UC San Diego Health

08/20/2024

Atul Malhotra, MD, Peter C. Farrell Presidential Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and pulmonologist at UC San Diego Health, has been named recipient of the 2024 Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Thoracic Society.

The award is given annually to honor the career of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of sleep or respiratory neurobiology in terms of both scientific and scholarly advances, as well as in mentoring, teaching and advocacy to advance public health.

“I am incredibly honored for this recognition by the American Thoracic Society and my esteemed peers,” said Malhotra, research chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “My work spans outpatient settings and intensive care units, while also managing a National Institutes of Health funded laboratory. It’s extremely rewarding to conduct studies that are identifying novel treatment options and then be able to provide those therapeutics to my patients and see them live more quality lives.”

Read the full announcement. 📰 ⬇️

For 2024-2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked UC San Diego Health No. 1 in San Diego and among the nation’s best in 11 adult medical and surgical specialties, including 10th in the country for pulmonology care. Learn more about lung disease and respiratory care at UC San Diego Health.

Recognized by the American Thoracic Society, Malhotra has been honored with the 2024 Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology Lifetime Achievement Award

08/20/2024

Nothing beats a San Diego summer day with a bucket hat and
San Diego Padres baseball. ⚾😎

08/17/2024

When Melissa De La O was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a rare, non-cancerous brain tumor that often times leaves patients with hearing loss, she knew what she was up against. Thirty years earlier, the same type of tumor rendered her father partially deaf. Watch how this father-daughter duo experienced an emotional journey together, including the moment when De La O awoke from surgery to discover she could still hear. 📺 ⬇️

Learn more about acoustic neuroma care at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/ent/acoustic-neuroma/

https://youtu.be/2mG5pJbCdcc?si=uAD6raSwLDTbffIy

When Melissa De La O was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a rare, non-cancerous brain tumor that often times leaves patients with hearing loss, she knew w...

08/16/2024

The same-day cancer care clinic at UC San Diego Health specializes in symptom management for our patients who are currently receiving treatment for their cancer diagnosis.

Our specialized team of oncology advanced practice providers, registered nurses and medical assistants ensure prompt evaluation of symptoms related to your cancer care. Services include imaging, infusion therapy, lab tests and pharmacy services.

The 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report survey evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions, with only 3% earning top-50 rankings. Among these, UC San Diego Health achieved national recognition in 11 specialties, including cancer care.

Learn more about same-day cancer care at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/same-day/

08/15/2024

The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at our Hillcrest Medical Campus is set to open in Summer 2025 – just one year away.

We’re excited to share recent construction images, including the placement of the building signage in recognition of the generous gift from the San Diego-based McGrath Family Foundation.

Along with a new retail pharmacy, the 250,000-square-foot facility will house key medical services, including breast health, cancer care, ear, nose and throat care, neurosurgery, outpatient surgery, urology, and orthopedics.

"The expansion of our Hillcrest Medical Campus underscores UC San Diego Health’s commitment to improving patient outcomes by increasing access to specialized, pioneering medicine in the heart of San Diego," said Patty Maysent, CEO at UC San Diego Health.

Visit health.ucsd.edu/hillcrest for more information about current and future phases for our Hillcrest Medical Campus. The long-term Hillcrest Redevelopment Project will make healthier outcomes possible for patients in central San Diego and beyond for generations to come.

08/14/2024

An estimated 22.6 million patients suffer from neurological disorders or injuries that need help from a neurosurgeon annually, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery. Watch Alexander Khalessi, MD, chair of neurosurgery at UC San Diego Health, talk more about the importance of neurosurgery. ⬇️ 📺

If you’ve been diagnosed with a neurological condition that requires surgery, you need a highly trained and experienced neurosurgeon. At UC San Diego Health, you get specialized and personalized care throughout your entire medical journey. Learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/neurological/neurosurgery/

An estimated 22.6 million patients suffer from neurological disorders or injuries that need help from a neurosurgeon annually, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Alexander Khalessi, Chair of Neurosurgery at UC San Diego Health, joined Fox 5 to talk more about neurosurgery.

08/13/2024

Ask Caden Taffe if he ever imagined he’d be sprinting over hurdles to break multiple school track records, and he’ll say the only place he dreamed of running toward was the end zone – on the football field.

But when a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sidelined his football aspirations last year, the 17-year-old discovered he had another talent to hone on the track.

