Hoag NEXT - Spring/Summer 23

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NATURE THAT NURTURES

Across Hoag, new and renovated spaces are being thoughtfully designed to bring the outdoors in, offering patients the healing calm of nature and transforming the patient experience.

From the President

THINKING BIG, ACTING SMALL

Dear Friends of Hoag,

Earlier this year, Hoag Hospital Foundation staff had the privilege of spending time in conversation with Hoag President and CEO Robert Braithwaite. In his remarks to our team, Robert shared the insight that Hoag has grown into a large institution that thinks big but moves and acts like a small one, an intention that fosters innovation and agility while prioritizing our commitment to serve the community in a personal way.

In keeping with Hoag’s continued drive for excellence, I’m pleased to share that the fall 2022 inaugural edition of Hoag Next magazine recently received an award from the Orange County chapter of the American Advertising Federation for its elevated concept and design. In this issue of HoagNext , we continue highlighting some of the areas in which donor support is powering this direction.

Because of the generosity of our community, more than 166 clinical trials in several medical specialties are currently open at Hoag, delivering access to the newest and most innovative therapies available today without having to leave the community. Thoughtfully designed, newly renovated clinical spaces for cancer care and digestive health are enhancing the personalized, whole-patient approach that distinguishes Hoag while pushing the limits of what’s possible in these areas of medicine.

We recently celebrated another successful Hoag Classic. As the most charitable event on the PGA TOUR Champions, this highly anticipated annual tournament has raised more than $20 million to advance key Hoag initiatives and other charities. If you joined us this year, thank you! You are strengthening Hoag’s ability to remain on the leading edge of health care and ensuring each patient can experience our special brand of individualized support in their health journey.

As Hoag continues to gain national recognition and grow, empowered by the Boldly Hoag capital campaign, I am grateful to you, our donor community, for faithfully supporting Hoag and furthering our ability to think big and act small.

Sincerely,

Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD President, Hoag Hospital Foundation

Clinical Research at Hoag

Bringing Leading Therapies Directly to Patients

Across Hoag, clinical leaders and physicianscientists are conducting cutting-edge clinical trials, setting out to make discoveries at the forefront of health care and improve treatment options for patients in Orange County and around the country. Supported in part by philanthropy, studies range in specialty and scope, including but not limited to cardiac disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, infectious disease, neurology, and oncology.

By testing the latest developments in medicine, Hoag is bringing innovation directly to its patients. Those for whom traditional treatment options have been exhausted can find hope in clinical research on the most promising novel therapies. In some cases, Hoag is one of only a few sites in the world to offer such trials.

Clinical trials open to enrollment

Clinical Trials at Hoag - By the Numbers

Asof May31,2023

143

Upcoming

5

This kind of access to the most advanced technology and therapeutic modalities is of tremendous benefit to the community and to the field more broadly. As Hoag physicians work to lead their specialties forward, Hoag’s reputation as a destination for world-class care is elevated among top academic medical centers. In turn, Hoag is able to continue recruiting some of the best physicians in the country, offering resources and opportunities commensurate with academic medical centers in a more nimble, flexible environment.

Hoag’s environment and culture—largely influenced by its mission to serve the community—is made possible by the ongoing support of donors who believe deeply in Hoag’s vision of a more comprehensive, whole-patient approach for the future of health care. Clinical research will play a key role in reaching that vision, giving the community earlier access to innovative therapies that are less toxic to the body while aiming to help eradicate disease.

“I can’t imagine bringing clinical trials to an academic institution at the same speed; there are typically so many roadblocks. At Hoag, physicians have a refreshingly ample amount of support from administration, which makes delivering high-quality care more effective.”

– Chaitali Nangia, MD, co-director of natural killer (NK) cell therapy research, Hoag Family Cancer Institute

clinical trials

Clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health

332 Patients enrolled in 2023

362 Patients enrolled in 2022

Carlos Becerra, MD Program Director of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapy, Hoag FamilyCancerInstitute

Hoag Recruits National Expert to Lead Cancer Research

Carlos Becerra, MD, program director of cancer research and cellular therapy, joined Hoag in September 2022 from Baylor Scott & White in Dallas to bring early phase clinical trials to Hoag A nationally recognized expert in early phase clinical research and cellular therapy, Dr. Becerra is driving Hoag’s accreditation through the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, which sets the global standard for high-quality medical and laboratory practice in cellular therapies. Under his leadership, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute has already brought 55 trials to Hoag. An additional 75 are soon to follow. Among these are a handful of trials only open at one or two other sites in the

world. In some cases, Hoag will be the first in the world to offer novel therapies to the community. From activated antibodies and T cells to fluorescent dyes and modified bacteria, cellular therapies use a range of technologies designed to target and kill cancer cells by activating the body’s own immune system. Given Dr. Becerra’s extensive experience and well-established relationships in the industry, Hoag is positioned to be a valued partner of several leading drug companies. In this way, Hoag won’t only be adopting the latest studies out of leading academic institutions but also writing and initiating them right here in Orange County.

Hoag Selected As One of the First Three Sites in the Country for Momentis Study

This long-term study, led by principal investigator Anthony Caffarelli, MD, Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care, tests the superior functionality of a new mitral valve replacement option designed to improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications. The mitral valve keeps blood flowing from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Mitral valve disease, which affects more than eight million Americans, can result from obstruction (stenosis), leakage (regurgitation), or a combination of both. When the valve doesn’t work correctly, symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, and palpitations. The study is expected to grow to include sites around the world and is currently open to enrollment.

“More than 90% of mitral valve surgeries at Hoag are performed to repair the mitral valve. But for those patients who require mitral valve replacement, Hoag has the experience and expertise to offer the latest generation in valve replacement.”

