At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, innovation happens through partnership. Through three dynamic Leadership Councils — the Cardiovascular Institute, the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute and the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center — donors, physicians and community leaders are working side by side to advance specialized care across the San Fernando Valley through philanthropy.

Each council brings together advocates who share a
common purpose: ensuring Providence Saint Joseph continues to lead the way in specialized care while meeting the evolving needs of our community.

In just one year, the impact has been significant.

Investing in cancer innovation

The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center (DFCC) Leadership Council, co-chaired by Joan McCarthy and Richard Gillespie, M.D., FACS, plays an important role
in advancing cancer care at Providence Saint Joseph. To date, the council has raised more than $9.7 million in philanthropic support, helping drive meaningful progress across the institute. Philanthropic support has translated directly into earlier detection, more precise treatment and expanded survivorship support.

Recent advancements include the installation of a next-generation 3D mammography unit to enhance early breast cancer detection and reduce repeat scans. A new precision radiation therapy platform will enable more targeted treatment with shorter recovery times. The DFCC also introduced blue light cystoscopy to improve detection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and is moving forward with a state-of-the-art linear accelerator that will track and target tumors in real time, meaning patients receive faster, safer and more effective treatment with fewer side effects.

Beyond technology, philanthropy fully sustains Thrivorship — the DFCC’s integrative survivorship program — which has served more than 1,500 patients since launch through no-cost services such as acupuncture, yoga, nutrition counseling and social work support.

Advancing cardiovascular care
The Cardiovascular Institute Leadership Council,
co-chaired by Emily Habibi and Roy Mukku, M.D., supports the continued growth of heart and vascular care at the medical center. The council has raised more than $2.2 million in philanthropic support, helping advance key programs and priorities across the institute.

This year, the institute introduced new treatments
for heart rhythm disorders and expanded procedures that help reduce stroke risk. A dedicated Pulmonary Embolism Pathway — the only program of its kind in the San Fernando Valley — now ensures patients with life-threatening blood clots receive fast, coordinated care when every second matters.

Looking ahead, philanthropic priorities include renovating a cath labs, advancing heart failure management and expanding cardiac imaging capabilities — investments designed to further strengthen patient care and position the institute
at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation.

Expanding neuroscience excellence
At the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute,
the Leadership Council is helping accelerate
progress in one of medicine’s most rapidly evolving fields. Co-chaired by Bonnie Hill and Nouzhan Sehati, M.D., the council brings together passionate advocates committed to advancing neurological care across the region.

Since launching just over a year ago, the council has already generated significant momentum, raising nearly $600,000 to support the institute’s growth and strategic priorities. These investments help expand stroke services, recruit leading physician specialists and strengthen programs addressing complex neurological conditions.

One major milestone ahead is the installation of a new GE Omni Legend PET/CT scanner, funded entirely through philanthropy. This advanced technology will help physicians diagnose disease more quickly and improve treatment planning for neurological, cardiovascular and cancer patients.

A model built for the future
Together, the Leadership Councils represent a powerful partnership between Providence Saint Joseph and the community it serves. By bringing together philanthropic leaders and clinical experts, these councils are strengthening programs, accelerating innovation and shaping the future of care for the patients and families who rely on our medical center every day.