Faculty Advisor

 

Deborah Fui-Yuen Hoe, PhD

Instructional Assistant Professor for Gerontology

Deborah Hoe, PhD, is an educator and researcher who embraces the concept of person-centeredness in all aspects of aging. A recent graduate of USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Hoe has extensive experience working with older adults navigate age-related changes and prepare for life transitions in the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong. She has worked with both community-based and institutionalized older adults. While her dissertation research primarily focused on storytelling as a health communication tool among older adults, she is also passionate about economic security in older age, technology and older adults, as well as combating self-directed ageism. Hoe is also certified as a Guided Autobiography Instructor and Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor. She is currently investigating the impact of racial concordance between the messenger and health messaging recipient as well as the impact of patient stories on knowledge retention over time.

Research:

  • Health Communication

  • Public health storytelling

  • Palliative Care

  • Advance Care Planning

  • Spirituality/Religiosity at End of Life

Expertise:

  • End-of-life, Palliative care

 

Education:

  • BSc, Mathematics, The University of Iowa

  • MA, Telecommunications (Digital Storytelling), Ball State University

  • MSocSc, Gerontology, The University of Hong Kong

  • PhD, Gerontology, University of Southern California

 

Medical Advisor

 

Olympia Kabobel, DO, MPH

Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician

Languages Spoken

English, Español

Specialties

Primary Care, Family Medicine

“My mission is to provide health care that is about so much more than just disease management. I strive to offer empowering care that promotes each patient’s strength, vitality and overall health and well-being”

Olympia Kabobel, DO, MPH, is an osteopathic family medicine physician at Keck Medicine of USC, who offers primary care to people across every life stage, including infancy, adolescence, adulthood, middle age and older adults. She offers a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention, nutrition and exercise to help patients reach their health and wellness goals.

Dr. Kabobel prioritizes open and honest communication with every patient and member of the family who comes to see her for medical care. She works collaboratively with each patient to form individualized plans that work best for them and their lifestyle.

Her research interests are focused on osteopathic strategies to improve quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. Among her key research areas is utilizing physical treatment therapies, like massage and spinal adjustments, to promote the health and functionality of each individual. She is a member of professional organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association and the Osteopathic Cranial Academy.

Dr. Kabobel also serves as an adjunct clinical instructor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where she teaches first-year medical students who are interested in pursuing careers in primary care.

Outside of work, Dr. Kabobel enjoys gardening, rock climbing and spending time with her three dogs.