UC Davis Health

12/24/2025

Norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the country, is on the rise as the holiday season approaches.

This highly contagious virus spreads differently than respiratory viruses that cause flu, COVID and common colds, making awareness and prevention especially important.

Learn more about how you can keep yourself and your family healthy this holiday season:

Hand sanitizer doesn’t work well on this nasty bug. So how do you dodge norovirus symptoms this season?

12/23/2025

Sisters in scrubs. Sisters in life. 💙

From carpooling to night shifts, cheering each other on through high-risk patient situations and sharing the same mission in different hallways, these sisters prove that nursing is more than a career. It’s a calling that’s even more meaningful when shared with family.

Meet four sets of sisters who work here at UC Davis Health:
Alina & Angelina
Diana & Ada
Rue, Rosheena & Raissa
Ava & Menchu

Alina Okunev and Angelina Litvinov:
“I started my career at UC Davis in 2012 and quickly discovered how wonderful it was to be part of the UC Davis Health system. I shared my experience with my sister, Angelina, and after hearing how much I enjoyed my work and the culture here, she decided she wanted to join too. She applied, and about a year later, she was hired. It’s a really neat thing to be working within the same health system, and we’re both proud to be part of the UC Davis family," said Alina Okunev, RN, BSN, Cancer Center.

“Working with my sister means a lot to me. It’s really special to share this experience with her and be part of the same organization that’s making a difference in people’s lives. We support each other, and it’s nice knowing someone who really understands the work like we do. I’m proud of both of us for being part of UC Davis Health," said Angelina Litvinov, RN, BSN, Dermatology.

Diana Saelee and Ada Kwong:
“Ada and I used to carpool when we worked on the same unit. We were both on the night shift together and everyone would refer to us as ‘the sisters'," said Diana, Nurse Manager, Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Care Clinic. "It was a memorable experience that shaped the formative years when I started out as a new nurse.”

“Diana and I both attended Sac State's nursing program, but in different years, so we were always at UC Davis for rotations. When Diana graduated her program, we were able to spend several years working together as she advanced from a new graduate nurse to an [assistant nurse manager] on the unit. It was so much fun," said Ada, Clinical Resource Nurse, East 4 Accelerated Access Unit.

Rue, Rosheena and Raissa Robles (maiden name):
“Working with my sisters as nurses in the same hospital is both fun and really exciting. We get to share not just our profession, but our daily routines—carpooling to work, grabbing lunch together, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of each shift. It’s rare to experience your career alongside the people you grew up with, and it makes every day feel a little lighter and a lot more meaningful," said Rue West, RN NICU.

“I love working together! There’s something special about working in the same hospital as my sisters — even on different units, we’re still each other’s safety net, cheerleaders, and built-in support system. Same mission, same heart, just different hallways," said Rosheena Atashkadeh, RN 48XPACU.

“It’s true when they say work is more fun when working with your best friends. We’re already connected genetically but working together connects us on a different level. We can relate with one another about the craziness a 12-hr shift brings but also enjoy the rewards that comes with this profession," said Raissa Hernandez, RN NSICU.

Ava Lim and Menchu Barcenas:
"Having my sister in some of my high-risk deliveries is something deeply comforting, and knowing that no matter how challenging the day gets, I have my sister there, not just as a colleague, but as family. The love of family woven into the fabric of our work makes everything more meaningful. It’s not just about sharing a workplace, it’s about sharing dreams, laughter, and the quiet understanding that only siblings carry. It’s a reminder of where we came from and how far we’ve come. We get to build, learn, and grow side by side in a place that values love, compassion, courage, integrity, learning, and high-quality patient care. I am so proud to be working alongside my sister," said Ava Lim, BSN, RNC, D3-University Birthing Suites.

"When my family moved to Sacramento many years ago, my sister Ava brought me to UC Davis Medical Center. I was in search for my first nursing job. At that time, Ava had been working at UC Davis for a few years and she had told me that she enjoyed the work environment, her coworkers and the professional growth opportunities. She had also worked at a different hospital simultaneously and eventually stayed at UC Davis. It highly influenced my decision to work here. It’s been such an amazing experience to be able to work along side with my sister at some of the high-risk pregnancies and deliveries," said Menchu Barcenas, RNC-NICU, D5-NICU.



Image Descriptions:
1: Alina and Angelina are standing side by side outdoors in front of a residential-style building. Both are wearing matching navy blue UC Davis Health scrubs with visible name badges and have their arms crossed.

