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March 4, 2021

Please note: Physician voting is now open for

U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals.


Four stories to read this weekend, chosen by our editors

See more at HSCNews.usc.edu
A seated, masked woman holds a red postcard that says I Got My Shot

Optimism reigns as educators, essential workers get vaccines and COVID-19 infection numbers drop

Keck Medicine of USC opened COVID-19 vaccine appointment slots to essential workers, teachers and school employees on Monday, specifically targeting educators from public schools with historically underserved student populations. Geoffrey Joyce of the USC School of Pharmacy believes that this, along with additional evidence, shows that the virus is on the run. Meanwhile, a study from the beginning months of the pandemic show an increase of alcohol and tobacco sales, especially among younger adults and minorities, which could have lasting health effects.
An illustration of two human head silhouette profiles shows pollution in the brain area on the left silhouette and greenery in the brain area on the other one

Researchers investigate the environment's role in brain health

A research team is pooling thousands of brain scans to better understand how aspects of our physical space — including air pollution, noise and green space — alter brain structure, influence our behavior and impact our risk for various developmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric problems.
A smiling man is seen in the outdoors

Keck School professor made international public health his life's work

Jeffrey Klausner was ready to quit medicine until a year at a new AIDS research center in Zaire changed his mind. Studying the spread of HIV among heterosexuals in Kinshasa transformed his worldview and inspired a prolific 30-year career in public health, specializing in infectious diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.
A young girl peeks toward the camera from behind her mother, who is filling out a form at a table with a Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC-labeled table covering

Mobile dental clinic keeps kids smiling through the pandemic

Through the USC Mobile Dental Clinic, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has been providing low- or no-cost care to residents in South Los Angeles and on the Eastside for decades. And not even a global pandemic could keep them from giving back.

Featured Event

COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall

Date: Thursday, March 4

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Panelists: Gregory L. Taylor II, MD, MBA; Felipe Osorno

Info: KeckMedicine.org/coronavirus-vaccine-town-hall/, Facebook.com/KeckMedUSC/
To read more stories, visit HSCNews.usc.edu
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