December 2021  16th Edition
A Message from the Dean

The weather has shifted and students are busy preparing for the end of the semester. It has been a busy season and, as always, I’m continually impressed by the talent and dedication of our colleagues.
 
Discover Row 1
UCI Center for Neural Circuit Mapping Investigators receive funding from three federal awards for a total of more than $7M
The grants will support the efforts of CNCM Investigators to develop powerful new molecular tools and will enhance resources offered by the Center to neurosciences researchers worldwide.
 
Researchers from UCI School of Medicine participate in largest genetic study of bipolar disorder to date
In the largest genetic study of bipolar disorder to date, researchers have identified 64 regions of the genome containing DNA variations that increase risk of bipolar disorder—more than double the number previously identified.
 
Discover Row 2
Autumn Ivy, MD, PhD, awarded Elterman Research Grant from the Child Neurology Foundation
The award will support her research, which seeks to uncover epigenetic mechanisms of exercise in the brain.
 
UCI study first to reveal specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain
Previously unrecognized control point identified as target for drugs that block transition.
 
Discover Row 3
Marcus M. Seldin, PhD, wins NIH Director's Pioneer award
The NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, established in 2004, challenges investigators at all career levels to pursue new research directions and develop groundbreaking, high-impact approaches to a broad area of biomedical, behavioral, or social science.
 
UCI researchers reveal critical role of mechanosensor in skin wound healing
Researchers found PIEZO1 accumulates at the wound edge to slow wound healing.
 
Discover 1 Article Rows
New screening process could lead to next-generation therapeutics for a broad spectrum of diseases
High-throughput screening provides insight into functional role of key G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin (Rh)
 
UCI-led study finds single molecule within a specific plant used by Native Americans can treat both pain and diarrhea
In a new UCI-led study, researchers revealed a striking pattern following a functional screen of extracts from plants collected in Muir Woods National Monument, in coastal redwood forest land in California.
 
Research uncovers new mechanism that promotes wound healing in skin
A UCI-led study identifies a new molecular pathway that promotes the healing of wounds in the skin.
 
Daniele Piomelli, PhD, wins UCI Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year at UCI Innovator Awards
UCI Beall Applied Innovation recently recognized innovative faculty at the fourth annual UCI Innovator Awards.
 
Teach Row 1
Charles P. Vega, MD, named top Diversity Leader from Modern Healthcare
Dr. Vega was listed as one the “Top 25 Diversity Leaders to Watch” for creating an academy to help people from underrepresented backgrounds join the UCI faculty after their training is complete.
 
Falling Leaves Foundation $30 million lead gift to fund innovative UCI medical research building
Facility to be designed to advance cross-disciplinary teaching and translational research activities.
 
Teach Row 2
Honors and Awards for our 2020-2021 MS1-MS3 Students
Each year, UCI hosts the School of Medicine Achievement Awards to honor our MS1-MS3 students’ achievements.
 
Medical students, Team KiPOW, teaches health and fitness to Tustin area school children
Hillary Zieve, MD, Candice Taylor-Lucas, MD, and Marc Lerner, MD, helped to establish the program at UCI in 2015.
 
Teach Row 3
UCI MD/PhD student Heechul Jun wins Innovation Award from Association of Korean Neuroscientists
The “Professor Joh Research Innovation Award” commemorates a Korean neuroscientist.
 
LEAD-ABC study published in Academic Medicine
A case in point is the staggering fact that only five percent of physicians in the United States are Black, while Black people represent more than 13 percent of the population.
 
Teach 1 Article Rows
UCI Health Affairs Office of Education awarded Confronting Extremism Grant
The UCI Health Affairs Office of Education is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Building Community to Confront Extremism Grant by the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
 
UCI College of Health Sciences Team Earns Best Poster Award For Collaborative Project
The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) and inaugural poster fair showcase was held in October.
 
Heal Row 1
UCI breaks ground on new Irvine hospital, medical complex
UCI and UCI Health have broken ground on a new medical complex at the north end of the Irvine campus.
 
Former President Bill Clinton heads home after spending six days at UCI Medical Center
While visiting longtime friends in Orange County, the former president felt fatigued and was admitted to the intensive care unit at UCI Medical Center.
 
Heal Row 2
UCI and CHOC join new NORD Rare Disease Centers of Excellence Network
Partnership is committed to improving access and care for rare disease patients.
 
Ralph and Sue Stern gift to support cancer center at new UCI hospital in Irvine
Longtime UCI donors gift adds to the legacy of expanding lifesaving care
 
Heal Row 3
U.S. News & World Report Names UCI Health a High Performing Hospital for the Best Hospitals for Maternity
The academic health system was also recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals for 2021.
 
UCI Rectal Cancer Program earns accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
The program has earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.
 
Heal 1 Article Rows
UCI Health brings in-home medical care to southern California residents
The partnership is designed to improve access to care, deliver a better patient experience and reduce the total cost of care for patients throughout Orange County.
 
UCI health is the first in Orange County to offer new treatment option for severe COPD
Endobronchial valve replacement places tiny valves in the airways allowing the healthier part of the lungs to expand, and it lifts pressure off the diaphragm to help patients breathe easier.
 
SOM in the News

UCI’s plastic surgery resident students share their experiences on their road to becoming a plastic surgeon

Tell-tale signs of pelvic inflammatory disease and how it’s diagnosed

Want to make sure your child is fully vaccinated for the holidays? Here’s what to know.

Three UCI faculty awarded for outstanding work in innovation

Orange County’s COVID-19 weekly averages increase

Can specific foods or diets boost your testosterone levels?

UCI Scientists discover pathway blocking transition from chronic to acute pain

NBC LA’s Challenge Hero of the Night-Nora Nabi, first year PhD student
 
Calendar

Dec. 23-Jan 2 – SOM Holiday Break

Jan. 28-29 – Engaging Learners through Innovation and Technology (ELITe) Course

Jan. 29-30 – UCI Advanced International Men’s Health Course

Feb. 18 – 48 hours of Otolaryngology Updates

Feb. 23-25 – 2022 Healthcare Forecast Conference

Feb. 23-26 – UCI Gastroenterology & Hepatology Symposium
 
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