Advancing Healthcare Symposium Highlights Neuroscience and Longevity
Hundreds gathered at The Huntington for an evening focused on brain health, complex specialty care and practical steps toward living healthier, longer lives.
Adventist Health Glendale welcomed community members, physicians, supporters and healthcare leaders to its fifth annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium on Tuesday, April 28, at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.
The signature event, hosted by the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, brought together two timely conversations: what is possible when a serious neurologic or spine-related medical crisis occurs, and how prevention, lifestyle and informed choices can support long-term brain health and whole-person wellness.
This year’s program featured a panel of Adventist Health Glendale neuroscience experts, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Mark Hyman, internationally recognized physician, author, educator and leader in functional medicine.
“At Adventist Health Glendale, we believe the future of healthcare should be both extraordinary and accessible,” said Alice Issai, President of Adventist Health’s Southern California Network. “This Symposium reflects our commitment to advancing care in ways that are innovative, compassionate and meaningfully responsive to the needs of our communities. The level of neuroscience expertise represented by our physicians is truly remarkable, and it is helping redefine what patients and families can expect from community-based care.”
Advanced neuroscience care closer to home
The physician panel highlighted Adventist Health Glendale’s continued growth as a destination for advanced neuroscience care, including complex brain and spine procedures, stroke intervention, minimally invasive neurovascular treatments, advanced technology and participation in national and international clinical trials.
Panelists included:
- Yaser Badr, MD, Brain, Spine, and Neurointerventional Neurosurgery
- Mikayel Grigoryan, MD, Vascular and Interventional Neurology
- Lance Lee, MD, Neurology
- Ikenna Nwachuku, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Together, the physicians offered an inside look at how speed, coordination, technology and clinical expertise can make a profound difference for patients facing life-altering neurologic conditions.
For Dr. Badr, the evening was an opportunity to emphasize that highly specialized care is not defined only by technology, but by the team behind it.
“When patients are facing complex brain, spine or neurovascular conditions, every decision matters,” said Dr. Badr. “Our goal is to bring academic-level expertise, advanced technology, and highly coordinated care to patients close to home, so they can receive the right intervention at the right time, without having to leave their community.”
Dr. Grigoryan spoke to the urgency and precision required in neurovascular care, particularly for patients experiencing stroke or other serious blood vessel conditions affecting the brain.
“In stroke and neurovascular emergencies, time is brain,” said Dr. Grigoryan. “Our ability to rapidly diagnose a problem, mobilize our highly skilled teams, and use the latest minimally invasive techniques can dramatically change a patient’s outcome. That level of coordination is uncommon in a community setting, but it’s also what allows us to save lives and preserve function.”
Dr. Lee highlighted Adventist Health Glendale’s Comprehensive Stroke Program and its role leading clinical trials, reflecting the hospital’s impact on advancing neuroscience care beyond the bedside. Through these research efforts, patients gain access to emerging treatments and specialized expertise often associated with major academic medical centers.
“Clinical trials are an important part of moving medicine forward,” said Dr. Lee. “Our involvement in national and global studies allows us to help evaluate promising therapies while giving appropriate patients access to advanced treatment options that may not otherwise be available in a community setting. It is one more way we are helping bring leading-edge neuroscience care closer to home.”
Dr. Nwachuku focused on advances in spine care, including individualized treatment plans, minimally invasive options and the goal of helping patients regain mobility and function.
“Spine care is ultimately about helping people return to their lives,” said Dr. Nwachuku. “Whether a patient needs surgery or can be treated through a less invasive approach, the goal is always to relieve pain, protect neurologic function and choose the option that best supports long-term recovery. We’re doing this daily at Adventist Health Glendale, and it’s great to see our sister hospitals and other community hospitals recognize what’s offered here and referring cases to us for collaboration.”
A whole-person approach to health and longevity
The evening also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mark Hyman, who spoke about longevity, prevention and the importance of creating health rather than only treating disease. His presentation offered practical insights into how nutrition, lifestyle and daily choices can influence long-term health and well-being.
“This symposium is one of the Foundation’s most meaningful opportunities to bring our community closer to the exceptional care happening every day,” said Elizabeth LaBorde, President of the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation. “This year’s program beautifully demonstrated the two sides of our mission, how we’re providing life-saving care when patients need us most, while also empowering people with knowledge that can help them live healthier, longer lives.”
The 2026 Advancing Healthcare Symposium was coordinated by the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation and the Foundation Board of Directors, with generous support from MARINER Health Care and other event sponsors.
Learn more about advanced neuroscience care.
Pictured from left to right: Scott Hoesman, CEO & Founder of inQUEST Consulting and event emcee; Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku, orthopedic spine surgery; Dr. Yaser Badr, brain, spine, and neurointerventional neurosurgery; Alice Issai, President of Adventist Health Southern California Network and Adventist Health Glendale; Elizabeth LaBorde, President of Adventist Health Glendale Foundation; Dr. Lance Lee, neurology; and Dr. Mikayel Grigoryan, vascular and interventional neurology, gather during Adventist Health Glendale’s fifth annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium at The Huntington.
