Meet Hussein Naji Yassine, MD

Dr. Yassine is an endocrinologist at Keck Medicine of USC and director of the Center for Personalized Brain Health at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume.

He always knew he was destined for a career caring for others.

“While I was growing up, I had a genuine interest in helping other people in my community. That passion inspired me to become a doctor.”

Outside of work, you’ll find him doing something active.

“I love to go biking in my free time. When the weather permits, I also enjoy swimming in the ocean. I am also a humanitarian. I raise funds for underserved communities.”

He’s been to Europe.

“Portugal stands out as my favorite travel destination so far.”

Acquiring new language skills is a goal.

“I’d like to learn a new language. My personal bucket list also includes learning to play an instrument and adding new destinations to my passport. I’d love to visit Latin America and Japan.”

He’s passionate about absorbing as much knowledge as possible.

“I wouldn’t trade careers with anyone. Instead, I’d go back in time and trade places with my younger self. I’d spend more time learning different things and focus on gaining more skills that you can’t learn from textbooks alone.”

Get him talking about space and exploring the universe.

“My biggest role model growing up was the astronomer Carl Sagan and his big vision of our species. What Sagan wrote in his book ‘Pale Blue Dot’ strikes home: ‘To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.’”

He enjoys reading.

“My favorite book is ‘The Prophet’ by Kahlil Gibran. It’s a book of about wisdom and humanity. Gibran guides my priorities, and I often heed his words: ‘It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.’ His work lent me a new perspective on what gives our life meaning.”

Here’s the best piece of advice he’s ever received.

“Be kind and stay humble.”

He enjoys the combination of patient care and research.

“Talking to patients and having the opportunity to make an impact on their lives is rewarding. Discovering new innovative techniques and treatments, which may ultimately benefit patient care, is also deeply gratifying.”

Advancements in treating high cholesterol have been monumental, he says.

“The most impactful discovery in my field was the discovery of statins, which have helped countless patients live healthier lives by reducing ‘bad cholesterol’ in their blood.”

Neurological research is a top priority.

“My research is focused on how factors like genetics, such as carrying the APOE4 gene copy, impact the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A medical breakthrough I’d like to see become a reality in my lifetime is the ability to slow the progression of dementia. I am working to discover new treatments to achieve this goal.”

He chose Keck Medicine because of the commitment to research.

“I appreciate the flexibility I have to pursue both clinical care and research efforts here at Keck Medicine of USC. I also value the culture and working with exceptional colleagues who are driven to always provide the best care possible.”

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