April 21, 2025
Hoops, hopes, and healthy living
Kaiser Permanente and the LA Clippers host local students at Intuit Dome for a career, health, and wellness day.
Dawn Gillam, a behavioral health leader, shows students how to use breathing exercises to improve their well-being.
Not many people can say they’ve spent time on an NBA basketball team’s court, shot hoops with a former professional athlete, and fueled up in the team’s dining room. But through Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers, 150 students can say that they have. The Kaiser Permanente program arranges field trips to Intuit Dome to provide young people with unique learning experiences.
Creating opportunities for community and learning
"At Kaiser Permanente, community is at the heart of who we are,” said Michelle Gaskill-Hames, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii. "With the LA Clippers, we are creating opportunities for students to engage with their community and embrace their health journey."
Together with the LA Clippers, Kaiser Permanente has hosted 2 field trips to Intuit Dome for middle and high school students in the Los Angeles area. These field trips promote health and inspire career dreams through panel discussions and wellness sessions.
In the first year of our partnership with the LA Clippers, students from Brooklyn Avenue School, Frank D. Parent K-8 School, Franklin High School, and ICEF Vista Elementary & Middle Academy took a break from their routine to participate in this unique learning experience.
Leaders from Kaiser Permanente and members of the LA Clippers share insights about their path to college and career.
Inspiring career journeys
For Bryan Wiley, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center and team physician for the LA Clippers, serving on the career panel was rewarding. As a Los Angeles native and someone who dreamed of playing professional football, he shared how his journey took a different path, leading him to become a physician. He finds it fulfilling to combine his love for sports and health.
"Professionally and personally, this community is important to me and I’m thankful for the opportunity to care for members of it, from professional athletes to young people,” said Dr. Wiley. “I want young people to know their career goals can change, but prioritizing their health is essential to pursuing those goals."
Students also heard from Dawn Gillam, a licensed clinical social worker and executive leader in behavioral health at Kaiser Permanente, as well as LA Clippers leaders and former players. The students engaged actively, asking questions and receiving career advice.
Bryan Wiley, MD, provides a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kaiser Permanente Training Center.
Unique health and wellness experiences
Following the career panel, students participated in 3 health and wellness rotations. They began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kaiser Permanente Training Center led by Dr. Wiley, followed by calming breathing exercises with Gillam.
"What is great about mindfulness is that it is a tool that can be used by anyone at any time,” Gillam said. “For students, it can help them focus better, manage their emotions, improve academics, build good relationships, and stay resilient.”
At the second rotation, students enjoyed overnight oats prepared by the LA Clippers culinary team while learning about healthy eating from a Kaiser Permanente health educator. The final rotation included stretching with a Kaiser Permanente physical therapist before playing basketball with another former Clippers player.
A lasting impact
By providing enriching experiences, Kaiser Permanente and the LA Clippers aim to equip the next generation with the tools to prioritize their health and pursue their dreams with confidence. The partnership will continue to engage with students to increase its impact and inspire young people.