– Anthony Caffarelli, MD, Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center, Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute

NEXTUP

In February, Hoag launched the EmpoweredbyHoag podcast to share Hoag’s expertise, optimism, and enthusiasm for medicine and all its possibilities. Each episode dives deep into the health care topics listeners care about most, with insights from Hoag’s leading physicians and clinicians. Available on all podcast platforms, episodes include topics such as

“Mind-Gut Connection: How It Affects Your Digestion, Mood, and the Way You Think,”

“Fact vs. Fiction in Managing Diabetes,” “Women’s Heart Health, the Silent Killer,” and “Breast Health: What Women Need to Know.”

Hoag Summer Fest

Hoag Summer Fest returns on June 22, 2023, at the Newport Dunes. The event features culinary specialties from more than 30 of Orange County’s top restaurants and musical stylings from local favorite the Tijuana Dogs, all while supporting Hoag’s areas of greatest need.

Empowered byHoag Podcast

This is your source for what’s new and next from Hoag’s world-class team.

Scan to access EmpoweredbyHoag

Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Bassett, MD, MPH, Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology, is now offering focal therapy for patients with prostate cancer. Using a high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, focal therapy allows Dr. Bassett to treat prostate cancer and associated pain non-invasively. While prostate treatments have historically addressed the whole prostate—whether through removal, radiation, or other therapies—new technologies like the HIFU are now allowing physicians to target specific areas of the prostate with cancer.

Jeffrey

Expanding Hoag’s NICU to Serve Our Smallest, Most Vulnerable Patients

Southern California’s growing communities are increasingly in need of high-quality neonatal care. Hoag is answering the call by expanding its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to serve infants born prematurely or with complications. Added space, safety measures, and patient-centered services will ensure Hoag keeps parents and babies together during those crucial first weeks and months of development. With nearly 8,000 babies born at Hoag every year—equivalent to approximately one kindergarten class per day—Hoag takes great pride in caring for families as Orange County’s top choice for maternity care and the second-busiest maternity destination in California.

Endocrinologist Specializing in Weight Management, Diabetes, and More Joins Hoag

In January, Hoag welcomed Tanzila Razzaki, MD, to the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center. Dr. Razzaki is an endocrinologist specializing in obesity and weight management, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic and endocrine disorders. She is board certified in obesity medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, and internal medicine. After completing her internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Razzaki completed a second fellowship in obesity medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. She brings increased support to Hoag patients seeking weight management solutions.

HOAG. EMPOWERED BY

PHILANTHROPY.

Since our founding, Hoag has been committed to empowering the people, partners, and communities we serve to achieve their best health, live their best lives, and do their best work. This collaborative spirit has driven us for 70 years and will drive us for 70 more. Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic community, Hoag continues to imagine a greater, more empowered health care future for all. We invite you to join us in boldly pushing boundaries and leading the way.

Join

From the Chair

HIGH TECH, HIGH TOUCH

Dear Friends of Hoag,

As a Newport Beach native who’s been connected to Hoag in many ways over the years, I’m always impressed by its growth. From the time my father became a Hoag physician when I was a child, to the cancer battles my mother won with Hoag’s team at her side, one hospital has grown to a health care system. There are so many more spaces and team members. Yet it still feels like the same tight-knit community I’ve always known. What a gift!

Looking at all the recent accomplishments and upcoming journeys, I’m reminded of just how important the role of community has always been to Hoag. Whether it’s a community of dedicated supporters like you, of innovative physicians, or of inspirational patients. Knowing each other’s stories is important to me, and I know it’s important to many of you. It connects us in our common goal to support Hoag.

Two of the terms you’ll see in this issue are “high tech” and “high touch.” While they refer to the amazing facilities growing on the Sun Family Campus in Irvine thanks to the Boldly Hoag campaign, I think they’re a fitting way to describe Hoag in general. Thanks to a legacy of philanthropic support, we have helped create a high-tech health system, outfitted with the latest equipment and tools for patients. But we’ve also helped maintain a high-touch system, which I think can mean that we have a personal touch to everything we do. From physicians and nurses providing patient care to Hoag employees encouraging each other, all the way to those of us who find camaraderie in garnering support for Hoag.

I appreciate how much Hoag has grown not only in size but in our emphasis on personalized connections. I think we should all be proud of supporting that culture and keeping it a hallmark of Hoag as we take on every new adventure.

In your service,

Richard H. Taketa Chair, Hoag Hospital Foundation Board

High-Tech, High-Touch Moments Are Transforming the Patient Experience

Health care is changing, and patients throughout Southern California are looking to Hoag for a robust range of world-class services that are both specialized and comprehensive. To meet the diverse needs of Orange County’s growing communities, Hoag is considering every aspect of the patient experience, from personalized care to the way spaces look and how they make people feel. This is the philosophy guiding the expansion of Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine and one that is helping Hoag shape the future of patientcentered health care locally and nationally. Supported by Boldly Hoag, a $300 million capital campaign, Hoag’s plans for expansion and commitment to being a leader in the field are becoming a reality thanks in large part to Hoag’s generous donors.

A Conversation with Franco Brown, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP BD+C, Lead Architectural Designer of Hoag’s New Sun Family Campus

Architect Franco Brown, design director and principal at LPA Design Studios, the firm Hoag contracted after a competitive design process in 2019, shared insight into how Hoag’s focus on expert, compassionate care is guiding the design of new buildings.

“A big differentiator for us is the idea of high tech and high touch. At most hospitals, the patient experience depends, in large part, on how sick you are. People who are compromised get exposed to a host of new

and intimidating sensations throughout their diagnosis and treatment; they may find themselves inside state-of-the-art machines like MRI or CT scanners. All this activity is foreign to the human body. There’s a lot of anxiety that goes into the patient’s mind. These are high-tech moments. Our idea is to balance high-tech moments with high-touch moments,” said Franco.

