UC Davis Health News
This is your comprehensive source for what is happening at UC Davis Health. You can also use the advanced search feature to find additional press releases. If you are a journalist, our news service staff is available to help. Also please review important information for journalists for details about patient privacy and arranging for interviews at health system facilities.
April 2020
California Smokers’ Helpline offers free nicotine patches
April 9, 2020
Callers to the California Smokers’ Helpline can now get an additional tool to help them quit using tobacco: nicotine patches.
UC Davis Children's Hospital cancer patient still smiling after treatment
April 9, 2020
Madelyn O'Brien was born with cancer, but she has never that stop her.
Coronavirus patient leaves hospital after 2 weeks. Feels 100% better
April 9, 2020
A Sacramento resident got a special farewell from his UC Davis Medical Center care teams this week after he’d spent two weeks in the hospital where he was being treated for COVID-19.
Mind-body medicine experts urge full integration of stress reduction into care and research
April 8, 2020
In a perspective published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine and UC Davis Health call for broader use of mind-body practices.
Surgery to ease severe pain of a pinched nerve a 'godsend'
April 8, 2020
Many surgeries are essential, despite coronavirus concerns
California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris, a UC Davis School of Medicine alumna, helps guide state through pandemic traumas [video]
April 8, 2020
California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris, School of Medicine Class of ’01, has been tapped by Gov. Gavin Newsom to address mental health issues related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Drowning victim gets to swim again thanks to UC Davis PICU
April 8, 2020
Her love of water almost cost Avery her life. But the UC Davis PICU care team got it back.
New surgical technique prevents stoma complications after appendicostomy
April 7, 2020
The risk of stoma complications after appendicostomy can be significantly lowered by a new surgical procedure.
A community shows gratitude – written large in chalk
April 7, 2020
Appreciation for UC Davis Health appearing in very public places.
UC Davis Health named to governor’s Task Force for COVID-19 testing
April 6, 2020
Associate Professor Nam Tran, who oversees UC Davis Health’s coronavirus testing efforts, is named to public-private partnership to ensure California boosts capacity for detecting COVID-19
Cancer does not take a break, even during COVID-19 pandemic
April 6, 2020
Diagnosed with cancer, Marlene Blake's surgery couldn't wait.
Pediatric patients connect to art, music therapy via Zoom during COVID-19 pandemic
April 6, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UC Davis Creative Arts Therapy team takes their daily art and music therapy groups out of the playroom and into each patient’s room via Zoom software.
UC Davis Health trauma surgery team prepared for COVID-19
April 6, 2020
The Sacramento region’s only level 1 trauma center for adults and children remains committed and able to care for injured patients.
Award supports cutting-edge biomedical research to benefit children with cerebral palsy
April 6, 2020
Lucas Smith receives prestigious 2019 Hartwell Individual Biomedical Research Award for his innovative cutting-edge biomedical research benefiting children with cerebral palsy.
UC Davis Health experts set COVID-19 standards at the state and national levels
April 3, 2020
UC Davis Health physicians are setting comprehensive standards for patient care and workforce and student safety during the pandemic.
UC Davis Health speeds up COVID-19 testing [video]
April 3, 2020
UC Davis ramps up COVID-19 testing with the region's only machine built for high-volume testing for patients of UC Davis Health.
UC Davis Health Labor and Delivery team prepared for COVID-19
April 3, 2020
For expecting moms delivering their babies during the COVID-19 pandemic, UC Davis Health continues to offer private birthing suites with world-class expertise around the clock.
UC Davis engineers respond to COVID-19 challenges
April 3, 2020
Anticipating a scarcity of medical devices and a lack of treatment options for COVID-19, engineering researchers at the University of California, Davis, are investigating innovative technology to manufacture masks, ventilators and other critical equipment.
Genome variation gives insight into coronavirus spread
April 2, 2020
As SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world, its transmission rate has varied alongside variations in its genome, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis. Surveillance of the virus genome may help public authorities target areas about to experience an upsurge of infection.
Davis campus departments donate PPE to UC Davis Health
April 2, 2020
Davis campus departments and units are donating thousands of vital supplies to UC Davis Health in its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.Davis campus departments and units are donating thousands of vital supplies to UC Davis Health in its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Comprehensive Epilepsy Program receives highest national accreditation rating
April 2, 2020
The UC Davis Medical Center’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program recently earned accreditation as a Level 4 epilepsy center, the highest rating awarded by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC).
How important is speech in transmitting coronavirus?
