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.
January 2020
Why aren't advanced bladder cancers being treated?
January 17, 2020
Patients with advanced bladder cancers are not getting the treatment they need. UC Davis Health urologic oncologists are working to change that. Their paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology describes the problem and suggests how to fix it.
UC Davis Health surgeons publish novel tumor-removal technique
January 16, 2020
A new approach, which involves placing endovascular stents into the aorta and/or vena cava, was developed to help make the removal of complex testicular tumors safer.
Lecture focuses on the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelics
January 15, 2020
University of New Mexico physician and researcher Lawrence Leeman will speak in Sacramento about the possibilities of using psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD, opioid use disorder and depression.
UC Davis Health welcomes internationally renowned robotic heart surgeon as the new chief of cardiothoracic surgery
January 15, 2020
Internationally acclaimed heart surgeon Bob Kiaii has been selected as chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UC Davis Health, ranked one of the best cardiology and heart surgery programs in the nation.
A creative approach to addressing chronic pain
January 15, 2020
Pain management specialists at UC Davis Health are seeking individuals suffering from chronic pain for a study that evaluates how museum-based art programs may help address pain-related problems.
Levenson named fellow of international society for optics and photonics
January 15, 2020
Partnership encourages Native Americans to pursue health care careers
January 14, 2020
UC Davis School of Medicine takes steps to increase enrollment of Native American students
Community Conversations Science Café to explore early detection of lung cancer
January 13, 2020
In an open community event, Dr. David Cooke will discuss the importance of early detection of lung cancer and the current disparities in screening for it.
'GI Treatment Approaches in Autism' is the next Minds Behind the MIND lecture
January 13, 2020
In the next Minds Behind The MIND series, pediatricians Kathleen Angkustsiri and Bibiana Restrepo will present on gastrointestinal (stomach) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder.
What a UC Davis Health dietitian is eating in 2020
January 13, 2020
UC Davis Health registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Alex Nella answers some of the questions he gets most often about diet and nutrition.
VIDEO: TAVR team celebrates an important milestone
January 10, 2020
UC Davis Health was the first to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the Sacramento and today is a leading referral center for the procedure. On December 16, the TAVR team completed their 1,000th procedure.
New year, better skin
January 10, 2020
UC Davis Health dermatologist Oma Agbai has some easy tips that will have your skin healthier than ever in 2020.
Medicaid expansion associated with fewer total opioid overdose deaths across the U.S.
January 10, 2020
Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act may have saved as many as 8,132 people from fatal opioid overdoses, virtually all involving heroin and fentanyl, a study by UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program and NYU School of Medicine shows.
UC Davis Health radiation safety officer to serve on National Academy of Sciences study
January 9, 2020
A UC Davis Health employee for nearly 32 years, Linda Kroger brings decades of experience and expertise to a study of alternatives to high-level radioactive materials in commercial and medical applications.
VIDEO: UC Davis nursing school opens applications for nurse leader fellowships
January 9, 2020
Applications are now open for a new fellowship program for nursing scholars and innovators with a high potential to accelerate leadership in nursing research, practice, education, policy and entrepreneurship.
VIDEO: Exercising 30 minutes each day is easier than you think
January 8, 2020
Think you don’t have time to exercise? Sports medicine physician Brandee Waite helps you work out smarter in shorter timeframes.
Survey finds public support for two California firearm policy proposals
January 8, 2020
The results of a new survey, published Jan. 8 as a research letter in JAMA Network Open, suggest firearm owners and non-owners generally agree on policies aimed at preventing firearm injury and death.
Five reasons why “Dry January” can give your body a boost
January 6, 2020
By taking a sober approach to the new year, the health benefits include weight loss, better sports performance, better sleep, better sex and a longer life.
Award-winning filmmaker Janet Grillo to speak at the MIND Institute
January 6, 2020
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Janet Grillo to speak at the UC David MIND Institute.
Applications sought for Children's Miracle Network Grants
January 6, 2020
Grant applications are now being accepted for funds raised through activities of the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), which provides financial support for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Five ways to protect brain health
January 3, 2020
Learn how to make the most of your brain and help reduce some risks as you age.
Donut Dash raises funds for UC Davis Child Life on March 7
January 2, 2020
The 12th annual Donut Dash will take place Saturday, March 7, at 8:30 a.m. at William Land Park in Sacramento. Proceeds will benefit the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.
