Training Clinicians, Advancing Inclusion: LuskinOIC Champions Disability Care and Adaptive Sports Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson From Classroom to Community: Preparing the Next Generation of TBI Clinicians The Thrive Adaptive Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) curriculum continued its three-part series with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symposium, presented in collaboration with students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP). The hybrid learning module advanced Thrive Adaptive’s mission to embed disability-informed care into medical education by integrating clinical knowledge, communication skills, and lived experience. The program featured Jamie Currie, MS, behavioral specialist and disability advocate, who led instruction on patient-centered communication strategies for individuals with TBI. Clinical foundations were presented by Dr. Dan Miulli, neurosurgeon and medical director of the Brain Injury Program at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, who provided an overview of TBI pathology, treatment pathways, and long-term outcomes. A panel discussion moderated by Hector Ochoa, disability self-advocate and community leader, centered the lived experience of individuals with TBI and highlighted community-based resources available to clinicians and patients. The experience concluded with a visit to The Perfect Step Neurological Rehabilitation Center, where students met founder Hal Hargrave and learned about emerging rehabilitation technologies and recovery strategies shaping neurological care. A Full Calendar, a Shared Mission: Expanding Disability Inclusion The LuskinOIC calendar is filled with opportunities to learn from, support, and engage with the disability community—positioning this year as one of the institute’s most impactful to date. Through partnerships with regional and national organizations, LuskinOIC faculty, staff, and collaborators will be present across Southern California and beyond, reinforcing a commitment to access, inclusion, and community-driven care. Upcoming highlights include: Feb. 19–22: Little People of America West Coast Regional Event — Las Vegas Feb. 21: Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo — McCambridge Park, Burbank Feb. 22: Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair with Angel City Sports — Ted Watkins Park, Los Angeles March 7: Casa Colina Roll & Rally with Triumph Foundation — Claremont March 21: UCLA Center for Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference & Family Forum — LuskinOIC March 21–22: Angel City Sports Youth Weekend — Harvard-Westlake Upper School, Los Angeles March 27–28: Los Angeles Abilities Expo — Long Beach Convention Center Together, these events reflect a clear and enduring commitment: showing up for the disability community, learning directly from lived experience, and turning partnerships into action. By maintaining a strong presence across Southern California and beyond, LuskinOIC continues to build trust, strengthen community connections, and ensure that access, inclusion, and impact remain at the center of everything we do.
Bringing Smiles With Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson On Jan. 8, LuskinOIC was filled with laughter, creativity, and sweet treats during a special event hosted in partnership with Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins. Children and families enjoyed a fun afternoon of hands-on arts and crafts led by Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins volunteers, creating a welcoming space for creativity, play, and connection. To make the day even sweeter, Baskin-Robbins generously provided ice cream, bringing smiles to patients, siblings, and caregivers alike. Events like this reflect LuskinOIC’s commitment to caring for the whole child by supporting not only physical healing but also joy, emotional well-being, and moments of normalcy during medical visits. We are grateful to Project Sunshine and Baskin-Robbins for their continued partnership and generosity, as well as to our volunteers and staff who helped make this day memorable for the children and families we serve.
Helping Your Child Feel Confident and Prepared for Surgery Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson Learning that your child needs orthopaedic surgery can feel overwhelming for the whole family. In our latest blog post, LuskinOIC specialists share a comprehensive guide to preparing children for surgery in ways that provide comfort, build confidence, and reduce anxiety. The guidance is tailored by age and developmental stage, recognizing that toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers each process information differently. Research consistently shows that children who are well prepared experience better outcomes, and thoughtful preparation can positively shape how they approach medical care throughout their lives. The post covers universal principles, including the importance of telling the truth using age-appropriate language, and offers specific strategies for supporting children at every stage of development. Read the full guide on our blog to help your child navigate this surgery with confidence and resilience. [Read More: Preparing Your Child for Orthopaedic Surgery]
Keeping Kids in the Game: Dr. Goldman Featured in Southbay Magazine Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson We’re excited to share that Dr. Joshua Goldman, associate director of the Center for Sports Medicine at LuskinOIC and a 2025 Super Doctors SoCal honoree, will be featured in Southbay Magazine’s “All About Kids” special section in March. In the profile, Dr. Goldman discusses how LuskinOIC’s sports medicine team delivers the same level of expertise provided to elite athletes—including the Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA football and beach volleyball teams, and the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center—to young athletes across Los Angeles. He reflects on the evolving landscape of youth sports, the importance of keeping kids active and engaged, and why physical and social literacy should be the true goal of youth athletics. Dr. Goldman also emphasizes that curiosity is the foundation of medical innovation, driving LuskinOIC’s research efforts to help children heal faster and more effectively. He shares how his own experience as a multisport athlete growing up shaped his belief that every child deserves access to youth sports, a conviction that aligns closely with LuskinOIC’s mission to provide world-class care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The feature offers a wonderful glimpse into the philosophy and passion driving LuskinOIC’s Center for Sports Medicine and its commitment to helping young athletes thrive.
