy and its potential for immune system response.“ It allows us to treat lung tumors that traditionally have not been treated with other ablative techniques because they’re either too close to vessels, airways, or the periphery of the lung…The tumor releases intact antigens that the
patient’s immune system can then recognize.” – George Chaux, MD, FCCP

Learn more about PEF for Lung Tumors:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/thoracic/treatments/bronchoscopic-pulsed-electric-field-pef-ablation-for-lung-tumors/

Learn more about Lung Screening:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/thoracic/treatments/treatment-for-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-screening/

George Chaux, MD FCCP:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/people/george-e-chaux-md-fccp/

08/20/2025

Register now for the Santa Monica Melanoma Symposium, hosted by the Saint John’s Cancer Institute on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

This is a free CME event for medical professionals designed to bring together leading experts and clinicians for a day of engaging talks, education, and peer networking in the field of melanoma.

Seating is limited. Please register today:
https://lnkd.in/gxQfVawN

Download and share the flyer (PDF):
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Melanoma-Symposium-Program-2025-Save-the-Date-8-3.pdf

Presented by the Borstein Family Melanoma Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.

Speakers:

• Jonathan S. Zager, MD,�Chief Academic Officer; Chair, USF Department of Oncologic Sciences, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
• Roger S. Lo, MD, PhD, Dermatologist,�UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
• Inderjit Mehmi, MD, Medical Oncology, Cutaneous Malignancy,�The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Cedar-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, CA
• Matthew Hedberg, MD, PhD, Dermatopathologist, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
• Kim Margolin, M.D., FACP, FASCO, Medical Director of the Saint John's Cancer Institute Melanoma Program
• Richard Essner, M.D. FACS,�Director of Surgical Oncology, Co-Director of Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Research Program
• Nima Gharavi, MD, PhD,�Dermatologist,�Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
• Vivian Wu, MD, Head & Neck Surgeon,�Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
• Jennifer McQuade, MD�, Medical Oncologist,�MD Anderson, Houston, TX

See the full program here:
https://lnkd.in/gxQfVawN

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Bristol Myers Squibb, Caris Life Sciences, Castle Biosciences, Merck, Pfizer

07/28/2025

We're Hiring: Manager, Medical Education
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Saint John’s Cancer Institute | Providence

If you are passionate about advancing medical education and supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders in oncology, apply today and join our mission-driven team at Saint John’s Cancer Institute, where innovation meets compassion.

We’re looking for a dynamic GME Manager to lead and support our fellowship programs (ACGME, CPME, CODA, and non-accredited), oversee Surgical Oncology residents, and drive quality improvement initiatives. You’ll also play a key role in managing our New Innovations transition project and platform, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, Health Admin, or related field
• 3+ years of GME experience (academic or hospital-based)
• 2+ years managing New Innovations (superuser level)
• Bonus: Master’s degree, C-TAGME certification, SharePoint/Yammer experience

Why Providence? We offer best-in-class benefits, a culture of inclusion and respect, and a commitment to whole-person care. At Providence, your voice matters and your work makes a difference.

Apply now and help shape the future of medical education:

https://evac.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/378519/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

07/23/2025

New Pancreatic Cancer Screening & Prevention Program Launches at Providence Saint John’s Health Center | Ora Karp Gordon, MD, FACMGG, a genomics expert, and Miles Picus, a cancer genetics counselor at Providence Health, are shaping the fight against one of the most challenging cancers. “We are incredibly proud to launch this pioneering program at Providence Saint John’s, bringing together advanced research, personalized screening, and expert guidance in one place to give high-risk individuals a real chance at early detection and even prevention of pancreatic cancer. It’s a game-changer in how we approach this elusive disease.” – Ora Karp Gordon, MD, Director of Genomic Programs, Providence Health

Learn more and share our flyer detailing the program:
SJCI NEWS: https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/news/new-pancreatic-cancer-screening-prevention-program-launches-at-providence-saint-johns-health-center/

07/12/2025

We are pleased to welcome medical professionals to the 3rd Annual Santa Monica Melanoma Symposium, hosted by the Saint John’s Cancer Institute on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This is a free event for medical professionals designed to bring together leading experts and clinicians for a day of cutting-edge education, collaboration, and innovation in melanoma research and treatment.

Learn more about this event:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/about-us/events/santa-monica-melanoma-symposium-2025/

Seating is limited. Please register today:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/melanoma/melanoma-symposium/

Download and share the flyer (PDF):
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Melanoma-Symposium-Program-2025-Save-the-Date-7-11b.pdf

Presented by the Borstein Family Melanoma Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.

Address

2200 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA
90404

Telephone

+13103156125

Website

https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/

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