December 2019
Prostate biopsies enhanced with state-of-the-art imaging system
December 30, 2019
ExactVu, a state-of-the-art ultrasound device, is now being used by the UC Davis Department of Urologic Surgery to more precisely visualize prostate tumors for a better quality biopsy.
Video visits bring ease, convenience to patients at UC Davis Health
December 30, 2019
A visit with your health care provider is now available through your smartphone, thanks to the Video Visit program at UC Davis Health.
Tips for flu prevention
December 27, 2019
Depending on your age and health, the flu can be a minor nuisance or a threat to your life. With cases currently on the rise, it is a good time to take steps to protect yourself.
Yuba City retiree gets a surprise cancer diagnosis
December 26, 2019
A routine screening leads to a surprising diagnosis and treatable bladder tumor for Yuba city man.
UC Davis Children’s Hospital hosts pop-up toy store for parents of hospitalized children
December 23, 2019
Parents of hospitalized kids had the chance to shop today as the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at UC Davis Children’s Hospital held its annual Holiday Workshop.
Erik Fernandez y Garcia appointed to First 5 Sacramento Commission
December 20, 2019
Erik Fernandez y Garcia, associate professor of clinical pediatrics, was appointed this week to the First 5 Sacramento Commission by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.
Three nursing teams earn PRISM awards, making UC Davis Medical Center No. 1 in state
December 20, 2019
Three UC Davis Medical Center nursing units earned national recognition this week for exemplary patient care and professional development achievements.
CA Quits honors FQHCs for tobacco cessation e-referral programs
December 19, 2019
The Sacramento County Primary Care Center and One Community Health were recently honored for integrating e-referrals between their providers and the California Smokers’ Helpline.
VIDEO: Heading to the slopes? Do these two things first
December 17, 2019
A little preparation can help you have more fun and worry a lot less about injuries on the slopes this winter.
‘Just another member within the community’: Officer Justin Williams, the humble hero
December 17, 2019
There’s no doubt Justin Williams is a tough guy, in the words of his former running backs coach at UC Davis. But Williams, in his current role as a UC Davis police officer, also serves our community with empathy and compassion.
MS doctor also provides community care
December 13, 2019
Mustafa Ansari is a UC Davis specialist in multiple sclerosis who also practices general neurology at the County of Sacramento Primary Care Center.
VIDEO: From patient to professional
December 13, 2019
Graduate nursing student Jason Ramos reunites with the nurse who saved his life and prepares for a career to care for others as he was cared for at UC Davis Health.
VIDEO: UC Davis nursing students mark end of graduate program with traditional pinning ceremony
December 13, 2019
Graduate students from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing celebration the completion of their studies and look forward to entering the nursing profession.
VIDEO: Bus tour connects UC Davis Health with Central Valley communities, gains national recognition
December 13, 2019
Students from the UC Davis schools of nursing and medicine experience the Central Valley region and learn how to better serve those populations.
Students get up-close learning about sickle cell disease
December 12, 2019
Students learn from UC Davis Health experts and patients about sickle cell disease as part of a partnership between their Elk Grove school and the Division of Hematology and Oncology.
Comprehensive background check policies effective in Oregon but not in Washington
December 12, 2019
Did newly enacted laws result in more background checks for private-party sales – the major source of guns for persons who commit crimes and are prohibited from owning them? A UC Davis Violence Prevention Research study reviewed the data.
Ton selected as UC Davis Health Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
December 12, 2019
The Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at UC Davis Health since 2017, Hendry Ton will manage and direct health equity, diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives across the Health campus.
49ers star, Sacramento native delivers toys to UC Davis Children’s Hospital
December 12, 2019
San Francisco 49ers star and Sacramento native Arik Armstead brought holiday cheer to UC Davis Children's Hospital by delivering toys to children undergoing treatment.
Liu named to National Academy of Inventors
December 11, 2019
The National Academy of Inventors recently elected 168 new fellows, including Fu-Tong Liu, emeritus professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Dermatology.
VIDEO: The Art of Healing
December 11, 2019
For more than 35 years, UC Davis Health has been acquiring and displaying the unique works of local artists. Art has healing qualities, and UC Davis’ collection is designed to enrich the lives of patients, families, students and staff.
Meaningful change in culture urged to save neurology, reduce gender gap
December 10, 2019
UC Davis School of Medicine Dean Allison Brashear and Nina F. Schor, deputy director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, are working to save neurology and to reduce the gender gap in the medical specialty.