This balance, according to Franco, requires going back to basics—a nurse holding a

Thanks to funding from Hoag Innovators, a group of entrepreneurial donors, the VECTRA WB360 whole-body 3D imaging system—available to patients with a high risk of skin cancer—is one example of Hoag’s high-tech approach to world-class care in Irvine.

patient’s hand, for example, or areas of respite. On Hoag’s reimagined Irvine campus, patients will have the opportunity to counter hightech experiences with those that bring them comfort and connect them to nature. Outdoor decks and gardens where patients can enjoy the sunlight, fresh air, and plant life provide such opportunities. Franco explains, “Every building, every floor offers patients soothing high-touch moments that bring them back to the familiar.”

For Franco’s team, it’s not only about creating these moments for patients but also caregivers who work long hours and are often under immense stress. Extensive planning has gone into providing these physicians, nurses, and support staff with the same opportunities to decompress and recharge for the benefit of their patients. Access to nature and nonmedical spaces, like dedicated staff lounges and dining areas, also go a long way in recruiting and retaining the brightest talent in medicine, an ongoing priority for Hoag.

Irvine’s Sun Family Campus will feature decks with nature views offering patients, visitors, physicians, and staff high-touch moments for respite and connection.

A new Hybrid OR on the Sun Family Campus will allow advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures to be performed simultaneously in the same room—a high-tech process for delivering more flexible surgical care with greater precision.

The new Judy and Jan Kolar Wellness Park, dedicated in February 2023, is an example of the open-air spaces and greenery celebrated on the Sun Family Campus.

The idea goes further still—it also applies to the campus’ master plan and the way buildings look. What set LPA apart from the beginning was their innovative campus approach, more closely resembling a university or village dedicated to wellness, where a group of small, specialized buildings are connected to nature.

Speaking about the concept, Franco said, “As humans, we relate better to three-story buildings than 20-story buildings. It’s a much more humane scale.” His vision runs contrary to traditional hospital models, but unlike the colder climates of Chicago or New York, which prioritize large hospital towers, Orange County’s rolling coastal landscape and warmer temperatures afford a campus that celebrates the lifestyle of Southern California residents.

The buildings themselves will boast advanced materials like high-performance glass and metal panels—everything you would expect from a state-of-the-art facility—in addition to wood, natural stone, and more. In this way, even the expression of the buildings balance technology with compassionate care.

Franco emphasizes, “These two ideas are not mutually exclusive, and they’re central to Hoag’s health care delivery. The idea of boldness and the best in clinicians, technology, diagnostics, and treatment—all that coupled with a humane approach expressed from the architecture and the materials you touch and see, all the way to the protocols and the spaces that are offered to patients.”

What’s important to both Hoag and to LPA is that patients are confident that Hoag is taking care of their physical needs as much as their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. “When you combine all these elements, the outcome or experience for patients will be very different,” said Franco.

With the first phase of construction well underway—and scheduled to be complete in 2026—evidence of the healing power of nature in the Hoag experience is already beginning to sprout on the grounds of the Sun Family Campus.

Join us at boldlyhoag.org to support the future of health care through Hoag’s bold expansion.

“THIS IS

For about a decade before Marcy Brown joined Hoag in 2001, her husband, Soren Storgaard, was impressed by the small Newport Beach community hospital doing big things. It was rich in vision and high-aiming leaders. The pair lived in Seattle, where Marcy led medical imaging at Providence Seattle and Soren was a senior executive at Siemens Medical. He worked with several academic and research organizations across the country, implementing new medical technology. Yet he was always struck by Hoag’s vision as a community hospital, enthusiasm for innovation, and ability to adopt and implement new technology quickly to deliver the best care possible to patients.

OUR HOSPITAL”

Fast forward a few years, and the two moved to Southern California to follow Soren’s new job in Los Angeles. As a medical technology executive, he worked with Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, USC, Stanford, and others. But his affinity for Hoag only grew. “On one occasion, I brought forward an idea that was very progressive at the time and took it to Hoag’s executive leadership. They thought it was intriguing, would differentiate Hoag, improve patient care, and they approved it,” Soren said. It was a refreshingly straightforward process for Soren and for Marcy, who had seen from the sidelines how other organizations took years to execute a project with her husband, if they did it at all. “I thought this was a great hospital that is at the forefront and doing great things for the community,” he said.

His next idea would be for Marcy: look at Hoag.

New Beginnings

“I’d never heard of Hoag,” Marcy said. “Soren said, ‘Trust me, you need to meet Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki and Robert Braithwaite and listen to their vision.’”

Hoag Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Marcy Brown and her husband Soren Storgaard reflect on their journeys with Hoag as innovators, supporters, and grateful patients.

Marcy at the 2018 dedication of the Benjamin & Carmela Du Emergency Pavilion. Pictured left to right: Robert Braithwaite, Hoag President and CEO; Marcy Brown; Carmela and Benjamin Du; and Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD, President, Hoag Hospital Foundation

So, she did. She interviewed with the now Ron & Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair and the president and CEO, respectively, and was soon leading Hoag into a new era: one that evolved into the operation of an Irvine campus.

“It was early on that I realized the community, Irvine and South County, wanted Hoag Hospital Irvine to be their Hoag,” Marcy said. “The community just wrapped their arms around everything we were doing.” During the Hoag Promise Campaign, they created the Hoag Irvine/Orthopedic Campaign Advisory Committee. She calls it a gift to have been part of that team, which she remembers was full of enthusiasm. “No one missed a meeting, and everyone would come engaged and ready to go all in for the next idea or new program.”

Shortly after Hoag Hospital Irvine opened in 2010, Marcy was leading it. She fondly remembers when the hospital’s inpatient count was less than 10, and she would hope to one day get to 20. That goal would soon be met and eventually greatly surpassed.

