In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Crisanta H. Ilagan, Chief Resident and soon-to-be fellow in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Loma Linda University Health. From her early years in the Philippines to her academic journey through UC Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Dr. Ilagan’s path is nothing short of inspiring. Along the way, she has conducted impactful research in health economics, contributed at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and remained deeply committed to serving underserved communities.

Dr. Ilagan reflects on the philosophy that shapes her work—where social justice, science, and surgical oncology intersect. She discusses the importance of caring for patients as whole individuals, addressing not only the physical challenges of complex cancers but also their emotional and spiritual needs.

Whether yo ...