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.
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 ...
Over the years, clinical trials have led to amazing advances in treatment—even cures—for devastating illnesses. William Towner, MD, FACP, FIDSA, regional physician director for clinical trials, describes how trials at Kaiser Permanente contribute to the development of more effective and safer treatments for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, cancer, and more. (2:15)
Casey Luc, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist with expertise in HIV epidemiology in underserved communities, is the fifth Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemic Intelligence Service officer to train with Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s Department of Research & Evaluation. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, he served as a health scientist contractor in the Syndemic Infectious Diseases ...
Kevin Yu, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Research & Evaluation at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. He earned his PhD in health informatics from Northwestern University, where his work focused on pharmacoepidemiology and health informatics. His research focuses on cardiovascular disease and dementia, with a particular interest in target trial emulation ...
Managing Type 2 diabetes can be challenging. Food choices matter, but healthy options aren’t always easy to afford or find. A Kaiser Permanente study found that adults with diabetes who were on Medicaid improved their blood sugar when they received healthy grocery deliveries at home. ...
For carefully selected patients, receiving advanced-level care at home after heart failure may be just as safe and effective as staying in the hospital, a new Kaiser Permanente Southern California study shows. The study, published on July 16, 2026, in JAMA Network Open, examined adults hospitalized for acute heart failure. Researchers compared patients who continued ...
A respiratory syncytial virus vaccine given to older adults remained highly effective at preventing severe illness over 2 RSV seasons, according to a Kaiser Permanente Southern California study. The study offers real-world evidence that the bivalent RSVpreF vaccine continued to protect adults 60 and older from RSV-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits well beyond the ...
From inspiring patient stories to research that’s shaping the future of care, the latest IMPACT newsletter highlights the power of clinical trials and innovation across Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Read how a clinical trial helped a young pitcher return to baseball, learn how researchers are expanding access to sight-saving treatments, and meet the dedicated nurses helping patients navigate research with compassion and confidence.
You’ll also find new studies on mpox transmission, doxyPEP and sexually transmitted infections, diabetes self-management education, and restaurant portion sizes, along with highlights from the 2025 Annual Report.
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.