In a gesture to further support the campus she helped bring to life, Marcy and Soren made a $250,000 donation in the form of a bequest to Hoag Irvine. It was a place that signified a major accomplishment and one that would also become a saving grace.

“When I helped to build out the Hoag Health Center - Sand Canyon campus, I never imagined that I would be a patient there,”

Grateful Patients

“We both got diagnosed with cancer,” Marcy said. Soren had lung cancer and had a partial lung removal. Marcy underwent radiation for breast cancer. With her employees turned caregivers surrounding her, Marcy couldn’t help but reflect on the seemingly ironic circumstances. “As I was lying there, receiving my radiation treatments, I was saying to them, ‘Can you even believe this?’” she said. They’d all doggedly strived together to retain the best technology and physicians to serve the communities around the hospital. And it came to pass that Marcy and Soren were the very community they’d worked so hard for.

“We both benefited from Hoag having recruited the best physicians and invested in state-of-theart technology for our community,” she said.

A Legacy of Innovation

Marcy and Soren think back on their personal health care journeys and remark on how comforting it was to know that Hoag had what they needed, when they needed it most.

Prompted by their desire to keep innovation a hallmark of Hoag and their mutual penchant for building new things, the pair instinctively took an interest in Hoag Innovators and made an additional $250,000 gift to support its endowment.

“This is active philanthropy,” Marcy explained. Hoag Innovators is a group of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who pool their contributions. They are then

Marcy said.

presented with projects led by Hoag physicians and clinicians, and they collectively choose which ones to fund. The projects can be related to technology, recruitment, and more, all with the goal of bringing advanced techniques and treatments to Hoag patients. Marcy and Soren appreciate how this method of giving combines their skills and interests. “You get a sneak peek at all of the latest technology coming down the pipeline, whether it’s software or a new physician that needs to be recruited, and then you get behind it,” she said.

“Our Hospital”

Through multiple diagnoses and surgeries, Marcy and Soren have relied on Hoag. They travel the scenic canyon road from their home in Laguna Beach to the bustling Irvine campus that rises more every day. Their friends and neighbors in Laguna Beach are also Hoag patients.

With the Boldly Hoag campaign underway, philanthropic support is essential for the campus. Just like the creation of Hoag Hospital Newport Beach counted on the fundraising efforts of the community, so does Hoag Hospital Irvine, which has now taken on new life as the Sun Family Campus.

“This is our hospital,” Marcy said. “Our very first impression of Hoag was that the physicians, nurses, employees, and community support were so different from anything we’d ever been exposed to before.” They hope their support goes a long way to creating new things but keeping one thing the same.

“We want to make sure that Hoag stays Hoag.”

For updates about the Boldly Hoag campaign and exciting opportunities for philanthropic support, go to boldlyhoag.org

A rendering of the first phase of the expansion of the Sun Family Campus in Irvine, which Marcy is helping to drive.

DELIVERY OF CARE REIMAGINED

Empowered by philanthropy, newly renovated clinical areas are elevating the patient experience and expanding the realm of what’s possible.

As Hoag continues to push the boundaries of innovative and patient-first health care, two new clinical spaces in cancer and digestive health reflect a reimagining of the delivery of comprehensive and integrated health care. Thanks to generous donor support, the Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach recently underwent a full renovation of its second and third floors. Philanthropy also enabled the design and construction of the new Digestive Health Institute Clinic at Hoag Health Center Newport Beach on the Mike & Lori Gray Campus, which opened to patients in January. Each space was thoughtfully designed to accommodate the latest advances in medicine, foster collaboration between specialists, and ultimately enhance the experience for every patient.

Expanding Access to Subspecialized Cancer Care

With a growing number of cutting-edge clinical trials, expertise in innovative approaches like precision medicine, and a commitment to retaining the best and brightest oncologic physicians, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute is emerging as a nationally recognized destination for cancer care. Not only has this reinforced Hoag’s position as Orange County’s number one provider of

cancer care, it also means more and more patients travel to the Hoag Family Cancer Institute from outside the community. The expanded Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center means Hoag can serve this growing number of patients while continuing to invest in programs and research that provide access to scientific advances in real time.

A newly renovated social infusion lounge at the Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center offers patients an opportunity to visit with each other and loved ones during treatments.

Patients Come First

A welcoming and calming modern aesthetic along with elements that honor patients’ individual preferences convey that patients come first. The new infusion center was designed to offer patients the choice of receiving treatment in a private, peaceful area or in a setting that allows for connection and conversation with fellow patients and loved ones. In the Satellite Lab, innovative technology provides a rapid blood test, which decreases the time it takes for the blood analysis required prior to receiving an infusion, saving the patient from making a separate lab appointment and streamlining the care process. The Satellite Lab and dedicated pharmacy provide greater capacity for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute to open sophisticated clinical trials in cell therapy and precision medicine, all with the goal of arming patients with therapeutic options that go beyond the standard of care.

Better Together

The redesign also means medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists are all providing care under one roof, enhancing ease of access and coordination of care for the patient while driving increased physician communication and collaboration. Building camaraderie among physicians not only fosters the Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s team-based approach to cancer care but also makes everyone better.

Dori Holnagel, MBA, vice president of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, described it this way:

“In medicine, doctors are constantly thinking about what else can be done for their patients. Part of the thinking process and stimulation of new ideas comes from spontaneous conversations and in-person connections with other physician-scientists. The new cancer center is the vehicle for that to take place.”

A dedicated pharmacy adds capacity for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute to participate in clinical trials.

Semi-private infusion bays at the Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center provide a customized patient experience.