LuskinOIC Hosts Annual National Cerebral Palsy Conference Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson LuskinOIC will host the UCLA/LuskinOIC Center for Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference and CP Family Forum on March 21, an important annual event that brings together leaders in cerebral palsy care, research, and advocacy from across the country. This year’s conference is particularly significant as it will feature remarks from Dr. Soroush Baghdadi, newly appointed director of the UCLA/LuskinOIC Center for Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Baghdadi will share his vision for advancing interdisciplinary care and strengthening community partnerships to better support individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. The 2025 theme, “Growing Up With CP,” focuses on the evolving needs of individuals with cerebral palsy across the lifespan, with an emphasis on transitions in care, long-term outcomes, and whole-person support. The conference brings together clinicians, families, researchers, and community partners to foster collaboration and shared learning. The event will be headlined by Dr. Mark D. Peterson, Charles E. Lytle Jr. Endowed Research Professor at University of Michigan Medicine and a Fulbright Scholar. An international leader in disability health research, Dr. Peterson has authored more than 200 publications and leads the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy. His work is also informed by lived experience as the father of a teenager with cerebral palsy. The conference will welcome more than 30 families affected by cerebral palsy, more than 50 physical therapists, and a dozen high-impact community organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and support—reinforcing LuskinOIC’s role as a national hub for interdisciplinary CP care. Visit our website to learn more about the Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference and the CP Family Forum.
Honoring Research Excellence at JVL Award Reception Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson On Friday, Jan. 23, LuskinOIC hosted a dinner reception to honor the creation of the new Harry A. McKellop, Ph.D., Excellence in Research and Innovation Award. Presented on behalf of the J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D., Biomechanics Research Center at LuskinOIC, the award recognizes outstanding achievement and forward-thinking leadership in research. Before establishing the McKellop Award, LuskinOIC presented the G. June Marshall Award, named in honor of the research center’s first director. To continue that legacy of revolutionary orthopaedic research, the JVL Research Center has introduced this new award honoring Dr. Harry McKellop. Dr. McKellop served at the JVL Research Center from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. During that time, he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory, Director of the Research Center, and eventually Vice President of Orthopaedic Hospital. For his research on wear and tear on artificial joints, Dr. McKellop was awarded numerous patents and received prestigious awards, such as the Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Under his leadership, the JVL Research Center became, and remains, one of the world’s most prominent and renowned orthopaedic research institutions. The 2025 McKellop Award recipient is Dr. Jenna Wahbeh, Ph.D. Dr. Wahbeh joined LuskinOIC in 2019 as a volunteer and later became a researcher, Ph.D. candidate, and lab manager at the JVL Research Center. Over five years, she published groundbreaking research addressing critical gaps in orthopaedics and mentored more than 30 high school and college students. During her time as a Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Wahbeh received the ORS Spine Section Travel Fellowship and the UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship. In March 2025, Dr. Wahbeh successfully defended her dissertation, which focused on evaluating cervical disc replacements to improve clinical outcomes. The evening was attended by past and present JVL Research Center researchers, LuskinOIC leadership and staff, and honored guests. Dr. James Luck Jr. gave a history of LuskinOIC and the Research Center, while Dr. Edward Ebramzadeh reflected on Dr. McKellop and his time with LuskinOIC. Dr. McKellop then spoke about his own experience before introducing this year’s awardee, Dr. Wahbeh. Dr. Wahbeh closed the evening by thanking the JVL Research Center for the recognition and reflecting on her time at LuskinOIC.
