UC San Diego Health

12/12/2024

Congratulations to UC San Diego team members who were chosen to participate in the first cohort as a Learning Health Systems Science E-Star Scholar! Learning Health System Science is a form of scholarly activity that usually uses big data to improve local practice.

Genesis R. Bojorquez, PhD, RN, of the UC San Diego Health experience team has a rich history of addressing health equity through analysis of large datasets. Her dissertation was focused on the unmet health needs of migrant farm workers in California. She is also one of the founders of the UC San Diego Dreamer's program, focused on improving the diversity of the UC nursing workforce.

Bojorquez was one of three UC San Diego applicants chosen to participate in the first cohort of this remarkable program. She is pictured at the kickoff celebration with program leaders (left to right) Drs. Audra Meadows, Mike Hogarth, Genesis Bojorquez, Ming Tai-Seale and Crystal Cene. Additional UC San Diego winners were Mattheus Ramsis, MD, assistant professor of medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine (not pictured), and Emily Treichler, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine (not pictured).

Ramsis has led projects to enhance disease detection in resource-limited settings, from using smartphone cameras for cardiovascular monitoring to deploying artificial intelligence for routine ECGs to identify undiagnosed heart conditions. His research aims to create sustainable, patient-centered improvements across diverse populations.

Treichler’s work focuses on working with communities and public health institutions to identify, evaluate, and implement accessible, equitable and person-centered mental health care in public health settings among people with serious mental illness (SMI). She is an investigator and consultant with the UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI) and the Dissemination and Implementation Science Center.

Congratulations to the winners who will go on to create new models of learning that will help to optimize care as quickly, broadly, and equitably as possible and ultimately improve health outcomes.

Learn more about the Center for Learning Health Systems Science: https://go.ucsd.edu/41gglH0

12/12/2024

San Diego Symphony musicians performed an intimate, live concert at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health on December 10. The performance featured a harp and flute duo and was designed to offer a soothing and uplifting experience. The concert provided a moment of respite for attendees, allowing patients and their families to pause from their medical journeys and experience the calming power of music in a supportive setting.

Doctors, nurses, and staff also enjoyed the event, sharing in the therapeutic atmosphere and strengthening the bond between health care providers and the community they serve.

As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is among the top 4% of approximately 1,500 cancer centers in the United States, and one of only 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. Patients have access to clinical trials with a dedicated team, as well as to physicians who provide personalized care and are setting treatment standards nationwide for more than 200 types of cancer. The UC San Diego Health cancer program was ranked in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" survey.
health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/

12/11/2024

For the third year in a row, UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care, the highest award a hospital can earn by U.S. News and World Report for obstetric and infant care. 🎉

From fertility treatment to postpartum care, we’re here for every step of your journey. With expert teams, cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, we ensure a safe and positive experience for both parents and babies.

“UC San Diego Health consistently sets the standard on highly reliable maternity care and we are dedicated to caring for people who dream of becoming parents for the first time, or are hoping to grow their existing family,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “We are honored when families choose us to help welcome a new child into the world.”

Thank you for trusting us to deliver your little bundles of joy. Learn more about our award-winning pregnancy and birth care: health.ucsd.edu/care/pregnancy-birth/

For the third consecutive year, UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report.

12/10/2024

Did you know that nearly half a million women will die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) this year? That’s more than the next three leading causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

Despite its prevalence, women often experience different CVD symptoms than men and face disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Studies show women with suspected CVD are less likely to undergo testing or receive early, aggressive care.

Take charge of your heart health. ❤️ Our Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program offers personalized consultations to screen for CVD risk and evaluate symptoms, providing tailored prevention or treatment strategies.

Led by cardiologists who specialize in women’s heart health, we’re here to help you understand, prevent and treat CVD. Your heart deserves it.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier heart. ⬇️

The Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program at UC San Diego Health is led by a group of female physicians dedicated to helping women understand, prevent and treat heart disease.

12/08/2024

More doctors, more locations. 📍

We know you have choices about where to receive care. Choosing a primary care provider in UC San Diego Health's expanding network means you'll get the best in prevention, diagnosis and treatment options.