Redefining Digestive Health Care

When it comes to caring for patients with digestive conditions, Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute prides itself on thinking outside the box. “Our goal is to incorporate every discipline into our patients’ care and practice an integrative way of medicine,” said Elizabeth Raskin, MD, surgical director of the Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program. The formula might not be the same for every patient. In fact, Digestive Health Institute practitioners believe strongly that it shouldn’t be. Each patient receives a customized care plan, deliberately and thoughtfully developed by a team of specialists. This commitment helped guide the design of the new Digestive Health Institute Clinic.

A Team Approach

In the new clinic, the Digestive Health Institute’s physicians, who are experts in each area of the digestive tract, see patients in four pods that each house four exam rooms. Having all of these subspecialized clinicians practicing in the same location facilitates the multidisciplinary approach that can lead a patient to a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan. Crohn’s disease, for example, affects the entire GI tract, and a patient may benefit from input from the colorectal surgeon or esophagus specialist in addition to the gastroenterologist. Nearby the exam pods, two consultation rooms provide a place for registered dietitians, nurse navigators, and care coordinators to come alongside patients and further personalize their

The entrance to the Digestive Health Institute Clinic welcomes patients with a soothing design, a health bar with samples of healing foods and beverages, and information about additional wellness therapies such as meditation.

“The new space allows us to build teams around each patient’s specific needs,” said Dr. Elizabeth Raskin

health journey. “The new space allows us to build teams around each patient’s specific needs,” said Dr. Raskin. The added benefit for the patient is accessing each of these team members in one convenient location.

A Holistic, Integrated Model

Along with clinician collaboration, the design of the space itself is intended to promote a sense of health and well-being for every patient who comes through its doors. Open space, airy hallways, a wellness bar with nutritious dietary options, and the incorporation of natural elements and textures all contribute to an enhanced patient experience at the Digestive Health Institute Clinic. The new space is also conducive to integrating holistic approaches that address the whole person. This includes practices like meditation and mindfulness and aromatherapy, which can help elicit a sense of comfort and calm. “The new space and what we’re offering in it are meant to be analogous to how we feel when we’re in good health,” said Dr. Raskin. “It says to patients that we care how you feel when you’re here because we care how you feel overall.”

Hoag at the Forefront of Whole-Person Care

Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute is just one area of Hoag incorporating a whole-person or holistic approach to clinical care. Holistic medicine is a broad term that can refer to different disciplines, including integrative medicine and functional medicine, which each take different approaches to the same end goal: treating the individual, not just the disease.

Integrative medicine blends conventional medical approaches with complementary therapies and lifestyle changes that address the mind, body, and spirit. Evidence-based complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga, meditation and mindfulness, breathwork, massage, nutrition, and others can work together with traditional care to improve overall health and well-being. Philanthropy helps support comprehensive integrative wellness offerings across Hoag, including the Hoag for Her Center for Wellness. By design, the center is closely integrated with many of the Hoag Women’s Health Institute’s clinical programs, providing women with a holistic wellness approach as part of their health care.

Functional medicine is a science-based approach that seeks to address the root cause of an issue or symptom and activate the natural healing abilities of the body. Thanks to a generous gift from the Crean Foundation, Hoag is developing the most innovative and preeminent functional medicine program in Orange County.

Through habit changes, mindfulness, balancing the body’s hormones, vitamins, supplements, and using food as medicine, Hoag’s Functional Medicine Program can literally transform a person’s health and brain functioning so that he or she can live their best life.

The design of the Digestive Health Institute Clinic encourages collaboration between physicians in multiple specialties, resulting in customized care for each patient’s unique health care needs.

Shaping the Future of Medicine

Hoag is advancing the future of medical technologies, bolstered by the support of visionary philanthropists who share Hoag’s passion for innovation and helping patients in new ways. Some of the most exciting developments are in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). They are key in driving innovation at Hoag and health care at large. Thanks to philanthropic support, Hoag is empowering physicians to explore these fields and transform those discoveries into enhanced care for all kinds of patients.

WHAT ARE AR , VR , and AI ?

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is an experience combining simulated digital imagery with the real world as seen through a camera or display.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is an immersive experience that may require a headset to completely replace a user’s surrounding view with a simulated and 3D virtual environment.

Hoag Is Leading in the Use of AR, VR, & AI

Hoag has established a national reputation in the use of this advanced type of technology for surgeries, pain and stress management, patient education, and maternal care. Philanthropic support will be integral to expanding the implementation and uses of these technologies and funding the equipment, software, and expert teams to apply these innovations to patient care models.

VR: Virtual reality technologies can take you abroad or help you look within your own brain. In 2021, Hoag opened the Center for Advanced Visualization and Immersive Therapeutics inside Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. Patients undergoing neurosurgery at Hoag are now able to use VR goggles to do a “fly through” of their brains, see their tumors, and get a better understanding of the surgical mission. Under the leadership of Robert Louis, MD, Empower360 Endowed Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence refers to machine-driven simulations of human intelligence, often used to analyze data and find patterns.

and program director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program, Hoag has established a national reputation for experiential reality technology.

For the Women’s Health Institute, technology of this type is transforming care across institutes. Hoag and BehaVR developed NurtureVR, a first-of-its-kind program for expectant mothers that uses VR for prenatal education, pain and stress management, and postpartum support. This unique, personalized program nurtures mothers’ relationships with their babies, lowers stress, and promotes well-being.

AR: At the Hoag Spine Center, the innovative spine team has performed the first spinal fusion surgery using the recently FDA-cleared augmented reality SyncAR, a surgical navigator for spine co-developed by neurosurgeons from the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and medical visualization platform leader Surgical

Theater. SyncAR for spine uses 3D virtual reconstructions of CT and MRI images to show detailed visualizations of anatomic structures and surgical tools and hardware. The data delivers a reconstruction of the spine to help surgeons make detailed, pre-planned surgical decisions.