According to the CDC, the incidence of sport-related concussions has been escalating in a variety of sports, and its impact on long-term cognitive function is increasingly recognized. Concussions are associated with an increased risk of neurological diseases and long-term cognitive deficits.

Read Taffe's inspiring story below. 📰 🔽

UC San Diego Health offers extensive concussion testing and treatment options for athletes with a suspected concussion where comprehensive diagnostics and treatment occur following a head injury to ensure athletes can return to sports safety. Learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/sports-medicine/concussion-treatment/

A traumatic brain injury ended Caden Taffe’s ability to play football, yet he has channeled his talents into running hurdles.

08/13/2024

From those first precious moments of bonding to the unique challenges along the way, breastfeeding is a journey like no other.

At UC San Diego Health, we support your choice to breastfeed. We encourage all mothers to hold their babies skin-to-skin right after delivery and to nurse right away whenever possible.

We are nationally known for our breastfeeding support. Our medical centers in Hillcrest and La Jolla are designated Baby-Friendly for upholding the highest standards of infant feeding care by promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

Learn more about breastfeeding support and classes at UC San Diego Health:

If you plan to breastfeed your newborn, we're here to support you. UC San Diego Health provides comprehensive breastfeeding support with certified lactation consultants and educators.

08/10/2024

UC San Diego Health and West Health recently announced that nearly three million older adults in California now have access to specialized care for medical emergencies, making the state the nation’s leader in accredited geriatric emergency departments (GEDs). Nearly half of the state’s seniors now have access to a GED compared to about 30% of seniors nationwide.

“UC San Diego Health recognized a truly unique opportunity with West Health that would significantly improve the patient experience in an area of care that continues to expand exponentially,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “This milestone underscores the growing impact of our collaboration. We are grateful to partner with West Health to create a new transformative offering for geriatric patients to get them healthy, happy, and home sooner.”

Vaishal Tolia, MD and James Killeen, MD played a key role in moving the UC-wide Geriatric Emergency Department Centers of Excellence (UC GED-CE) supported by West Health Institute forward to bring the GED model to other UC campuses.

Learn more about geriatrics at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/primary-care/geriatrics/

The senior medicine / geriatrics program at UC San Diego Health is devoted to healthy aging and the needs of older adults. This includes primary care, advance specialty treatment and Medicare wellness visits.

08/09/2024

Mastering the pommel horse requires precision and focus, a feat hard for someone with even excellent vision, let alone strabismus.

Stephen Nedoroscik, who captured our hearts at the 2024 Summer Olympics, was born with strabismus, a rare eye condition in which the two eyes are not correctly aligned. Despite having no depth perception and extreme light sensitivity, he went on to win two bronze medals on the pommel horse in Paris.

If untreated strabismus can lead to amblyopia, also called "lazy eye," a condition in which the vision in one eye deteriorates. Strabismus and amblyopia are together the most common causes of visual impairment in children. Although many children with strabismus or amblyopia can be effectively treated, a better understanding of the causes of these disorders would permit a more accurate assessment of which treatment plan is most likely to succeed for each child.

UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute is the region's only academic eye center and its most comprehensive. You have access to the most advanced treatments across all areas of eye care for adults and children. Every member of your care team is dedicated to providing excellent patient care to prevent, treat and cure eye diseases.

Learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/eye-care/

08/09/2024

UC San Diego Health has the only comprehensive brain tumor care program in San Diego. This means we can effectively treat even the most challenging cases using a multidisciplinary team approach, which is a hallmark of academic medicine.

Learn about brain tumor care at UC San Diego Health: https://go.ucsd.edu/3AgBJRb

08/07/2024

Becoming an Olympic athlete demands hard work and dedication, making injury prevention crucial for maintaining peak physical condition. Watch as Alan Shahtaji, DO, a sports medicine physician at UC San Diego Health who has also served on the Olympics medical team, talks about the importance of injury prevention. 📺 ⬇️

Becoming an Olympian takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so preventing injuries is super important to maintaining top physical shape. Dr. Alan Shahtaji with UC San Diego Health joined Fox 5 to talk more about this.

08/06/2024

At UC San Diego Health, you have access to innovative, investigational treatments and therapies.

This is because our physicians are also researchers at the top of their fields. Together with their
UC San Diego School of Medicine colleagues, they're continuously making discoveries to improve your health and quality of life.