Explore our locations and discover how you can receive world-class care: health.ucsd.edu/choose

12/06/2024

Join us on Tuesday, December 10, for a special hour of healing and hope with the San Diego Symphony. 🎶 Enjoy the calming melodies of a harp and flute duo, offering a soothing escape for patients, families, caregivers and the community.

Location: Bamboo Garden at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health
Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Let the uplifting sounds bring peace and inspiration to your day. Everyone is welcome!

12/04/2024

When, at 24-years-old, Sabrina Leamon began to experience fogginess and anxiety she knew something was wrong. After experiencing two seizures, Leamon finally knew the root of her symptoms. She was diagnosed with a slow-growing brain cancer called a grade II diffuse glioma.

After the diagnosis, Leamon looked for a healthcare team with expertise in treating her type of cancer. She found personalized cancer care under Thomas L. Beaumont, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health who specializes in skull base and minimally invasive cranial surgery and brain tumors.

UC San Diego Health — home to the region’s only comprehensive brain tumor program and only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center — has an internationally recognized team of experts in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology and neuroimaging for the comprehensive research and treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors.

More information about brain tumor treatments at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/cancers-we-treat/brain-tumor/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By93aNUZSOM

When, at 24-years-old, Sabrina Leamon began to experience fogginess and anxiety she knew something was wrong. After experiencing two seizures, Sabrina finall...

12/04/2024

Years before Peter Lucchini was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, everyday tasks like driving became increasingly difficult. Initially, his wife thought it was just work stress, but soon she began to notice more alarming changes. He became withdrawn at gatherings, his personality shifted and even simple activities became a struggle. Lucchini was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and began receiving care from Gabriel Leger, MD, a neurologist specializing in Alzheimer’s disease at UC San Diego Health.

Lucchini, his wife and Dr. Leger recently spoke with NBC’s Maria Shriver on TODAY, where they opened up about Lucchini’s personal journey and discussed the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Watch the full interview here: https://www.today.com/video/how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-spot-early-signs-of-alzheimer-s-225190469771

If you are experiencing changes in your memory or thinking, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis.

At UC San Diego Health, our team of neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, neuropsychologist, nurses and social workers are dedicated to diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's and related disorders while simultaneously promoting brain health.

There are treatments to delay the progression of dementia, according to Leger. We provide access to the latest diagnostic and treatment methods. To learn more, visit: health.ucsd.edu/care/neurological/memory-disorders

12/02/2024

Meet Carter, a brave 7-year-old from Las Vegas with dreams as big as his heart. Carter has lived with lamellar ichthyosis, a rare skin condition, since birth. It affected his eyelids, making it impossible to fully close his eyes–even while sleeping.

But hope arrived when Carter’s mom connected with Bobby Korn, MD, ophthalmologist at UC San Diego Health and the incredible team at Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health. Through a groundbreaking surgery involving skin grafts, Carter can now blink and sleep with his eyes closed for the first time in years.

“It’s exciting to think about how our clinical work and research can lead to better solutions for other patients with lamellar ichthyosis," said Korn. "Carter’s story is a reminder of why we do what we do — every child deserves the chance to live a full, joyful life.”

Now, Carter is enjoying restful nights and dreaming of adventures with his family. His journey reminds us of the life-changing power of compassionate, expert care.

The Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health is the region's only academic eye center, offering leading-edge treatments in all areas of eye care for both children and adults. The UC San Diego Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a globally recognized leader in patient care, education and research. Dedicated experts, including Korn, have pioneered innovative procedures and techniques that have since set the standard in the field.

health.ucsd.edu/care/eye-care

UC San Diego Health and a mother’s love lead to the simple joy of restful sleep for 7-year-old.

11/28/2024

During this season of gratitude, we reflect on the profound impact living organ donations can have on patients’ lives.

Erin Roberts desperately needed a new liver but found herself facing 10+ years on the transplant waiting list to potentially receive a deceased liver donation. With a young family to raise and barely enough energy just to get out of bed, she felt hopeless. Then her brother-in-law, Henry O'Loughlin, offered her an unimaginable gift – 60% of his own liver to save her life. It's a relatively unknown fact that the liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself, and that donating your own liver to someone else is possible.

