Meet Maria E. Nelson, MD

Dr. Nelson is a surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in breast surgical oncology and breast cancer treatment. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. Her childhood doctors inspired her to pursue medicine. “I have always had a compelling desire to help people. As a young child, I was often in and […]

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Meet Christopher C. Ornelas, MD

Dr. Ornelas is an orthopedic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in spine surgery and nonoperative spinal disorders. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. He dreamed of becoming a doctor. “My entire life, I always wanted to be a physician. The day I was accepted to medical school, my lifetime dream […]

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Meet Jonathan J. Russin, MD

Dr. Russin is a neurosurgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in cerebrovascular/skull base disease and epilepsy neurology. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. He doesn’t take the small things for granted. “You will rarely encounter dramatic, life-changing decisions. It is the small, seemingly insignificant decisions that you make every day, which […]

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Meet John C. Liu, MD

Dr. Liu is a neurosurgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in neurological and spine surgery . Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. He had dreams of the big leagues. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I think I would’ve made a great catcher.” Family […]

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Meet Michael Johns III, MD

Michael Johns III is an otolaryngologist at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in laryngology, and voice, swallowing and airway disorders. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. Music brings him joy. “I’ve always loved listening to music. The voices of Peter Gabriel, Jerry Garcia, Stevie Nicks and Karen Carpenter have always resonated with […]

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What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma?

John S. Oghalai, MD, chair of the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC, explains the most important things you need to know about acoustic neuromas. Hearing loss can be a part of aging, but sometimes, it can be caused by a more serious issue like an […]

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When Should You Consider Surgery for a Bunion or Hammertoe?

Eric Tan, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, walks you through treatment options for bunions and hammertoes. Do your feet hurt when you wear shoes? Do you have a bump on your toe? Or has one of your toes started to overlap another? If you said yes, you may be experiencing the […]

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What Is a Hammertoe?

Have you felt pain or discomfort when wearing shoes? Do you see something unusual when you look at your feet? You could potentially have something called a bunion or even a hammertoe. Hammertoes are a very common foot problem. We turned to Eric Tan, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC and associate professor […]

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Meet Reza Omid, MD

Dr. Omid is an orthopedic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions, sports injuries, arthritis and trauma. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. He wanted to be a national hero. “At a young age I was always fascinated with the Navy SEALs and dreamed of becoming one. […]

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Is Your Voice Changing Due to Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux can cause a whole host of symptoms, but is it to blame for voice changes? Our voice specialist explains. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus. Common symptoms can include a burning or painful sensation in the middle of your chest, bad breath, nausea or […]

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