UC San Diego Health is the region’s only academic health system and is dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care through commitment to community, groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. Learn more about clinical trials: health.ucsd.edu/care/clinical-trials/

08/05/2024

Protect yourself and your family with HPV (human papillomavirus) immunizations. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to dramatically lower the risk of cancers associated with high-risk strains of the HPV virus, including cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, pe**le cancer, re**al cancer and vaginal cancer.

The HPV vaccine is 90% effective against HPV-associated cancers when given to children ages 9-12. Though less effective in older people, the vaccine may be administered to men and women through age 45.

Schedule an HPV vaccine at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/primary-care/

Protect yourself and your family with HPV (human papillomavirus) immunizations. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to dramatically lower the risk of...

08/02/2024

It’s one thing to train for and run a 5-kilometer race – it’s another to run it with an oxygen tank in tow. But James Spalenka, 73, a Rancho Bernardo dentist and UC San Diego Health pulmonary rehabilitation patient, isn’t one to let obstacles stand in his way.

His recent completion of the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k, while wheeling his tank alongside him, is a testament to his attitude and perseverance to reach goals through his recent three-month rehabilitation at UC San Diego Health for interstitial lung disease. Spalenka also has battled liver complications which culminated in a liver transplant in 2014.

“My philosophy is that you can’t let your circumstances in life dictate how you want to live the rest of your life,” Spalenka said. “Even if you’ve got to drag an oxygen tank with you, do the things you love to do and figure out how you can keep doing them.”

In addition to running, Spalenka wheels his oxygen tank with him on hikes and even trips to the beach. He regularly surfs and boogie boards while carrying a small oxygen canister around his neck to use whenever a quick shot of oxygen is needed.

“His accomplishments are an excellent example of determination as well as the possibilities of the fulfillment of goals and aspirations that we attempt to instill within our patients when they join our program,” said Brian Green, pulmonary rehabilitation program manager at UC San Diego Health.

Now a graduate of the pulmonary rehabilitation program, Spalenka has set his sights on scuba diving this month in Hawaii and training for another 5k in November.

“I want to live my life, to be in the ocean again, to run, to challenge myself,” Spalenka said. “Never give up hope - my goal is to be the oldest surfer still out there. I like to see what I’m capable of.”

The first to offer pulmonary rehabilitation in San Diego in 1968, UC San Diego Health is a leader in the management of chronic respiratory conditions, learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/lung/pulmonary-rehabilitation

08/01/2024

Operating room nurse Isabella Fraijo is passionate about and dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. Her career trajectory from sterile processing tech to nurse exemplifies how UC San Diego Health nurtures and encourages employees to fulfill their dreams.

Join Isabella as she throws out the ceremonial first pitch at a San Diego Padres game and learn more about what it's like to be part of the UC San Diego Health family: employment.ucsd.edu

07/31/2024

UC San Diego Health is expanding health care services to better serve our community.

With the recent addition of East Campus Medical Center at UC San Diego Health we are now able to provide care close to home for people throughout eastern San Diego.

And already underway is the revitalization of our medical center campus in Hillcrest, where a new outpatient surgical center is scheduled to open in 2025. Simultaneously, new clinics are opening throughout the region.

Find world-class care near you:

UC San Diego Health locations, including San Diego emergency rooms and hospitals, San Diego urgent care, express care and San Diego labs and pharmacies.

07/30/2024

The earlier you are diagnosed with lung cancer, the better your prognosis.

Screenings are tests given before any symptoms develop and produce detailed cross-sectional images of your lungs, which a radiologist examines for signs of disease.

See if you are eligible for lung cancer screening at UC San Diego Health. ⬇️

Lung cancer screening offers current and former smokers a way to assess their risk of lung cancer. The accredited lung cancer screening program at UC San Diego Health in San Diego offers same-day screening and results.

07/28/2024

If you have a heart condition, you need cardiovascular experts who are leaders in their field and will give you personalized care. 💙

As part of the region's only academic health system, the Cardiovascular Institute at UC San Diego Health is a hub of discovery and innovation.

Our heart and vascular programs are ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn about heart and vascular care at the Cardiovascular Institute at UC San Diego Health. Cardiology patients can benefit from our comprehensive care in state-of-the-art facilities.

07/27/2024

Get Ahead of the Game!

Don't wait until the last minute to get your child a sports physical. Swing by Express Care and ensure child is ready to hit the field with confidence.