Employees invited to receive free hand-crafted items for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
December 9, 2019
According to social worker Esther Lara, the gift of a blanket or shawl gives Alzheimer’s patients so much more than warmth. It has a comforting and soothing effect. Pick up an item to share.
2018 California Safety and Wellbeing Survey details firearm ownership in the state
December 6, 2019
UC Davis researchers asked Californians if they owned firearms and when, where and how they got them. They estimated 4.2 million California adults personally own a gun, and an additional 3.1 million live in a home with someone else who does. Find out more.
Sacramento Modular Railroaders thanked for almost a decade of service to UC Davis Children’s Hospital
December 6, 2019
Going to the doctor’s office is not something kids typically look forward to. Unless, that is, they’re headed to the pediatric specialty clinic at the Glassrock Building at UC Davis Health where a train runs continuously and has for years, thanks to a local group of railroad enthusiasts.
Out-of-state family chooses UC Davis Children's Hospital for life-changing heart procedure
December 6, 2019
Internationally renowned interventional cardiologist Frank Ing does for Katie Herrmann what others can't: perform a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure on the tiniest of patients.
New funding for high-tech approaches for detecting Alzheimer’s in women and communities of color
December 6, 2019
Machine-learning approaches to detect abnormalities in blood vessels associated with dementia and liquid biopsy-guided strategies to define dementia across disease stages are two exciting areas funded prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Lars Berglund is the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
December 5, 2019
Lars Berglund will serve as the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, effective January 1, 2020.
New memorial at School of Medicine honors those who donate their bodies to science
December 5, 2019
Medical school leaders dedicate tribute to body donation program
First of its kind study seeks to answer whether the effects of the “abortion pill” can be reversed
December 4, 2019
Women who initiate medical abortion but opt to stop in the middle of treatment may be at risk for serious blood loss, a UC Davis Health study finds.
UC Davis nursing school receives $37.5 million from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support nurse leaders and innovators, expand national impact
December 3, 2019
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grants UC Davis $37.5 million to establish a national fellowship program for nurse leaders and innovators.
Enroll in UC Davis' mini medical school
December 3, 2019
Get ready for UC Davis’ 18th annual Mini Medical School, the highly regarded six-week curriculum that prepares attendees for life’s second half. Enroll in the engaging series of classes, which begin Feb. 1, 2020 and run for six Saturdays.
More than 200 UC Davis Health physicians named 'Top Docs'
December 2, 2019
UC Davis Health physicians named among Sacramento Magazine's Top Docs practice in more than 60 specialty areas, including 16 pediatric subspecialties.
November 2019
Medical school training program is transforming health care in California
November 26, 2019
The UC Davis PRIME program trains medical students to better serve the state's evolving health needs
Neurological surgery professor elected as AAAS fellow
November 26, 2019
UC Davis Health neuroscientist, Robert Berman, has been elected as a AAAS fellow for his contributions to understanding traumatic brain injury, autism and Fragile-X-related disorders.
How to have heart-healthy holidays
November 26, 2019
A UC Davis Health dietitian offers guidance for making it through the holidays without compromising healthy eating goals.
Sex, drugs and arrhythmia: Modeling approaches to enable precision cardiac pharmacology
November 26, 2019
To promote cardiac safety, researchers at the GRANDi laboratory are using computer simulations to understand and predict the impact of new drugs on the cardiac cells.
Clinical trials now searchable through MyUCDavisHealth portal
November 22, 2019
Through new functionality on the web portal, UC Davis Health patients can browse studies currently seeking volunteers and take the first steps to participate in cutting-edge research.
Lung cancer screening campaign brings message to the community
November 22, 2019
UC Davis Health and community leaders join forces to kick off lung cancer screening campaign.
UC Davis Health Joins ACRP’s Clinical Research ‘Workforce Innovation Steering Committee’
November 22, 2019
UC Davis Health has joined the Association of Clinical Research Professionals as the latest member of its “Workforce Innovation Steering Committee” for improving training and development for the clinical research workforce.
Diana Farmer recognized for global leadership
November 21, 2019
UC Davis Health's leading pediatric and fetal surgeon has won a 2020 U21 Award.
UC Davis researchers recognized for being highly cited
November 21, 2019
Sixteen UC Davis researchers – six from the School of Medicine - have been recognized in the annual Highly Cited Researchers 2019 list.
Customized human milk provides targeted nutrition for premature babies
November 20, 2019
Premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UC Davis Children’s Hospital will get customized breast milk, fortified with the nutrients, thanks to a new Miris human milk analyzer machine donated by the Children’s Miracle Network.
