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A $23 million NIH grant to continue UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s mission

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

09/11/2026

A $23 million NIH grant to continue UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s mission

By Nadine A Yehya

A legacy of research innovation, community engagement and patient care

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) has received a five-year, $23 million P30 grant renewal from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This funding supports ADRC’s mission of advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research, patient care and community engagement.

“This year marks ADRC’s 35^th anniversary. We build on a legacy rooted in change and innovation and fueled by a vision of a lifetime of brain health for all,” said Charles DeCarli, the co-director of ADRC and the grant’s principal investigator.

The co-directors of ADRC, distinguished professor Charles DeCarli and professor Rachel Whitmer.

The center aims to develop more precise prevention and treatment for all individuals at risk of dementia and related diseases. This effort includes studying how early and midlife factors can impact brain health.

“We are interested in understanding why people age differently. What factors contribute to resilience and others increase the risks? Examining individual differences in trajectories of brain aging and transitions to dementia can help advance the science of healthy brain aging for everyone” said ADRC co-director Rachel Whitmer. Whitmer is a UC Davis Health professor of public health sciences and neurology and the chief of epidemiology.

Professor Alyssa Weakley presenting at one of the participant appreciation events.

Meeting people where they are — in their communities

DeCarli, a distinguished professor of neurology at UC Davis Health, has directed ADRC for the last 22 years. In 2001, he and UC Davis professors Dan Mungas and Bruce Reed put together an NIH grant application to fundamentally change ADRC’s approach of recruiting participants for clinical trials and research studies.

They proposed moving away from a strictly clinic-based specialty recruitment to a hybrid model with half of the participants coming from ADRC’s neighboring communities. That was a novel approach at the time. The outreach meant the ADRC teams would build strong long-term relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

“The idea was to try to meet people where they are, in their communities,” DeCarli said. “This approach results in more representative research cohorts, especially from the areas surrounding ADRC’s two sites in Sacramento and Walnut Creek.”

In 2026, the ADRC expanded to an almost entirely community-based recruitment. This led to research cohorts with better representation of African Americans and people of Hispanic and Latino heritage. Now, the center is extending its reach to include more people from Asian American communities.

Professor Oanh Meyer has partnered with the Vietnamese community in Sacramento to help understand how trauma is linked to the risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Driving discovery in Alzheimer’s and related dementia research

The ADRC team uses different tools to study the commonalities as well as the individual differences among people. They use advanced imaging technologies and identify blood biomarkers to help improve early diagnosis and inform treatment plans.

They also construct and validate assessment scales that reflect the diversity of the participants. Mungas, for example, developed the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Scales (SENAS) that works well with participants of Hispanic and Latino heritage and minimizes cultural and linguistic bias in research. Sarah Tomaszewski Farias also developed the Everyday Cognition (ECog) scale to detect early functional and cognitive changes in older adults.

The ADRC is also the home of many ongoing clinical trials. For example, it is a primary site of the groundbreaking US-POINTER trial with Whitmer as one of its principal investigators. Early findings from this trial point to specific lifestyle changes individuals can make to enhance their brain health and reduce future risks.

In addition to research, the center offers community programs and resources to support collective health. Also, its research education core, co-led by professors Oanh Meyer and Alyssa Weakley, serves as a training hub for the next generation of researchers.

“We are very proud of the center’s mentoring and training lifecycle. Some of ADRC’s core faculty grew up with us and got their training at this center as postdoctoral fellows. They received seed fundings for their first research projects as ADRC scholars,” Whitmer said.

The collaborative work of the various teams creates a centralized infrastructure that can advance the science of healthy brain aging.

“Our systematic building of the center makes a successful model that is efficient and productive in looking at multiple risk factors for aging and dementia within groups of people,” DeCarli said. This grant renewal is Decarli’s last. He is stepping down from ADRC’s leadership next year.

From Labs to Lives

This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant (P30AG072972). Federal research funding helps transform promising discoveries into real-world breakthroughs that save lives and improve quality of life. Learn more about how public investment in UC Davis research powers innovation, strengthens the economy and advances human health in From Labs to Lives.

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Nadine A Yehya

CPAP clinic helps children overcome barriers to sleep apnea treatment

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

A UC Davis pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine team developed a clinic to address a longstanding challenge in pediatric sleep medicine: helping children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) successfully adhere to continuous airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

A child in bed wears a CPAP

OSA can disrupt sleep, affect daytime functioning and lead to long-term health complications. While CPAP can be highly effective, adherence among pediatric patients has historically remained below 50% nationwide.

Respiratory therapist Audrey Chikalla fits a CPAP mask on a patient.

The clinic was launched at UC Davis Health in January 2024 to provide individualized support, identify barriers to treatment and help families build sustainable habits around CPAP use. Rather than focusing solely on equipment, the clinic works closely with pediatric patients and caregivers to troubleshoot issues such as mask fit, pressure settings, sensory sensitivities, irregular sleep schedules and family dynamics that can affect treatment success.

More than two years after opening, the clinic has brought new insights to what helps children succeed with CPAP.

“The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that CPAP use is truly a family affair,” said Audrey Chikalla, a respiratory therapist who spearheaded the clinic. “Success depends not only on the child, but also on caregiver engagement, education and support. When families understand what to expect and how to navigate barriers, children are much more likely to succeed.”

The clinic has also been the subject of a research study by Chikalla and UC Davis Health pediatric pulmonologists Kiran Nandalike and Ambika Chidambaram.

During the clinic’s first year, the researchers evaluated 58 pediatric patients receiving CPAP therapy. The study found that half of the patients met adherence goals, which were defined as using CPAP for more than four hours per night on at least 70% of nights. In addition, children who adhered to CPAP therapy tended to have more frequent respiratory therapist visits than those who did not, reinforcing the value of ongoing follow-up and personalized coaching.

Helping children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions

The clinic expanded in 2025 to focus on children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions, including autism, Trisomy 21 and other chromosome abnormalities. Clinicians wanted to better understand whether the support model could help children who often face additional challenges with medical devices and treatment routines.

More than half of neurodiverse patients achieved CPAP compliance. The study revealed that these patients often benefited from more intensive follow-up. On average, neurodiverse children required more than twice as many respiratory therapist visits as neurotypical patients to achieve adherence, highlighting the importance of specialized support.

“One of our most exciting discoveries is that neurodiverse children can be incredibly successful with CPAP therapy when they receive the right support,” said Nandalike, chief of the UC Davis Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. “Overcoming sensory barriers can take time, patience and persistence, but many families achieve remarkable results.”

The team plans to continue refining the clinic by developing standardized CPAP implementation and desensitization programs, offering group visits for patients and families and collaborating with pediatric endocrinology specialists who care for adolescents with obesity and OSA.

Deconstructing LSD for therapeutic discoveries

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

UC Davis researchers have stripped down LSD to the base features responsible for its hallucinogenic and therapeutic effects.

Colorful illustration of a LSD molecule deconstructed into simpler analogues, each represented by a different color.

In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers whittled away at LSD’s core multi-ring structure and synthesized new, simplified versions of it to probe its functionality. The researchers successfully developed several compounds with reduced hallucinogenic and cardiotoxic effects while also identifying one compound that produced antipsychotic-like effects.

“By systematically deconstructing LSD, we have identified simplified cores that are better starting points for medicinal chemistry efforts,” said study corresponding author David E. Olson, director of the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics and a professor of chemistry, and biochemistry and molecular medicine at UC Davis.

LSD is among the many psychedelic drugs that researchers are investigating due to its ability to spur growth of neurons and strengthen connections between them. A host of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by these connections withering.

“We’ve known the structure of LSD for a long time, but the complexity of its core has really limited our ability to engineer optimized drugs based on its structure,” said Olson. “If you can only modify a couple of spots, you’re limited in what you can do.”

The study provides the psychedelic science research community with new launchpads for drug discovery.

UC Davis Health expands advanced psychiatric care with opening of new electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) clinic

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

09/08/2026

UC Davis Health expands advanced psychiatric care with opening of new electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) clinic

By Lisa Howard

ECT treatment is highly effective for complex psychiatric illnesses like treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

(SACRAMENTO)

UC Davis Health has expanded treatment options for people with serious mental illness by opening a new electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) clinic. It gives people in the greater Sacramento region access to highly effective treatment for severe psychiatric illnesses that have not improved with other therapies. The clinic is located in the state-of-the-art 48X Complex on the Sacramento campus.

ECT is effective treatment for severe mental illness

John Onate, who practices both internal medicine and psychiatry at UC Davis Health, is the clinic’s medical director.

During ECT treatment, a controlled electrical stimulus is delivered to the brain while a patient is under anesthesia.

“ECT is very effective for the treatment of a variety of severe mental illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or catatonia,” Onate said. “I'm excited to expand access to this life-saving treatment to a wider population and to help reduce the stigma surrounding ECT and mental health care in general."

ECT is a type of brain stimulation therapy that has been used for decades, but Onate notes that misunderstandings persist. "ECT is very safe. Patients are under anesthesia throughout the procedure, and our multidisciplinary team carefully monitors them before, during and after treatment. For some individuals who have not improved with other therapies, ECT can offer meaningful symptom relief and restore quality of life."

ECT is typically delivered as a series of treatments, usually two to three times each week. During each treatment session, a brief, carefully controlled electrical stimulus is delivered to a targeted area of the brain while a patient is under anesthesia. Onate notes the amount of electricity is small — the equivalent of briefly turning on a small flashlight.

An ECT session lasts only a few minutes. However, appointments generally take a few hours because patients receive anesthesia and require monitoring before and after the procedure.

Most patients receive between nine and 15 sessions, although treatment plans are individualized based on a patient's needs and response.

Left to right: Fiona Madigan, nurse educator; John Onate, medical director; Suzy Birkeland, certified registered nurse anesthetist.

UC Davis Health offers hope for hard-to-treat psychiatric illnesses

The new clinic is part of a broader effort by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences to greatly expand access to advanced psychiatric therapies. The goal is to improve care for patients with treatment-resistant depression and severe mental health conditions.