June 6: The 2026 Innovation Gala Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson LuskinOIC is excited to announce that the 2026 Stand for Kids Gala will take place Saturday, June 6, at Manhattan Beach Studios. The evening will honor this year’s Community Inspiration Award recipient, the Everychild Foundation, and the Power of Partnerships Award winner, the UCLA Sarcoma team. The 2026 gala theme, “Innovation,” will highlight the advancements LuskinOIC’s campus and providers are making to better serve the children of Los Angeles and beyond. The Everychild Foundation is dedicated to easing the suffering of children in the greater Los Angeles area. The organization unites more than 200 Los Angeles women, each contributing $6,000 annually, to fund a single high-impact project addressing a critical unmet need of local children. In 2025, Everychild awarded LuskinOIC its first seven-figure grant from a foundation, providing the capstone to our $2.1 million MRI initiative. The UCLA Sarcoma team provides innovative, multidisciplinary care for patients with sarcoma at every stage of the disease. UCLA is among the busiest sarcoma centers in the country, performing more than 500 sarcoma surgeries annually. The UCLA Pediatric Sarcoma Center is also dedicated to advancing research to improve treatment and outcomes. Led by Dr. Noah Federman, the UCLA Pediatric Oncology team helps children achieve remission and get back to being kids. The 2024 gala, held at SoFi Stadium, featured the announcement of a $50 million dollar estate gift from Meyer and Renee Luskin. Nearly 1,000 guests gathered at center field as LuskinOIC honored the Los Angeles Chargers and Students Run LA. [Relive the 2024 Gala here.]
Why A+E Networks Continues to Champion LuskinOIC’s Mission Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson We are proud to share a video created by our longtime partner, A+E Networks, highlighting LuskinOIC’s mission and the impact of their continued support. In the video, LuskinOIC CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto underscores the urgency of our work—providing life-changing orthopaedic care to children who otherwise could not access or afford it. Viewers see firsthand how our team transforms young lives through specialized surgical care, physical therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics services. For more than a decade, A+E has championed our mission, helping support more than 60,000 patient visits each year, 85% of which serve children who are underinsured or uninsured. Their commitment to sharing our story with global partners reflects a deep understanding that investing in children’s mobility is an investment in their futures. We are grateful for partners who do more than give. A+E Networks takes the time to truly understand our work and amplify our mission to audiences around the world.
Hopkins Family’s $15,000 Gift Advances Access at LuskinOIC Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson On behalf of LuskinOIC and the patients we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Board of Trustees member Iran Hopkins and her husband, Christopher Hopkins, for their generous $15,000 gift in support of the Innovation Campaign. Since joining the Board this past fall, Iran has been a passionate and committed advocate for our mission. Through a thoughtful review of their personal and professional networks, along with the use of a director’s discretionary fund, Iran and Christopher designated their gift to support a key Innovation Campaign project focused on improving access to our front entrance and Urgent Care Center. Dr. Goldman with a LuskinOIC patient This project, a passion initiative of our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Silva, will replace stairs and a lengthy ramp with a graded slope and rotary drop-off area, helping ensure safer, more welcoming access for our patients and families. Iran and Christopher’s leadership and generosity underscore the meaningful impact individuals can make when they leverage their resources to support innovation in care. We invite our community to follow their example by contributing to the Innovation Campaign. Together, we can advance innovative programs, expand access to care, and help ensure brighter futures for the patients and families who rely on LuskinOIC.
A Lasting Legacy: The $1.1 Million Goldrick Gift to LuskinOIC Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson John J. Goldrick and his wife, Gabrielle Saxton Goldrick, made a $1.1 million planned gift to LuskinOIC that reflects their deep belief in the transformative power of accessible, equitable healthcare. Through JJ’s volunteer work at LuskinOIC’s Toys & Joy event and the annual Swing for Kids Golf Classic, he and Gabrielle gained a front-row seat to our mission: providing world-class orthopaedic care to children regardless of their families’ ability to pay. With no children of their own, the couple made a deliberate estate-planning decision to support that work. Their gift represents the kind of philanthropic investment that enables pediatric specialty hospitals to sustain and expand services for underserved communities. A Purple Heart recipient, JJ built a distinguished career in property management following his military service and remained deeply committed to healthcare access throughout his life. He volunteered three days a week at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center & Orthopaedic Hospital information desk and served on the UCLA Santa Monica Patient Family Advisory Council until his recent passing. In recognition of the Goldricks’ transformative gift, LuskinOIC will name the rotary driveway at its downtown campus The Goldrick Circle as part of the Innovation Campaign to enhance facility accessibility. “We thank JJ and Gabrielle for thoughtfully planning to make the future count for the mission of LuskinOIC,” said Michael Sullivan. Their legacy exemplifies how planned giving can create lasting impact in pediatric healthcare, ensuring that children across Los Angeles continue to receive the specialized orthopaedic care they need. The Goldrick Circle will serve as a daily reminder that exceptional patient care is built not only through clinical excellence, but through the generosity of those who believe every child deserves access to healing.
