Sunnyside Named No. 1 Hospital In Oregon For Cardiac Care By U.S. News & World Report - 08/04/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 4, 2026)— Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in Oregon for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its leadership in advanced heart and vascular care. The recognition is especially significant because the specialty ranking is now based primarily on patient outcomes and clinical performance, reflecting how well Sunnyside Medical Center helps patients recover and improve their health after treatment.

“Being recognized as the No. 1 hospital in Oregon for Cardiac Care by U.S. News & World Report is a tremendous honor because it reflects what matters most: the outcomes we achieve for our patients,” said Dr. Leong Koh, executive medical director for Northwest Permanente. “This distinction is a testament to the skill, dedication, and teamwork of our physicians, nurses, technicians, and care teams who are committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered cardiovascular care every day. We are proud to help patients across our community live healthier lives through exceptional clinical performance and compassionate care.”

Sunnyside also was named a Best Regional Hospital, and earned high-performing ratings in the following 17 areas: (newly recognized areas bolded) Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Aortic valve surgery; Back surgery (spinal fusion); Colon cancer surgery; Diabetes; Ear, nose & throat surgery; Gynecological cancer surgery; Heart Arrhythmia; Heart attack; Heart bypass surgery; Hip fracture; Leukemia, Lymphoma, & myeloma; Lung cancer surgery; Pacemaker implantation; Pneumonia; Stroke; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center also received high performing ratings in Colon cancer surgery; Hip replacement; Pneumonia (newly recognized areas bolded).

This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. Fewer than half of the thousands of hospitals evaluated earned a 'High Performing' designation in the types of care evaluated by U.S. News. 

“Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center’s designation as a Best Regional Hospital, along with high-performing ratings for both Sunnyside and Westside medical centers, reflects the outstanding work of our care teams,” said Adam Van Den Avyle, vice president and hospital administrator for Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “This recognition belongs to the clinicians, nurses, staff and teams whose commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and compassionate care makes a meaningful difference for our patients every day.”

“When patients face a major surgery or a chronic medical condition, having access to clear, quality data is vital,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A ‘High Performing’ rating means that Sunnyside and Westside Medical Centers outperformed a national threshold, giving families a reliable starting point as they consult with their doctors to choose the best place for care.” 

U.S. News’ annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. For more information, visit U.S. News & World Report. 

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. 

Interviews: Wildfire + Extreme Heat Health Risks With Dr. Toledo - 07/20/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 20, 2026) ~ Oregon is seeing some of its most active wildfire conditions of the summer after lightning sparked dozens of fires across Central Oregon, prompting evacuations and sending smoke into parts of the state. At the same time, Portland is entering a stretch of hot weather with temperatures expected to climb into the 90s, creating a one-two punch of wildfire smoke and extreme heat that can pose serious health risks, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions.

As smoke and heat intensify, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering interviews with Dr. Anne Toledo, family physician and former chief of urgent care, to discuss how Oregonians can protect themselves and their families. Smoke exposure can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, and increase cardiovascular stress. Extreme heat can compound those impacts by increasing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke risk.

"Wildfire smoke and extreme heat can each affect our health, but together they can be especially challenging for vulnerable people," said Dr. Toledo. "The best approach is to prepare early, pay close attention to air quality and temperature forecasts, and take steps to limit exposure before symptoms develop."

Interviews available:

Dr. Anne Toledo, family physician and former chief of urgent care for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews via Zoom on Tuesday, July 21 from 10-10:30 a.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Toledo is prepared to discuss:

• How wildfire smoke affects the lungs, heart, and overall health
• Who is most vulnerable to smoke-related illness and heat-related illness
• Warning signs that smoke exposure or heat stress may require medical attention
• How to create cleaner indoor air at home during smoky conditions
• The role of N95 masks and other protective measures when outdoor air quality is poor
• How heat can worsen the health impacts of wildfire smoke
• Ways to stay active and safe when air quality is unhealthy and temperatures are high
• Tips for protecting children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
• When to seek urgent or emergency care for breathing difficulties, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke
• Practical steps families can take now to prepare for wildfire season and extreme heat events

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org. 

Interviews Today: Portland Thorns Physician Offers Soccer Safety Tips - 07/07/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 6, 2026) ~ As World Cup excitement brings more athletes onto the soccer field, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering expert guidance to help players of all ages stay healthy and avoid preventable injuries. Dr. Jacqueline Brady, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Team Physician for the Portland Thorns, is available to share soccer safety tips, from injury prevention and hydration to recognizing when it’s time to seek care.

Whether it's a youth player, weekend athlete, or competitive soccer player, the sport offers important health benefits but can also lead to injuries including muscle strains, knee and ankle injuries, concussions, and dehydration without proper preparation and safety measures.

"Soccer is a sport that brings people together and keeps people moving, but players of all ages need to remember that preparation is just as important as performance," said Dr. Brady. "Taking time to warm up properly, build strength, stay hydrated, and listen to your body can make a big difference in preventing injuries and keeping athletes on the field."

Dr. Brady recommends that athletes gradually build up their training, use the proper equipment, prioritize recovery, and avoid playing through unusual pain. She also encourages parents and coaches to recognize when an injury needs medical attention to prevent a minor issue from becoming a more serious problem.

Interviews available:

Dr. Jacqueline Brady, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Team Physician for the Portland Thorns, is available for interviews on Tuesday, July 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Brady is available to discuss:

• Common soccer injuries and how players can help prevent them

• Injury prevention tips for youth athletes, recreational players, and competitive soccer players

• The importance of warmups, stretching, strength training, and recovery

• How to recognize and respond to possible concussions

• Hydration strategies and preventing dehydration during practices and games

• The role of proper footwear, shin guards, and other soccer equipment

• When athletes should stop playing and seek medical evaluation

• How parents and coaches can help keep young athletes safe

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.