UCI Health Clinical Connection | May 2025
UCI Health Physicians
The UCI Health physicians are a devoted team of nationally regarded practitioners, researchers, and educators.
In May, UCI Health proudly announced the launch of its Clinically Integrated Network (CIN), known as the UCI Health Physician Network. This strategic initiative is designed to foster deeper collaboration with leading community physician groups and enhance the coordination and quality of care across the region. The launch marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to build a more connected, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.
The network debuts with two esteemed founding participants, United Medical Doctors and Associated Gastroenterology Medical Group. These partnerships reflect a commitment to aligning with high-performing, community-based providers who share a vision for excellence in clinical care, innovation, and patient outcomes.
Meanwhile, UCI Health continues to expand its physical and technological footprint in south Orange County. The new UCI Health – Irvine medical campus is rapidly nearing completion, with the 144-bed acute care hospital set to open its doors soon. As part of its advanced infrastructure, the hospital has recently acquired two state-of-the-art MRI machines, which will significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities and support a wide range of specialties, from neurology to oncology.
In a recent ranking published by Becker's Healthcare, UCI Health was named one of the top hospitals in the United States to work for—an honor that underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive workplace culture. This recognition is further reinforced by the contributions of UC Irvine health sciences faculty at major national and international medical conferences, where they continue to lead discussions, present groundbreaking research, and shape the future of medicine.
UCI Health launches clinically integrated network
UCI Health is proud to announce the launch of its clinically integrated network (CIN), the UCI Health Physician Network, a transformative initiative designed to enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs through collaboration with leading community physician groups. The network debuts with two esteemed founding participants, United Medical Doctors and Associated Gastroenterology Medical Group.
Two state-of-the-art MRIs delivered to UCI Health - Irvine campus
The Irvine medical campus is now home to two brand-new MRIs, one of which is equipped with focused ultrasound and highly sensitive 3T technology. In April, a state-of-the art focused ultrasound-enabled 3T MRI was delivered to the new, 144-bed acute care hospital being built on the UCI Health — Irvine medical complex. The second MRI offers the latest 1.5T technology, including integration of artificial intelligence. The installation of this state-of-the-art equipment was a complex process involving numerous teams, including a crane operator, building maintenance, electricity, and other professionals.
Advanced neuromodulation for Parkinson's disease is now available
Our team now offers adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) for patients with Parkinson’s disease — a next-generation advancement in neuromodulation that automatically adjusts stimulation in real time based on brain activity. This innovation marks a clinical evolution from conventional DBS, which delivers continuous stimulation regardless of physiologic state. Adaptive systems measure local field potentials to optimize symptom control while minimizing stimulation-related side effects such as dyskinesia, gait disturbance, or speech changes. The system’s algorithm dynamically modulates output in response to individual neurophysiologic biomarkers, improving both motor outcomes and quality of life. This technology is now available through the UCI Health Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program, led by fellowship-trained neurologists with expertise in advanced therapies.
UCI Health is one of Becker’s top places to work in healthcare
UCI Health has been named one of the top 150 places to work in healthcare for 2025 by Becker’s Hospital Review, recognizing its commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. The health system has earned top rankings from the Human Rights Campaign, recognition on Forbes' best employer lists, and Magnet designation for nursing excellence. With ongoing expansion and new facilities, UCI Health continues to create opportunities for career advancement while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Neurology faculty receives the AUPN Faculty Leadership Award
UCI Health is proud to announce that Sara Stern-Nezer, MD has been awarded the prestigious AUPN Faculty Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and contributions to neurology. This distinguished honor celebrates faculty members who exemplify excellence in innovation, education, and dedication to advancing the field. Her achievements reflect the high standards of leadership and excellence that define our institution, and we are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
UCI Health strongly represented at DDW 2025
UCI Health physician-scientists and trainees from the Chao Digestive Health Institute and UC Irvine School of Medicine presented a strong showing of research and collaborative scholarship at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2025, held May 3–6 in San Diego, Calif. The nation’s largest gastroenterology-focused scientific gathering, DDW convenes over 10,000 specialists, investigators and healthcare professionals from around the world to share advances in digestive health, liver disease, GI surgery, and endoscopic technologies. UCI Health faculty and trainees contributed to more than 30 sessions, including poster presentations, oral abstracts, plenary lectures, and moderated symposia.
