UC San Diego Medical Center

11/16/2024

About 15% of pancreatic cancers are believed to be caused by genetic mutations that can be passed from parent to child. The cure rate for people diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer can be as high as 80%, this is why we emphasize the importance of screening for people at risk of this cancer.

If you have a first-degree relative who has had pancreatic cancer, it's in the national guidelines that you should have genetic testing.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer early detection and prevention. ⬇️

We are a leader in efforts to detect pancreatic cancer early when the prognosis is best. Our screening tools can also identify those at high-risk of pancreatic cancer because of family history or pancreatic cysts.

11/15/2024

Promoting health and inspiring lacrosse future stars! 🌟

We’re excited to team up with the San Diego Seals on the ELEVATE28 program which encourages fitness and teamwork in our local schools and will help grow the sport of lacrosse leading up to its debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Physical education teachers at each of the participating schools will receive kits that include lacrosse balls, sticks and nets and a curriculum to teach the game of lacrosse to their students.

UC San Diego Health is proud to support the growth of lacrosse throughout our community and be the Official Health Care Provider of the Diego Seals. Learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/sports-medicine/community-team-partnerships/

11/14/2024

When John Carr, MD, an endocrinologist, was diagnosed with a carotid artery dissection on the right side of his neck, he knew he needed top-level care. His colleagues highly recommended Alexander Khalessi, MD, neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health.

A carotid artery dissection is a serious condition involving a tear in the artery that affects blood flow to the brain, significantly diminishing quality of life and increasing the risk of stroke.

Dr. Khalessi successfully used stents to reconstruct the artery and restore blood flow to Dr. Carr's brain.

To learn more about carotid artery disease care, visit: https://health.ucsd.edu/care/stroke-care/carotid-artery-disease/

Get to know Dr. Khalessi: providers.ucsd.edu/details/11906/neurosurgery-surgery-stroke-care-cancer-neurology

11/13/2024

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a condition where blood clots block the arteries in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure and heart strain. It is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized because the primary symptom — shortness of breath — is non-specific.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a lifesaving surgery to clear the lung’s arteries of scar-like tissue. Surgeons use sophisticated techniques and special long, slender instruments, to rapidly dissect out the chronic clots without perforating the paper-thin artery wall.

“It’s a very challenging procedure that requires delicate work and an incredible amount of patience,” said Michael M. Madani, MD, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at UC San Diego Health. “When I exercise and I am at the point where I am out of breath, I think about my patients because that is how they feel all the time. It is an honor and so gratifying to give them the gift of breathing easily again — something most of us take for granted.”

The UC San Diego PTE program is the first program to be nationally designated as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Chest Physicians. The program represents the remarkable efforts of a team of physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and social workers who combine their expertise and passion into a world-class program. Learn more ⬇️

Get effective diagnosis and the most advanced treatments for CTEPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension at UC San Diego Health.

11/11/2024

Veterans work throughout UC San Diego Health and provide a variety of important services ranging from direct patient care, management, administrative support and more. Today and everyday we honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to our country. 💙 🇺🇸

11/08/2024

Vicente Diaz-Gonzalez, MD, primary care physician, explains why you should consider UC San Diego Health as your choice for your care during open enrollment. We offer the full range of primary care plus access to world-class specialists when needed. You also get access to the latest breakthroughs in medicine.

Learn how to switch your care to UC San Diego Health. ⬇️

health.ucsd.edu/choose

Vicente Diaz-Gonzalez, MD, explains why you should consider UC San Diego Health as your choice for your care during open enrollment. We offer the full range ...

11/07/2024

What is an academic medical center? 🔬 🏥 While all hospitals focus on providing patient care, academic medical centers do much more.

An academic medical center is integrated with a medical school (UC San Diego School of Medicine) and clinical research. With hundreds of doctors and scientists who are published experts in their fields, UC San Diego Health is well-equipped to deliver unparalleled patient care. Armed with groundbreaking clinical research, our dedicated faculty is saving lives and shaping the future of medicine — from primary care to cancer, childbirth and numerous other specialties.

When switching to UC San Diego Health, you'll have access to state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials that aren't available elsewhere in San Diego County.

Choose UC San Diego Health: health.ucsd.edu/choose

11/04/2024

As a custodian at UC San Diego Health for the past eight years, Mae Valdehueza never imagined she’d be preparing instruments for critical surgeries. But that’s what she’s currently learning to do through a new sterile processing and distribution technician (SPD) training program offered by UC San Diego Health.

She was one of 10 current UC San Diego Health employees who were chosen for the grant-funded program, which is provided through a partnership with JVS, a Bay Area nonprofit working to close opportunity gaps in employment. More than 90 UC San Diego Health employees who currently work in environmental services and food and nutrition services applied for the coveted slots, which provide 18 weeks of training.

“I have learned that the success of surgeries heavily depends on how well the equipment works, and how critical of a role an SPD tech plays in that process,” Valdehueza said. “I saw this opportunity as a golden light to learn a new skill and advance my career in a meaningful way.”

Instruments that have been used and soiled in operating rooms are received by SPD technicians, who use specialized equipment – including autoclaves – to clean, sterilize and prepare instruments for their next use. SPD techs than receive instrument orders from surgeons, and prepare the specific equipment requested for their upcoming use in the operating room.