AI: When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), Hoag is the first hospital in California to offer an AI enhancement to patients receiving a colonoscopy. Using the GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy module, Digestive Health Institute physicians have begun detecting polyps and other colorectal abnormalities with added confidence. GI Genius™ is the first computeraided detection in the country that uses advanced AI to detect the presence of possible precancerous lesions during a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy images are processed using advanced algorithms that can identify and mark polyp abnormalities in real time, including those that could otherwise go undetected by

Hoag launched NurtureVR, the firstof-its-kind program for expectant mothers, which uses virtual reality (VR) to augment prenatal education, pain management related to pregnancy, and mindfulness, and supporting women through postpartum care.

the human eye.

Chronicling Hoag’s New Frontiers

Every day, Hoag is innovating to change the course of clinical discoveries and patient care. Whether it’s new technology and techniques to enhance patient outcomes or processes and workflows that increase efficiencies for clinicians, being on the cutting edge is a hallmark of Hoag. The use of AI and other smart technologies is revolutionizing health care. While AI platforms like ChatGPT are more widely discussed in the public, there are many health applications that use AI that can have major impacts on new treatments, patient outcomes, earlier diagnostics and prevention, earlier treatment, and improvements in the quality and efficiency of care delivery.

Hoag has a unique advantage when it comes to innovation: a culture of giving back. The legacy of philanthropic support that has built Hoag continues to drive today’s exploration and is powerful in shaping the future of medicine. As our physicians pioneer new methods and devices, we will continue chronicling their discoveries and sharing how the forwardthinking supporters who fund their projects make them possible.

Scan the QR code to sign up for our digital newsletter to stay informed about the newest innovations at Hoag.

AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME

The Hoag Classic, Orange County’s only PGA TOUR Champions event, returned to Newport Beach Country Club March 15-19, 2023, with Hoag as the title sponsor alongside presenting sponsors Konica Minolta and City National Bank. The players making up this year’s impressive tournament roster collectively hold over 400 worldwide professional victories and over 50 major championships. Fans cheered on golf legends Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, David Duval, John Daly, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Pádraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh, and Steve Stricker, among others. With the impressive lineup competing for the $2 million purse, Ernie Els birdied two of his last three holes to overcome a five-stroke deficit beginning the final round to claim his second Hoag Classic title (2020) and third career PGA TOUR Champions title.

With a 27-year history, the tournament has earned the reputation as one of the most successful philanthropic events on the PGA TOUR Champions. With more than $22.5 million raised to date for Hoag and other local charities, the Hoag Classic continues to uphold the distinction and make a meaningful impact on our community.

Ernie Els at the awards ceremony, claiming his second Hoag Classic title.

Legends Pro-Am Presented

by Konica Minolta

Amateur foursomes made up of sponsors and community members were each paired with a PGA TOUR Champions professional for golf on the championship course during this cherished tradition. While day one of the Pro-Am was unfortunately canceled due to the rain, players had the opportunity to hit the fairways on day two before the Hoag Classic began.

Hoag Classic Hall of Fame Community Breakfast

Presented by the Hoag Orthopedic Institute

The anticipation was palpable at the Hall of Fame Community Breakfast, which kicked off Hoag Classic tournament week on March 14. Two-time Hoag Classic champion and golf legend Fred Couples shared memories and highlights from his career while longtime supporters Alan Beyer, MD, co-founder of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and Brian Horn, a Hoag Charity Sports board member, were inducted into the Hoag Classic Hall of Fame.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM TOURNAMENT WEEK

MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM TOURNAMENT WEEK

Military Appreciation Day Presented by CoreLogic

As part of the Hoag Classic’s proud tradition of honoring the men and women who serve our country, all active-duty military and veterans received complimentary admission, food, and beverages on Saturday. This year’s military honorees were celebrated with an inspiring recognition ceremony during the final rounds on the 17th and 18th holes. The day concluded with a charity presentation to several military causes, including the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Hoag Classic & Kingston Technology Scholarship Fund Awards Breakfast

Kingston Technology and the Hoag Classic teamed up to empower non-nursing Hoag employees to further their education and advance their careers by providing $70,000 in scholarships. At the second annual breakfast, 13 scholarship recipients were formally recognized and had the opportunity to engage with leaders from Hoag and Kingston Technology. Chau (Hope) Tran, 2022 Kingston scholarship recipient, shared moving remarks about what being a scholarship recipient has meant to her.

Student Day Presented by Kingston Technology

Students age 18 and under enjoyed free admission to the exciting final day of play at the 2023 Hoag Classic along with the chance to meet some of their favorite players at the Kingston Autograph Arena, open exclusively to kids on Sunday.

NEW! Hoag Experience Lounge

The Hoag Hospital Foundation debuted the Hoag Experience Lounge, which welcomed guests to the 2023 tournament with engaging content and unique interactive experiences. The lounge showcased print and video information about Hoag and its institutes and centers, health screenings, and conversations with Hoag physicians and clinicians. It was also an opportunity to inspire and inform guests with a fly-through video about the Boldly Hoag capital campaign, featuring renderings of Hoag’s reimagined Sun Family Campus in Irvine, in addition to a bold photo mosaic and other activations. Long putt and chipping challenges, Hoag Classic-themed video games, and refreshing spa beverages likewise drew a large crowd.

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A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.

DEC 2022 JAN 2023

56th Annual Christmas Carol Ball

More than 600 Hoag supporters, volunteers, and friends celebrated the holiday season with an evening of fabulous food, dancing, a silent auction, and unique festive touches at the 56th annual Christmas Carol Ball at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. Chaired by Hoag volunteer leaders Cheryl

Digestive Health Institute Clinic Grand Opening

Thanks to generous donor support, the Hoag Digestive Health Institute opened a new, comprehensive clinic in Newport Beach that brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts who collaborate to provide whole-person digestive health care. The grand opening featured a talented panel of speakers and ribbon cutting to commemorate the milestone.