"For individuals with severe depression and other complex psychiatric conditions, ECT can be a highly effective treatment,” said Helen Kales, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Opening the new clinic allows us to provide care at an academic medical center with expertise across multiple medical specialties.”

In addition to the ECT clinic, the department’s Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics (APT) Clinic provides transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine therapy (delivered as a nasal spray) for difficult-to-treat neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

“We want patients to know that if multiple antidepressants and other medications have not helped, other treatments are available at UC Davis Health,” Kales said. “By focusing on evidence-based therapies that are proven to be effective, we can offer hope grounded in science to people who continue to struggle despite previous treatments.”

Who is a candidate for ECT?

ECT is for adults 18 and older with serious psychiatric conditions. Research has shown it can effectively treat:

Severe treatment-resistant depression
Bipolar disorder, including depressive and mixed episodes
Catatonia that has not responded to other treatment
treatment-resistant Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Learn more about ECT, including common side effects.

How to get referred to ECT and APT clinics

For information about referrals to the ECT clinic and the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutic Clinic, visit the webpage or call 916-551-2203 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays).

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Lisa Howard

Nursing students get rare, firsthand look at critical care transport

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Dozens of nursing students from across the Sacramento region received a rare, up-close look at the fast-paced world of pediatric and neonatal critical care transport at UC Davis Health.

A group of people surround a gurney with a manikin on it.

The experience connected 33 future registered nurses with a group of UC Davis Children’s Hospital nurses involved in transporting some of the sickest and smallest patients. The event was organized by the Sacramento area chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (SAC AACN) at UC Davis Health

The nonprofit AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization.

Nursing students typically receive limited exposure to specialty areas such as critical care transport during clinical rotations. The event was intended to help bridge that gap by bringing students together with nurses who are actively practicing in these highly specialized roles.

The event allowed students to rotate through hands-on learning stations where they explored specialized equipment, patient-care considerations and the unique challenges in caring for and transporting critically ill infants and children. Students also interacted directly with the transport nurses, asked questions and gained insight into careers in these nursing specialties.

The event, held at North Addition, was led by Diana K. Laraway and Chase House, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) transport nurses; Mandeep Chahal, PICU assistant nurse manager and SAC AACN president; and Emily Pels, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) transport nurse.

“One of our goals with Sacramento AACN is to create opportunities for students who are still figuring out where they see themselves in nursing,” Chahal said. “There is something completely different about being able to learn directly from nurses who do this work every day.”

The time volunteered by the UC Davis team, Chahal added, gave the next generation of nurses an experience they may not otherwise gain in school.

Volunteers help older patients stay connected and clear-minded during hospital stays

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

A hospital stay can be confusing for older adults.

Volunteer stands beside a hospital bed and talks with a patient in a hospital room

Days and nights blur together. Sleep is interrupted. Pain, illness and medication can make it harder to think clearly. Some patients develop delirium, a sudden state of confusion that can slow recovery and have lasting effects.

At UC Davis Health, specially trained volunteers are helping older patients navigate the challenges of hospitalization. They visit patients, engage them in meaningful conversation and help them stay connected to the people and world around them. The volunteers are part of CoCare: HELP, an evidence-based program from the American Geriatric Society. The program is designed to prevent delirium and the physical and mental decline that can occur during a hospital stay.

UC Davis Health is the first health system in the Sacramento region to offer the program, formerly known as the Hospital Elder Life Program. Volunteers began visiting patients in April on the orthopaedic and trauma unit at UC Davis Medical Center.

Jan Noort volunteers every Monday. She spends quality time with patients — reminds them of date, asks about their lives, plays music or simply sits and listens.“When I visit with patients, we have a conversation. They are much more alert, engaged and smiling,” said Noort, a retired nurse practitioner. “The vast majority say they would enjoy another visit.”

HELP volunteer Jan Noort prepares for visits that patients say provide companionship, emotional support and connection.

Patient feedback reinforces that sentiment. In surveys, patients frequently describe the visits as comforting, uplifting and a welcome break from the stress of hospitalization. One patient rated the experience "excellent" and said the program should be recommended to others. Another summed up the impact in a simple comment: "Appreciated the smiles of volunteers."

Assistant Nurse Manager Sushmil Datt has seen similar responses. He recalled an older patient who was withdrawn and reluctant to participate in care. After spending time with a HELP volunteer, the patient smiled more often and was more willing to participate in physical therapy.

“Patients who are anxious, lonely or frequently seeking staff attention become calmer and more engaged when a volunteer provides companionship and conversation,” Datt explained.

Personal attention with a purpose

Although the visits feel informal, they are built around proven strategies to reduce delirium risk.

Want to get involved? If you are interested in becoming a HELP volunteer, contact Volunteer Services by calling 916-734-2401.

Volunteers help patients stay oriented to time and place, keep their minds active and maintain a normal day-and-night routine. They may open the blinds in the morning, discuss current events, offer activities or help patients settle in for the night.

Nearly 4 in 10 (38%) of older patients who experienced delirium died during roughly two years of follow-up, according to research, compared with 27.5% of patients without delirium. A more recent analysis found hospital delirium was also associated with 70% higher odds of readmission after discharge. HELP is designed to prevent delirium during hospitalization.

The program provides what busy clinical teams often cannot, said Rebecca Boxer, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

“The nurses know the person is vulnerable. They know hospitalization is tough, but they don't have the time to sit with them and talk,” Boxer said.

Volunteers start their shifts by checking with the patient's nurse and reviewing a "Get to Know Me" form. The list includes details such as the patient’s family, hobbies, career, pets and other personal information.

Those conversations can lead to a favorite song, a therapy dog visit, an art activity or a meaningful discussion about the patient's life.

“People are just so lonely in the hospital,” said Olga Sukhenko, a geriatric clinical nurse specialist who helped launch the program. “With the volunteers, they're able to completely disconnect from that and talk about something else entirely. That's what makes it really therapeutic.”

Sukhenko recalled how a long-stay patient improved his mood during volunteer visits. The patient, she said, became more willing to eat, take medication and participate in care.

Volunteer Jan Noort, second from left, works with nursing staff to identify older patients who may benefit from activities designed to reduce delirium risk.

Building a promising model

HELP programs have shown promising results. A 2024 analysis found they reduced delirium and shortened hospital stays. UC Davis Health's program is still in the pilot phase, so it’s too early to measure changes in delirium rates, length of stay or readmissions.

Since April, volunteers have reached more than 200 patients. Nearly three-quarters of patients accepted a visit offer and about two-thirds of visits lasted longer than 15 minutes, the program's measure of a successful visit.

The dedicated one-on-one attention also benefits nurses and family members who can’t always be at the bedside.

“Nurses have to balance multiple tasks and roles in a 12-hour shift, which can limit the amount of time we can simply sit with a patient and talk,” Datt said. “One of the greatest things a HELP volunteer can provide is uninterrupted companionship.”

Nine volunteers have already completed the first round of training. Program leaders hope to recruit more and expand the program to additional hospital units.

“This is a program that goes above and beyond medical care,” Noort said. “It addresses so much more of what is important to the well-being of patients.”

As the program expands, UC Davis Health seeks volunteers who are passionate about guiding older patients on the path to recovery. Volunteers receive specialized training and commit to a weekly four-hour shift, providing the companionship and personal attention that can make a meaningful difference during a hospital stay.

Want to get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a HELP volunteer, contact Volunteer Services by email or by calling 916-734-2401.

COVID-19 cases are rising: How to protect yourself this fall and winter

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

COVID-19 cases are increasing in California and across the country, continuing a pattern that has emerged in recent years as summer comes to an end.

A smiling man gives a thumbs-up after receiving a vaccination.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that COVID-19 activity is on the rise statewide.

What experts are saying:

“We're seeing COVID-19 cases increase for a few reasons,” explained Stuart H. Cohen, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health. “Immunity from prior infections and vaccinations can fade over time, making people more vulnerable to getting sick. We also typically see a seasonal uptick in cases at the end of summer, which has been a consistent pattern over the past several years. At the same time, the virus continues to evolve, and new variants can help drive additional spread in the community.”

What you can do to stay healthy

CDPH recommends the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Among the more specific guidelines:

COVID-19 vaccines should be available to everyone 6 months and older. Anyone who has not yet received a 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, or is due for a second dose, should get vaccinated.
Some groups, including young children and people who are immunocompromised, may need multiple doses.
Adults 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised are recommended to receive two doses six months apart.

Updated vaccines are on the way

What's new:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Aug. 27 for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season.

The vaccines will be covered for most people through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

What experts are saying:

“The updated vaccines are similar to previous COVID-19 vaccines, but they have been updated to better match the variants we're seeing today,” Cohen said. “By targeting the strains currently circulating in the community, they can help strengthen protection against severe illness and hospitalization.”

What to watch:

Updated vaccines are expected to become available in the coming weeks through health care providers and pharmacies.

Schedule your vaccine appointment: UC Davis Health patients can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine dose at UC Davis Health when they become available. Most appointments can be made on your MyUCDavisHealth portal or by calling your clinic.

Looking ahead

Health experts expect COVID-19 activity to increase during the fall and winter months, when people spend more time indoors and respiratory viruses spread more easily.

While it's difficult to predict the size of any surge, some increase in cases is expected.

How to stay healthy this fall and winter:

In addition to staying up to date on recommended vaccines, people can take several simple steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
Avoid crowded indoor spaces: This is especially important during periods of increased virus activity.
Stay home when you're sick: Help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
Wear a high-quality mask: Choose an N95 or KN95 mask for crowded indoor settings or if you are at higher risk of severe illness.
Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of germs.
Improve indoor ventilation: Open doors and windows when it is safe to do so, allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate.
Talk with your health care provider: Preventive antibody treatments may help lower the risk of severe illness for those with weakened immune systems.

“People at higher risk, including older adults and those with weakened immune systems, should consider taking extra precautions during the fall and winter months,” Cohen said. “Staying up to date on vaccinations and following basic prevention measures can go a long way toward reducing the risk of serious illness.”

Warning for MyChart users: New scam impersonates the patient portal

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

09/02/2026

Warning for MyChart users: New scam impersonates the patient portal

Fake MyChart messages, calls and websites are targeting patients. Learn how to protect yourself

(SACRAMENTO)

A leading software platform that allows patients nationwide to access their electronic medical information is warning users that scammers may be trying to steal their information.

