We started our day learning about Health & Human Services with presentations from Marcy Brown, Hoag’s Executive Director, and two additional Medical Directors. Hoag Healthcare has provided personalized care for almost 60 years, and it was encouraging to hear how they are serving Orange County.
We had the opportunity to listen to a panel discussion about social services from Orange County with representatives from the City of Irvine, the City of Newport Beach and Share Our Selves. This discussion was very lively, and we learned about how the community is passionately working to improve its services for the future. The class took a break for a lunch hosted by Pita Grill at the beautiful Bill Barber Community Park in Irvine.
We spent the afternoon at CHOC. We learned what makes CHOC special in presentations from Matt Gerlach, Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Steven Neudorf, Pediatric Oncologist. We also heard from Oliver Wyss, OC Blues Soccer Coach and founder of Soccer for Hope, and he shared his story from a perspective of a parent whose children fought cancer. We ended our time at CHOC with an an incredible tour of the new Bill Homes Tower. The patients, parents and staff all submitted ideas that were implemented in the design of this new tower to make it feel less like a hospital. The designs were gorgeous, fun and kid-friendly. We got a glimpse of the lobbies designed by Disney, Ryan Seacrest Studios (a children’s radio station), and an interactive wall with videos of Nemo and his friends.
The staff at CHOC has such a deep love and care for these children, and it is evident right when you walk in the front door. The day made quite the impact, and the class enjoyed gaining insight and learning from all of these amazing healthcare professionals.
