In my first few months as Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences, I’ve experienced firsthand the deep culture of caring that defines UC Davis Health.
What stands out most is the shared sense of purpose that unites this organization. I see it everywhere — in our physicians, nurses, researchers, educators, students, and staff — all driven by a common mission to improve lives.
As you’ll see in this issue, UC Davis Health is growing — not only in skyline, but in stature and impact.
Earlier this year, we celebrated a major milestone with the topping off of the California Tower, marking the completion of its structural framework — one could say this also reflects the institutional momentum we are building.
In 2025 alone, UC Davis Health opened nearly 1 million square feet of new facilities — the largest expansion in its history. From the Aggie Square innovation district to the 48X Complex outpatient surgery center, along with expanded clinics in midtown Sacramento and Folsom, these investments are expanding access to care, accelerating research, and helping us to prepare the next generation of health professionals.
Our progress is being recognized nationally. Newsweek recently named UC Davis Medical Center among the World’s Best Hospitals for 2026, ranking 35th in the United States and seventh in California — a reflection of the exceptional care our teams deliver every day. This is just one of many accolades, some of which you’ll also see in the magazine.
Yet, buildings and recognitions tell only part of our story. People are what truly define UC Davis Health. Every day, across our hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, I see compassion, expertise, and determination in action. I see teams that deliver outstanding care and push the boundaries of discovery. And, I see the humanity that we bring to our patients and communities.
My goal is to build on these collective strengths by advancing a broad, forward-looking vision for UC Davis Health, while ensuring our teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired.
That’s why I’m so excited to return to an environment like UC Davis Health. During 2005–2008, I served here as an assistant professor of ophthalmology and vision science, dividing my time between research in Davis and patient care in Sacramento.
Those formative years shaped my scientific path and reinforced my belief in the power of academic medicine to transform lives.
With everything I’ve seen, heard and felt so far, I can say that I’m incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead for UC Davis Health. Our guiding principle — “Believe in Better” (which you can see on billboards across the region) — reflects a simple but powerful truth. Improving health for all is possible.
So, we have much to celebrate — and even more to nurture — as we care for those we serve. This will be an exciting journey ahead.