The Future of Spine Care in

Orange County

Burak Ozgur, MD, director of the Hoag Spine Center, moderated a fascinating panel discussion featuring Hoag’s renowned, multidisciplinary spine care specialists. The event also featured interactive elements and a unique opportunity to view some of the advanced spine care technology used at Hoag.

Heart to Heart: A Conversation About Cardiovascular Health

Guests gathered at the Hoag Hospital Foundation for an enriching panel discussion about cardiac health with leading physicians from Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute. Attendees enjoyed interacting with the physicians and one another over heart-healthy light bites.

SCENE

A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.

MAR 2023

Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center Reopening

For the unveiling of the newly expanded Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center, guests had the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art renovations and technology and hear from a panel of Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s acclaimed cancer experts. Made possible by philanthropy, the expansion supports innovative cancer research, greater clinician collaboration, and an enhanced patient experience.

General William Lyon Leadership Center Grand Opening

In honor of the late General William Lyon and his passion for leadership, the Lyon family made a generous gift to Hoag to support a modern new center designed to promote collaboration and innovation among Hoag leaders and physicians. Hoag Hospital Foundation President Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD; Past Chair of the Hoag Hospital Board of Directors Dan Young; and Hoag Chief of Staff Matthew Hunt, MD, addressed guests during the grand opening celebration. Bill H. Lyon, son of Willa Dean and General William Lyon, shared moving remarks about his father’s impact.

APR 2023

Endowed Chair Investiture Ceremony

This memorable April evening celebrated two new endowed chair recipients and the generous donors who established the chairs. In a moving ceremony attended by friends, family, and colleagues, Aaron Ritter, MD, was presented as the Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health, and Vladana Milisavljevic, MD, MS, FAAP, was presented as the Al & Mary Ann Schoellerman Endowed Chair in Neonatology.

Mind Matters: Brain Health Care at Hoag

It is estimated that by 2024, there will be about 676,000 people above the age of 65 in Orange County, its only growing demographic. “Orange County is ground zero for addressing brain issues that people face over the age of 65,” said Aaron Ritter, MD, Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health and director of the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. “When it comes to addressing dementia and cognitive disorders, research has taught us that the biggest impacts come from early and accurate diagnosis. Although we don’t have cures for dementia, having an accurate diagnosis and responding to common issues that emerge can help patients and families adjust to living with these conditions.”

Aaron Ritter, MD, Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health

With the support of philanthropy, Hoag has long provided resources that, in addition to clinical care, deliver patient and physician education, tools for screening, and early assessment of memory and cognitive impairment that can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Ritter, a renowned neurobehavioral psychiatrist, joined Hoag in September 2022 to lead its new Center for Integrative Brain Health, which will expand on the resources that Hoag delivers.

Early Diagnosis: Orange County Vital Brain Program

A trademark of Hoag’s roster of resources is the Orange County Vital Brain Program, launched in 2010, within the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. This unique program, targeting persons over 45 years old, emphasizes early diagnosis by engaging community members, physicians, county organizations, and industry partners. The Orange County Vital Brain Program offers free self-screening tools, accessible on its website, to evaluate, educate, and monitor users on risk factors for cognitive impairment, depression and mood, and memory loss. Identifying risk factors in a patient early leads to earlier treatments and interventions. “This program is

unique. Most people are used to getting their vital signs and bloodwork checked during their annual physical. At Hoag, we believe that checking memory and cognition is the fifth vital sign—along with blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight—that should be checked annually,” said Dr. Ritter. “This is an innovative approach to early identification that’s unlike any in the country. It is going to help us identify people at the earliest signs of a problem.”

Cognivue Technology

In spring 2022, Hoag Innovators—a philanthropic group of community leaders dedicated to advancing health care innovation at Hoag through collaborative giving— funded a clinical pilot of cognitive screening technology: Cognivue. It is the first FDAcleared technology for self-administered computerized assessment, and it can be quickly administered and rapidly analyzed. With the Hoag Innovators’ funding, Hoag was the first in Southern California to implement Cognivue to conduct routine cognitive function screenings across a broad range of neurological disorders. More than 400 people have received neurological assessments with Cognivue through the

clinical pilot, and that number is continuing to grow. Devices are being deployed in Hoag’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and outpatient Neuropsychological Assessment Clinic, and more are being implemented in Hoag’s emerging Center for Integrative Brain Health, Hoag Medical Group primary care offices, and outpatient neurological clinics.

Comprehensive Care: Center for Integrative Brain Health

In the larger landscape of health care, there is a high number of dementia cases and a low number of dementia specialists. Hoag is creating the Center for Integrative Brain Health

to help meet this demand. The center will further expand on Hoag’s existing resources and services to help more of the population maintain, enhance, and treat brain health as they age and support families. “We are attempting to build a comprehensive approach to the brain issues that face individuals over the age of 65,” said Dr. Ritter. With many dementia clinics in the country facing waiting lists that may exceed a year, the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag endeavors to provide patients with quicker diagnoses.

Since the clinic began seeing patients in October 2022, it has seen more than 500 new patients. With philanthropic support, a nurse navigator has also joined the team, providing much-needed guided support for patients and their families. Family and caregiver support is a major component of the center, according to Dr. Ritter, because the health of those individuals can be greatly impacted by the stress of caring for another person.

With increased support, Dr. Ritter sees Hoag as a model of care that focuses on both patient care and clinical research and exploration. “Most of the dementia centers that are in existence are focused almost entirely on clinical research and clinical trials. While research is of crucial importance, until we find a cure for dementia, we need to keep emphasizing and helping patients and their families adapt to the day-today impact of dementia. We could lead in that area. Providers at Hoag really focus on putting patients and families first.”

“…until we find a cure for dementia, we need to keep emphasizing and helping patients and their families adapt to the day-to-day impact of dementia.”