Antibiotic resistance now poses bigger problems than previous estimates
November 18, 2019
Deadly superbugs that have developed a resistance to antibiotics are on the rise. UC Davis Health experts are helping lead efforts to address this dangerous trend.
Constantly connected: A webcam for every NICU bed
November 18, 2019
All Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds at UC Davis Children’s Hospital are now set up with a webcam, providing parents and families with a 24/7 lifeline to see their baby remotely.
Mapping the pathway to gut health in HIV and SIV infections
November 18, 2019
Study found that a strain of bacteria rapidly repaired damaged gut lining (known as leaky gut) in monkeys infected with chronic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), an HIV-like virus.
UC study estimates mild cognitive impairment among diverse Latino populations at 10%
November 17, 2019
A study of over 6,300 Latinos of Dominican, Central American, Cuban, Mexican Puerto Rican and South American heritage estimates that nearly 10% of middle-age and older Latinos in the U.S. meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment.
Opioid prescription doses are increasingly being tapered, often more rapidly than recommended
November 15, 2019
New research shows that opioid dose tapering can occur at rates much higher than recommended, increasing the risks of withdrawal, uncontrolled pain or mental health crises.
Farmer becomes a regent of the American College of Surgeons
November 14, 2019
Diana Farmer has been elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The 24-member board formulates policy and directs the affairs of the ACS.
Lloyd Michener to share practical strategies to promote community engagement in health centers
November 14, 2019
Lloyd Michener from Duke University School of Medicine will present at the Community Engagement Seminar Series on Nov. 21 on how academic health centers can better engage their communities.
UC Davis nursing professors named distinguished gerontological educators
November 12, 2019
Three faculty from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis are recognized for their expertise in gerontological nursing.
Frederik Shic to present on everyday technologies in the lives of children with autism
November 12, 2019
Frederik Shic will present on Nov. 13 on everyday technologies in the lives of children with autism as part of the 2019 Distinguished Lecturer Series in the MIND Institute auditorium.
Q&A in urinary incontinence
November 12, 2019
In honor of Bladder Health Month, UC Davis urogynecologist Amy George shares information about urinary incontinence.
Military partnerships help advance health for all
November 8, 2019
A training partnership between UC Davis Medical Center and the U.S. Air Force, which began in 1995, has blossomed into a variety of integrated medical residency programs with the military that helps physicians stay prepared for deployment while they provide high-quality patient care here stateside in Sacramento.
Automated quitline referrals help patients give up tobacco
November 7, 2019
Electronic health record systems that house patient medical histories can also easily link them with telephone counseling services ― or quitlines ― that improve their chances of giving up tobacco.
Radiology professor awarded "Trailblazer" grant for hybrid imaging research
November 7, 2019
Guobao Wang received a "Trailblazer R21" grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering to develop a new method combining positron emission tomography (PET) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning.
Car seat safety tips for families using rideshare services, taxis
November 7, 2019
What do families need to know when using a rideshare service like Uber and Lyft with their children?
Bay Area surgeon and healthcare executive chooses UC Davis for complex cancer surgery
November 5, 2019
After attempts to see specialists in the Bay Area failed, a San Francisco surgeon sought cancer care at UC Davis Health and is now back doing everything he loves to do.
B. infantis reduces intestinal inflammation in infants
November 4, 2019
B. infantis, a strain of probiotic bacteria, reduces intestinal inflammation in infants, a new study shows.
UC Davis Health researchers join the search for chlamydia vaccines
November 4, 2019
Laurel Beckett and Alexander “Sandy” Borowsky are part of a new research effort to develop vaccines for a common sexually transmitted disease.
VIDEO: UC Davis Children's Hospital launches virtual holiday toy drive
November 1, 2019
UC Davis Children’s Hospital will launch its first virtual holiday toy drive this year at https://toydrive.ucdavis.edu.
VIDEO: KVIE shares Emmy honors with UC Davis Health
November 1, 2019
PBS TV station KVIE presented commemorative Regional Emmy Awards today to UC Davis Health for the documentary “Beyond the Ice Bucket Challenge – Battling ALS,” which featured physicians and patients of the UC Davis Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic.
VIDEO: Trick or treating fun, country fair-style, at UC Davis Children's Hospital
November 1, 2019
Hospitalized children at UC Davis Children’s Hospital didn't miss out on trick or treating today. The children's hospital team brought the trick or treating fun to the kids.