“There are thousands of pieces of equipment, and it’s our job to make sure they are all functioning correctly, are sterilized and ready for the next surgery. It’s rewarding to know I’m doing meaningful work,” she said.

Monica Redmond, talent acquisition manager for UC San Diego Health, said the training program focuses on the “inside up” method, which creates career pathways for existing employees.

“Together with JVS, we have made significant strides in creating meaningful job opportunities that will help our dedicated employees excel,” Redmond said.

As the health care industry continues to face staffing shortages, particularly in essential support areas, like sterile processing, the program builds a pipeline of skilled workers to not only address staffing needs, but also offer participants a promising career path.

Become an essential part of delivering unparalleled care and discover what it’s like to work for the top-ranked hospital. Open positions in all professions: employment.ucsd.edu

11/02/2024

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, behind lung and colorectal cancer. In 2024, an estimated 64,050 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed nationwide, with approximately 50,550 deaths expected, according to the American Cancer Society.

UC San Diego Health has the latest advancements in pancreatic cancer research, including early detection methods, imaging innovations, screening recommendations and comprehensive, personalized treatment options. Learn more 🔽

Find exceptional pancreatic cancer care at UC San Diego Health, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

11/02/2024

Our Program for Active Living and Support (PALS) fosters healthy aging and successful rehabilitation following a stroke or physical disability. Improve your physical, cognitive and emotional health through art and exercise classes, golf clinics, book clubs and more.

Classes and groups are open to UC San Diego Health patients and the general public. ⬇️

PALS fosters healthy aging and successful rehabilitation following a stroke or physical disability. Classes and groups are open to UC San Diego Health patients and the general public.

10/30/2024

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the UC San Diego Health Center for Airway, Voice and Swallowing.

This state-of-the-art facility provides world-class care for those facing airway, voice and swallowing challenges with expert multidisciplinary teams committed to advanced treatments and compassionate care.

Join us as we celebrate a new chapter in advanced care and innovation for our community. 🎉

For more information on voice and swallowing disorder care at UC San Diego Health, visit: health.ucsd.edu/care/ent/voice-swallowing-disorders/

10/29/2024

UC San Diego Health is a leader in digital health care innovation.

In 2024, UC San Diego Health's acute care hospitals and ambulatory care clinics achieved Level 10 “Digital Health Most Wired” status from CHIME - College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. Level 10 is the highest level of distinction, reserved for organizations that are leaders in harnessing IT to improve patient care and safety.

Being recognized for quality patient care is a hospital's highest recognition. See some of our recent awards and achievements:

Being recognized for quality patient care is a hospital's highest recognition. Review some of our recent awards and achievements.

10/28/2024

Express Care provides same-day or next-day care for minor injuries and illnesses. Benefits include:

✅ Same-day or next-day appointments
✅ Evenings and weekends
✅ X-ray services at most locations
✅ Video visits
✅ Save your spot online

health.ucsd.edu/expresscare

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.

10/25/2024

UC San Diego Health treats the most patients with acoustic neuroma (also known as a vestibular schwannoma) and also provides personalized, compassionate care. When Julie Hudash was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, she knew it was important to have surgeons with extensive experience and to be "in the hands of people who really cared about me."

The care and support she received at UC San Diego Health amazed her. Hudash said she didn't just come to UC San Diego Health to get brain surgery, she came to get her life back. And she did.

Our physicians and surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise and bring many years of experience in clinical care, clinical management, teaching and research to advance the treatment of acoustic neuroma: health.ucsd.edu/care/ent/acoustic-neuroma/

UC San Diego Health treats the most patients with acoustic neuroma (also known as a vestibular schwannoma) and also provides personalized, compassionate care...

10/24/2024

🔬 What is a genetic counselor?

Genetic counselors help you understand your genetic health and navigate complex information about genetic testing. Our team of genetic counselors are trained to:

➡️ Review your family histories
➡️ Explain the chance that a genetic disorder may recur in family members
➡️ Explore genetic testing options
➡️ Offer counseling and support when test results are received

It is important that the genetic counseling be done at a center staffed by individuals specially trained and certified in genetics and in assisting families with these important issues. Learn more: health.ucsd.edu/care/genetic-counseling/

10/23/2024

Fertility issues are nearly as prevalent in men as they are in women. The andrology lab at UC San Diego Health specializes in the assessment and treatment of male reproductive system and urological problems in men.

The Men’s Health Center is the only clinic in San Diego County that offers comprehensive care for male infertility and sexual health. Andrology services include semen analysis, s***m and tissue preparation for cryopreservation (fertility preservation before cancer treatments that could temporarily or permanently damage fertility), hormone testing, genetic testing and ultrasonic imaging.

Learn more ⬇️

UC San Diego Health is the only medical center in the region focused on male fertility issues. Our complex andrology lab offers specialized tests and services to evaluate and treat male infertility in one convenient location.

10/22/2024

Primary liver cancer originates in the liver. Risk factors include hepatitis B or C, chronic heavy alcohol use and fatty liver disease.

UC San Diego Health treats all types of adult primary liver cancer, including:

🔷 Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, which affects the main type of liver cells
🔷 Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which arises from the cells in the liver ducts

Look to UC San Diego Health for highly specialized, coordinated liver cancer care and feel confident knowing you will receive timely, convenient access to the region's best cancer doctors and the most innovative treatment approaches at the liver cancer clinic at Moores Cancer Center. More info ⬇️

Find exceptional liver cancer care at UC San Diego Health, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.