UC Davis Medical Center

UC Davis Medical Center Health highlights, tips, events, news and more from UC Davis Health and UC Davis Medical Center. This page is generally managed Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. PST - 5 p.m.

For questions and appointment requests, please call 800-2-UCDAVIS or visit medicalcenter.ucdavis.edu. PST. (!) Please note that we cannot answer health-related questions or book appointments or referrals for health care through Facebook or social media. To learn more about choosing UC Davis as your health care provider, please contact our Consumer Resource Center at 800-2-UCDAVIS (1-800-282-3284) or visit us on the web at medicalgroup.ucdavis.edu, medicalcenter.ucdavis.edu or physicians.ucdavis.edu. If you are an existing UC Davis patient and have a question, please contact your provider's office directly, or call our Consumer Resource Center at 800-2-UCDAVIS (1-800-282-3284). If you are an existing UC Davis patient with a concern, please contact our Patient Relations department at 916-734-9777 or 800-305-6540. To learn more about our Patient Relations liaisons, visit www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/patient_relations. Please respect and follow our social media rules of engagement: http://healthsystem.ucdavis.edu/welcome/socialmedia/index.html

ABOUT US

UC Davis Medical Center is a comprehensive academic medical center where clinical practice, teaching and research converge to advance health. The medical center serves a 33-county, 65,000-square-mile area that stretches north to the Oregon border and east to Nevada. It further extends its reach through the award-winning telemedicine program, which gives remote, medically underserved communities throughout California unprecedented access to specialty and subspecialty care. Centers of excellence include the region's only level 1 pediatric and adult trauma centers; the National Cancer Institute-designated UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center; the UC Davis Children's Hospital; the UC Davis MIND Institute, devoted to finding treatments and cures for neurodevelopmental disorders; and more. About UC Davis Medical Center (website)
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medicalcenter

About UC Davis Health System (website)
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/aboutus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/UCDavisHealth
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/uc-davis-health-system
Google+: https://plus.google.com/105202101387315180526
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/UCDavisHealth

Tahoe just got a fresh blanket of snow, and many of us are gearing up for a weekend on the slopes. It's important to mak...
02/27/2026

Tahoe just got a fresh blanket of snow, and many of us are gearing up for a weekend on the slopes. It's important to make sure your body and your gear are ready to go before heading up the mountain.

Learn about ways to prevent ski and snowboard injuries before and after having fun in the snow: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/how-to-prevent-ski-and-snowboard-injuries-and-keep-your-body-healthy/2026/02

Image description: A skier wearing a blue jacket, pink pants, a white helmet and goggles is skiing downhill on a snowy slope. The skier is leaning forward with both poles planted in the snow, creating a spray of powder around their skis. Evergreen trees line the background beneath a clear blue sky.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many risk factors are within your control. By focusing...
02/26/2026

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many risk factors are within your control. By focusing on a few key lifestyle shifts, like what you eat, how often you move and how you manage stress, you can significantly lower your risk and support your long-term health.

Explore 6 heart-healthy habits you can start today:

Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the U.S., yet most risk factors can be prevented. These six lifestyle changes can help improve heart health.

“Now UC Davis is an even better place to take care of children," said pediatric surgeon Jonathan Kohler.Our Pediatric Su...
02/25/2026

“Now UC Davis is an even better place to take care of children," said pediatric surgeon Jonathan Kohler.

Our Pediatric Surgery and Specialty clinic is officially open at the Cypress Building! Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the first dedicated outpatient clinic on our campus for pediatric surgical patients.

With the new space, the team can better support comprehensive ambulatory care for infants, children and adolescents with pediatric surgical conditions.

Services include general surgery consultations, colorectal care, GI motility and pelvic reconstructive care, multidisciplinary coordination for congenital conditions, pre- and post-operative visits and follow-up care for children with traumatic injuries. Designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, the clinic also supports highly specialized programs, including individualized care for neurodiverse children through UC Davis’s PATH (Promoting Accessibility to Healthcare) program.

This new clinic stands as a testament to collaboration, dedication and a shared commitment to pediatric patients and their families.

Image descriptions:
1: Pediatric surgeon Payam Saadai smiles and hugs his two-year-old patient, Malakai Bettencourt.

