Our Korean community in San Diego often thinks of UCSD Health when we mention "hospital," right? I thought the same when I first moved here.

However, as time went on, I realized that the local people frequently visit Sharp HealthCare. Among them, Sharp Memorial Hospital is truly rooted in this community.

Sharp HealthCare is a nonprofit medical system founded in San Diego. It started in 1955, so it has a long history. It operates multiple hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers, making it one of the largest healthcare groups in the area. My husband also relied on them a few years ago when he injured his ankle.

The flagship hospital, Sharp Memorial, is located in Kearny Mesa. With over 650 beds, it can handle almost any medical need. They have an emergency room, trauma, cardiology, neurology, cancer treatment, orthopedics, and obstetrics... there's no specialty missing. Especially, they are well-known for their consistent high ratings in cardiology, orthopedics, and neurology. As we age, heart and knee issues become more common, so it's reassuring to have a hospital that excels in these areas nearby.

Sharp's Family is Spread Throughout the Community

This is a real convenience; Sharp doesn't just have the Memorial hospital. There's one in almost every neighborhood.

• Sharp Grossmont — for those living in La Mesa and East County
• Sharp Chula Vista — in southern Chula Vista
• Sharp Coronado — on Coronado Island
• Sharp Mary Birch — specializing in women and newborns! My daughter-in-law also had her baby here.

With facilities spread throughout the community, it's convenient for taking seniors to appointments without having to travel far.

You can receive outpatient care through Sharp clinics, and appointments can be made on the official site sharp.com or by phone. If online booking is difficult, just give them a call; don't be shy.

They accept most insurance plans. Those enrolled in Covered California, as well as Medicare and Medi-Cal recipients, can also receive care. This is quite important. You don't want to end up with a bill after visiting a hospital that doesn't accept your insurance.

And! I want to make sure our Korean community knows that you can request Language Interpretation Services. Many from our parents' generation who aren't comfortable with English have faced difficulties communicating at hospitals. If you request an interpreter in advance, you can receive care much more comfortably.

For those living in San Diego who still don't have a primary care physician or are unsure where to go for specialist care, I recommend connecting with the Sharp network for your medical needs. It's community-focused, making it convenient in various ways.

Health is the most important thing, everyone. Take care of yourselves before you get sick, and don't put off seeing a doctor if something feels off.