📅 No appointment needed
🕙 Save time by reserving your spot online
☀️ Open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends

Get same-day Express Care treatment for minor health problems — like a sore throat, ear infection and cough — at UC San Diego Health. Walk in, see available appointments to save your spot online, or schedule a video visit.

07/26/2024

UC San Diego Health was one of the many UC academic health centers honored in the 2024 Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognizes health systems, hospitals and health care facilities for their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability achievements.

Collectively, UC Health academic health centers received 30 awards from Practice Greenhealth, a testament to how high-quality, life-changing patient care can go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability.

At UC San Diego Health, we recognize the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. To learn about the actions we are taking to accelerate the path to greater sustainability, visit: health.ucsd.edu/about-us/sustainability/

July 25, 2024 UC academic health centers received 30 awards in the 2024 Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards, highlighting their dedication to environmental stewardship alongside exceptional patient care. UC academic health centers were honored in the 2024 Practice Greenhealth Enviro...

07/25/2024

Check out these impressive results ⤵️ 👀

According to the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” survey, UC San Diego Health is:

✅ #1 in San Diego
✅ Top 20 in the Nation
✅ Has 11 medical and surgical specialties ranked among the nation’s best— more than any hospital system in San Diego, including:

Pulmonology & Lung Surgery: Top 10 in the Nation
Geriatrics: Top 25 in the Nation
Neurology & Neurosurgery: Top 25 in the Nation
Obstetrics & Gynecology: Top 25 in the Nation
Cancer: Top 50 in the Nation
Diabetes & Endocrinology: Top 50 in the Nation
Ear, Nose & Throat: Top 50 in the Nation
Gastroenterology & GI Surgery: Top 50 in the Nation
Heart & Vascular: Top 50 in the Nation
Orthopedics: Top 50 in the Nation
Urology: Top 50 in the Nation

These results are a direct result of UC San Diego Health’s unique, collaborative environment in which staff are encouraged to explore, discover and continuously improve upon novel treatment options.

Learn more about the Best Hospitals rankings: health.ucsd.edu/usnews

07/24/2024

Although you may find it difficult to talk about your feelings and experiences around your cancer treatment, addressing them can help improve your treatment success.

Our cancer support groups and classes can help address the emotional, social, physical and spiritual issues that may affect your well-being before, during and after cancer treatment.

Explore the groups and classes we offer. All are free and open to the community ⬇️

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.

07/23/2024

As San Diego temperatures soar this week, it's crucial to take extra precautions to stay safe, especially for seniors.

The summer heat can have hidden health risks for seniors: heat exhaustion, strokes and falls.

"It’s also important for seniors to be mindful of their medications," said Ian Neel, MD, geriatrician at UC San Diego Health. “A lot of people as we get older have to take medications that affect blood pressure. If we get dehydrated it can actually lower our blood pressure too much and put us at increased risk of falls.”

It is also important for seniors to have support systems in place during hot spells.

“It's one thing if we get a little bit dehydrated and somebody is there to say, ‘Hey, you're looking a little off here, why don't you sit down and drink some water?’ But if there's nobody there to say that to us, then, you know, our thinking can become impaired from dehydration, and from what's called heat exhaustion, and that can lead us to think that we're okay when we're not.”

Learn more about geriatrics at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/primary-care/geriatrics/

Seniors gather at community centers to stay cool and safe during hot weather, which poses heightened risks for older adults.

07/23/2024

🌈✨ Our float at this year’s Pride festival was a dazzling display of love, unity, and celebration! We are incredibly proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and spread the message of equality.

UC San Diego Health is committed to serving this community through non-judgmental, transformational and quality care. In 2024, Hillcrest Medical Center at UC San Diego Health earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

health.ucsd.edu

07/21/2024

The city of San Diego will direct $350,000 of its allocated opioid manufacturer settlement to UC San Diego Health to fund substance use treatment and follow patients as they are connected to community-based recovery services.

"This partnership is a crucial step towards addressing the opioid crisis head on," said Patty Maysent, CEO, UC San Diego Health. "By integrating comprehensive care management and peer support within our emergency department, we can significantly improve outcomes for patients struggling with substance use disorder and provide them with the resources they need to recover and thrive."

The city of San Diego will direct $350,000 of its allocated opioid manufacturer settlement to UC San Diego Health to fund substance use treatment at emergency departments and follow patients as they are discharged and connected to community-based recovery services.