April 2, 2020
Normal speech by individuals who are asymptomatic but infected with coronavirus may produce enough aerosolized particles to transmit the infection, according to aerosol scientists at the University of California, Davis.
UC Davis pediatric cancer patient is loving his life
April 1, 2020
UC Davis Children's Hospital collaboration gives childhood cancer patient a chance at life.
Local businesses thank UC Davis Health employees during COVID-19 pandemic
April 1, 2020
Local businesses are reaching out to UC Davis Health to deliver free food to show thanks to UC Davis Medical Center employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020
Child Life team chalks up hope in front of UC Davis Medical Center, Cancer Center
March 31, 2020
The UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy team have penned words of encouragment in sidewalk chalk in front of entrances to the UC Davis Medical Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What the blood tests of a COVID-19 patient can tell us
March 31, 2020
A blood test result typically seen in bone marrow diseases was found in a patient with COVID-19.
An unexpected thank you from the PICU/PCICU goes a long way
March 31, 2020
The Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit recently reached out to the protective service officers in the UC Davis Medical Center with an unexpected thank you, and an even more unexpected candy basket in appreciation for all the extra support they have been giving patients and their families throughout the hospital.
Solving a medical mystery and changing CDC screenings for COVID-19
March 30, 2020
UC Davis Health physicians and medical staff detail the diagnosis and treatment for first known case of community transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S.
UC Davis Health community answers call for blood donations
March 30, 2020
More than 170 units of blood were donated last week at the American Red Cross blood drives, co-sponsored by UC Davis Medical Center and the UC Davis School of Medicine and held at the Education Building on the UC Davis Health campus.
Kidney donor and recipient tell of the power of a transplant
March 27, 2020
UC Davis Health transplant director celebrates a 10-year "kidneyversary" and the life of her friend.
UC Davis launches two clinical studies to treat COVID-19
March 26, 2020
Hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection may be enrolled in clinical studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of two drugs — the investigational antiviral remdesivir, and sarilumab, a drug that blocks the body’s acute inflammatory response.
Coronavirus in children: Observations from Wuhan, China
March 26, 2020
New research from Wuhan, China provide insights on the manifestations of coronavirus infection in children.
‘Help is in Your Hands’ — A great resource for families with young kids on the autism spectrum! [video]
March 26, 2020
A free online resource to help parents with young kids with autism add simple intervention practices to their everyday routines at home, and a great training resource for early-intervention providers.
School of Vet Med donates PPE to Medical Center
March 26, 2020
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) is donating thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to UC Davis Health to aid in their efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
UC Davis PICU saves patient’s life
March 25, 2020
Jackson Manning’s parents thought he had the flu. He didn’t.
NorCal contractors reach into own supplies to help fight COVID-19
March 25, 2020
Construction and contracting companies are donating masks and protective equipment, and asking employees to contribute financially and donate blood.
Response to The Sacramento Bee
March 25, 2020
No female employees at our hospital have reported testing positive for COVID-19, and no patients in the Emergency Department on the dates and conditions described tested positive for COVID-19.
Five language outcome measures evaluated for intellectual disabilities studies
March 25, 2020
Expressive language sampling addresses urgent need in fragile X syndrome research and therapy.
Surgery gives Sacramento woman new lease on life
March 24, 2020
UC Davis Health patient Mai Yang gets her life back thanks to surgery to relieve debiltating pain in her back.
Long-term motor recovery possible after severe traumatic brain injury, neuroscience expert says
March 24, 2020
Developments in non-invasive forms of measuring brain function have shown that long-term motor recovery can occur beyond six years after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to Ryan D’Arcy, an internationally-known speaker who recently presented at a special Grand Rounds session at UC Davis Health.
UC Davis Children's Hospital's first fetal surgery patient is a precocious three-year-old
March 24, 2020
Matthew Saeturn-Angeles, UC Davis Children's Hospital's first ever fetal surgery patient, survives and thrives.
How to reduce anxiety during the coronavirus
March 23, 2020
Two MIND Institute clinical psychologists share strategies for families with kids and those on the autism spectrum to reduce anxiety during shelter-in-place time.
Home-based video visits improve glycemic control among pediatric type 1 diabetes patients
March 23, 2020
Can remote video visits help improve glycemic control and clinic attendance for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes?
Three transplant patients get chance at new life, thanks to COVID-19 testing at UC Davis Medical Center
March 23, 2020
When three deceased-donor kidneys became available last week, the UC Davis Health team rose to the occasion, working extra shifts to ensure that their patients could receive the transplants that they desperately needed.
