Inspiring Innovation and Health in Our Community

The Fourth Annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium brought together a distinguished panel of Adventist Health Glendale’s interventional specialists and subspecialists along with bestselling author William Li, MD, for an inspiring and informative afternoon.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2025, more than 250 community members, clinicians and supporters came together for an inspiring afternoon at the Fourth Annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. 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. Together they shared how innovation, clinical excellence and visionary leadership redefine how community care is delivered.  

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 

Through engaging discussions, the panelists illustrated how leading-edge treatments — once only available at major academic centers — are now accessible in our community, thanks to the hospital’s ongoing commitment to opening the gateway to world-class care in Glendale. 

One of the event’s many highlights was a keynote address by internationally renowned physician, vascular biologist and researcher William Li, MD, 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 bestseller 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.” 

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.”