Technology

Hoag Names Dr. Jack Sun as Director of Cardiovascular Surgery

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2025

Nationally recognized expert in complex cardiac surgery to lead Hoag Cardiovascular Surgery ProgramDr. Sun to spearhead advanced heart failure initiativeHarvard-trained surgeon aims to redefine cardiac care at Hoag

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jack Sun, M.D., B.S., M.S., F.R.C.S.C., has been appointed to lead the Cardiovascular Surgery Program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, bringing with him a bold vision to position Hoag as a premier destination for advanced heart failure care.

In this role, Dr. Sun will lead the development of a comprehensive program dedicated to treating patients with the most advanced and challenging forms of heart failure. The initiative will offer cutting-edge therapies and mechanical support technologies for those whose hearts are no longer functioning effectively — including people recovering from major heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

“Dr. Sun’s arrival marks a new chapter for cardiac care at Hoag,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag President and CEO. “At Hoag, we are never satisfied with the status quo and continually strive to raise the bar for our patients. Dr. Sun’s dedication to clinical excellence and his forward-looking vision will ensure that Hoag continues to deliver the highest level of cardiac care to our community — so ultimately no patient needs to leave Orange County for the most complex heart treatment.”

A leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Sun brings a wealth of experience in complex cardiac procedures, including mitral valve repair, aortic surgery, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, and mechanical circulatory support. As part of Hoag’s renowned cardiovascular team, Dr. Sun is committed to advancing minimally invasive approaches that promote faster recovery, less pain and smaller incisions for patients — while building high-quality, patient-centered programs.

Dr. Sun previously served as Chief of Cardiac Surgery and Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, where he spent more than six years.

He has authored or co-authored more than 60 publications, presentations and book chapters in leading medical and cardiology journals, including national guidelines. His research has earned more than $1 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), peer-reviewed agencies, and industry sponsors.

Dr. Sun was drawn to Hoag’s commitment to excellence in cardiac care and the hospital’s dedication to patient-centric innovation.

“Hoag is well regarded for delivering world-class surgical expertise,” he said. “I have always been driven by the ability to care for patients, especially those with complex cardiac needs. I am excited to join Hoag and build upon its strong foundation to create a program that establishes a new paradigm of cardiac care.”

Dr. Sun earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto and finished residency training in cardiac surgery at McMaster University, a Canadian institution renowned for research and innovation. He completed an advanced fellowship in cardiac surgery at the Harvard University-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Sun’s arrival builds upon Hoag’s strong foundation in cardiovascular care. U.S. News & World Report ranked Hoag as high performing in five cardiac specialties in 2024-2025: aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart attack and heart failure. Additionally, Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute was the top cardiothoracic program in Orange County in 2024, performing more than 440 cases.

Philanthropy has played a pivotal role in advancing Hoag’s cardiac and vascular programs, enabling the introduction of groundbreaking devices and procedures that are improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

“Hoag is Orange County’s hospital,” Dr. Sun said. “When patients come here, they know they will receive the highest level of care from a dedicated, collaborative team. I look forward to helping elevate that care and experience even further.”

ABOUT HOAG

Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 17 urgent care facilities, 11 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

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SOURCE Hoag

Technology

America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

Published

41 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

Technology

Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

Published

41 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pianist-michael-weinstein-wins-best-social-media-music-collaborations-at-the-2026-vega-awards-302919551.html

SOURCE JAM Direct

Technology

Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2026

CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html