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Originally published October 2, 2025
Last updated October 2, 2025
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An appreciation box to thank a colleague.A positive affirmation to repeat: “The beauty around me is a reflection of the beauty within me.”
The scent of lavender and other aromatic plants to fill your senses.
Gentle jazz to soothe your ears and spirit.
These are just a few of the standout touches in the new 12,000-square-foot Tranquility Terrace, a serene outdoor garden located beside the Norris Healthcare Center, next to Starbucks, on the health sciences campus.
The terrace was designed as a restorative sanctuary for Keck Medicine of USC caregivers, patients and visitors. Expansive wooden benches, comfortable lounge seating, and lush plantings of native greenery offer a space for people to pause, reflect and recharge in the midst of busy hospital life.
On Sept. 29, 2025, Keck Medicine’s leaders toured the space as part of the terrace’s grand opening.
“This is a passion project, with many hands involved and a deep commitment to creating a welcoming green space for our care team,” said Tammy Capretta, RN, MPH, chief transformation and risk officer. Capretta oversees the employee wellness program Care for the Caregiver, whose team helped spearhead the terrace’s creation.
As part of the event, leaders — including Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine of USC, Marty Sargeant, MBA, CEO of Keck Medical Center of USC and Smitha Ravipudi, MPH, CEO of USC Care Medical Group and CEO of Keck Medicine Ambulatory Care Services — took part in “Tranquility Bingo,” hunting for garden details like a flower in bloom, a ladybug or a butterfly feeder in an attempt to check off five elements in a row. By the tour’s end, they were wowed by the space’s beauty and sense of peace.
Their admiration was echoed by the staff members enjoying the patio and garden.
“Someone must have known I was stressed because then this soothing music came on and I relaxed,” said a nurse practitioner taking a break with a colleague.
“There’s so much hustle and bustle in the hospital. Finding a place like this to decompress and take a minute for myself is so important,” commented a third-year ophthalmology resident.
The idea of a healing garden has been part of Keck Medicine’s vision for more than a decade. First imagined as a rooftop garden atop Keck Hospital, the concept has grown into today’s Tranquility Terrace, a space designed to foster connection, healing and balance.
Looking ahead, Keck Medicine will continue to add elements that make the space engaging.
For now, the Tranquility Terrace is open to all who wish to take a calming moment for themselves.
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