UC Irvine School of Medicine

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39th edition | December 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As we close out 2025, December is poised to be a banner month for us at the School of Medicine and UCI Health. The sixth hospital in the academic health system, UCI Health – Irvine, is set to open for patients on Dec. 10.

UCI Health — Irvine Fulfills a Vision

The hospital, which opens Dec. 10, completes the new medical complex in Irvine, which includes the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center & Ambulatory Care building and the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care.
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	Albert La Spada, MD, PhD, Receives 2025 Rare Disease Scholar Award
	The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre recognized Albert La Spada, MD, PhD, for his work on a silencer RNA (siRNA) therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 (ALS4). Read More


	New Findings Reshape Our Understanding of Human T Cell Biology
	A study led by UC Irvine researchers reveals that T cells in human tissue differ from those found in blood, a finding that could lead to more accurate biomarkers of vaccine efficacy and immunotherapy outcomes. Read More


	Leroy Hood, MD, Kicks off 2025-26 Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series
	Leroy Hood, MD, delivered a fascinating community lecture on precision health and how “Data-Driven Individual Health Can Profoundly Change Your Life, If You Let It!" Read More


	New Research Hub Targets Community Health Needs
	The new Family Health Center Research Hub aims to help researchers better respond to community needs, facilitating collaboration built on transparency and trust. Read More


	Megan E. Daly, MD, Appointed Chair of Department of Radiation Oncology
	Megan E. Daly, MD, joins us from the UC Davis School of Medicine, where she currently serves as professor of clinical radiation oncology and associate director of clinical research for the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Read More


	Department of Psychiatry Receives $2.8M for Mental Health Workforce
	The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has awarded UC Irvine two grants to temporarily add positions to the adult residency program and child psychiatry fellowship. Read More


	Personalizing Psychiatric Care: A Window into Schizophrenia
	The long-term affiliation between UC Irvine and the John Henry Foundation helps psychiatry medical residents better understand adults living with schizophrenia. Read More


	Terry Sanger, MD, PhD, elected to American Pediatric Society
	Terry Sanger, MD, PhD, will be recognized at the American Pediatric Society Howland Gala during the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in April 2026. Read More


	Fall 2025 Rising Stars
	Congratulations to Shruti K. Gohil, MD, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, and Erlinda (“Chulie“) R. Ulloa, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, on receiving the award. Read More


	Lung Cancer Screening is Essential for Early Detection and Treatment
	Advances in lung cancer treatment are extending lives, but early detection is still key. A new clinical trial led by Hari Keshava, MD, aims to expand screening criteria. Read More


	UCI Health Spine Center Recognized for National Leadership
	The Comprehensive Spine Center has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s best combined neurosurgery and spine programs in the country for its leadership in treatment, research and education. Read More


	UCI Health Leaders Named to OCBJ's OC500 List
	President and CEO Chad Lefteris and COO Nathan Shinagawa were recognized for ushering in the health system's growth era. Read More