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Susan Murphy
Health Reporter
Susan Murphy is a multimedia health reporter for KPBS, providing in-depth coverage of a variety of issues that impact San Diego County and the Imperial Valley — from infectious diseases and mental health to health care policy and medical breakthroughs. Susan started working in the KPBS Newsroom in 2003. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
Recent Stories by Susan Murphy
California Doctors Who Treat Poor Get Reimbursement Boost
- July 11
- By Susan Murphy
Under the new state budget, doctors are receiving a pay hike for several services, including preventative care and regular office visits. The $2 billion program is funded in part by Proposition 56, a state tobacco tax that took effect last year.
San Diego Health Officials Warn Of Contagious Bacterial Infection
- July 6
- By Susan Murphy
The Health and Human Services Agency is warning gay men, homeless people and those with a weakened immune system that they could be at an increased risk for shigellosis, an intestinal bacterial infection.
San Diego Parkinson's Fighters Battle Disease As Researchers Close In On Breakthrough
- July 3
- By Susan Murphy
There is hopeful news for the nearly 20,000 people battling Parkinson’s disease in San Diego County. A unique boxing program is helping some people slow the progression of their neurological disease. And researchers in La Jolla are making sure they’re not alone in their fight.
San Diego Activists Protest Use Of Former Walmart As Child Detention Center
- June 21
- By Susan Murphy
“I’m here to take a stand against corporations that have no empathy,” said Ali Torabi with Border Dreamers, who says Walmart played a role in a child migrant detention center in Texas. Walmart says their claim is untrue.
Top Salk Institute Researcher Resigns Following Harassment Investigation
- June 11
- By Susan Murphy
Inder Verma was suspended in April following sexual harassment allegations. The institute was wrapping up its internal investigation last week when Verma gave his unconditional resignation.
Deaths Surge From Fentanyl-Laced Street Drugs In San Diego County
- June 7
- By Susan Murphy
San Diego County’s fentanyl overdose mortality rate in 2017 was two times higher than the California rate, according to state health officials. Nearly 275 deaths in San Diego County were attributed to opioid overdoses, with more than half involving fentanyl.
Chris Cate Takes Early Lead In City Council District 6 Race
- June 5
- By Susan Murphy
Incumbent candidate Chris Cate takes early lead in City Council District 6 race.
Zapf Takes The Lead In City Council District 2 Race
- June 5
- By Susan Murphy
Incumbent Lorie Zapf, a Republican, has taken a commanding lead over the six challengers also vying for the City Council District 2 seat.
San Diego County Invests In Homeless Outreach To Reduce Emergency Room Costs
- May 31
- By Susan Murphy
A pilot program is underway in San Diego County to bring health care and services to unhealthy homeless people who frequently use emergency rooms. The goal of Whole Person Wellness is to provide a path for healing while saving millions in Medi-Cal costs.
San Diego County Expands Suicide Prevention Efforts
- May 30
- By City News Service, Susan Murphy
Following a series of community focus groups and online surveys, the council revised its Suicide Prevention Action Plan to include nine strategies on suicide mitigation.