The scam is targeting users of Epic software, which powers the MyChart portal at UC Davis Health and many other health systems. Scammers have been using fake websites and login pages this summer that are designed to look like they are coming from MyChart.

“We've seen an uptick in scammers trying to trick patients by using the MyChart name or logo to make emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites look official,” stated Trevor Berceau, director of research and development for Epic Systems Corp., in a July 26 blog post.

“Some might try to steal your login information or promise free gifts if you enter payment details,” Berceau said.

The scam tries to persuade MyChart users to log into their electronic medical record, but in reality they are on a fake site downloading malware onto their computer

How to spot a suspicious MyChart message

Be cautious of messages that:

Create urgency or threaten account suspension.
Ask for passwords, verification codes, personal, or payment information.
Request that you click a link to verify or update your account.
Contain spelling, grammar, or formatting issues.
Come from an unfamiliar or suspicious sender.
Include unexpected attachments.
Offer refunds, prizes, or other unexpected benefits.
Simply do not seem legitimate, even if they use MyChart branding.

How to tell if a MyChart email, text or phone call is a scam

One scam circulating by email offers MyChart users a “unique opportunity to receive a completely new Medicare Kit!”

To claim the “first-aid and medical-grade preparation kit,” users are asked to click on a link that purportedly leads to a survey. Then they are asked to provide their financial information to pay for the cost of shipping.

But neither UC Davis Health nor MyChart use the portal to give away prizes, and neither would ask for credit card or banking details.

Screenshot from scammers shows the fake, but realistic looking, messages that impersonate MyChart and ask users to click button to receive a free gift.

How to spot fake MyChart login pages

The scam emails may appear to be real — the “from” line may state “MyChartTeams” and the sender’s address could include the word MyChart in some variation. But the “from” address is fake (real MyChart emails come from UC Davis Health or MyChart Central). The body of the message, which could be an image with realistic-looking logos, is a replica intended to get unsuspecting users to click on it.

Those who click on the log-in screen will see a series of pop-up screens stating something about the patient’s lab results and encouraging them to click on buttons to access the results. (In reality, lab results are available directly in MyChart, never in a program that needs to be downloaded).

But users who click the buttons are actually installing malware on their computer.

Is MyChart itself compromised?

Epic says the scams are an attempt to trick users into responding to fraudulent messages and MyChart itself has not been compromised.

“Scammers are taking advantage of the popularity of the MyChart brand rather than any security concern,” Berceau stated, “so you can continue to use MyChart as normal.”

The website MyChart.org contains a Staying Safe page with additional tips to protect users from scams and fraud.

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Pediatric Mobile Clinic provides free vision screenings and evaluations for Folsom Cordova district students

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic partnered with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District to host a four-hour free vision screening and diagnostic clinic in Rancho Cordova last month. The clinic served students who did not pass their school vision screenings and needed comprehensive follow-up care.

Group of people stand in front of pediatric mobile clinic van

The community-centered clinic on wheels delivers specialty medical and mental health services directly to schools across the Sacramento region.

Led by UC Davis pediatric ophthalmologist Marcela Estrada from the UC Davis Eye Center, the clinic brought together a multidisciplinary team of more than 15 volunteers and clinicians dedicated to improving access to vision care for local children. The team included pediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, a retinal surgeon, ophthalmology residents and volunteers from the R.I.V.E.R. Pediatric Clinic, a free student-run clinic affiliated with UC Davis.

More than 30 students received free comprehensive eye evaluations that included vision testing, alternate cover testing, photoscreening, pupil dilation, autokeratometry, cycloplegic refraction and dilated fundus examinations.

“This clinic event aimed to remove barriers to care and ensure that every child has access to the vision services that they need to succeed in school and everyday life,” Estrada said. “Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s development, learning and overall well-being.”

The clinic was guided by UC Davis Health’s PATH (Promoting Accessibility to Healthcare) philosophy, which emphasizes creating a welcoming and accessible environment, particularly for children with neurodiversity. This population often faces challenges accessing timely eye care and may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. The UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department donated sensory toys to help students feel comfortable and engaged during their appointments.

Participating students received a free comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by the Eye Center team and individualized recommendations for follow-up care. Students who were prescribed glasses received vouchers that could be redeemed at no cost at any UC Davis Eye Center location.

The clinic was made possible by funding from the Lions Club International Foundation, Native Daughters of the Golden West and Children’s Miracle Network at UC Davis.

About the UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic

Launched in 2024, the UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic provides free health care services to historically marginalized and underserved populations by partnering with school districts and community-based organizations to reduce barriers to care for children facing access challenges. The clinic provides general pediatrics, mental health, developmental-behavioral pediatrics and asthma care in a mobile clinic setting.

About the UC Davis Eye Center

The UC Davis Eye Center provides world-class eye care, pioneers collaborative vision research and trains the next generation of specialists and investigators to become leaders in the Sacramento region and beyond. The Eye Center team aims to transform vision care and develop cures for blinding eye diseases, from cornea to cortex.

UC Davis Health launches fellowship programs in pediatric cardiology and pediatric hospital medicine

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

09/01/2026

UC Davis Health launches fellowship programs in pediatric cardiology and pediatric hospital medicine

By Tricia Tomiyoshi

Training physicians in vital pediatric subspecialties will help ease workforce shortages and expand access to care

(SACRAMENTO)

UC Davis Health is expanding its graduate medical education programs with the launch of new fellowships in pediatric hospital medicine and pediatric cardiology. The programs will train the next generation of pediatric specialists and are expected to help ease workforce shortages and improve access to care.

Fellows take part in a simulation exercise in the hospital.

The first trainee in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is Patrick Mac Light who joined UC Davis Health this summer. The two-year, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited program prepares physicians for Pediatric Hospital Medicine board certification and leadership roles in clinical care, quality improvement, medical education and research. Fellows train primarily at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and gain additional experience at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, a community hospital and long-standing UC Davis clinical affiliate.

Spandana Sama is the first fellow in Pediatric Cardiology. The ACGME-accredited, three-year program provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease, including cardiac imaging, catheterization, critical care, electrophysiology and cardiac surgery.

“These new fellowships are an exciting opportunity to train physicians to provide care in these critically important pediatric subspecialties,” said Susan Guralnick, UC Davis associate dean for graduate medical education. “As the only medical center in the region providing pediatric fellowship education, UC Davis Health is dedicated to advancing the health of children from the north bay up to the Oregon border.”

After their training, fellows often transition into attending physicians in their specialty and pursue board certification in that field.

The new fellowships reflect UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s commitment to expanding access to specialized pediatric care while developing future physician leaders.

“Across California and the nation, we are seeing growing shortages of pediatric subspecialists, resulting in long wait times and delayed access to children with complex medical needs,” said Satyan Lakshminrusimha, chair of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “By expanding our pediatric fellowship programs, we are investing in the next generation of pediatric physician leaders and helping to build the workforce needed to ensure children and families have access to the specialized care they deserve.”

Other pediatric subspecialty programs offered at UC Davis Health include:

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A second chance at life started with an unexpected gift

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Shannon Merrill has always taken pride in keeping his garage neat and organized. But for more than a year, floor-to-ceiling stacks of empty boxes from his at-home peritoneal dialysis treatments lined the space. The cardboard towers created maze-like walls and served as a constant reminder of his battle with kidney disease.

Woman visiting man in hospital bed.

Years earlier, Shannon was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a hereditary chronic kidney condition that occurs when immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies build up in the kidneys' filtering units and gradually cause damage over time.

The first signs that something was wrong came when Shannon's wife, Dani Merrill, noticed he wasn't looking well. By the time he saw a doctor, his condition had already progressed to Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. His kidneys were functioning at only about 20%.

“I've always been the type of person who believes ignorance is bliss,” Shannon said. “When I was first diagnosed, I thought everything would be OK. I assumed that while I was on dialysis, I'd still feel good, be able to golf and live a normal life. I quickly learned that wasn't the case.”

At times Shannon was spending as much as 18 hours a day on dialysis.

Doctors started Shannon on peritoneal dialysis — a type of therapy where patients connect themselves to a portable dialysis machine at their own home, often overnight. But the treatment quickly became all-consuming. At first, he spent about four hours a day connected to the machine. As his kidney function continued to decline, those hours steadily increased. Eventually, he was spending as much as 18 hours a day on dialysis.

The treatment took a significant toll on his quality of life. Because the fluid used during dialysis left him feeling constantly full, he often managed only one meal a day. Sleep became difficult and his persistent fatigue made even everyday activities a challenge.

“It became so overwhelming that I had a panic attack one day,” Shannon recalled. “I looked at the clock and realized I still had four more hours of dialysis left. I didn't want to do it anymore. I was exhausted and ready to give up.”

Finding a match

When Shannon was first diagnosed, he and Dani did everything possible to slow the progression of his disease. They carefully monitored his diet, made lifestyle changes and committed to keeping him healthy for as long as possible. But once dialysis became necessary, they knew a kidney transplant would offer the best chance for a healthier future. They turned to the UC Davis Health Transplant Center to explore their options and begin the evaluation process.

At the time, Shannon was among more than 20,000 Californians waiting for an organ transplant.

“I was watching my husband wither away in front of me,” Dani said. “The man who used to golf for hours, climb rocks and lift heavy things couldn't do any of that anymore. I was certain I was going to lose him, but I knew I couldn't let that happen.”

Dani offered to donate her own kidney.

Living donation is a type of kidney transplant in which a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to a patient with kidney failure. Although about half of the kidneys used for transplants come from deceased donors, the number of available organs is not enough to meet the needs of everyone waiting for a transplant. Living donation thus provides an important option to transplant.

“For many patients, living donor kidney transplantation offers a faster path to transplant and better long-term outcomes than remaining on dialysis while waiting for a deceased donor kidney,” explained Felipe Lee, a living kidney donor coordinator at the UC Davis Transplant Center. “At UC Davis Health, we're committed to caring for our living donors before, during and after donation, providing support from evaluation through surgery and years of follow-up to help them live healthy, active lives with one kidney.”

