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. Ahmed Dehal
Ahmed Dehal, MD, MPH, FACS, FSSO, FRCS
Principal Investigator
Panorama City
Surgical Oncology
Clinical.Trials@kp.org

Dr. Ahmed Dehal is a board-certified general surgeon with a second board certification in complex surgical oncology at the Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center. He serves as area research chair for Panorama City on the Southern California Permanente Medical Group Regional Research Committee. He is an associate professor in Clinical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Dr. Dehal has published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as multiple ...

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

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.