UC Davis researchers race to develop coronavirus solutions
March 20, 2020
UC Davis clinical pathologists, infectious disease physicians and scientists are collaborating on new reagents, diagnostic tests and a vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
UC Davis School of Medicine honors 115 students in unique Match Day ceremony
March 20, 2020
The School of Medicine held its first-ever virtual Match Day ceremony on Friday, as students shared in the joy of their career milestone in the midst of a unique moment in time.
Media Statement
March 20, 2020
A member of our UC Davis Health community, on the Sacramento campus, has reported testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. While the source of the infection is unknown, we do know the employee was not involved in the care of a COVID-19 positive patient and therefore it is more likely the virus was contracted due to community spread. The employee has not been at work since Friday, March 13.
Kids Considered podcast posts weekly COVID-19 episodes
March 20, 2020
Why is “flattening the curve” so important? What are the risks to pregnant women and their babies? And what are the ins and outs about social distancing? The latest Kids Considered podcast episode about COVID-19 answers these questions and more.
UC Davis Health Ambulatory Care reaching out to protect patients amid COVID-19
March 19, 2020
UC Davis Health ambulatory clinics have adapted quickly to continue caring for and protecting patients during the COVID-19 pandemic by swiftly expanding their ability to connect with patients in their homes via video visits.
New mom support group innovates to stay connected during COVID-19
March 19, 2020
When Sacramento County issued a "shelter in place" directive for COVID-19, the in-person support group for new moms, Connected, was going to be cancelled. But thanks to technology, the group is now connecting online.
Hospital updates visitation policy amid coronavirus
March 19, 2020
During this period of active respiratory illnesses, UC Davis Medical Center is restricting visitors.
In times of crisis, remember to meditate
March 18, 2020
UC Davis cardiologist Uma Srivatsa recommends doing "five steps for five minutes" in times of high stress.
How UC Davis Children’s Hospital is prepared for COVID-19
March 18, 2020
As the only nationally ranked, comprehensive children’s hospital in the Sacramento region, UC Davis Children’s Hospital is uniquely positioned to care for children with critical care needs, including children with COVID-19. Here are examples of the ways the team is prepared.
UC Davis Children's Hospital pediatric cardiology patient is living his best life
March 18, 2020
Local teenager continues to thrive after multiple heart surgeries at UC Davis Children's Hospital.
UC Davis Health – Shriners Hospitals partner to provide expertise to spina bifida patients
March 18, 2020
For more than 25 years, UC Davis Children’s Hospital has partnered with Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California to serve children with spina bifida like 2-year-old Remington MacCullough.
UC Davis schools of medicine and nursing receive high national rankings by U.S. News
March 17, 2020
UC Davis School of Medicine and Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing continue to climb into key national rankings
Good Samaritan kidney donor meets her match
March 16, 2020
Kidney donor Tiffany England met her recipient ― Raj Arora ― at a special event planned by their UC Davis Health surgery teams. England was a nondirected donor, meaning that her kidney went to someone she had never met before.
Wearable device assists people with loss of bladder function
March 13, 2020
Researchers at UC Davis are designing a wearable device to help patients with spinal cord injury recognize bladder fullness.
UC Davis Eye Center alum honored for improving lives of visually impaired
March 12, 2020
National association pays tribute to resident alumnus Michael Schermer, a trailblazing advocate in the blindness field
When cardiac arrest hits 6-year-old, UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center offers lifesaving care
March 12, 2020
The UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center team detected patient Greyson Anable's very rare heart condition through exploratory heart surgery and were able to save the child’s life.
Novel coronavirus FAQs for UC Davis Health patients and visitors
March 11, 2020
UC Davis Medical Center and all clinics throughout Northern California are open and serving patients. We have a list of frequently asked questions for patients and visitors who have concerns about novel coronavirus.
Make your next medical appointment a Video Visit [video]
March 11, 2020
For many types of routine and specialty care appointments, a Video Visit through UC Davis Health is the ideal alternative to a traditional in-person appointment.
Meet Bob Kiaii
March 11, 2020
Learn more about our new chief of cardiothoracic surgery, along with his goals for his team and their patients with complex diseases of the heart, lungs and esophagus.
UC Davis Medical Center successfully treats patients with coronavirus; hospital plans to expand on-site testing
March 11, 2020
UC Davis Medical Center meets the needs of patients, protects staff and takes steps to offer testing capabilities on-site.
2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) information from UC Davis Health
March 11, 2020
UC Davis Health updates the latest on the 2019 novel coronavirus with FAQs, resource links and other helpful information.