Career Day Introduces LAUSD Magnet Students to Healthcare Paths Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson On December 5, LuskinOIC welcomed 24 students and three chaperones from LAUSD’s University Pathways Medical Magnet Academy (UMED) for a behind-the-scenes tour of our campus. The career-pathways visit paired quick department spotlights with Q&A sessions, allowing students to hear directly from our teams about real roles, training paths, and what it’s like to serve children every day. After a welcome from Michael Sullivan in the Luck Family Conference Center, students rotated through the Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center, Harbison Radiology, Urgent Care, ICP, ASC, the 4th-Floor Clinic, JVL Research, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy. Along the way, they learned how clinicians, techs, researchers, and support staff work together to deliver world-class pediatric orthopaedic care, often to uninsured or underinsured families. Thank you to every department that hosted a stop and shared time and expertise. Your enthusiasm made a lasting impression and may have sparked a few future careers in healthcare.
Community Holiday Breakfast and CHP Toy Giveaway Bring Joy Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson On Tuesday, December 9, LuskinOIC and California Highway Patrol once again partnered for their annual toy giveaway. The Luck Family Conference Center was transformed into a winter wonderland, where patients and community guests were greeted by Santa Claus. Tables were stocked with toys donated by generous supporters, including CHP. Every child chose a toy they loved and received a Project Sunshine craft kit, holiday meal essentials, and a few additional treats. LuskinOIC welcomed more than 50 guests from community partners, including Gilbert Lindsay Park, MaMa’s del Sur Centro, Soledad Enrichment Action, and Volunteers of America. Families enjoyed the festivities while learning more about LuskinOIC’s mission, services, and commitment to the community. LuskinOIC is deeply grateful to California High Patrol for their continued partnership and support. Their annual contribution to the toy drive helps create a memorable experience for patients and families during the CHP Toy Giveaway.
Toys & Joy Brings Holiday Magic to Downtown Los Angeles Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson A Winter Wonderland in Downtown LA LuskinOIC’s Downtown Los Angeles campus transformed into a winter wonderland for the 36th annual Toys & Joy Holiday Party, welcoming more than 1,000 patients and families, with some arriving as early as 6:00 a.m. Star-Studded Celebration The festivities kicked off with Ozzie the Dragon arriving aboard a SWAT BearCat, joined by celebrity guests including Keith David, Kevin Nealon, Jharrel Jerome, and many more. American Idol warm-up host Josh Randall served as MC, while DJ Amused, Nayah Damasen, and Angelino Brass filled the morning with holiday music. Santa’s Grand Entrance In an unforgettable moment, Santa rappelled down the Luskin Medical Pavilion wall after arriving by helicopter, courtesy of LuskinOIC’s long-time partners at the LAPD SWAT team. Fun for the Whole Family Families enjoyed LA Galaxy soccer darts, photos with the LA Ghostbusters and SWAT B.E.A.R., a 360° photo booth, Project Sunshine craft bags, Insomnia Cookies, holiday card-making with Project Joy Card, and much more. The Heart of Toys & Joy Toys & Joy ensures that pediatric patients, siblings, and under-resourced children in our community experience the magic of the holiday season. Every child went home with gifts and memories to last a lifetime. Thank You to Our Partners Toys & Joy is a culmination of a year-long toy collection program and is made possible by our generous donors and partners, including LA Galaxy, LA Ghostbusters, The Book Foundation, Photobooth Party LA, Hero Dental, Insomnia Cookies, Capri Sun, Joy Card Project, Project Sunshine, Angelino Brass, Mattel, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, UCLA and USC student organizations, LuskinOIC support groups, and the LAPD SWAT team.