2: A large group of people gathers in a brightly lit room for a ribbon-cutting celebration. Blue and gold star-shaped balloons frame both sides of the group. At the center, a young child holds large ceremonial scissors with the help of a person in green medical scrubs as they cut a long blue ribbon. The group behind them smiles and poses for the photo.

Congratulations to Emily Karp, BSN, RN, MS-BC, from Tower 4, on receiving a DAISY Foundation Award in recognition of her...
02/24/2026

Congratulations to Emily Karp, BSN, RN, MS-BC, from Tower 4, on receiving a DAISY Foundation Award in recognition of her exceptional compassion, clinical excellence and unwavering advocacy during a patient’s prolonged and complex hospitalization.

Christine Williams, chief nursing executive, shared how Emily served as a steady and reassuring presence. She anticipated the patient’s needs, safeguarded her patient’s dignity, coordinated personalized care and supported her patient's family through an extraordinarily difficult time.

Her ability to combine expert nursing practice with empathy, professionalism and a deep commitment to patient-centered care exemplifies the very best of our nursing community.
dignity, coordinated personalized care, and supported her

From the nomination:

“I am writing to nominate Emily for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional nursing care and compassion during one of the most challenging periods our family has ever faced.

For an entire month, Emily served as my father’s primary nurse while he battled multiple new and serious medical conditions. During this incredibly stressful time, Emily became not just a caregiver but an advocate, a source of comfort and a beacon of hope for our entire family.

What made Emily truly extraordinary was her unwavering dedication to my father’s dignity and comfort. She went above and beyond every single day, ensuring he was clean, comfortable and well cared for. Her attention to detail was remarkable; she consistently checked in on him, anticipated his needs and even took the initiative to coordinate with dietary services to order meals that would appeal to him during a time when eating was difficult.

Perhaps most importantly, Emily helped my father feel safe. In an environment that can feel overwhelming and frightening, she created a sense of security and trust that allowed him to rest and focus on healing. The connection they formed was evident to everyone who witnessed their interactions, and it brought our family immense peace.

As a registered nurse myself, I have a deep appreciation for the challenges nurses face daily, managing multiple patients while also supporting anxious families. Emily handled these dual responsibilities with grace and professionalism that exceeded every expectation. She made our family feel comfortable stepping away from the bedside, knowing that my father was receiving the most compassionate and competent care possible.

Emily’s advocacy for my father was relentless. She ensured his voice was heard, his needs were met and his care plan was optimized. She treated him not as a room number or a diagnosis, but as a person deserving of respect, dignity and the very best care.

The impact Emily had on our family cannot be overstated. During our darkest hours, she was a source of light, hope and healing. Her exceptional nursing skills, combined with her genuine compassion and dedication, embody everything the DAISY Award represents.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Emily, for the extraordinary care you provided to my father and the comfort you brought to our entire family. You are truly deserving of this recognition.”

Please join us in congratulating Emily on her DAISY Award! 🌼

Image descriptions:

1: Emily Karp smiles and holds a framed certificate for a DAISY Award. Behind Emily is a tall banner that reads “Congratulations” with two large daisy graphics.
2: Emily Karp smiles and poses with loved ones in front of a tall banner that reads “Congratulations” with two large daisy graphics. One person is holding a cellphone with two other people on a video call.
3: Emily Karp smiles and poses standing in the middle with five others in front of a tall banner that reads “Congratulations” with two large daisy graphics.

It's National Caregivers Day, an opportunity to recognize the dedication and selfless hard work of those who provide car...
02/20/2026

It's National Caregivers Day, an opportunity to recognize the dedication and selfless hard work of those who provide care for loved ones, family and patients. Being a caregiver can be thankless work, and it's important to remember to take care of yourself, too.

Read more to learn how to navigate the care system, protect your own health and find caregiving resources:

Caring for a family member or friend can be rewarding — but also overwhelming. Our experts offer practical tips, expert advice and trusted resources to support you on your caregiving journey.

02/20/2026
The public is invited to make this Easter special for patients at the UC Davis Children's Hospital by donating goodies f...
02/18/2026

The public is invited to make this Easter special for patients at the UC Davis Children's Hospital by donating goodies for their Easter baskets!

Our UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department is accepting donations for Easter basket supplies through its Amazon wish list.

The hospital staff will use the gifts to create personalized baskets that match the needs, interests and ages of children receiving care.