Dr. Seuss books needed to launch new NICU graduation process
March 11, 2020
UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy are rolling out a new NICU graduation process for all babies when they are discharged from the NICU. Babies will receive a grad cap, a grad certificate and a new copy of Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh, Baby! Go, Baby!”
Report highlights the need for integrated services for the chronically homeless
March 11, 2020
Recommendations for meeting the needs of Sacramento's unsheltered population are presented in “Integrating Care for People Experiencing Homelessness.”
Wilkes honored for international engagement
March 11, 2020
Michael Wilkes has been honored by UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May with a Chancellor’s Award for International Engagement.
UC Davis Children’s Hospital receives Community Impact Grant from New York Life
March 10, 2020
Young Adult Bereavement Art Group at UC Davis Children's Hospital gets boost from New York Life.
Felons have high gun ownership rates despite prohibitions
March 10, 2020
There is a substantial population of firearm owners in California and likely across the U.S. who have retained their guns even after being involved in events that prohibited them from ownership, a UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program study has found.
24 UC Davis School of Medicine researchers ranked in top 10% for NIH funding
March 9, 2020
24 researchers from UC Davis School of Medicine ranked in the top 10% in their fields for 2019 NIH funding, according to Blue Ridge rankings. Nine departments ranked in the top 20 nationally.
Bald is beautiful
March 9, 2020
UC Davis Health employees turn out for annual St. Baldrick’s cancer fundraiser.
Vulnerabilities of women on the autism spectrum lecture March 11 (CANCELED)
March 6, 2020
In the next MIND Institute’s Distinguished Lecturer Series event (March 11), Julie Lounds Taylor will present on vulnerabilities common to individuals with autism, highlighting those unique to women on the spectrum.
A cut above: EVS custodian loses his locks to support Burn Unit patient
March 5, 2020
Senior custodian Rocky Mesa made an “above and beyond gesture of caring” to give strength and courage to a patient who was worried about shaving her head for surgery.
UC Davis CAARE Center awarded grant to provide services for Juvenile Trauma Response Court
March 5, 2020
The UC Davis CAARE Center has been awarded a three-year grant for $112,478 by Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office to provide services for a Juvenile Trauma Response Court in Sacramento County.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center launches new Adolescent and Young Adult oncology program
March 5, 2020
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center this week launched a new Adolescent and Young Adult oncology program. Patients will receive access to counseling and care that helps them manage the milestones and challenges that come with being a cancer patient at such a pivotal time of life.
Care without judgment
March 4, 2020
The Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood primarily provides free health services to those who use drugs, work in the sex trade or are transgender. No one, however, is turned away.
New study aims to reduce osteoarthritis after injury
March 3, 2020
Researcher Blaine Christiansen will receive $2.3 million from the National Institutes of Health to determine the ideal balance of exercise and rest for injured joints.
UC Davis Medical Center has sufficient resources to deal with novel coronavirus
March 2, 2020
How UC Davis Medical Center is prepared to handle novel coronavirus
February 2020
Heart-healthy meals can include dessert
February 28, 2020
Many people think living heart healthy means living without dessert. Not true!
UC Davis, Santa Cruz collaborate to speed wound healing with a novel smart bandage
February 28, 2020
With up to $16 million in funding from DARPA, UC Santa Cruz engineers will work with doctors and scientists at UC Davis and Tufts University to develop bioelectronic intelligent control of wound regeneration
Novel Coronavirus Patient and Precautions at UC Davis Medical Center
February 26, 2020
As providers at the Sacramento area’s top-ranked hospital, the care teams at UC Davis Medical Center are the most highly skilled and equipped in the region to treat patients with serious illnesses such as the novel coronavirus. This is a version of the memo shared with our medical staff today regarding what is now the 60th confirmed case in the U.S.
UC Davis Health researcher to study lung cancer in Asian American women
February 26, 2020
NIH health disparities grant may help solve mysterious cancer rate among Asian American women
UC Davis Health adds two new prenatal diagnostic center clinics
February 26, 2020
The two new prenatal diagnosis center clinics in Sacramento and Stockton are UC Davis Health’s first satellite clinics to expand UC Davis Health’s services for pregnant women.
Study questions quality and timeliness of care for military vets with skin cancers
February 25, 2020
A new UC Davis Health study raises questions about benefits of privatizing care for veterans. The findings also call into question the levels of expertise veterans are actually getting when they are referred outside of the VA system for a specialized dermatology procedure for skin cancer called Mohs.