UCI Health cardiologist is American Heart Association's Woman of Impact
Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH, founding executive director of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, has been honored as the 2025 recipient of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Orange County Woman of Impact award. This distinguished recognition acknowledges her exceptional contributions to fundraising and educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of heart disease and stroke among women. UCI Health remains at the forefront of cardiovascular care, offering advanced research-driven services, including its Women’s Heart Services program—the only such initiative in Orange County affiliated with an academic health system. This accolade underscores the unwavering commitment to improving heart health outcomes through innovation, education, and clinical excellence.
Researcher is awarded grant from BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research Program
BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research program has awarded a two-year, $182,000 grant to Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, associate professor of physiology & biophysics and ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, to study how repeated elevations in intraocular pressure contribute to aging and epigenetic reprogramming. The research aims to uncover why aging makes retinal cells more vulnerable to stress and identify new strategies to protect against glaucoma-related damage. With glaucoma affecting approximately 4 million U.S. adults and often going undetected until irreversible vision loss occurs, this work has the potential to improve early detection and intervention. BrightFocus is currently funding 38 glaucoma research projects worldwide, investing nearly $8 million in groundbreaking studies. This grant highlights the vital role of donor support in advancing scientific discoveries that may one day lead to better treatments and prevention.
For more UCI Health news, click here.
New clinicians
Mark Swanson, MD, Otolaryngology
You're invited
Mindfulness
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of mindfulness classes, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and Mindful Parenting workshops.
Ongoing classes
UCI Orthopaedic Surgery Annual Symposium: A Review for Surgeons & Non-Surgeons
The focus of this symposium is the management of orthopedic care of patients including updates of the current state-of-the-art. These conditions are encountered by physicians, nurses, physical therapists and other medical professionals specializing in Orthopedic Surgery, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, PM&R, Geriatrics, Pain Management, and Neurology. This is a complimentary event, registration is required.
June 6, 2025
Second Hypertension CME symposium: Blood Pressure Measurements and Managements
This meeting intends to provide its participants with basic medical knowledge of blood pressure measurements in several methods, including traditional office blood pressure, automatic office blood pressure, self-measured blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, and automatic remoted blood pressure monitoring.
June 7, 2025
Creating Health Bootcamp: A Virtual Seminar Series
A monthly Zoom seminar series to learn the latest evidence-informed approaches to maintaining and optimizing your patients’ health — and your own. Healthcare professionals will receive practical tools they can utilize in their clinical practice the very next day. Open to all physicians and other clinicians in Orange County. This series provides AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).
June 11, 2025 and July 9, 2025
Virtual
Save the date: Fourth Annual Spine by the Sea Symposium
The UCI Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery provide educational activities in spine disorders to physicians and other healthcare professionals.
July 11-12, 2025
Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship
The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at UC Irvine is accepting applications for the Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship (IFMF). The fellowship is open to MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs.
Application deadline: August 15, 2025
19th Annual Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Colloquium
The UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is hosting their 19th annual colloquium. Learn about ocular inflammatory masqueraders, refractive surgery market trends, and more.
October 3-4, 2025
Follow these channels to stay informed of how UCI Health physicians are advancing their practice in the community:
@UCIHealthPhysicians on Instagram
@uciphysicians on X
UCI Health Physicians on LinkedIn
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3moKeep patients safe AseptiScope
Healthcare IT Leader | Digital and Patient Access Rev Cycle Advisor | Passionate Futurist | Sustainable Farming and Food Ecosphere Advocate | Outdoor and Youth Programming Volunteer
3moLove this! An incredible step to support non employed physicians who have a stake in patient outcomes beyond the hospital stay. Digital, referral and admin tools are imprortant value adds for independent physician groups.
Congratulations