About Our Program

As a research center embedded within Kaiser Permanente’s large and dynamic health care system, our investigators have a unique opportunity to apply scientific expertise to real-world clinical problems, translate findings into practice, and share what we learn with the broader community.

Featured Scientist

Steve Lee, DO, Vice Area Research Chair for San Bernardino County
Steve S. Lee, DO
Principal Investigator
Fontana
Rheumatology
Clinical.Trials@kp.org

Dr. Steve Lee is a rheumatologist at the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center. He is vice area research chair for San Bernardino County on the Southern California Permanente Medical Group’s Regional Research Committee.

After completing training in internal medicine and rheumatology, Dr. Lee furthered his interests in clinical research with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, serving as a principal investigator on clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, giant ...

Featured Video

Research showing value of exercise before COVID-19 diagnosis earns special recognition

Being active can lower your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID, regardless of your race or the chronic conditions you may have, according to research published last year in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The Kaiser Permanente Southern California findings were important, impactful, and influential. As a result, the journal editors chose the research article, “Associations of Physical Inactivity and COVID-19 Outcomes Among Subgroups,” as the American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023 Article of the Year.

News

Featured Image of News Story Titled: Clinical trial gives young pitcher a path back to baseball

Clinical trial gives young pitcher a path back to baseball

When Chance Shipley was finishing high school in Southern California, baseball defined his future. A pitcher with a college scholarship, he was training for the transition to collegiate athletics when he became seriously ill during winter break in December 2019. He was vomiting, exhausted and noticed blood in his urine. At first, he said nothing. ...

Mpox study reveals hidden infections may fuel spread

A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 8,000 men shows that in mid- to late 2024, mpox was far more common among men who have sex with men than previously thought. Individuals without symptoms accounted for most infections and likely played a prominent role in transmission, contrary to prior assumptions that people had to be symptomatic ...

DoxyPEP protects against some STIs, but effectiveness against gonorrhea diminishes

Taking doxycycline after sex helped prevent chlamydia and syphilis, but its ability to prevent gonorrhea faded over time as drug‑resistant strains became more common, according to new research. The findings show both the benefits and limits of a prevention strategy now widely used by patients, clinicians, and public health programs to prevent sexually transmitted infection ...

Education-focused diabetes care linked to better blood sugar control

A large study conducted within Kaiser Permanente Southern California found that people with type 2 diabetes who primarily received diabetes self-management education and support were more likely to achieve healthy blood sugar levels than those whose care focused mainly on physician visits. “For people living with type 2 diabetes, this study shows that actively participating ...

Nurses in research: Beatriz Alviso advances patient-centered science

This week, Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2026), we honor all the nurses who work within the Department of Research & Evaluation, who are a vital part of our research. Here we highlight Beatriz Alviso, RN, PHN, BSN who works in the Division of Health Services Research & Implementation Science. What is your background? I grew up ...

Events

Featured Division

Behavioral Research

Our behavioral scientists find ways to promote health and prevent disease by identifying risks and strategies to change behaviors.

Our behavioral scientists focus on research that has the potential to reduce disease risk by identifying modifiable risk factors and encouraging health-promoting behaviors. Faculty members have expertise in the following areas: adverse childhood experiences, cancer, chronic disease prevention and screening, diet and nutrition, mental health, obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, social determinants of health, and weight loss surgery and interventions.

The behavioral research portfolio includes intervention studies as well as qualitative and quantitative studies. The division also supports recruitment and other activities of the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank in Southern California.