$30,000 in Founding Gifts Launch Surgical Simulation Lab Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson Innovation Campaign Chairs Bowen, Childers, Feld, Jenkins, and Silletti are thrilled to announce the first gifts supporting an advanced surgical simulation lab, the first of its kind at LuskinOIC. The Fox, Griffiths, Riley, Schweitzer, and Stockley families, all long-time supporters of the Luskin mission, have collectively donated just over $30,000 to fund this new training facility. Teaching the next generation of surgeons is a top priority of the LuskinOIC and UCLA faculty. With cutting-edge haptic and physical surgical simulators, tools that bring unmatched realism to orthopaedic education, we will better prepare aspiring surgeons for the challenges of pediatric orthopaedic procedures. High-fidelity simulation does more than just sharpen skills; it saves lives. From precise arthroscopic procedures to complex fracture management, the tactile feedback offered by these simulators will help develop safer, more confident surgeons. Putting your philanthropy to work through innovative teaching technologies is core to the Luskin mission. Thanks to these generous families, our residents and fellows will be better prepared to deliver exceptional care to children.
Alice Grubb’s $100,000 Gift Advances Motion Analysis & Sports Performance Lab Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson The family of long-time LuskinOIC supporter Alice Grubb, is donating $100,000 for the new LuskinOIC MOTION ANALYSIS & SPORTS PERFORMANCE LAB! The high-tech lab, to be built in the basement of the Luskin Medical Pavilion, will assist us with: Walking disorders diagnosis through gait analysis. Neuromuscular Disorder analysis for cerebral palsy patients. Recovery and return to sports guidance for injured athletes. Athletic performance and enhancement to lower the risk of re-injury so children may perform at their best. We are proud to be putting your philanthropy to work through innovation and excellence. Thank you Alice! Patient Ambassadors Arturo and Efrain
$100,000 Funds Low-Dose EOS Imaging Scanner Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson Four long-time supporters, the Bryson, Lichtenberger, Spenser, and Wirick families, combined their year-end donations to contribute $100,000 toward the purchase of a new EOS scanner. The scanner will be housed in the new Advanced Imaging Center, located on the second floor of the outpatient medical center building. The Center will also be home to the Everychild Foundation MRI Suite. The EOS captures vivid 2D and 3D images while reducing a child’s exposure to radiation by up to 90%. These images help physicians better understand each patient’s unique anatomy and condition. For children who require surgery, these scanners allow our surgeons to prepare more precisely and develop highly informed treatment plans. We are proud to put your philanthropy to work with innovation and excellence!
$250K Estate Gift Supports Center for Sports Medicine Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson We are honored to receive an estate gift in memory of Vice Admiral George Davis. His widow, Jean Carroll Davis, told us, “We are so proud to be part of something that has been so meaningful to my family, and to so many children. We have always been pleased to support LuskinOIC’s commitment to the future, and we have always fully supported the Institute growing stronger and stronger in the years to come.” Vice Admiral George W. Davis Jean Carroll Davis and Vice Admiral George Davis Vice Admiral George Davis honored LuskinOIC with a gift in his personal estate plan, and Mrs. Davis is pleased to direct her husband’s gift toward the Innovation Campaign. In recognition of this generosity, the lobby in the renovated Center for Sports Medicine will be named for the Davis family. The Jean Caroll Davis family has a long and rich history with LuskinOIC. Drs. Robert L. Carroll, Mrs. Carroll Davis’ father and brother were both orthopaedic surgeons with deep ties to LuskinOIC. Her father practiced at the hospital in the 1930s and early 1940s, and her brother completed his residency here in the mid-1960s. This gift stands as a testament to Mr. and Mrs. Davis’ enduring commitment to LuskinOIC and each other.
$400,000 Raised for LuskinOIC Care for Kids Fund Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Tyler Johnson Year-end giving to our Care for Kids Fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of each department at LuskinOIC, has yielded just over $400,000 since November 1. The Care for Kids Fund is a significant part of our Innovation Campaign, representing $10 million of the campaign’s $80 million goal. Innovation cannot succeed without extraordinary physicians, scientists, teachers, and staff. We are proud to put our donors’ philanthropic support to work for the children of Los Angeles and beyond.