UCSD Family Medicine

03/07/2026

A cancer diagnosis can bring many uncertainties, including questions about future fertility. Advances in care are helping more patients preserve their options and plan for the future.

Hear from H. Irene Su, MD, reproductive endocrinologist at UC San Diego Health, on how fertility preservation methods such as egg, embryo and s***m freezing are improving, and why experts recommend discussing fertility at the time of diagnosis and throughout survivorship.

Learn how the outlook for fertility preservation for patients with cancer is improving. ⬇️

Each year in the United States, about 90,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs), ages 15 to 39, are diagnosed with cancer,1 and they are immediately faced with myriad challenges and disruptions in th...

03/06/2026

Blood in the stool. Persistent abdominal pain. Unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms don’t always mean colorectal cancer but they shouldn’t be ignored.

Samir Gupta, MD, gastroenterologist at UC San Diego Health and a nationally recognized expert in colorectal cancer screening and prevention, explains five warning signs to watch for and why screening starting at age 45 matters.

Know the early warning signs of colorectal cancer, when to get screened starting at 45, and why early detection can save lives.

03/05/2026

Innovation takes flight every day at UC San Diego Health, where we are advancing care for our region. ✈️

Our presence throughout San Diego International Airport reflects the same commitment we bring to our patients every day, guiding every health journey with innovation, expertise and compassion. No matter where life takes you, exceptional care is always part of the destination.

health.ucsd.edu

03/04/2026

March is full of ways to connect, learn and feel supported. 💙

The Patient & Family Support Services calendar at UC San Diego Health is packed with free support groups, wellness classes and educational workshops for cancer patients and caregivers.

The calendar also features disease-specific and caregiver support groups that create space for connection and shared experiences. Patients and families can participate in Mind & Body Wellness classes, including community exercise programs, and attend treatment education workshops designed to provide practical tools and trusted information throughout the cancer journey. Both in-person and virtual options are available.

https://health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/support-services/support-groups-classes-workshops/

03/04/2026

Meet Anh Nguyen, the San Diego woman who became UC San Diego Health’s first double living organ donor, giving a kidney to a friend and later part of her liver to a child in need.

🎥 Watch this CBS 8 San Diego interview to hear her incredible story of courage, compassion and life-saving generosity.

Looking to give or receive a second chance at life? Our expert surgeons at the UC San Diego Health Center for Transplantation have been performing successful heart, kidney, liver, lung and multi-organ transplants since 1968, including living donor kidney and liver transplants. With survival rates above the national average, we’re here to guide patients and donors every step of the way: health.ucsd.edu/transplant

Anh Nguyen made history as UCSD Health's first double living organ donor. Dive into her inspiring journey of saving two lives — one a friend, the other a stranger.

03/02/2026

“Please go get tested.” That’s the powerful message from prostate cancer survivor Jerry McCormick, and a vital reminder from Rana McKay, MD, medical oncologist at UC San Diego Health, about the importance of early screening for Black men.

Prostate cancer affects Black men at higher rates, but it’s highly treatable when caught early. Starting conversations and getting screened could save lives.

“Please Go Get Tested”: Prostate Cancer Survivor, Jerry McCormick, urges Black men 45 years and older to get screened as soon as possible, because early detection could save their life.

03/02/2026

02/28/2026

Strong bones don’t happen by chance; they’re built with the right kind of movement.

Whether you’re looking to prevent age-related bone loss or simply build a stronger foundation for the years ahead, the key is incorporating exercises that truly stimulate bone growth, like weight-bearing cardio and purposeful strength training.

Hear from experts like Susan Bukata, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at UC San Diego Health, on the workout strategies that actually build bones, and why consistency and progressive overload are key to keeping your skeleton strong at every age.

Strengthen and reduce fracture risk with this routine that combines weight-bearing, resistance, and impact exercises.

02/28/2026

Heart health isn’t just about the heart, it’s about blood sugar, kidney function weight and more.

Jia Shen, MD, cardiologist at UC San Diego Health, highlights why we need to rethink how we care for interconnected health before emergencies happen. Prevention now means healthier lives later.

The future of cardiovascular care is not waiting for emergencies to happen.

02/26/2026

Feeling disconnected? Your health may be paying the price.

Research shows that social isolation or having few social contacts or meaningful connections, is linked to a significantly higher risk of premature death, especially from heart disease and stroke. People with limited social interaction often face a nearly 30% greater risk of dying early compared to those with stronger social networks.

This isn’t just about emotional wellbeing, it’s about your physical health. Social connection influences stress, inflammation, lifestyle habits and even recovery from illness.

➡️ Tune in as Crystal Cené, MD, MPH, chief administrative officer and associate chief medical officer for Health Equity at UC San Diego Health, breaks down the science behind social isolation and mortality in this powerful podcast, and why connection is essential to long-term health.

Dr. Crystal Cené is a General Internal Medicine physician, implementation scientist, and Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego, where she also serves as Chief

02/25/2026

A simple blood test could help uncover hidden alcohol-related liver damage before it becomes life-threatening.
Researchers at the UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a new lab-based score, called MAPI, that uses routine bloodwork to detect when fatty liver disease may be driven by alcohol — even when alcohol use is underreported.

The study found this cost-effective tool outperformed commonly used tests and could help clinicians identify patients who need further evaluation and early intervention. With fatty liver disease affecting nearly 1 in 3 adults worldwide, earlier detection means more personalized care, fewer complications and better long-term outcomes.

“This new score gives clinicians a simple and accessible way to uncover hidden alcohol-related liver injury,” said Rohit Loomba, MD, senior author of the study, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and gastroenterologist and hepatologist at UC San Diego Health. “By improving how we classify liver disease, we can help patients achieve better long-term health outcomes.”

Learn how this breakthrough could change liver disease screening and care. ⬇️

New blood test score helps detect hidden alcohol-related liver disease early, offering a simple cost-effective tool to guide timely care.

02/25/2026

Our patients in North County can now experience an expanded and refreshed clinical space, featuring more exam rooms, more primary care clinicians, on-site X-ray and Express Care — all under one roof in Vista.

We recently marked this expansion with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the teams leading the way in making high-quality, same-day care more convenient and accessible. As we continue expanding to be closer to you, and expanding options such as Express Care Video Visits, getting care for minor illnesses and injuries has never been easier.

Learn more about Express Care and same-day options: health.ucsd.edu/sameday