The UC Davis Health transplant team conducted a thorough medical evaluation to determine that Dani was a suitable donor candidate.

“It brought me to tears when I learned I was a match and could donate to him,” Dani said.

Saving a life

On the day of the transplant, Dani had one request before surgery: she wanted to see Shannon. Their anesthesiologist arranged for the couple to spend a few quiet moments together before they were taken into separate operating rooms. Dani reassured her husband that they would get through the experience side by side.

Dani and Shannon visit with each other before their surgical procedures.

After the surgery, despite her own discomfort, Dani was eager to check on Shannon. She asked the nursing staff to wheel her to his room. She saw him smile and give a thumbs-up, which reassured her that everything had been worth it.

“I noticed a difference in Shannon right away in the hospital,” Dani said. “He hadn't been feeling well for years, so finally having a healthy, functioning kidney made him feel so much better. The color was back in his face and he was smiling again.”

90 days post-surgery, Dani is back at work, and Shannon is starting to live life again.

The improvement continued over several months. Ninety days after the transplant, Shannon celebrated by hitting his first bucket of golf balls, a simple activity that once seemed out of reach.

Today, he looks forward to embracing life with renewed energy and purpose — including keeping a tidy garage. But, most of all, he remains deeply grateful to the woman who gave him a second chance.

“It broke my heart to see the sacrifice she made for me,” Shannon said. “What she went through to give me a second chance at life was incredible. She's more than just my wife now. It's impossible to describe the love you feel for someone who has done something so selfless for you.”

For Dani, however, the reward is simple: knowing that Shannon can now look forward to a long, healthy future by her side.

“I'm grateful that I was able to be the one to give him that second chance,” Dani said. “You're saving a life, and not everyone gets the opportunity to do that.”

How UC Davis is changing lives through transplant care

Inspired by Shannon and Dani’s story? Discover how the UC Davis Transplant Center is transforming lives through innovative care, compassionate support and world-class expertise.

Whether you're considering organ donation, exploring transplant options, or simply want to understand more, visit the UC Davis Transplant Center’s website to learn how to take the next step.

Do no harm: How hospitals can better track and manage their environmental impact

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Health care providers save lives every day, but hospital operations also consume large amounts of energy and water and generate significant waste. In the United States, the healthcare sector is responsible for around 8.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions.

A clinician wearing blue scrubs and blue gloves is throwing an empty plastic packet in the trash can

A team of researchers has now developed a framework to help healthcare organizations better measure and improve their environmental performance. Their findings were published in The Lancet: Planetary Health.

“Hospitals need to track their environmental impact,” said corresponding author Patrick Romano. “Our team is advocating for the inclusion of environmental sustainability measures in healthcare quality reporting.”

Romano is a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at UC Davis Health and is affiliated with the Center for Healthcare Policy and Research.

The researchers emphasize that measuring and reporting the environmental impacts of hospital operations is essential for making meaningful progress. Consistent tracking can help hospitals identify priorities, evaluate improvements and integrate sustainability into routine decision-making.

Sustainability efforts remain fragmented

Although many healthcare organizations have pledged to reduce their environmental footprint, progress has been uneven. One challenge is the lack of standardized methods for measuring and tracking sustainability, which makes it difficult to compare performance and identify areas for improvement.

“A standard set of measures could help healthcare organizations reduce their environmental footprint and make sustainability a core part of their quality mission,” Romano said.

Evaluating key sustainability measures

The team evaluated environmental measures commonly used in healthcare. They grouped the most frequently reported measures into five categories:

Greenhouse gas emissions
Water use
Energy use
Travel
Solid waste

Their analysis showed that all six measures were important, but some had limitations. For example, tracking travel by patients and staff, as well as calculating greenhouse gas emissions across supply chains, can be challenging because reliable data are often unavailable.

Recommended reporting standards

Based on their findings, the authors proposed a minimum set of sustainability measures for hospitals. They recommended three metrics:

Greenhouse gas emissions from direct operations and purchased energy
Water consumption
Solid waste production

They also recommended adjusting the data based on patient activity so hospitals of different sizes can be compared fairly.

Sustainability as part of healthcare quality

The researchers argued that sustainability should be treated as an essential part of healthcare quality, similar to patient safety.

“Measuring and reporting patient safety has helped drive major improvements in care over the past two decades,” Romano said. “A similar approach could help healthcare organizations reduce their environmental impact while improving the health of communities and the planet.”

The authors believe the framework could help quality and accreditation organizations incorporate sustainability into existing healthcare performance standards.

Ready to take control of your breathing? Register for the UCAN Bootcamp

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Living with asthma, or caring for someone who does, can be both lonely and frightening.

Man breathing deeply with palm trees and ocean in background.

The constant coughing, sleepless nights and limitations on everyday activities can take a physical and emotional toll. When symptoms seem unpredictable and out of control, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.

UC Davis offers a free community event to help people with asthma, bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and their caregivers and family members — better manage their lung health and cope with the challenges these conditions can bring. This year’s UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN) Bootcamp will be held at Aggie Square in Sacramento on Sept. 12.

Cynthia Robinson attended a bootcamp and knows all too well the challenges of being a caregiver. She cares for her mother, Irene Robinson, who lives with both asthma and COPD. Cynthia has seen the physical and emotional challenges that can come with managing chronic lung disease.

A few years ago, Irene’s condition became so severe that she and her daughter found themselves in the emergency room nearly every month.

“They knew us,” Cynthia recalled. “We were there so often that the staff recognized us as soon as we walked in.”

Finding support

Hoping for answers and a better path forward Cynthia and Irene turned to the UC Davis Health Pulmonary Clinic on J Street in Midtown Sacramento for help.

From their first visit, Cynthia noticed a difference.

“The attention was different,” she said. “It was really personalized and they were not dismissive of my mother because she was older.”

The clinic's approach began with education. During Irene's first appointment, the care team took time to ensure she understood how to properly use her respiratory equipment and medications, including her inhaler.

“They teach you how to use the equipment properly,” Cynthia said. “That's a big deal because people are not using their inhalers properly, so their lungs are not getting the medication. We were part of that. Things like that are important.”

With her asthma and COPD under control, Irene Robinson is enjoying life's special moments again, including a night of laughter at Punch Line Sacramento.

Just as important was the team's willingness to provide information and ongoing support.

“They are so open to your questions,” Cynthia said. “They are available to that.”

The biggest breakthrough came when Irene's providers recommended a biologic treatment, administered as an injection. The results were life-changing.

After starting the biologic, Irene no longer needed her rescue inhalers.

“They expire now,” Cynthia said with a laugh. “It's like she doesn't even have asthma.”

For Cynthia, the improvement in her mother’s health brought more than relief. It brought reassurance that they were no longer navigating the challenges of respiratory illness alone.

“I owe them so much. It's really an emotional thing,” she said. “You need a partner. I know that UC Davis Health has my back. I do have a partner. They have lightened my load and provided me support and help.”

UCAN Bootcamp

To provide the same support to more patients and families, UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN) created the UCAN Bootcamp.

The UCAN Bootcamp is made possible through a grant from Regeneron. It is led by UC Davis Health lung specialists and respiratory therapists. Through presentations and hands-on activities, participants learn how to use inhalers correctly, recognize worsening symptoms, understand treatment options and create personalized action plans. They can also ask questions, practice new skills and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

Cynthia and Irene have attended the last two UCAN Bootcamps. They say the experience helped them better understand Irene's condition and feel more confident managing it.

“If you want to improve your quality of life or the life of your loved one, you need to go to the bootcamp,” Cynthia said. “They are going to teach you the skills you need and have your back. Learn that you are not alone. You will leave feeling empowered.”

Register for the 2026 UCAN Bootcamp

This year's UCAN Bootcamp will be held at Aggie Square, the innovation hub at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, on Sept. 12. A light breakfast, lunch and parking will be provided.

Registration for the bootcamp is now open to all. Secure a spot by registering today.

Betty Irene Moore Fellows convene in the nation’s capital for seventh convocation

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In an era of rapidly spreading misinformation and eroding public trust, nurse leaders are finding new ways to make health information clear, credible and compelling. That challenge was a central focus during the seventh annual convocation of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators this summer in Washington, D.C.

Audience members watch a panel discussion with speakers seated onstage for a “Signal Through the Noise” session.

More than 50 fellows from five cohorts gathered from across the nation June 23-28 for structured learning experiences focused on leadership, interpersonal skills, negotiation and strategic communications. They were joined by more than 20 members of the Fellowship National Advisory Council (FNAC) and program faculty, along with prominent nurse leaders and program staff.

Fellows engaged with nurses from the Hillman Scholars in Nursing Innovation, grantees of The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation and Hillman leadership and staff. Together, they explored how nurse innovators can lead with greater clarity and purpose, communicate evidence effectively and influence policy.

How do your environment and life experiences shape dementia risk?

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

A national study that explores the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease, environmental factors and lifetime experiences has been awarded $30.9 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The award is the second round of NIH funding for The Neighborhoods Study, a collaboration between 24 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers including UC Davis Health’s center.

Four seniors sitting on the porch

The study is led by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. It examines environmental factors such as poverty, education, housing, employment and toxins — also known as the social exposome — and their link to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). It is the largest in the world to connect the social exposome with brain tissues and their disease biomarkers.

The Neighborhoods Study will assess lead-contaminated infrastructure exposure, job-related toxin exposures and heavy metals in brain tissue to better understand what makes certain populations more vulnerable to ADRD.

The study is expected to lead to ADRD prevention measures that are precisely tailored to populations at highest risk based on exposures. Its work focuses on risk mitigation and new interventions in ADRD, advancing knowledge of the relationship between exposome and dementia to improve health for all.

About The Neighborhoods Study

The Neighborhoods Study was started in 2021. It has supported the development of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a powerful tool used by the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Health Disparities Research to develop thousands of health interventions and policies.

ADI aimed at achieving better health outcomes for people living in rural and urban neighborhoods with greatest need. It has demonstrated an association between neighborhood disadvantage increased odds of neurodegeneration, ADRD biomarkers and post-mortem ADRD neuropathology. It has also linked residency in high ADI neighborhoods across one’s lifetime with increased risk of neurodegeneration and brain disease.

