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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
Senior Emergency Unit Opens In UCSD La Jolla Hospital
- Jan. 11
- By Susan Murphy
Crowded and chaotic emergency rooms can be overwhelming and sometimes dangerous for seniors. A new emergency unit specially designed for patients 65 and older at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla is working to provide a higher level of care and a more dignified experience.
Advocates Say San Diego County Leaders Neglecting Migrant Children
- Jan. 7
- By Susan Murphy
A group of migrant advocates wants San Diego County leaders held accountable for asylum-seeking children who suffer abuse during immigration detention.
San Diego Migrant Shelter Nurse Says 'System Is Overwhelmed'
- Dec. 27, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
In the wake of the second death of a migrant child within three weeks along the Southern U.S. border, a registered nurse who coordinates medical care for child migrants and their parents at a San Diego shelter said more staff and resources are desperately needed.
Parents Forgo Children's Health Care As Trump's 'Public Charge' Proposal Looms
- Dec. 26, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
A looming Trump Administration proposal for tough new rules targeting legal immigrants who use public benefits is being felt across San Diego County.
Kaiser Mental Health Workers Hold Five-Day Strike
- Dec. 10, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente mental health care workers began a five-day strike on Monday in San Diego and across the state.
'Big Risk' Dropping Health Coverage After Obamacare Penalty Removal, Official Warns
- Dec. 6, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
With Obamacare tax penalties going away in 2019, tens of thousands of people in California are expected to drop their health coverage. But health officials warn that's taking a big risk.
New Alzheimer's Response Team Helps San Diego Seniors In Crisis
- Dec. 6, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
A new San Diego County-led Alzheimer’s Response Team is stepping in to steer people to appropriate services, instead of emergency rooms or jails.
San Diego Doctors Volunteer To Treat Migrants In Crowded Tijuana Shelters
- Nov. 29, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
Some San Diego doctors are volunteering their time to care of migrants at Tijuana’s overflowing shelters, where as many as 6,000 people are living side-by-side in tents and under blankets surrounded by trash and soiled clothing.
San Diego Advocates Seek Clothing, Blankets For Caravan Migrants
- Nov. 27, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
As caravan migrants continue to pour into Tijuana’s overcrowded shelters, some San Diegans are responding with an outpouring of donations.
Parkinson's Patients Preparing For 'Breakthrough' Clinical Trial To Reverse Symptoms
- Nov. 2, 2018
- By Susan Murphy
Ten Parkinson’s patients in San Diego are preparing to undergo a potential breakthrough clinical trial to reverse their debilitating symptoms.