Torrance Memorial

12/09/2025

Why does weight loss sometimes stall on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound?
The short answer: your body is smarter than we give it credit for. The longer answer? Our latest blog breaks down why plateaus happen, what’s normal, and how to keep moving forward with evidence-based habits.

Hear from Torrance Memorial physician Dr. Soohan Mansuri and our registered dietitians as they explain dosing, metabolism, protein intake, exercise, and the lifestyle factors that still matter—medication or not.

Read the full story and learn practical steps to get back on track.

Discover common reasons weight loss plateaus on GLP-1 medications and evidence-based strategies to get back on track.

12/07/2025

A recent patient shared how Breast Center technologist Nooshin Naghsheh went above and beyond to provide compassionate, thorough care during a stressful time. Without being asked, she completed a full bilateral screening, took time to document every detail, and helped clarify previous findings from an outside facility. Her professionalism and kindness brought the patient immense peace of mind. Thank you, Nooshin, for representing the best of Torrance Memorial.

12/04/2025

Meet Leah Shapiro, MD, one of our talented Family Medicine physicians dedicated to delivering truly personalized care. With a lifelong passion for science, a family full of physicians, and more than 35 National Parks checked off her travel list, Dr. Shapiro brings curiosity, compassion, and a love for adventure to every patient she meets.

Get to know her story—and see why she’s such a great fit for our community.

12/04/2025

“Many teens don’t realize their anxiety or racing heart might be caused by caffeine.”
— Dr. Rhea Mathew, Emergency Medicine

Energy drinks and high-caffeine coffees are on the rise — and our ER is seeing the fallout.

The increased consumption of energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages has some critical care doctors concerned.

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, there are many ways to give back at Torrance Memorial. Support our Emergency Department expansion through the Torrance Memorial Foundation, donate blood to help save lives, or volunteer your time, whether as a hospital es**rt, part of our high school or adult volunteer program, or even through our therapy pet visitation program. Every act of generosity makes a difference in the lives of our patients and our community. Learn more at https://www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/giving-tuesday or schedule a blood donation appointment by calling 310-517-4647.

12/01/2025

Spoiler: the most important numbers in your life aren’t on your credit score — they’re in your bloodwork.
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol… decoded by Dr. Shapiro.
Make your appointment and learn your numbers.

11/30/2025

The holiday spirit returns to Torrance Memorial Medical Center for the 42nd annual Holiday Festival, running December 2 thru December 7. Held under a 23,000-square-foot tent on the hospital campus, this beloved community event features festive trees, shopping, entertainment by E Funk Lite, Sabor de México and many more. In celebration of Torrance Memorial’s Centennial, admission is free during all public hours.

This year’s display includes 32 themed trees, including “A Sweet Christmas Golden Ticket” inspired by W***y Wonka, “Tinsel & Tuxedos,” “A Cowboy Christmas,” and “Lilo & Stitch’s Pink Paradise.” All trees are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the expansion of the Torrance Memorial Emergency Department.

A 12-foot “Heroes Tree” will stand in the Lundquist Tower lobby, where donors may dedicate a crystal-adorned metal star in honor of a hero, with gifts ranging from $100 to $5,000.

Learn more: www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/holiday-festival/

11/29/2025

Early detection saves lives.
Dr. John Abe, pulmonologist at Torrance Memorial, shared how new diagnostic tools like the Biodesix's Nodify Lung blood test are helping physicians make more informed decisions when a lung nodule appears on a CT scan.

This simple test — just a few drops of blood — can identify antibodies linked to lung cancer, helping determine whether to “watch and wait” or take a more aggressive approach.

Dr. Abe also notes a growing trend in the South Bay: Asian women who have never smoked developing lung cancer due to a gene mutation. Thanks to advanced screening and minimally invasive robotic bronchoscopy, many of these cancers are now being caught early — when they’re most treatable.

🔹 Lung cancer remains the #1 cancer killer, but screening can change that.
If you’re between 50 and 80 and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Learn more: www.torrancememorial.org/screenings

11/28/2025

Meet Krixie Vivo Silangcruz, MD, MBA, board-certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine. With training from the University of Hawaii and experience caring for patients around the world, Dr. Silangcruz brings a compassionate, collaborative approach to every patient she meets.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys photography, travel, baking, tennis, and spending time with her family.

Welcome to the South Bay, Dr. Silangcruz!

Krixie Vivo Silangcruz, MD, MBA, is a board certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from...

11/27/2025

Alexander Mejia, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist) is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 12 years of experience in women's health. A graduate of the Pontifical Catholic University of Quito, Ecuador, where he earned his Medical Degree with honors, Dr. Mejia completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, where he refined his skills in gynecologic surgery and high-risk obstetrics.

Dr. Mejia performs minimally invasive gynecologic procedures and robotic-assisted surgery, specializing in the da Vinci Surgical System. His commitment to innovative, patient-centered care has led to faster recovery times and improved outcomes for his patients. He has held privileges at three prominent Miami hospitals, where he collaborated with colleagues to maintain the highest standards of surgical and reproductive care.

In recent years, Dr. Mejia has expanded his focus to include functional and longevity-based medicine, integrating a root-cause, systems-oriented approach to women's health. He emphasizes personalized, science-backed protocols that support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and overall vitality. His areas of focus include PCOS, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, perimenopause, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and mood disorders related to the menstrual cycle. Dr. Mejia's treatment plans incorporate nutrition, lifestyle interventions, targeted supplementation, and advanced therapies such as peptides and hormone optimization.

Dr. Mejia is excited to continue his mission at Torrance Memorial Hospital in California, where he looks forward to empowering women through compassionate, comprehensive care-combining the best of modern gynecology with a functional, preventative approach to lifelong wellness.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Torrance Memorial.
This season, we are especially grateful for our incredible patients, dedicated staff, and supportive community. Your trust and partnership inspire us every day to provide compassionate care and make a meaningful impact.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our Torrance Memorial family.
What are you most thankful for this year? Share below!

11/26/2025

Taking small steps in your daily diet can make a big difference in managing diabetes. From portion control to fiber-rich foods, discover simple ways to support your wellness journey! Need more personalized guidance? Our Diabetes Care Team is here to help! Call us at 310-891-6707 or visit our website to learn more: torrancememorial.org/diabetes