“We have known for some time the genetic and biological factors that contribute to ADRD, but growing evidence suggests that community and neighborhood-level factors may also influence ADRD risk,” said Oanh Meyer, professor of neurology and Neighborhoods Study site principal investigator for UC Davis Health. “These factors are potentially modifiable, and thus important targets for prevention and intervention.”

Meyer is research faculty with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and leads Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program, or VIP.

“UC Davis is pleased to be one of the sites participating in this incredibly important research program,” said co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and epidemiologist Rachel Whitmer. “The Neighborhoods Study leverages numerous Alzheimer’s research centers. By combining data from the different sites, we could uniquely achieve the statistical power to determine how factors related to people’s context and life experiences contribute to biological indicators of both dementia and healthy brain aging.”

Whitmer is the co-investigator at the UC Davis site. She is professor of public health sciences and neurology and chief of epidemiology at UC Davis Health.

The Neighborhoods Study is the largest of its kind linking brain tissue to life-long exposures to more fully examine the precise mechanisms by which the social exposome impacts ADRD risk and outcomes.

'We won an Emmy for a cat video': Kitten neurosurgery documentary wins award

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/25/2026

'We won an Emmy for a cat video': Kitten neurosurgery documentary wins award

Emmy Award honors story about a kitten whose surgery could help babies with hydrocephalus

Key takeaways:

The UC Davis Health video team received the NorCal Emmy Award for its documentary Saving Viggo.

The story follows Viggo, a kitten with hydrocephalus whose surgery could help advance treatment for infants with the same condition.

This is the third Emmy for the video team of Pamela Wu and Christopher Nelson.

(SACRAMENTO)

A documentary about a kitten whose surgery could help advance treatment for babies with hydrocephalus earned a Northern California Emmy Award on Saturday night. This marks the third Emmy win since 2021 for the UC Davis Health video team.

The Emmy was awarded in the category of Health/Medical - News or Long Form Content for Saving Viggo: The Kitten Surgery That Could Help Babies with Hydrocephalus. It was presented at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences San Francisco/Northern California Chapter awards gala in Sacramento. The winning team included:

Christopher Nelson, senior video content producer

Pamela Wu, director of news and media relations

Kevin Ulrich, contributing photographer

From left, Christopher Nelson and Pamela Wu on the Emmy Awards red carpet. Their documentary was awarded the 2026 NorCal Emmy in the category of Health/Medical - News or Long Form Content.

The documentary follows Viggo, a kitten diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Cameron Sadegh, pediatric neurosurgeon at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, joined veterinary neurosurgeons from the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine for a first-of-its-kind surgery. The 14-minute video takes viewers from diagnosis through surgery and recovery. It explores how the approach could help both animals and people in the future.

Accepting the award, Wu thanked the many people who made the story possible.

"We are honored to receive the Emmy in this category for a third time and grateful to be part of an organization that advances both human and animal health," Wu said. "We share this award with our leadership, medical and research teams and Viggo's family. They gave us the time and access to tell the story of the kitten who could change neurosurgery."

Wu closed with a lighter note that drew laughs from the audience.

"You guys, we won an Emmy for a cat video!"

A history of award-winning work

The award is the third Emmy for the team. In 2021, Nelson and Wu won for Separating Conjoined Twins, a documentary about Abigail and Micaela, twins born joined at the head at UC Davis Children's Hospital. In 2023, the pair earned a second Emmy for Searching for a Cure: The World's First Fetal Surgery Using Stem Cells for Spina Bifida, which chronicled the world's first in utero stem cell treatment for spina bifida and the first patient to participate in the groundbreaking CuRe Trial.

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App helps caregivers manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms, improves well-being

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Dementia is often associated with memory loss, but for many caregivers, the most challenging symptoms are behavioral changes like aggression, anxiety, irritability, wandering and sleep disturbances.

Close-up of one person holding an older adult’s hand while walking arm in arm.

The WeCareAdvisor app helped caregivers manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

A new study from UC Davis Health and Drexel University found that WeCareAdvisor, an app designed to help caregivers manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms using practical, non-drug strategies, reduced caregiver distress and improved well-being.

The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

"This research shows that caregivers can use technology to learn and apply effective dementia care strategies," said Helen Kales, Joe P. Tupin Professor of Psychiatry, chair of the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and senior author of the study. "By giving caregivers the knowledge and confidence to address behavioral symptoms, we can improve quality of life for both caregivers and people living with dementia."

More than 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. By 2050, the number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.

Trial evaluated DICE Approach

The study is the first randomized trial to evaluate an app that gives caregivers a systematic, non-drug approach to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

The application incorporates the DICE Approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, and Evaluate). Caregivers are guided through a series of questions to describe behaviors, investigate underlying causes, create individual strategies that don’t rely on medication, and then evaluate their effectiveness. During the study, caregivers received daily supportive tips via text messages. The app also contains educational materials.

The randomized, controlled trial compared two groups of participants — immediate users and delayed app users — who were the primary caregivers of a family member with dementia.

Participants were interviewed three times: At the beginning of the trial, one month into it and three months later. They evaluated the use of the app and its impact on caregiver distress and well-being, as well as the frequency and severity of behaviors of the person with dementia.

Initiative led by UC Davis pediatrician drives dramatic improvements in adolescent behavioral health screening nationwide

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/24/2026

Initiative led by UC Davis pediatrician drives dramatic improvements in adolescent behavioral health screening nationwide

By Tricia Tomiyoshi

Pediatric clinics more than doubled substance use screening and significantly increased screening for depression, anxiety and suicide risk

Key takeaways:

A nationwide initiative helped pediatric clinics greatly improve adolescent behavioral health screening.
Substance use screening more than doubled.
Participating clinics increased screening for depression, anxiety and suicide risk, improving the likelihood that concerns are identified early.
Clinics that implemented the new model continued to maintain the changes nine months after the project ended.

(SACRAMENTO)

A nationwide quality improvement initiative led by researchers and clinicians from UC Davis Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and partner organizations resulted in significant increases in screening and follow-up care for adolescent substance use and mental health concerns across pediatric primary care clinics.

Ulfat Shaikh with a patient in clinic

The findings are detailed in a new study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.

The Transformative and Evidence-based Approaches to Mental Health and Substance Use Screening (TEAMSS) collaborative engaged 160 clinicians at 27 pediatric primary care clinics across 18 states. The project aimed to strengthen screening, brief interventions and follow-up practices for adolescents ages 12 to 18 during routine health visits.

Researchers found substantial improvements over the 11-month initiative:

Substance use screening increased from 35% to 75% of adolescent well visits.
Follow-up care for adolescents with positive substance use screenings increased from 69% to 86%.
Depression screening increased from 82% to 90%.
Anxiety screening increased from 32% to 69%.
Suicide risk screening increased from 18% to 41%.

“Adolescents are facing overlapping challenges related to substance use and mental health, yet these issues often go undetected in routine care,” said Ulfat Shaikh, professor of pediatrics at UC Davis Health and lead author of the study. “Our findings show that with the right support, coaching and evidence-based tools, primary care teams can dramatically improve screening and early intervention for young people.”

Our findings show that with the right support, coaching and evidence-based tools, primary care teams can dramatically improve screening and early intervention for young people.” — Ulfat Shaikh

Building sustainable systems for mental health and substance use screening

Mental health and substance use disorders frequently occur together and can worsen health outcomes if left untreated. National recommendations encourage routine screening, but implementation has often been limited by time constraints, lack of standardized workflows and insufficient resources.

To address these barriers, TEAMSS adapted the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s learning collaborative model for a virtual environment. Participating clinics received training, coaching, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, data feedback and practical tools to improve clinical workflows and adopt validated screening instruments.

Clinics implemented a range of evidence-based strategies, including:

Standardized screening protocols.
Use of validated screening tools such as CRAFFT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and Ask Suicide-Screening Questions.
Integration of screening into electronic health records.
Mobile device-based screening workflows.
Expanded involvement of interdisciplinary care teams.
Development of community partnerships and referral networks.

More than 90% of participating clinicians reported that TEAMSS improved or significantly improved patient care and clinic operations. Nine months after the collaborative ended, 85% of clinics reported they had fully maintained the changes implemented during the project.

“Our virtual model allowed clinics across the country to participate regardless of geography,” Shaikh said. “The combination of brief learning sessions, individualized coaching and peer learning helped practices build sustainable systems for addressing adolescent behavioral health concerns.”

The researchers noted that while improvements in screening were substantial, future efforts should focus on expanding suicide risk screening, strengthening community partnerships and supporting resource-limited and rural clinics.

The study concludes that virtual learning collaboratives can serve as an effective, scalable approach for improving adolescent behavioral health screening and care delivery in primary care settings.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the TEAMSS project is that busy primary care clinics are eager to improve mental health and substance use care for adolescents when they have practical tools, peer support, and opportunities to learn from one another,” Shaikh said.

“I am deeply grateful to the clinics, clinicians, and staff who participated in this work despite competing demands on their time,” she added. “Their commitment to learning and improvement made this project successful and ultimately helps create better care for adolescents and their families.”

Read the study.

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Tricia Tomiyoshi

Applications now being accepted for unique federally funded autism research program

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/24/2026

Applications now being accepted for unique federally funded autism research program

2-year program for postdoctoral scholars involves mentors and coursework across many specialties

(SACRAMENTO)

The National Institute of Mental Health is again funding a highly successful UC Davis program that has trained the next generation of autism researchers for more than two decades. Applications are currently being accepted.

Former ARTP trainee Andrew Dakopolos with an Autism Phenome Project research participant at the UC Davis MIND Institute.

The Autism Research Training Program, or ARTP, is an effort of the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The two-year postdoctoral fellowship is for scholars with a Ph.D. in biomedical or behavioral science or an M.D., based in the United States. A stipend is included.

The initial deadline to apply is Sept. 1, but organizers expect rolling admissions for the next year.

‘Extremely rigorous’ multidisciplinary research

The fellowship is unique in its approach to preparing trainees for careers in autism research. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary work and collaboration in areas such as genetics, brain science and clinical diagnosis.

Each trainee works with an NIH-funded mentor in a research lab and completes significant coursework.