2: Diana and Ada are standing outdoors in front of tall green plants. One person is wearing a sleeveless black top, and the other is wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress with a small colorful pattern.

3: Rosheena, Raissa and Rue wear blue scrubs with UC Davis Health logos. They are standing in front of a window.

4: Ava and Menchu are standing in front of a decorative backdrop. They are surrounded by an arch of balloons in shades of rose gold, gold, white and pink. To the left, there is a large collage board displaying multiple graduation photos.

12/23/2025

An anonymous $1.5 million gift is helping us accelerate the development of treatments for cancer and heart disease.

The donation established the appointment of the Endowed Professorship of Neurosurgical Research for Laura Marcu, Ph.D., professor of the departments of Neurological Surgery, Biomedical Engineering and director of the National Center for Interventional Biophotonic Technologies (NCIBT).

“I am deeply grateful for this endowment. It will enable transformative research, accelerate clinical translation and expand the impact of emerging light-based or biophonic technologies in patient care,” Laura said.

Laura's team is pioneering light-based technologies, such as Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), which provides surgeons with real-time insight into tissue health, improving treatment for cancer and heart disease.

This endowment ensures continued research, clinical translation and training for the next generation of scientists.

Learn more about the innovative research: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/new-endowed-professorship-will-expand-impact-of-light-based-technologies-in-health-care/2025/12

Image descriptions:
1: Laura Marcu wears a light-colored blouse and a beige blazer and is standing indoors in what appears to be a laboratory setting.
2: A group of people are gathered outdoors around a stone or concrete table in a courtyard with trees and buildings in the background.

12/22/2025

Healthy boundaries = a happy holiday.

Tense topics and expectation differences can make the holidays especially stressful. Setting boundaries can feel awkward, especially with loved ones.

Psychologist Gloria Petruzzelli explains how setting boundaries can help you manage stress this holiday season.

Video Description: Dr. Gloria Petruzzelli stands in front of a decorated holiday tree.

12/20/2025

After retiring, Hilary Vos and her husband were ready to travel and enjoy life, but knee pain was holding her back.

Hilary developed patellar tendonitis. Her bones were rubbing directly and painfully against each other.

Our UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is using the innovative Mako SmartRobotics system, which uses 3D planning and real-time guidance for a highly precise, personalized procedure.

“Accuracy is what it is all about,” said Vos’ surgeon, Adam Taylor. “The pre-op CT scan is uploaded to the Mako robot, so the surgery is planned weeks in advance. Then we just execute the plan on the day of surgery.”

Just weeks later, Hilary was back to walking her new puppy and living life pain-free. Learn how advanced robotic technology is transforming joint care: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/mako-smartrobotics-knee-replacement-helps-retiree-re-gain-her-mobility-/2025/12

Image descriptions:
1: Hilary Vos and her pug, Polo, enjoy walks in their East Sacramento neighborhood. Hilary is bending down to the dog.
2: Hilary Vos and her husband, Erik, awaiting her knee replacement surgery. Hilary sits in a hospital bed with a surgical gown on and blankets around her.
3: Adam Taylor examining knee replacement patient Hilary Vos in a hospital room.

12/18/2025

Andy and Nick Wright made history this past summer as the first living donor liver transplant at the UC Davis Transplant Center. This life-saving procedure not only gave Andy a second chance but also showcased the power of family, courage and medical innovation.

Andy was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare and chronic liver disease, in 2008. His health remained stable for years, but began to decline rapidly about two years ago.

“I didn't realize a partial liver transplant was even an option,” Andy shared. “But I was hesitant. I didn't want to put any of my family or friends at risk.”

Without telling anyone, his son quietly went to get screened to see if he might be a match. He was, and Nick was able to step up in the most extraordinary way by donating part of his liver.

Within hours of the procedure, Andy felt better than he had in over 10 years, despite the pain associated with recovering from surgery. When tested, his liver panels were nearly normal for the first time in two decades.

Learn more about our organ transplant program and how it can change lives: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/the-gift-of-life-a-father-and-sons-transplant-journey/2025/11

Image Descriptions:
1: Two individuals stand side by side in a hospital. Text reads “The gift of life: Father and son make transplant history. UC Davis Health performs its first living donor liver transplant.”

2: The text describes the story of Andy Wright and his son Nick, mentioned in the copy above.

3: A large group of people stands in a hospital hallway, many wearing scrubs or business professional attire. Two people in the middle wear hospital gowns. Text explains the transplant surgery and recovery mentioned in the copy above.

