A word from our Interim Chief Executive
As summer comes to a close and the busy intensity of fall kicks into high gear, we reflect on the exciting opportunities ahead for our healing ministry. From advances in robotic surgery and innovative pulmonary rehabilitation to community outreach helping people in the South Bay apply for CalFresh benefits, each story in the magazine demonstrates how we are working harder than ever to adapt to the personalized needs of each and every one of our patients. Also new and exciting: By partnering with City of Hope, we will be able to bring cutting-edge cancer treatment to our South Bay community members.
People are at the heart of Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, and this issue of the magazine profiles two of the wonderful people who have contributed so much for so long. Sister Terrence Landini is preparing to celebrate 65 years as a Sister with Little Company of Mary this fall, and most of those years have been spent at our Torrance hospital, where Sister T has cared for and prayed with thousands of patients. Raised in Chicago in the 1940s, Sister Terrence still remembers the day she found out that she could have a religious life and be a nurse.
In the magazine, we also celebrate Dr. Michele Del Vicario, a cardiologist who has been the heart of a growing team for 43 years. Dr. Del Vicario finds inspiration in the constantly innovative world of heart health, and his excitement is infectious. In 2015 the hospital was named among the country’s “Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals” by Truven Health Analytics—the only hospital in Southern California to receive the honor. The new Del Vicario Cardiovascular Center of Excellence is named after Dr. Del.
Patients can also become healers. Karen Thompson, who reluctantly agreed to go to alcohol and drug rehab more than a decade ago, still volunteers at Providence Recovery Center. She has used her experience to get trained as an addiction specialist and wants to give others a way to break free from the disease of addiction. You can read her story on page 28.
If you’d like to become a part of our mission, check out our Celebration Gala, September 15 at Terranea Resort or our Women’s Wellness Conference happening November 2.
Garry Olney
Interim Chief Executive
Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers San Pedro and Torrance