“The research at the MIND Institute is extremely rigorous,” said Andrew Dakopolos, a former ARTP scholar who is now a specialist at UCSF. “That has significantly contributed to what I’m able to do and what I’m able to offer the community as an investigator.”

The program, which will accept six new trainees this cycle, also includes experience in research ethics, how to design studies and analyze results, as well as career development.

“The scope was amazing, ranging from discussing pharmacology to public health issues, to lived experiences of autistic people, neuroimaging and neuroanatomy,” shared Giacomo Vivanti, a former ARTP scholar who is now a professor and endowed chair at Dalhousie University in Canada. “It was a place where you did not just listen to lectures, but also interacted with experts and scholars, so it was a very inspirational environment.”

A group of former ARTP trainees gathers at the UC Davis MIND Institute.

A proven track record

The program has a long history of success.

“I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of ARTP trainees 21 years ago,” said Christine Wu Nordahl, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute faculty member who is now one of the program’s directors.

“Joining ARTP gave me many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had as a basic neuroscientist. I got to meet and interact with developmental psychologists, clinicians, pediatricians and many others outside the realm of basic biology.”

That collaborative approach was a major reason Nordahl remained at the MIND Institute. She now directs the Autism Phenome Project, a long-term study to identify subtypes of autism. The study has been running for 20 years and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

She’s also now turning her attention to the next generation. “I have seen how instrumental the ARTP was in helping me develop as a well-rounded autism scientist and I want to give new trainees those same opportunities. They are the future, and they inspire me.”

It’s not unusual for ARTP trainees to stay at UC Davis.

“Many ARTP graduates have gone on to hold faculty positions here,” said Stephen Noctor, also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a co-director of the program. “We have had 60 trainees since 2004. Close to 90% have continued to pursue science careers. That’s quite a track record.”

More about the ARTP

The fellowship is run by the three co-investigators on the grant: Nordahl, Noctor and Marjorie Solomon, who is also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The National Institute of Mental Health grant (2T32MH073124-21A1) runs for the next five years.

Initial applications are due Sept. 1. Program directors anticipate a rolling admissions process for the next year.

Learn more and apply for the ARTP

From Labs to Lives

The ARTP is supported by funding from the National Institute of Mental Health. Federal investment in research training programs helps transform promising discoveries into real-world breakthroughs that save lives and improve quality of life. Learn more about how public funding of UC Davis research powers innovation, strengthens the economy and advances human health in From Labs to Lives.

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Marianne Sharp

UC Davis Health expands cancer care services in Marysville, honors longtime oncologist

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

UC Davis Health and Adventist Health and Rideout are expanding cancer care services in Marysville, increasing access for patients throughout the Yuba-Sutter region and beyond. Plans include additional medical oncologists, expanded infusion capacity and new radiation treatment technology.

A large group of medical providers gather for a group photo with their arms around each other.

Rideout Cancer Center Director Jennifer Hilleary talks with Andrew Bresnahan, vice president of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cell and Gene Therapy at UC Davis Health. Plans to expand patient access at Rideout Cancer Center include new infusion chairs, technology and staff.

The investments build on a partnership that began in 2000, when the two organizations jointly opened Rideout Cancer Center. Today, the center remains the region’s only cancer center, offering specialized oncology services and clinical trial opportunities as part of the UC Davis Cancer Care Network. The network partners with many departments at UC Davis Health, including UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, which the National Cancer Institute recently designated again as a comprehensive center, its highest ranking.

“As someone who was born and raised in this community, I understand firsthand the importance of ensuring local patients have access to the care they need close to home,” said Jennifer Hilleary, Rideout Cancer Center director.

Expanding access to care

As part of its commitment to the community, Rideout is recruiting additional medical oncologists and adding five infusion chairs for chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments. The expansion in infusion services will be accessible to cancer and non-cancer patients.

Five new infusion chairs like this one are being added at Rideout Cancer Center to increase patient access.

Alongside expanding the clinical team and patient care space, the center’s existing linear accelerator will be replaced with a new Varian TrueBeam. This state-of-the-art radiation oncology technology will deliver better image quality, decrease treatment time and have increased reliability.

“This combination of outstanding clinical care and access to research ensures all cancer patients from the community surrounding Rideout need not compromise by staying close to home to receive care,” explained Edward Kim, medical director of UC Davis Cancer Care Network.

Oncologist and hematologist Hoa P. Nguyen is celebrating 20 years at Rideout Cancer Center.

Hoa P. Nguyen celebrates 20 years of patient care

The expansion comes as UC Davis Health and Adventist and Rideout mark another milestone in their partnership: the 20-year anniversary of oncologist and hematologist Hoa P. Nguyen at Rideout Cancer Center. Colleagues, patients and the community recognized Nguyen’s years of service at a recent celebration event.

Brian Spiess and his wife, Cherie Spiess, on a recent trip to Lake Tahoe. Spiess described his appointments with oncologist Hoa Nguyen like "going to see your friend."

“Most people are terrified of the diagnosis of cancer,” Nguyen said. “It is rewarding to be able to help calm patients and guide them through the most difficult part of their lives.”

One of those patients is Brian Spiess, who lives in nearby Yuba City. He has been a patient of Nguyen’s at Rideout for 14 years since being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.

“I know he’s a professional, and he’s a doctor, but it’s like going to see your friend,” Spiess said, adding he appreciates that Nguyen is “thorough and well researched” and the hospital is just a few miles away from his house.

The ability to receive high quality cancer care close to home is important to patient Pam Brady as well. She is 80 years old and has breast cancer. “Before I found Dr. Nguyen, my husband Rick and I drove nearly an hour each way from Yuba City to Roseville for my treatments,” she explained.

But after switching to Rideout, the commute was cut to about 10 minutes. She said Nguyen is always available to answer questions and the staff is “very caring.”

Rick and Pam Brady at a recent appointment for Pam, who is a patient of oncologist and hematologist Hoa P. Nguyen. They used to travel nearly an hour for cancer care in another city, but their commute was cut to 10 minutes when they sought care at Rideout Cancer Center.

It’s not only local residents who appreciate Nguyen and Rideout hospital; people have traveled from as far as South Asia and Europe to receive care there, and others regularly make the drive to Rideout from Oregon and Nevada.

A long history of putting patients first

Nguyen is a proud University of California alumnus. He earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from UC Irvine, completed his internship and residency at UC Davis, and returned to UC Irvine for fellowship training.

Rideout Cancer Center was his first position post-fellowship.

From left, Andrew Bresnahan, vice president of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cell and Gene Therapy at UC Davis Health, Edward Kim, medical director of UC Davis Cancer Care Network, Hoa P. Nguyen, oncologist and hematologist and Yulia Thorpe, director, Cancer Care Network, at a recent event to honor Nguyen's years of service.

Over the years, Nguyen has grown with the program. He now serves as the Cancer Center medical director, is the local lead investigator on multiple clinical trials and provides training opportunities for future health care providers.

“There's a saying that if you enjoy what you do, it's not really work,” Nguyen said. “Every morning I look forward to meeting patients, and believe it or not, that 20 years at Rideout flew by really fast.”

Nursing school founding dean Heather M. Young retires from UC Davis faculty

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Heather M. Young, founding dean of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, has retired from faculty service after 18 years of leadership, teaching and innovation.

Woman speaks into a microphone during a fellowship convocation with a colorful “Dare to Work” graphic displayed behind her.

“Her leadership established the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing as something intentionally different — a school designed to advance health through leadership, innovation, interprofessional education and bold systems change,” said Jana Katz-Bell, senior associate dean for strategic initiatives.

Dean Stephen J. Cavanagh said Young’s vision continues to guide the school as it prepares the next generation of health leaders.

“Heather did more than establish a school. She created a culture that encourages people to challenge assumptions, work across disciplines and find better ways to improve health and healthcare,” Cavanagh said. “The school’s continued growth and impact are a testament to the strong foundation she built and the many people she inspired.”

UC Davis leaders and the head of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation gather at the School of Nursing dedication in 2010.

Building a school from the ground up

Young, a proud UC Davis alumna from the Department of Nutrition, rejoined UC Davis in 2008 as associate vice chancellor for nursing with the charge of creating a new nursing school. The opportunity followed a $100 million commitment from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to launch the school on the UC Davis Sacramento campus.

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing was formally established in 2009. A year later, it welcomed its first students: eight doctoral students and 25 master’s-degree students studying nursing science and healthcare leadership.

Under Young’s leadership, the school grew from an ambitious idea into a nationally recognized center for graduate health education. She guided the creation of five graduate degree programs, built a faculty of more than 28 members and launched a nursing research program that attracted more than $12 million in funding during her time as dean.

Young also oversaw the planning and construction of the 70,000-square-foot Betty Irene Moore Hall. The building opened in 2017 as a home for the School of Nursing. It’s also a place where students from nursing, medicine and other health professions learn together in classrooms, simulation labs and study spaces.

Heather M. Young, center, celebrates with UC Davis and Moore Foundation leaders at the Betty Irene Moore Hall groundbreaking in 2017.

She stepped down as dean in 2018 after a decade of service, becoming dean emerita and continuing her work as a professor, researcher and national nursing leader.

Young said she is proud of how the School of Nursing has grown and grateful for the people who helped turn its founding vision into a lasting institution.

“Building the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. From the beginning, we believed nurses and other health professionals could lead meaningful change when they were given the tools, partnerships and freedom to think differently,” Young said.

“It has been an honor to work with so many talented leaders, faculty and staff at UC Davis who made the vision a reality. I am deeply proud of what this community has built, and I look forward to continuing that work through the fellowship and supporting nurse leaders across the country.”

Cancer center earns renewed ‘comprehensive’ designation

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The National Cancer Institute has renewed the “comprehensive” designation of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognizing its excellence in research, clinical care, prevention and education.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, a metal and glass building, seen from the outside

The renewal includes a nearly $18 million grant over five years. The funding will help advance groundbreaking research, expand access to clinical trials and strengthen programs that address the region’s cancer burden.

“Renewing our NCI comprehensive designation is a powerful validation of the extraordinary, innovative work happening here every day,” said Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr., director of the cancer center and principal investigator of the grant. “The recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, researchers, staff and community partners to cancer care and prevention and to addressing cancer disparities in our region.”

