UCLA Department of Medicine

Building bridges in medical education!

DoM and DGSOM LEADERS recently visited Kern Medical to expand training opportunities for medical students, residents and fellows while strengthening faculty development in California's Central Valley. Learn more: uclahs.fyi/4rDSkDR

Huge congratulations to Dr. Chelsea Shover!

She's received a $2M grant to study California’s unregulated cannabis market. Her research will explore market size, product differences and public health impacts to inform better policy. Read the full story: uclahs.fyi/3O2vgAg

NEW GRANT ALERT!

Drs. Kaitlyn Fruin and Daniel Kozman have received a $500K Grow Grant to support their work with community partner, Homeboy Industries, to expand specialty care capacity and inspire justice-impacted youth to pursue careers in medicine uclahs.fyi/4ty0wYb

DoM education LEADERS recently visited Olive View-UCLA Medical Center to strengthen training collaborations for medical students, residents and fellows. Learn how these partnerships are expanding opportunities for trainees to serve diverse communities: uclahs.fyi/4qwwz81

Community engagement in action!

This week’s newsletter highlights our commitment to community engagement, showcasing initiatives that also work to strengthen our department's goals in the areas of research, education and clinical care.

Read it here: uclahs.fyi/4tpaWZN

Congratulations to Dr. Michael K. Ong on receiving the 2025 Field Leadership Excellence Award from the US Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development! His exceptional leadership at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is transforming care for veterans and beyond. uclahs.fyi/3O2DIPL

Does the human body differentiate between "good" fats and "bad" fats? A groundbreaking study from Dr. Thomas Vallim and team reveals how bile acids regulate fat absorption, opening doors to new treatments for obesity and metabolic disease. Read more: uclahs.fyi/4qZSlSE

How do we train the next generation of LEADERS in medicine to drive impactful research and transform health systems?

The UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program prepares clinician-scientists to tackle complex challenges and advance equity. Learn more: uclahs.fyi/3Zd6sba

The DoM is full of research rockstars!

This week, Dr. Abel spotlights our department's dedication to innovation and discovery. Check out three exciting examples of DoM research that work to Transform Care and Advance Health for all: uclahs.fyi/4rpA1C9

What does a day in the life of a DoM chief resident look like?

Follow Dr. Alexander Pham as he shares his daily routine, from early-morning pages to mentoring residents, connecting with patients and even solving puzzles!

Read the full interview: uclahs.fyi/3LD0qgN

Exciting research news!

DoM fellow, Dr. Michael Raddatz, and his team published groundbreaking research in the Journal of Clinical Investigation uncovering how CHIP mutations increase the risk of aortic valve disease. Their work could lead to new preventive treatments: uclahs.fyi/49JfFhi

Congrats to Dr. Nikita Vashi Baclig on receiving an I-REACH grant to study the intersection of cancer treatment and aging! Her pilot project will explore how therapies for muscle-invasive bladder cancer impact frailty and aging trajectories. Learn more: uclahs.fyi/4be2HJE

Resident Spotlight!

Dr. Qicong Sheng recently presented at the 2025 Qianjiang Cardiovascular Conference in Hangzhu, China. He shared his work as a content editor for JACC Asia Pulse, creating high-impact cardiology education for global audiences: uclahs.fyi/4a51TVo

Meet the next generation of Leaders in Medicine! This week, Dr. Abel highlights the inspiring work of our trainees who are shaping the future of our field and advancing our core goals in patient care, research, education and community engagement: uclahs.fyi/4r9fZeZ

At the 2026 Grand Rounds Health Equity Story Slam, UCLA faculty shared personal and patient care stories that shed light on societal inequities and their impact on healthcare.

Relive the powerful moments and read extended interviews with the speakers: uclahs.fyi/4pRbLYB

One year after the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, DoM faculty presented impactful research at the inaugural LA Fires Research Conference. From health impacts to wildfire mitigation, their work is shaping the future of disaster response: uclahs.fyi/4a4o136

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this week's newsletter features the powerful stories shared during our annual Grand Rounds Health Equity Story Slam. Plus, Dr. Abel highlights DoM work presented at the inaugural LA Wildfires Research Conference: uclahs.fyi/4pRbLYB

We're pleased to announce Dr. Gregory Bierer as the new lead physician for the Sleep Medicine Section in the UCLA Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Learn more about his new role and vision for sleep medicine: uclahs.fyi/49nWMQU

Last year, we proudly announced that Dr. E. Dale Abel had received the APM Robert H. Williams, MD, Distinguished Chair of Medicine Award!

Now, check out this heart-felt tribute from DoM LEADERS congratulating Dr. Abel on this remarkable achievement: uclahs.fyi/4mwCbgA

The state of our department is strong! Last week, Dr. Abel presented an overview of the DoM's growth and achievements including milestones in faculty recruitment, patient care, wellness, research and education. Plus, he takes a look at what's ahead: uclahs.fyi/4beCWcj

Don’t miss this week’s special Grand Rounds!

On Thursday, the Health Equity Story Slam will feature six UCLA faculty sharing both personal and patient care stories that highlight societal inequities and their impact on healthcare.

Learn more here: uclahs.fyi/3NmSmRB

In this week’s newsletter, Dr. Abel reflects on his State of the Department presentation, sharing updates on our finances, research growth, clinical initiatives and more. Read the full story and explore the goals for the future of the DoM here: uclahs.fyi/4beCWcj

Thrilled to announce that Dr. Donna Washington has been appointed as the incoming section chief of General Internal Medicine at the Greater Los Angeles VA.

Learn about her remarkable career as well as her dedication to advancing health equity and veteran care: uclahs.fyi/4plUqXB

We’re celebrating the unwavering dedication of our DoM faculty and staff, whose years of service reflect their commitment to advancing care, education and research.

From 5 to 30 years, get to know the people behind these impressive milestones: uclahs.fyi/4ss41hY

Welcome to 2026! In this week's newsletter, Dr. Abel reflects on our department's achievements in 2025 and previews plans for the year ahead — be sure not to miss his upcoming State of the Department address this Thursday!

Read more: uclahs.fyi/4ss41hY

NEW GRANT ALERT!

Dr. Abel shares how a chance meeting at a Lisbon symposium led to a MAJOR European Research Council grant. His story highlights the importance of collaboration and of staying open to unexpected opportunities amid funding challenges: uclahs.fyi/4pX3Rhg

Year 4. December 29. A New Year Starts This Week » Department of Medicine Blog In my last post for 2025, I share some thoughts on the year past as we look forward to the [...]

As we kick off 2026, join us in celebrating our community's achievements across our missions in patient care, research, education & community engagement. We look to the new year with excitement & gratitude as we continue to build on these successes together. Full video at uclahs.fyi/49g32Ji

Happy 2026! Wishing you a healthy and joyful year. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to a year filled with innovation, transformative care, and advancing health for all!

A meaningful honor for an extraordinary team. At the 24th Annual Key to a Cure Gala,the UCLA Scleroderma Center was recognized with the Helen Greenberg Memorial Spirit of Leadership Award for its leadership in scleroderma care and research. Learn more: uclahs.fyi/48Hbj9W

UCLA Nephrology made its mark at ASN Kidney Week 2025. With record participation from faculty and fellows, the division showcased its research, leadership and collaborative strength on the national stage. Read the full story here: uclahs.fyi/4p6YL0I