4: A person wearing surgical scrubs and cap appears to be in the middle of surgery. Text includes a quote from the UC Davis Transplant Center medical director.

12/17/2025

We’re excited to welcome Wendy Marie Campana as our new chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy!

A distinguished researcher and educator, Campana is recognized for groundbreaking research on nerve injury and chronic pain. Her work has transformed the understanding of how nerve and support cells respond to injury and has led to innovative strategies for nerve regeneration and pain management.

Campana joins UC Davis from UC San Diego and will continue her appointment with the VA Health Care System.

“Dr. Campana is a dynamic and collaborative leader with an impressive research portfolio," said Susan Murin, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine. "We are excited to see how the department will grow and thrive under her leadership."

Learn more about her work: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/wendy-marie-campana-appointed-chair-of-department-of-cell-biology-and-human-anatomy/2025/12

Image Description: Wendy Marie Campana stands in a bright hallway with large windows, wearing a dark blue suit jacket over a patterned blouse and has shoulder-length wavy hair.

12/17/2025

The holidays can be a time of stress and anxiety. One technique that can help is box breathing. Psychologist Gloria Petruzzelli guides us through the mindfulness technique.

Box breathing is a simple but powerful method of focusing on your breath. It helps regulate your focus, your nervous system and allows you time to pause and gather your thoughts, Gloria says.

Video Description: Dr. Gloria Petruzzelli sits in a chair in front of a decorated tree.

12/16/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Jacqueline Stocking, Ph.D., M.B.A., M.S.N., has been honored with the Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Air Medical Services!

This international award celebrates her decades of leadership and transformative contributions to emergency and critical care transport. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have advanced the field and strengthened the emergency transport community.

Jacqueline is the vice chair for Patient Quality and Safety as well as an assistant adjunct professor. Her research focuses on predictive modeling of adverse hospital outcomes and critical care quality improvement.

Congratulations, Jacqueline! Learn more about the award: https://polo.feathr.co/view_email?cpn_id=690101858ab3cc546db9b730&t_id=690101858ab3cc546db9b731&per_id=67c9027a587462c623318b86

Image Descriptions:
1: Four individuals stand on a stage in front of a dark purple curtain. They are dressed in formal attire, including suits and a long coat. One person is holding a clear glass award.

2: A large screen displays an award slide titled “Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award.” The slide includes a photo of Jacqueline Stocking. Several people are seated at round tables in the foreground.

12/16/2025

“There is no price that can be placed on regaining one’s quality of life, and I am immensely thankful.”

After suffering a vertigo episode, Angela Robertson lived with debilitating dizziness for weeks. She couldn't play with her daughter, rest in an upright position or lie on her left side. On a particularly bad day, she visited the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine.

In the ED, our specially trained vestibular physical therapists quickly diagnosed Angela with a common, inner-ear cause of vertigo called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV occurs when tiny “crystals” in the inner ear, known as otoconia, dislodge from their usual location and migrate into one of the three semicircular canals. Our vestibular physical therapy team was able to perform a simple maneuver that restored Angela's balance and quality of life.

Learn more:

Within minutes, trained physician therapists can provide relief from an extremely disorienting condition.

12/15/2025

Chronic pain doesn't just impact your body, it can take over your life. Pain psychologist Ravi Prasad shares five strategies that can help those with chronic pain understand their pain and improve their quality of life.

Learn five expert strategies for chronic pain relief — including mindfulness and CBT — to reduce stress, change thought patterns, and improve daily life without relying on medication.

12/12/2025

Chefs Santana Diaz and Jet Aguirre recently met with local high school students to share their love for cooking!

During a visit with Culinary Career Technical Education (CTE) students, they talked about how healthy, locally sourced ingredients can strengthen communities, preserve cultural traditions and even promote healing.

Students toured Sacramento City Unified School District's Central Kitchen, sampled new dishes and discovered how everyday food choices can influence health and support local economies.

Learn more about the collaboration that's building community partnerships: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/connecting-through-food-uc-davis-health-chefs-visit-with-local-students/2025/12

Image Descriptions:
1: Santana Diaz on the left and Jet Aguirre on the right are wearing white chef coats, standing beside a table covered with a colorful tablecloth featuring images of oranges and the words “Sacramento City Unified School District” and “Central Kitchen.”

2: Six individuals stand in front of a large wall mural that displays vibrant produce imagery and the words “Central Kitchen” in bold white letters. The group is dressed in a mix of chef coats and casual clothing.