The designation places the cancer center among an elite group of only 58 comprehensive cancer centers around the country.

The NCI review process is among the most rigorous in academic medicine. To earn comprehensive status, cancer centers must demonstrate exceptional strength and integration across laboratory, clinical and population-based research programs. They must also show evidence of leadership, community engagement and education efforts.

“UC Davis is driven to break barriers in cancer care through our leading-edge research, compassionate care and community engagement,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “Our expertise improves lives and we are honored that the renewed NCI grant furthers the university's mission as an engine of discovery in the fight against cancer.”

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center offers the region's only phase 1 cancer clinical trials.

Evidence-based cancer treatment and prevention

Outside of San Francisco, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center from the Bay Area north to Portland and east to Salt Lake City. It is the only designated center in the Sacramento region.

The center cares for more than 100,000 patients each year and conducts more than 200 active clinical trials, including the region’s only phase 1 cancer clinical trials. The center also manufactures CAR-T cells on site, helping to bring leading-edge therapies closer to home.

The designation matters to patients. Research shows that treatment at NCI-designated cancer centers is associated with improved outcomes. One study found a 23% reduction in overall mortality among adults with solid tumors compared with treatment at non-designated centers.

“This is ultimately about the patients and communities we serve,” Lara said. “It ensures we can continue delivering world-class, research-driven care close to home, while accelerating the discoveries that will define the future of cancer treatment.”

3 UC Davis Health researchers awarded state grants to advance health equity through precision medicine

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/14/2026

3 UC Davis Health researchers awarded state grants to advance health equity through precision medicine

By Edwin Garcia

California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine funds research for 2 medical students and a genomic expert

(SACRAMENTO)

Three UC Davis Health researchers — a seasoned scientist and two medical students — have been awarded grants from the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine.

The initiative supports leading-edge biomedical and health research aimed at improving patient care and advancing health equity.

The UC Davis grant recipients are:

Joseph Morrison, a medical student in the dual-degree M.D./Ph.D. program who is in the doctoral phase of his studies with the biomedical engineering graduate group
Nikita Mohapatra, also an M.D./Ph.D. program student who is also working towards her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering
Luis Carvajal-Carmona, associate vice chancellor and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

The initiative, which is part of the California Health & Human Services Agency, awarded grants in two different categories in recent weeks.

One category is the Representative Research Partnerships Program, which funds precision medicine researchers to work with an academic or community partner. Carvajal-Carmona under this program received $1.7 million to pair up with a Federally Qualified Health Center to support genetic testing in rural areas.

The second category is the initiative’s inaugural Next-Gen Representative Research Program, which provided grants to student researchers, mostly at University of California schools. The $1.8 million fund was split among 12 students — including Morrison and Mohapatra — to cover their expenses as they step away from traditional medical school curriculum and delve into Ph.D. research projects.

In a striking coincidence, Morrison and Mohapatra are not only medical school colleagues in the same M.D./Ph.D. program — they also were classmates at Davis Senior High School.

“It is already remarkably uncommon for two students from the same high school class to go on to M.D./Ph.D. training, much less end up in the same program,” said John A. Gray, director of the UC Davis School of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. program. “To now see both of them recognized with the same competitive statewide research award is pretty special."

Joseph Morrison: Using AI to learn about broken bones

M.D./Ph.D. student Joseph Morrison plans to use machine-learning to review X-rays and doctor’s notes to help determine why some people’s broken bones fuse back together and others don’t.

Morrison’s award will allow him to focus on his doctoral research, which he began last academic year. His work aims to develop clinically meaningful, data-driven approaches that improve diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injury across diverse, particularly rural, healthcare settings.

He was inspired to take on the project after learning that a friend who broke a leg didn’t completely heal and suffered from chronic pain.

Morrison realized that sometimes people’s broken bones fuse back together and other times they don’t, which is called nonunion.

“Some people who have orthopedic surgeries for whatever reason get their bones fixed but they don’t heal back together. I’m trying to see if we can predict when nonunion is going to occur based on data that’s collected during a standard visit.”

To seek answers, Morrison plans to collect X-rays of shin bones and review doctors’ notes and analyze both using machine learning approaches to accurately predict nonunion. If nonunion can be confidently predicted, Morrison said, then an orthopedic surgeon can intervene earlier than usual with revision treatment, such as inserting a rod into the leg.

M.D./Ph.D. student Nikita Mohapatra’s doctoral thesis will explore how cumulative social and environmental stress affect recovery after traumatic brain injury.

Nikita Mohapatra: Helping patients recover from traumatic brain injury

Mohapatra’s doctoral thesis explores how cumulative social and environmental stress can shape recovery after traumatic brain injury.

Her two-year research project will examine biomarkers of acute disease by studying cellular vesicles — tiny particles that cells release into the bloodstream and that can be traced back to the specific tissue that released them.

She wants to learn why patients with the same diagnosis can have very different recovery outcomes by connecting social and environmental factors.

“We often think of recovery when the injury occurs, but it really began way before that,” she said.

Mohapatra wants to examine people being treated for traumatic brain injury and see how lived experiences, such as being exposed to environmental toxins while growing up, prompt measurable biological changes in the body.

“In general, there’s always this underlying push for precision medicine, but I think it’s often thought of in terms of genetics. I want to underline that it’s much broader than that,” she said. “Our biology is more than DNA.”

Luis Carvajal-Carmona: Identifying hereditary conditions earlier in rural settings

Luis Carvajal-Carmona, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Advancing Mentoring and the Professoriate, is teaming up with Ampla Health to screen for hereditary cancer and heart disease in rural, medically underserved populations north of Sacramento.

Carvajal-Carmona, an experienced genetic researcher, received $1.7 million to advance equitable precision medicine in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Many individuals with hereditary cancer and cardiovascular risk remain undiagnosed in rural, underserved communities. Carvajal-Carmona is teaming up with Ampla Health in rural counties north of Sacramento to offer genomic screening and identify hereditary conditions earlier.

“This study will help pioneer approaches for implementing genomics-based prevention of cancer and heart disease in underserved populations,” Carvajal-Carmona said. “We hope the results will provide a model for statewide population genomics programs that can identify people at inherited risk before disease develops, enabling early interventions that save lives.”

It is believed that nearly 400,000 Californians carry genetic predispositions to cancer or heart disease, Carvajal-Carmona said. However, many do not know they are at increased risk.

“This program has the potential to demonstrate how genomic medicine can be delivered equitably and at scale to improve health outcomes across the state,” he added.

Carvajal-Carmona’s co-principal investigator is Cindy Snelgrove, the chief clinical services officer at Ampla Health. Their team’s project was one of only four grants funded by the initiative, from nearly 100 applications.

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Conference aims to help Spanish-speaking families navigate services for autism, other developmental disabilities

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/10/2026

Conference aims to help Spanish-speaking families navigate services for autism, other developmental disabilities

Popular annual event is hosted by UC Davis MIND Institute and community partners

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis MIND Institute’s eighth annual Spanish conference will focus on a common challenge for families with autism and other developmental disabilities: navigating support and services.

The 2026 conference, much like the 2025 conference pictured here, will include representatives and resources from nearly two dozen community organizations.

Aprendiendo Juntos, which means “learning together” in Spanish, will take place at the MIND Institute in Sacramento on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. The annual event is delivered entirely in Spanish and is attended by families, specialists, agencies and people with lived experience. In addition to discussions and presentations, about 20 organizations will be on site with information about resources.

“It’s a space where the Hispanic community finds information, resources and support that strengthen the futures of people with developmental disabilities,” explained Maribel Hernandez, a community outreach specialist at the MIND Institute and a conference coordinator.

It is hosted by the MIND Institute’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a group of community partners, including:

This year’s theme is “Navigating Service Systems for People with Developmental Disabilities: Transforming Challenges into a Clear Path Toward Well-Being.”

Maribel Hernandez, conference coordinator and community outreach specialist, at the 2025 “Aprendiendo Juntos” conference.

Hernandez notes that healthcare, education, services and support can be complex and overwhelming to navigate for families with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

“One of my favorite moments of the conference each year is when someone approaches me and says things like, ‘I didn’t know that’ or ‘Thank you for sharing these resources because they can change lives,’” Hernandez said.

Aprendiendo Juntos event details

Where: UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50^th St., Sacramento, CA 95817

When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $110. Reduced-fee or scholarship registrations are also available

Registration is open through Sept. 16. Families receiving regional center services should confirm with their service coordinator that they have authorization to attend before registering. Please note that child care will not be available, so attendance should be limited to adults.

Family registration link (for families who are with Alta California Regional Center)

Professional and community registration link

Filling a critical need in the community

Aprendiendo Juntos was created in response to feedback from Spanish-speaking families and is planned each year in collaboration with nearly two dozen community organizations.

Families can expect a wide range of topics to be covered, including:

Diagnosis
Education
The transition to adulthood
Mental health
Behavior support
Services and benefits
Individual rights
Community resources

“Families want to support their children and loved ones but often have hard-to-answer questions about how to do that,” Hernandez explained. “This conference is an opportunity to learn about resources, real-world examples, practical information and direct access to specialists.”

Questions? Email belhernandez@health.ucdavis.edu

The UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, Calif. is a unique, interdisciplinary research, clinical, and education center committed to deepening scientific understanding of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. It is a highly collaborative center, bringing together families, researchers, clinicians, community leaders and volunteers with the common goal of developing more personalized, equitable, and scientifically proven systems of support and intervention. The institute has major research efforts in autism, fragile X syndrome, chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Down syndrome. More information about the institute and its Distinguished Lecturer Series, including previous presentations in this series, is available on the Web at https://health.ucdavis.edu/mind-institute/.

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UC Davis Health improves inpatient diabetes care with team approach that puts safety first

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

UC Davis Health has significantly and sustainably improved inpatient glycemic care through a coordinated, system-wide approach.

Healthcare clinician applying a continuous glucose monitor sensor on patient's arm.

Those findings come from a study published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic Care, a journal of the American Diabetes Association. The article describes how UC Davis Health developed and implemented a multidisciplinary inpatient glycemic management model that improved blood glucose outcomes across the medical center without increasing hypoglycemia — a critical patient safety concern in hospitalized populations.