“Each year, the community’s generosity brings comfort and a sense of normalcy to children who are spending the holiday in the hospital,” said Katie Holmes, programming supervisor in the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. “These gifts help us create meaningful moments for our patients, ensuring they can still experience the joy and celebration of Easter while they’re here.”

Learn more and donate today: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/easter-basket-donations-needed-for-hospitalized-children/2026/02

Image description: Several colorful Easter baskets sit close together. They are filled with toys and books.

Two employees who had never met crossed paths at the right time and came together to help someone in need.Vanessa Sanche...
02/17/2026

Two employees who had never met crossed paths at the right time and came together to help someone in need.

Vanessa Sanchez and Alisha Solis took different routes home one day. Both ended up on Stockton Boulevard at the exact moment a man fell from his wheelchair.

Vanessa, a research coordinator at our Transplant Center, stopped first. Alisha, a medical assistant for ACC Family Medicine, stopped next. Together, they lifted him to safety, gathered his belongings and made sure he felt cared for.

“We just kind of took our time with him so he wouldn't feel rushed. We talked to him and tried to see if there's anything else we could do to help," said Alisha.

Image description: Vanessa Sanchez (left) and Alisha Solis stand side by side outside a building. They both are wearing badges.

02/13/2026
We're excited to debut a new video series, Little Lessons, featuring pediatrician Lena van der List!Every month, Dr. van...
02/13/2026

We're excited to debut a new video series, Little Lessons, featuring pediatrician Lena van der List!

Every month, Dr. van der List helps parents navigate the different stages of their children’s lives, from baby and toddler topics all the way through adolescence.

“Parenting is a journey, and I hope to give parents all the tools that they need to be successful through every age and stage of their child’s development,” Dr. van der List said.

Watch our latest episode:

Fevers in babies and toddlers can be scary for parents, but how high is too high, and when is medical care really needed? In this episode of Little Lessons, ...

Join us in congratulating our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team on their silver-level Beacon Award for Excellenc...
02/11/2026

Join us in congratulating our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team on their silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence!

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) gives the award to top hospital units where nurses can drive clinical excellence and provide high-quality patient care.

“Congratulations to our AACN Beacon teams for showing what nurses can do when we practice in a healthy work environment. This meaningful recognition is more than a point of pride; it demonstrates a commitment to cultivating a thriving workplace, one in which nurses and other team members are empowered to make their optimal contributions," said AACN President Rebekah Marsh.

Learn more about what the honor means to our PICU: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uc-davis-picu-honored-with-silver-beacon-award-for-excellence/2026/02

Image descriptions:
1: Two health care professionals pose next to a tall congratulatory banner displayed in a hospital hallway. Silver star balloons and blue decorations surround the banner, and both individuals smile as they stand on either side of it.

2: A large group of PICU staff members and hospital leadership stand and kneel together in a hospital room decorated with silver star balloons and celebratory signs. Many people wear blue clothing, and a small therapy dog sits at the front of the group.

3: A group of health care professionals stand in front of a large congratulatory banner surrounded by silver star balloons. Several people hold blue and silver pom‑poms.

4: Four health care professionals are holding large bouquets of flowers wrapped in paper. They are positioned side by side in front of shelving.

“I’m so glad I was referred to cardiac rehab. I wish I had started sooner; I’d be even better off today. I feel so much ...
02/10/2026

“I’m so glad I was referred to cardiac rehab. I wish I had started sooner; I’d be even better off today. I feel so much more confident about my health now.”

Gene Pendergast knew he needed to exercise more, but our 12-week cardiac rehab program taught him much more.

With guidance from the team, he learned how to exercise safely, eat in a heart-healthy way and manage stress. Those changes helped him lower his heart risk, reduce symptoms and regain his confidence, all without new medications or procedures.

“Success stories like Gene’s are the result of the hard work of our cardiac rehab team, who give patient‑centered care to every person in the program,” said cardiologist Javier E. López.

Learn how our cardiac rehab team supports patients every step of the way: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/building-stronger-hearts-uc-davis-healths-cardiac-rehab/2026/02

Image description: Patient Gene Pendergast (left) and cardiologist Javier E. López (right) stand, smiling at each other. They stand outside in front of a building. Both are wearing suits.

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4301 X Street
Sacramento, CA
95817

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