Meet Cynthia Cherfane, MD 

Dr. Cherfane is an internal medicine provider with Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pouch disorders, celiac disease and other immune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.  

She treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC and Keck Medicine of USC — Pasadena at 590 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

Looking back on her childhood dream: 

“I wanted to be a schoolteacher — and I loved to role play with my dolls!” 

Today, she loves teaching and raising her own children. 

“I love to spend time playing with my four kids and watching them grow.” 

Medicine runs in her family. 

“I was born into a family with two parents who are pharmacists and who practice as primary care doctors in an underserved country. This drew me to a career in health care from a very young age.” 

She looks to her own mother for inspiration. 

“My biggest role model growing up was my mom because she is a hardworking woman and a dedicated mother who is able to balance her career and family.” 

Europe is her favorite travel destination and the site of her favorite movie. 

“My favorite movie is ‘La Vita è Bella,’ or ‘Life Is Beautiful,’ the 1997 Italian film directed by Roberto Benigni that celebrates the beauty of the human spirit.” 

Other countries are also on her bucket list. 

“One day, I’d love to travel to Japan.” 

She is also an avid runner. 

“I love to run because it gives me a feeling of freedom and challenges me. One day, I hope to run a marathon.” 

She also loves cuisine. 

“If I could trade careers with anyone in the world, I would work for the Michelin Guide and sample delicious dishes in top-rated restaurants around the world. Barring that, one of my goals is to take cooking classes.” 

What would people be surprised to learn about her? 

“I speak French, Arabic and English. In fact, I did most of my studies, including at medical school, in French.” 

Why she loves working at Keck Medicine: 

“The quality of care is among the best I have seen, with excellent providers who are also genuinely kind human beings who truly care. I appreciate that I can provide the best care for my patients without any pressure regarding the time I spend with them, the workup I need to do or the choice of the most appropriate therapy.” 

The best piece of advice she’s ever received? 

“I love the saying ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ Although often misattributed to Albert Einstein, it’s still great advice no matter what.” 

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