Thornton Pavilion

02/07/2026

One person's act of kindness. Two lives changed. 💙

Anh Nguyen didn’t just donate a kidney to save her friend, she later gave part of her liver to help a child in need, becoming UC San Diego Health’s first double living organ donor. Her story shows the power of compassion and how one person can ripple hope outward.

Read more about Nguyen's extraordinary journey: health.ucsd.edu/news/features/a-heart-big-enough-to-save-two-lives-through-living-organ-donation/

02/04/2026

Eating for a healthy heart doesn't have to feel confusing. With so much nutrition advice floating around, it can be hard to know what really matters.

To help cut through the noise, we asked Mallory Callaway, a registered dietitian at UC San Diego Health, to answer some of the most common questions about heart‑healthy eating, from the surprising role of everyday habits to the small changes that make a big difference over time.

health.ucsd.edu/news/features/how-to-eat-right-for-a-healthy-heart/

UC San Diego Health registered dietitian answers commonly asked questions about how to eat right for heart health — including healthy swaps and a recipe.

02/03/2026

We're bringing health care and leading-edge research to where people live, work and learn. From vision screenings to diabetes checks to breakthrough mobile research, UC San Diego mobile health units are meeting communities where they are and expanding access for all.

go.ucsd.edu/3NLrICn

02/02/2026

This Valentine’s Month, we’re reminded that care, connection and compassion are powerful forms of love.

UC San Diego Health’s Patient and Family Support Services (PFSS) offers classes and cancer support groups for every stage of the journey.

We offer a support groups, classes and workshops to help you through your cancer journey. Most all our Patient & Family Support Services are free to our patients and their families.

01/31/2026

Bone health matters, especially as we age.

From getting enough vitamin D to prioritizing strength training, small daily habits can make a big difference in keeping your bones strong and resilient. According to Susan Bukata, MD, orthopedic surgeon at UC San Diego Health, building bone strength isn’t about one quick fix, it’s about consistent, smart choices that support your body over time.

Bone loss accelerates as you age. Here’s how to get ahead of it.

01/29/2026

If it feels like everyone around you is still sick, you’re not imagining it. 🤒

Why is flu season lasting longer this year? How do you know when it’s the flu vs. a cold and when should you get care? Read what experts say and learn how to Save Your Spot for same-day care at Express Care at UC San Diego Health.

Flu season lasts from fall to spring. Learn key symptoms, when to see a health care provider, and get same-day flu testing and treatment at UC San Diego Health Express Care.

01/28/2026

Join us this Friday and Saturday for the UC San Diego Prostate Cancer Patient Summit 2026, designed to educate, empower and connect patients, caregivers and advocates impacted by prostate cancer.

Attendees will hear from leading experts, learn about the latest advances in prostate cancer care and research and connect with others navigating similar journeys. The summit offers practical tools, trusted resources and meaningful conversations to support patients and families at every stage.

Located at UC San Diego Park & Market. Registration is free: moorescancercenter.ucsd.edu/outreach/prostate-cancer-patient-summit.html

01/27/2026

3D-printed livers tailored to you? UC San Diego’s pioneering project aims to make it real, tackling organ shortages head-on.

Led by 3D bioprinting expert Shaochen Chen, PhD, professor in the nanoengineering department at UC San Diego, the project unites a multidisciplinary team across engineering, liver biology, imaging, surgery and AI to create made-to-order livers grown from a patient’s own cells, a scalable alternative to transplants that could eliminate donor shortages and lifelong immunosuppressants.

"UC San Diego is uniquely positioned to lead this kind of work," Chen said. "We have a top-ten engineering school and a world-class medical school right across campus. We have a highly collaborative culture, which makes it easy to bring engineers, clinicians and biologists together to tackle a problem of this scale."

Liver failure is one of the most serious and deadly medical conditions, claiming thousands of lives each year as patients in the United States wait for a donor organ.

01/26/2026

Choosing a doctor, like choosing a partner, is about more than credentials or convenience.

"In love and medicine, connection matters. You can tell quickly if a doctor is fully present — listening to understand, not just to respond; looking up from the screen, not just typing," said Crystal Cené, MD, MPH, chief administrative officer and associate chief medical officer for Health Equity at UC San Diego Health. "Connection creates psychological safety where honesty and vulnerability can flourish."

Read more on why Dr. Cené believes the heart matters in healing.📰 ⬇️

Medicine isn’t just about prescriptions. It’s about a relationship that fosters healing.

01/23/2026

Feeling mentally drained?

Small daily habits can make a big difference in how your brain feels and functions. Elizabeth Bevins, MD, neurologist at UC San Diego Health, shares expert insight on protecting your brain, from prioritizing quality sleep to managing noise exposure and giving your mind time to rest.

Physical activity is one of the most beneficial things for mental and cognitive health at any age. Research consistently shows that as you get older, staying active can help reduce risk of dementia