Ambulatory voices take center stage at first off-campus ‘Breakfast with the Chancellor’

On a cold Wednesday morning, a group of leaders stood inside the front entrance to the Folsom Medical Care Clinic (MCC). They welcomed both patients and Ambulatory Care staff into the gorgeous and airy new facility.

It was the chosen location for the first off-campus and outpatient-focused Breakfast with the Chancellor, underscoring UC Davis’s investment in bringing high-quality, community-focused care closer to where patients live and work.

Hosted in the light-filled, adaptable conference room/wellness kitchen at Folsom MCC, the event brought together Ambulatory staff and executive leaders from both UC Davis campuses. The intent was open conversation, shared learning and a chance to be heard. Chancellor Gary May apologized that he was unable to stay for the breakfast due to an unexpected matter.

People introduced themselves over a breakfast of savory pancakes (both meat and vegetarian options) topped with egg and avocado salsa verde, plus coconut yogurt chia parfaits and banana muffins prepared by the Food and Nutrition Services Team. Executive Chef Santana Diaz introduced the menu and shared that each new UC Davis Health facility will incorporate interactive wellness spaces—like the one hosting the breakfast—where care teams can support and inspire patients.

Access and AI are top of mind

Led by staff, the following discussion touched on access, innovation and the future of health care. On the topic of artificial intelligence, Vice Chancellor Mark Rosenblatt reflected on his time as a physician. He recalled hours spent with his back to patients, busy typing notes into a computer. “That’s not why I became a doctor,” he said, noting that new AI scribe tools like the one available to UC Davis Health ambulatory physicians can “put the identity back into our jobs.”

Stefan Toma, IT Clinical Liaison and Staff Assembly Executive Committee member, emphasized the thoughtful approach behind this work: “We are extremely mindful about this technology and how we can pioneer it safely for patients.”

When access challenges came up, leaders empowered the room. “Our front-line staff have the answers to our access problems,” said Andrew Bresnahan, Vice President of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. It’s leaders’ job to equip them with data and tools to inform their knowledge, he said.

A few weeks into the Vice Chancellor role, Rosenblatt applauded recent access gains. “Even a two-day access improvement is a big deal,” he said, especially given the complexity of UC Davis Health’s patient population.

That achievement belongs to the UC Davis Medical Group and the Ambulatory Care Division, which now represents roughly one-third of the UC Davis Health workforce—and continues to grow.

Be heard

“Events like this remind me how powerful it is when we align around shared goals and listen with intention,” said Brittney Patterson, Staff Assembly Executive Committee member and Ambulatory Clinic Manager at Rancho Cordova. “When we engage the people who serve patients in their communities, we strengthen our entire health system.”

Events like this remind me how powerful it is when we align around shared goals and listen with intention."—Brittney Patterson, Ambulatory Clinic Manager, Rancho Cordova

By the end of the breakfast, participants made new connections, exchanged ideas and several committed to helping one another continue conversations across the organization. Assistant Nurse Manager Priscilla Catingub led a tour of the infusion wing, introducing leaders to medical assistants and nurses. “Behind every successful patient experience is a team working seamlessly together,” she said.

Leaders closed the event with a clear message: We are here to listen. “There’s no one way to communicate with us,” said Interim CEO Mike Condrin. Talk with your supervisor and ask them to pass ideas up the chain, engage with employee resource groups, submit questions for Town Halls or even grab a leader in the hallway.

Interested in attending a future Breakfast with the Chancellor? Sign up to be considered—and keep the conversation going.