Hundreds Gather for Fourth Annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium
More than 250 attended to hear physician panel of experts and keynote by New York Times best-selling author Dr. William Li.
On Tuesday, April 30, more than 250 community members, clinicians, and supporters came together for an inspiring evening at the fourth annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium, hosted by Adventist Health Glendale.
The special event, held at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, celebrated the remarkable transformations happening in today’s hospital setting—spotlighting innovation, clinical excellence, and visionary leadership that are redefining how community care is delivered.
The symposium featured a distinguished panel of Adventist Health Glendale’s very own interventional specialists and subspecialists, who are driving the expansion of the hospital's capabilities in complex and minimally invasive care.
Through engaging discussions, the panelists illustrated how cutting-edge treatments—once only available at major academic centers—are now accessible in a community setting, thanks to the hospital’s ongoing commitment to opening the gateway to world-class care in the Glendale.
Adventist Health System Chief Medical Officer Patrick Takahashi, MD, led the panel discussion featuring:
- Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Interventional Cardiology, Endovascular and Structural Heart Specialist - Harout Dermendjian, MD
Vascular and Interventional Radiology - Ramyar Mahdavi, MD
Interventional Pulmonology - James Tabibian, MD, PhD, FACP, FASGE, FACG, AGAF
Gastroenterology and Interventional Endoscopy - Tina Storage, MD
Gastroenterology
One of the evening’s many highlights was a keynote address by internationally renowned physician, vascular biologist, and researcher, Dr. William Li, who spoke about the groundbreaking role of nutrition in preventing disease, enhancing medical treatments, and restoring health. Attendees also received an autographed copy of his New York Times best-seller, “Eat to Beat Disease”, as a keepsake from the event.
“Medical centers and hospitals are increasingly embracing the idea that sick care is only part of their mission. What we eat is, in fact, the medicine we take three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Dr. Li. “Equally important is keeping the broader community healthy and thriving—and out of the hospital. Science is now showing us how we can make everyday choices that strengthen our body’s defenses—helping us become more resistant to disease. We’re also beginning to understand that some of these same foods can help us live not just longer, but better lives.”
Special thanks to the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation and the Foundation Board of Directors for planning and coordinating the Advancing Healthcare Symposium, with generous support from Mariner Health Care. The event underscored the hospital's continued momentum as a regional leader in delivering advanced tertiary care—right here in the heart of Glendale.
“This is the fourth time our Foundation has hosted this event, and this year’s may be the most impactful Symposium yet,” shared Elizabeth LaBorde, President of the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation. “Our panelists and Dr. Li's keynote address provided attendees with life-changing lessons about longevity and a wealth of information to help us lead healthier lives. The world-class expertise displayed was truly impressive and inspiring.”
Photo Caption: Keynote speaker Dr. William Li, pictured with Alice Issai, President of Adventist Health Glendale and Adventist Health Simi Valley Service Area, and Elizabeth LaBorde, President of the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, spoke on the revolutionary impact of food is our medicine.