Validating NIH Toolbox to help evaluate cognitive processing in people with intellectual disability
February 24, 2020
Cognitive processing in people with intellectual disability can now be accurately assessed thanks to UC Davis Health researchers who updated and validated series of tests, part of the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery.
First UC Davis Health Data Science Day forges collaborations among research partners from across California
February 21, 2020
Aimed at promoting data science literacy among researchers, the Feb. 10 event showcased UC Davis resources, tools and centers, while highlighting the possibilities and unique challenges of working with health data.
Team sets a path to getting more patients into cardiac rehabilitation
February 21, 2020
A team from the UC Davis Division of Cardiovascular Medicine hoping to increase participation in cardiac rehabilitation has won a poster competition at a regional American College of Physicians scientific meeting. The team will next present their work at the upcoming national ACP meeting.
CHP officer receives warm send off as he heads home from the hospital
February 21, 2020
About 100 UC Davis Medical Center staff and CHP officers celebrated fellow officer David Gordon’s discharge from the hospital today.
UC Davis Medical Center honored for low C-section rate
February 20, 2020
UC Davis Medical Center has received the honor roll for maternity care award for meeting or surpassing the federal target aimed at reducing the state’s low-risk, first-birth Cesarean section (C-section) rate by the California Health and Human Services Department, the Hospital Quality Institute and Cal Hospital Compare.
UC Davis Health expands neonatology services at Adventist Health and Rideout’s NICU
February 19, 2020
UC Davis Health is pleased to announce a new partnership with Adventist Health and Rideout (AHRO) that expands neonatology services at AHRO’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), effective Feb. 3, 2020.
IHOP pancake drive-through raises funds for UC Davis Children's Hospital on Feb. 24
February 18, 2020
On Monday, Feb. 24, UC Davis employees, students and the public can drive through, eat their fill of short-stack pancakes and make a donation to support sick and injured children at UC Davis Children's Hospital, as a lead-up to IHOP’s National Pancake Day.
Three of the Top 10 Autism Studies of 2019 come from UC Davis MIND Institute
February 18, 2020
Autism Speaks announced its top 10 autism studies of 2019 with three of these studies from the MIND Institute’s Collaborative START Lab.
Care close to home
February 12, 2020
When Tyana Raya-Paderes’s twins arrived early at 36 weeks, NICU care was available close to home in Lodi and they did not need to be transferred to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Instead, UC Davis Health physicians work with Adventist Health Lodi Memorial nurses and staff to provide world-class care at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial.
The truth about women and heart disease
February 11, 2020
Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, yet most women think breast cancer is their biggest health threat.
Western diet rich in fat and sugar linked to skin inflammation
February 10, 2020
A Western diet rich in fat and sugar may lead to inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
UC Davis Eye Center physician leader awarded for history of innovative research
February 7, 2020
Finding the genetic causes of eye diseases and developing fundamental approaches to repairing injured cells and tissues is a focus of research nationally and at UC Davis Health.
Ulfat Shaikh named 2020 Paul V. Miles Fellow
February 7, 2020
The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has named Ulfat Shaikh, professor of pediatrics and director of health care quality at UC Davis Health, the 2020 Paul V. Miles Fellow. This award is given annually to a pediatrician dedicated to improving the quality of health care for children.
UC Davis CAARE Center employees honored by Department of Social Services
February 7, 2020
Jenny Landini, Dawn Blacker, Brandi Liles from the UC Davis CAARE Center were recognized by the California Department of Social Services in honor Human Trafficking Awareness month in January. They were honored by the Department of Social Services in the first Human Trafficking Awareness Month Awards Ceremony.
Three things to know about novel coronavirus prevention
February 6, 2020
Rumors continue to swirl about how best to protect yourself against the Wuhan coronavirus. However, UC Davis Health experts explain that many of the prevention tips are much the same as those to protect agains the flu and other illnesses.
The truth behind 7 popular old wives’ tales about being sick
February 6, 2020
Does chicken soup have healing properties? Is it better to starve a cold and feed a fever? UC Davis pediatricians Dean Blumberg and Daphne Darmawan debunk some popular old wives’ tales about being sick.
Leading the charge for women's heart health
February 5, 2020
Amparo Villablanca, director of the UC Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program, and her colleagues in heart and vascular medicine invite you to join them in wearing red Feb. 7 and raising awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.
VIDEO: Why millions of Americans should be screened for lung cancer
February 5, 2020
As radio host Rush Limbaugh announces diagnosis, a UC Davis Health expert urges patients to get screened.
Another record year of research funding for UC Davis School of Medicine
February 5, 2020
UC Davis School of Medicine marked another record-breaking year for research funding.