“Improving inpatient diabetes care requires more than individual interventions. It takes a coordinated, system-wide commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and multidisciplinary collaboration,” said Joseph M. Galante, chief medical officer, UC Davis Medical Center.

The study, he noted, demonstrates how teams across nursing, pharmacy, endocrinology, quality and frontline employees worked together to create a coordinated approach to care. They built a sustainable model that improved outcomes for hospitalized patients while reducing the risks associated with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

“It reflects UC Davis Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering evidence-based, high-quality care through innovation and teamwork,” Galante added.

A phased, system-wide strategy

The initiative was led by the Multidisciplinary Diabetes Care Committee (MDCC) and implemented over several years using a structured, phased approach. Rather than relying primarily on individual consultations, the program focused on strengthening institutional infrastructure and aligning clinical practices across disciplines.

Key components included:

An active consult service: Inpatient Glycemic Team
Standardized insulin order sets with embedded clinical decision support
Multidisciplinary glucose management rounds
Unit-based diabetes nurse champions
An ICU insulin infusion protocol co-managed with pharmacists
Glycemic data and insulin administration dashboards to track performance metrics
Ongoing education for physicians, trainees, nurses, and allied health professionals

UC Davis Medical Center first in U.S. to treat heart valve condition with investigational device

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

UC Davis Medical Center has become the first hospital in the United States to treat a patient with symptomatic functional mitral regurgitation using a new minimally invasive therapy as part of a clinical trial.

Health care team poses in a hospital procedure room after the first U.S. ENHANCE EFS clinical trial case for mitral valve repair.

The trial is evaluating the investigational CARLEN System, a transcatheter device designed to support the heart’s natural mitral valve without permanently altering its structure. Unlike other transcatheter mitral valve repair procedures, this device aims to preserve the valve’s anatomy while improving function.

UC Davis Medical Center is the only hospital in Northern California participating in the trial and currently offering eligible patients access to this investigational treatment option.

“We are honored to be the first U.S. hospital participating in this clinical trial and to play a role in advancing this innovative treatment option for patients,” said Gagan Singh, director of the Structural Heart Program at UC Davis Health. “Making this possible for our patient took a large team working behind the scenes for months.”

UC Davis medical student awarded prestigious grant to advance maternal-fetal research

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Maria Clarke always knew she wanted to be a doctor. What she didn’t know was that studying mouse eyes in an ophthalmology lab would spark a passion for research and open a pathway to becoming a physician-scientist.

Medical student Maria Clark, with blond hair and eyeglasses, wears black jacket over green scrubs labeled “UCDH” outside a library

Before medical school, Maria Clarke conducted fetal and stem cell gene research at UCSF — an assignment that took her to UC Davis’ Department of Animal Science to help with an in-utero sheep surgery.

“I learned how to work with mice and do a bunch of experiments, and I really liked it,” Clarke said of her undergraduate experience at UC Davis.

After graduating with a degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, she took a job conducting research at UCSF, and four years later got into the UC Davis School of Medicine. She’s now in the ARC-MD pathway program, short for Academic Research Careers for Medical Doctors. Clarke, who recently completed her third year of medical school, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Daniel T. O’Connor, M.D. Memorial Research Grant (DTOC).

The prestigious grant, named for a 1974 alumnus, is given annually to a research-minded medical student who embodies O’Connor’s values: High-quality research in translational medicine, through a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative, “bench to bedside” approach. After graduating from the UC Davis School of Medicine, O’Connor became a distinguished professor of medicine and pharmacology at UC San Diego. He was internationally known and published more than 400 journal articles before his death in 2014.

His widow Kellie Evans-O’Connor helps administer the DTOC award. The grant provides a stipend and health insurance for an academic year.

An ‘exceptional student’ with a promising future

“Maria is an exceptional student physician-scientist whose accomplishments, professionalism, drive and clear vision for a career in translational research distinguish her from her peers,” said Jennifer Rosenthal, the UC Davis School of Medicine’s executive director of research, training and development.

The award seemed perfectly timed for Clarke.

Medical students who aspire to be physician-scientists usually step aside from the classroom and conduct unpaid research for at least a year. Clarke was about to complete her third year of medical school and anxious about entering a research year she couldn’t afford.

Saadai appointed chief of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

08/05/2026

Saadai appointed chief of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery

By Tricia Tomiyoshi

(SACRAMENTO)

Payam Saadai, professor of clinical surgery and fellowship-trained pediatric and fetal surgeon, has been appointed chief of the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery in the UC Davis Department of Surgery.

Saadai also leads the UC Davis Fetal Care and Treatment Center, and serves as director of the Pediatric Colorectal Center at UC Davis Health.

Payam Saadai

“Over the past decade, Dr. Saadai has demonstrated the thoughtful leadership, clinical excellence, and innovative research that define our Department of Surgery,” said Diana Farmer, chair of the UC Davis Department of Surgery. “His ability to build transformative clinical programs, advance groundbreaking research, and mentor the next generation of surgeon-scientists positions the Division of Pediatric, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery for continued growth and national prominence.”

Saadai first came to UC Davis Health in 2011 as the inaugural research fellow in the Center for Surgical Bioengineering, where he contributed to research that led to the ongoing $15 million CuRe Trial clinical trial, the first-in-human trial of stem cell treatment for fetal repair of spina bifida. He then completed his surgical training at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, followed by specialty fellowship training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, before returning to UC Davis Health in 2016.

He is board certified in general and pediatric surgery and an internationally recognized expert in fetal surgery, pediatric colorectal disorders and robotic surgery.

“I've been fortunate to spend the last decade building my clinical practice at UC Davis alongside incredible colleagues,” Saadai said. “My vision is to support every member of our division as we build destination surgical programs that families across the region and the country seek out for exceptional, compassionate care.”

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Dementia after age 90

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

It may seem natural to assume that people experience cognitive decline after age 90, but until recently, researchers had limited evidence about how advanced age affects the brain. This major knowledge gap will need to be addressed as people live longer. By 2100, there could be around 230 million people 90 or older on Earth. As a result, scientists, clinicians and policymakers are seeking more information to help them support this expanding demographic.

An elderly woman wearing a blue sweater smiles as she looks away from the camera.

Researchers at UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente have helped fill this knowledge gap by tracking a large group of 90+ year-olds since 2018 — the LifeAfter90 study. Their most recent findings, which were published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, delineate dementia risk disparities between genders and racial and ethnic groups. The study also revealed how older brains respond to genetic variables.

“We know from other studies, done in people 65 and older, that there are differences in dementia rates, and women tend to have higher risk, but nobody knew if that was true after 90,” said Rachel Whitmer, UC Davis Health professor of public health sciences and neurology, chief of epidemiology and senior author on the study. “We need to understand who is most affected by dementia after 90 and how the main Alzheimer's risk gene (APOE) factors in.”

LifeAfter90

LifeAfter90 participants are Kaiser Permanente members, 90 or older, who enrolled before they had any signs of dementia. Led by Whitmer, researchers have closely followed these patients, examining them every six months to track their cognitive health.

Because participants are long-term Kaiser Permanente members, the LifeAfter90 team has access to decades of health information, in some cases dating back to the 1960s. The Lancet study examined medical records from over 800 participants, median age 92. This is the first effort to investigate dementia after 90 in a highly diverse cohort.

The researchers found that, like their younger counterparts, women 90 and older are at higher risk for dementia — two-fold greater than men. There were also racial and ethnic risk disparities, similar to those of younger groups. Black participants had a 75% greater risk than Asian participants.

“It is striking that the racial and ethnic disparities in dementia risk observed in younger adults continue into the tenth decade of life,” said Hilary Colbeth, a UC Davis postdoctoral scholar in public health sciences and first author on the paper. “Specifically, Black and Hispanic participants had significantly higher dementia incidence rates than white and Asian participants.”

UC Davis Medical Center earns multiple rankings in latest U.S. News survey

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

UC Davis Medical Center, part of UC Davis Health, has been ranked as Sacramento’s number one hospital for at least the 15th year in a row in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

UC Davis Medical Center

UC Davis Medical Center ranked in six adult specialty care areas by U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The Medical Center was ranked in six adult specialty care areas by U.S. News. Among these, Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 20) was ranked among the top 20 programs in the country, while Geriatrics (No. 28) and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 34) both ranked among the nation’s top 50 specialties.

UC Davis was also recognized for excellent patient care outcomes in three regional rankings, including Cancer, Orthopaedics, Cardiology and Heart & Vascular Surgery.

UC Davis Medical Center has 15 procedures and conditions rated as “High Performing” (the highest possible designation) for patient outcomes. U.S. News & World Report ranked these conditions as High Performing:

In specialty care rankings, UC Davis Medical Center was regionally ranked 10th in California for Cancer treatment, and number one in Sacramento. Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery ranked 16th in California and Orthopaedics was ranked 12th in California and No. 1 in Sacramento.

“UC Davis continues to be Sacramento’s only nationally ranked health care provider, and we’re especially proud to see our Neurology and Neurosurgery program ranked as the 20th best in the nation,” said Chief Clinical Officer Bruce L. Hall. “We’re proud to share our expert care with all of Northern California, as the region’s only academic medical system.”

UC Davis Medical Center was named a best regional hospital for community access.

UC Davis Medical Center was also awarded a Best Regional Hospital for Community Access badge by U.S. News. The award recognizes hospitals that excel in providing care to historically underserved populations. This includes patients from underserved areas, Medicaid (Medi-Cal) patients, and patients from minority communities.

UC Davis overall is a tier one research university and was recently ranked as one of the Top 10 public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is ranked in the top 50 nationally for master’s programs, and the UC Davis School of Medicine was ranked in the top tier nationwide by U.S. News as one of the Best Medical Schools for Primary Care.

About the rankings

The U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, published annually since 1990, enable consumers and their physicians to determine which hospitals provide the best care for the most serious or complicated medical conditions and procedures. The full list of hospital rankings can be viewed on the U.S. News website.

UC Davis Health | University of California, Davis

A $23 million NIH grant to continue UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s mission

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