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

Dr. John N. Nguyen
John N. Nguyen, MD
Principal Investigator
Downey
Obstetrics-Gynecology
Clinical.Trials@kp.org

Dr. John Nguyen is the director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. He also is site director for the Kaiser Permanente Downey sub-site of the University of California, San Diego Pelvic Floor Disorders Network, and the Harbor-UCLA Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship program. He has been engaged in research for more than 20 years. In 2021, he was named the Southern California Permanente Medical Group Physician ...

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: Tailored outreach may be needed for some young cancer survivors

Tailored outreach may be needed for some young cancer survivors

Growing numbers of patients are diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39. These younger cancer patients can have complex health needs after their cancer treatment and should receive health care that includes screening for new cancers, addresses potential issues related to their treatment, and emphasizes general preventive care. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente ...

Researchers study young cancer survivors and their opioid use.

Young cancer survivors were more likely to be on long-term opioid therapy when compared to their counterparts without cancer. But among those on long-term opioid therapy, young cancer survivors were less likely to develop opioid use disorder than their peers without cancer, according to Kaiser Permanente research. The study was published in Cancer in May ...

Algorithm improves MS treatment while reducing disparities

A novel treatment algorithm developed and implemented within Kaiser Permanente Southern California increased the use of effective medications for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and reduced treatment disparities for Hispanic and Black patients. “Studies show Hispanic and Black people with MS typically have higher levels of disability than white people, but no studies have addressed ...

Five questions for … Dr. Navdeep Sangha

Navdeep S. Sangha, MD, is a vascular neurologist and co-assistant chief of Neurology at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. He is the director of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Regional Stroke Program and the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Telestroke Program. He joined Los Angeles Medical Center’s Neurology Department in 2012. As the principal investigator ...

Clinical trials nurse brings skill and compassion to patients in San Diego

*Final in a series highlighting research nurses during Nurses Week 2025* Michael Fechter, LVN, was an emergency medical technician, working to become a paramedic and firefighter. On one emergency call, a critical care transport nurse suggested something that changed the direction of his career. “She told me that I needed to be where I could ...

Events

Featured Division

Epidemiologic Research

Our epidemiologists seek answers to important health questions with real-world clinical relevance.

Investigators with the Division of Epidemiologic Research apply rigorous research methods to address important health questions that have the potential to change clinical practice and health care delivery. The division’s research portfolio spans the care continuum, from etiology and prevention to survivorship and quality of life.

Division investigators have expertise in traditional epidemiologic studies, post-marketing safety and effectiveness studies, and outcomes research. Current research areas include cancer, cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, diabetes, infectious disease, molecular epidemiology, orthopedics and bone health, perinatal health, pharmacoepidemiology, and vaccines.