07/19/2024

Protect yourself and your community.

As San Diego Pride weekend begins, San Diego public health officials are highlighting the importance of mpox awareness. This viral disease can spread through close or intimate contact and currently has a higher infection rate among gay and bisexual men.

“The vaccination does not afford 100% protective immunity. But it is better than nothing, and it is believed that it’s part of the reason that the subsequent outbreaks after 2022 have not been as great," said Gabriel Wagner, MD, infectious disease specialist at UC San Diego Health.

While mpox is no longer considered a public health emergency, infections are still occurring. Health experts recommend vaccinating now to prevent the next surge of the disease.

“Just be cognizant that if you see someone with a rash, try to abstain from sexual activity, or at least wear condoms during sex,” said Wagner.

San Diego public health workers will be at Pride providing mpox vaccines Saturday and Sunday.

Learn more ⬇️

While mpox is no longer considered a public health emergency, infections are still occurring.

07/19/2024

In September 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ilene Klein, MD, noticed she was experiencing transient fatigue and a general sense of being out of shape. As a physician, Klein recognized that this fatigue wasn’t due to lack of sleep. Additionally, her resting heart rate, usually in the upper 40s or lower 50s, unexpectedly rose to the low 70s. Despite increasing her walking regimen to improve her condition, she found no relief and decided to seek medical attention.

In January 2021, she was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma called T-cell histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma, which had reached Stage 4. Accounting for approximately 1 percent of B-cell lymphomas and typically occurring in men, this subtype lacks a specific treatment protocol and is managed like a large B-cell lymphoma with R-CHOP, a combination drug treatment.

Klein was enrolled in a clinical trial at UC San Diego Health, which is a research study conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions, such as drugs, medical devices or treatments, in humans. These trials are essential for developing new treatments and improving existing ones.

"Once I was under the care of my oncologist, supported by a dedicated team, family, friends, colleagues and resources like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, my experience surpassed expectations," said Klein. "Despite the challenging diagnosis, I tolerated treatment well, and the collective support I enjoyed played a pivotal role in helping me maintain a generally positive outlook."

Klein just celebrated her 3-year post-chemo milestone of no detectable disease.

"The day I received my PET/CT report indicating there was no detectable disease was nothing short of miraculous. Thoroughly reviewing the report with my oncologist and radiologist provided much-needed reassurance," said Klein.

Klein reflects on her journey and gives advice to anyone who may be feeling “off” or have questions and concerns about their treatment.

"Cancer is not the time to be silent; it’s a crucial time to speak openly, ask questions – big and small, express your concerns and voice your needs to your doctor and care team. Remember, when confronted with cancer, your voice is an invaluable instrument in your wellbeing," she said.

Klein also expressed her gratitude for the exceptional care she received at UC San Diego Health and the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.

"Each time I visit the growing and inspiring UC San Diego Health medical center campus, I am reminded of my deep gratitude for the exceptional care that saved my life, while also representing the prospect of life-saving discoveries in years to come," Klein said.

Learn more about cancer care at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/

07/18/2024

Chalk art reveal! 🎨 🖌️

We’re excited to showcase this incredible chalk art celebrating a special achievement. UC San Diego Health has once again ranked #1 in San Diego, placing it among the nation’s best hospitals, according to the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” survey.

We couldn’t be more proud! Thank you to all the team members at UC San Diego Health for their contributions, day and night, in caring for the community, especially those who face challenging, often life-threatening health conditions.

Learn more about the rankings: health.ucsd.edu/usnews

07/18/2024

Leaders, physicians, nurses and staff of UC San Diego Health joined together in May to celebrate the organization’s second annual Improvement Excellence Awards. The ceremony honors individuals and teams for improvement projects that made a positive difference in the lives of patients, team members and the community.

The strategic goal categories of excellence include: Pursuit of Quality, Patient Experience, Improving Access, Advancing Health Equity, Fostering a Culture of Belonging and Efficiency of Operations.

“I am continually inspired by the efforts our teams make every day to drive improvements while also providing world-class health care to the patients we are so privileged to serve,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “I am so proud to work with these incredible teams of dedicated staff, nurses, physicians and volunteers who treat each patient as family.”

Read more about the impactful projects that were recognized this year. ⤵️

today.ucsd.edu/videos/honoring-uc-san-diego-health-teams-making-positive-impacts