Watch their remarkable video story and give thanks for people who give of themselves to save a loved one through organ donation.

Each day, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. Consider how you can help. Learn more about UC San Diego Health’s transplant programs, and about organ and tissue donation, including living organ donation: health.ucsd.edu/care/transplant-programs/

It was an unimaginable gift from Erin Roberts’ brother-in-law that changed her life. “Are you ready to get a new liver?” Henry O’Loughlin asked Erin and her ...

11/28/2024

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our dedicated staff, our patients and the communities we serve. 🧡 Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and healthy holiday! 🍂

11/27/2024

Why choose us for heart care?

Our cardiovascular doctors, nurses and other team members collaborate to provide the full range of services you'll find only at the nation's top health systems. This offers patients many advantages, including:

💙 Doctors with advanced training in many specialties
💙 Exceptional record for high-quality care and safety
💙 Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Program to promote a healthy lifestyle
💙 Advanced screening and diagnosis for the most accurate prevention and treatment

health.ucsd.edu/choose

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

11/27/2024

David Katz's unexpected trip to the ER saved his life. What started as a precaution for stroke symptoms led to the discovery of early stage lung cancer, thanks to a vigilant radiologist and UC San Diego Health's state-of-the-art diagnostic programs.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and early detection is critical, but only happens in about 25% of cases.

“Early diagnosis of lung cancer can greatly improve patient outcomes as we can begin treatment much sooner,” said George Cheng, MD, interventional pulmonologist at UC San Diego Health. “This is why comprehensive lung cancer detection programs that include both lung cancer screening and incidental lung nodule programs are paramount.”

UC San Diego Health is a leader in lung cancer care, offering advanced tools like robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and multidisciplinary treatment plans. These innovations help patients like David not only survive but thrive.

“I’m two years cancer-free and couldn’t have done it without my incredible care team.” said Katz. Read his full story below.

Learn about our Lung Cancer Screening Program: go.ucsd.edu/3sCdSI0

UC San Diego Health uses a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach for lung cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.

11/25/2024

Don't sleep on your health.

Are you waking up feeling tired or experiencing loud snoring? Sleep apnea might be the culprit. This condition can impact your overall health and energy levels.

There have been many discoveries in sleep apnea research, including the revolutionary invention of the CPAP machine, which keeps your airway open while you sleep, but when Atul Malhotra, MD, sleep medicine specialist at UC San Diego Heath, began his career he wanted to find other ways to treat the disorder.

“I vowed to find new treatments,” said Dr. Malhotra. “Not for lack of trying, it took me 25 years. But now we have one.”

He found that one of the new GLP-1 weight loss medications helps some people with sleep apnea, according to Malhotra’s 2024 study. The drug works mainly through weight loss, which reduces fat blocking the airway. Read more. ⬇️

Learn about sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/care/sleep-medicine/

Medical advances are helping people use CPAP machines more effectively and providing alternatives.

11/22/2024

Your family deserves the best care. UC San Diego Health offers patients top physicians, multiple locations and unparalleled attention and care.

From premier primary care to an abundance of locations for urgent and express treatment, UC San Diego Health has a number of convenient facilities to help your family live their best lives.

Choose the region's best option for health care. Learn how to switch providers today ⬇️

Open Enrollment: Select a health plan that gives you access to several UC San Diego Health primary care locations around the San Diego region

11/22/2024

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, after lung and colon, and may soon become the second.

At UC San Diego Health, we are leading an effort to advance early detection and save lives through the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium.

Andrew Lowy, MD, surgical oncologist with expertise in treating cancers of the pancreas and GI tract, discussed the latest advancements in pancreatic cancer research, including early detection methods and comprehensive, personalized treatment options.

To learn more about prevention, screening and diagnosis, visit health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/screening-diagnosis/pancreatic-cancer-prevention

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and experts like Andrew Lowy, MD, at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, are urging personalized screening and follow-up care for higher-risk individuals. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States...

11/20/2024

Did you know? The flu shot helps reduce your risk of getting sick, as well as the severity of symptoms if you do catch it. It's quick, safe and effective.

Save your spot online at one of our Express Care locations. Learn more at

Check your immunization history and contact UC San Diego Health if you need a flu shot.