Meet Lilyana Amezcua, MD 

Dr. Amezcua is a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis care at Keck Medicine of USC. She treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital.

Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

If she wasn’t a doctor, she’d enjoy a career in architecture.  

“If I could trade careers with anyone in the world, I would trade with an architect like Frank Gehry. As a doctor, I’m deeply invested in improving lives and solving problems, but architecture offers a creative way to shape the spaces where people live, heal and connect. Trading careers would allow me to channel my love for innovation into crafting environments that inspire and nurture well-being in a completely different way.” 

She has an artist’s soul. 

“People might be surprised to know that I have a creative and hands-on side that I deeply enjoy. I love cooking and entertaining, and sketching and designing. Particularly, I have a knack for home improvement projects. It’s so much fun to create spaces, picking out the finishes and seeing the vision come to life.” 

She enjoys books that make her think. 

“My favorite book is ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver. It resonates with my love for exploring complex human relationships and the consequence of cultural collisions. I admire how the book tackles themes of faith, guilt and redemption.”  

A family member inspired her medical specialty. 

“As a doctor, you hold the power to make a profound impact on people’s lives by easing pain and suffering. My younger brother’s journey with a neurological condition inspired my decision to specialize in neurology.” 

She strives every day to leave a positive impact. 

“As a multiple sclerosis specialist, the most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. Every individual’s journey with MS is unique, and providing personalized care tailored to their needs is both a challenge and a privilege. Building strong relationships with my patients allows me to support them through difficult moments and celebrate their progress.  

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide the best, most innovative treatments to my patients is deeply fulfilling. Whether its engaging in cutting-edge research, sharing insights with colleagues or advocating for access to the latest therapies, these partnerships enable me to offer hope and tangible improvements in quality of life.  

Witnessing the resilience of my patients and knowing I’ve played a role in empowering them to live fully despite their diagnosis is what drives me every day.” 

The innovation that changed the game for patients with MS. 

“One of the most influential advancements in the field of multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology is the development of disease-modifying therapies. These treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, have revolutionized how we manage the disease.” 

She envisions a day when no one has to battle MS. 

“I would like to see a cure become a reality for all of those affected with multiple sclerosis.” 

What sets Keck Medicine apart? 

“We stand out for our multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and I’m proud to work on a team that is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that make for better experiences for our patients.” 

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