–Dr. Aaron Ritter

Improve Cardiovascular Health: Good cardiovascular health leads to better overall health and lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Non-strenuous exercises like a simple daily walk are good for your brain and can produce improvements as you gain better fitness.

Reduce Stress: Real physical processes are prompted by emotional reactions to stress. Adjusting everyday activities that can be stressful, like driving, can have an impact. Drive with more patience and courtesy, listen to music, and embrace the yellow light’s signal to pause.

Stay Socially Active: Meeting new people, getting to know them, interacting and collaborating with groups, and forming bonds are activities that necessitate cognitive activity. Socializing is considered one of the best mental activities, which is why it’s recommended to partake in activities with other people, like joining clubs and volunteering.

Eat Well: A diet shown to result in the best vascular health has also been shown to promote cognitive health. It is rich in leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, fish, nuts, and low in red meat and high-fat dairy products. An easy place to start is to ensure that you get enough fruit and vegetables!

Seek Intellectual Stimulation: Learning to play a musical instrument and learning to speak a language are among the most challenging yet rewarding intellectual activities. The brain builds new circuits in accordance with the new learning while also being an enjoyable activity.

What Gift Planning Makes Possible Q&A:

Every adult, regardless of age or net worth, needs an estate plan. An estate plan ensures your wishes are honored regarding distributing assets, such as personal property, real estate, life insurance policies, financial accounts, and stocks. Having a plan in place also ensures you can continue supporting the causes and organizations you value far beyond your lifetime, including Hoag. We can help.

Julie Heggeness , JD, CSPG, TEP Vice President of Legal & Executive Director of Gift Planning Hoag Hospital Foundation

To learn more about how gift planning can help you, please call 949-764-7206 or email Julie.Heggeness@hoag.org.

What you need to know about the Secure 2.0 Act! Scan the code for an informational video from Julie.

What is the difference between a will and trust?

A will goes into effect after your death and dictates who will receive your property and assets. A trust takes effect as soon as you create it and allows you to transfer property and assets during your lifetime. A will is subject to probate, a process overseen by a court, and becomes a public record. A trust is private and not subject to probate.

What is a planned gift?

A planned gift is a donation that is designated for an organization at a future date, often through a will or trust. The gift is made through a formal estate plan.

How can I use my estate plan to support Hoag?

You can name Hoag as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, a life insurance policy, financial accounts, personal property, or other assets. IRA gifts to families are subject to higher taxes and must be exhausted within 10 years. Gift planning can assist you in extending the term and lowering the taxes.

How will making a charitable gift through my estate benefit me and/or my loved ones?

Every estate is different, and our experts are available to help you make the best financial decisions for your family. All heirs are different, even in the same family, and we can show you how to best serve them.

What are the benefits of making a bequest, and in what ways can I make one?

There are many benefits to making a bequest. It is easy to make, it costs you nothing, and can be changed if you desire. You can determine what your legacy will be. Your estate planning attorney can provide a provision in your will or trust that leaves a gift to Hoag. It can be a specific asset, dollar amount, or percentage of your estate. It can also be the residue, or what’s left of your estate after all gifts have been made.

What should I know about making a required minimum distribution from my IRA?

Although starting in 2023, you do not have to take a required minimum distribution until age 73, if you are over 70 ½, you may transfer up to $100,000 annually from your IRA to charity, satisfying your required minimum distribution, but not count it as income to you. The Secure 2.0 Act now allows you to make a one-time distribution, up to $50,000, to fund a charitable gift annuity. You will receive income for your lifetime.

I’ve included Hoag in my will—now what?

If you have named Hoag as a beneficiary, please let us know so we can thank you and welcome you into our Hoag Heritage Society. Members of this special group of supporters receive invitations to events, our newsletters, and other benefits.

At Hoag we know every person needs a team of dedicated experts to help them conquer cancer. Our unparalleled expertise in every type of cancer, along with groundbreaking clinical research and precision medicine enable us to deliver a specialized treatment plan uniquely designed for each person. Learn more at hoag.org/cancer

2023 Board of Directors

Officers

Richard H. Taketa, Chair

Deborah H. Margolis, Vice Chair

Kyle B. Wescoat, Treasurer

Carolyn C. McKitterick, Secretary

Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD, President

Directors

Anthony A. Allen

Lisa Argyros

Victor A. Assad

Philip A. Belling

Patricia L. Berchtold

Robert T. Braithwaite

Irving M. Chase

Diane A. Connelly

Benjamin R. Du

Gary A. Fudge

Mark A. Hardtke, Sr.

Jeremy M. Jones

Paul C. Lin

Devon R. Martin

Stephen G. Muzzy

Aidan A. Raney, MD, FACC

Katherine Shen

Cynthia Stokke

Senior Leadership

Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD President, Hoag Hospital Foundation

Danna Grant

Senior Vice President, Advancement

Geoff McCloskey

Senior Vice President, Finance and Development Operations

Adam Gafke

Vice President, Campaigns and Development Analytics

Lyddy Lewis

Vice President of Development, Major Gifts

Gwen Ritter

Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts

Jenelle Seltzer

Vice President, Donor Relations

Coufos Family Center for Philanthropy

330 Placentia Avenue • Newport Beach, CA 92663

BE BOLD WITH US

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with the Hoag Hospital Foundation. As Hoag expands to transform Hoag Irvine into the Sun Family Campus—a place where advanced treatment options, cutting-edge translational research, and toptier technology will meet holistic wellness offerings—your support helps make Hoag a national destination for patient care. Together, we’re reaching new frontiers in health care. Join us.

Get Connected: Hoaghospitalfoundation.org boldlyhoag.org

199

Beach, CA

@hoaghospitalfoundation

Ways to Support

Scan here to learn how to direct your gift of any amount to the area at Hoag that matches your philanthropic passion, or call (949) 764-7217.