UC Davis Medical Center

03/27/2026

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Plant-based proteins are nutrient-rich, heart-healthy options that support overall health. Discover the benefits of plant-based protein and simple ways to add it to your meals.

03/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Amy Brooks-Kayal on receiving the 2025 Women & Philanthropy Impact Award!

Over the course of her accomplished career in academia and health care, she has gone above and beyond to level the playing field in neurology.

With three decades of experience in both practice and teaching neurology, Brooks-Kayal has helped develop many prospective neurologists. During her time at UC Davis, her approach has not changed: promoting mentorship and inclusivity as a professor and as department head.

“Being nominated by my colleagues for this award and receiving it were particularly meaningful to me,” she said, adding that the award’s qualifications match her dedication to “exemplary leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women and other underrepresented groups.”

The Women & Philanthropy Impact Award recognizes a UC Davis faculty or staff member for contributions to the advancement of women, along with exemplary leadership and significant impact on university communities.

Learn more about Brooks-Kayal and her impressive career: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/amy-brooks-kayal-wins-2025-women--philanthropy-impact-award/2026/03

Image descriptions:
1: From left to right: Chancellor Gary May, Amy Brooks-Kayal and Mark Rosenblatt.
2: Members of the Women & Philanthropy Advisory Council smile with Amy Brooks-Kayal holding her award.

03/25/2026

Congratulations to Peter Lindbeck, BSN, RN, CCRN, in the SICU, on his DAISY Foundation Award! 🌼

Peter received the DAISY earlier this month and was recognized for his exceptional commitment to patient- and family-centered care. Peter consistently demonstrates a thoughtful and compassionate approach, ensuring that patients and their loved ones feel informed, supported and cared for during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. His ability to build trust, communicate with clarity and deliver care with empathy reflects the very best of nursing practice.

From the nomination:
“After a series of very strenuous days for our loved one and our whole clan, when able to communicate with us after extubation, she was insistent on telling me how fabulous her nurse had been. Although her mentation was still altered, she was able to convey exactly what she loved about him: his willingness and patience to explain EVERYTHING that he was doing and why he was doing it. She is a need-to-knower and has never had a severe illness, and I know, as her best friend, that when she says someone is a great nurse, she means it and wants it recognized.

As an RN myself, no amount of experience can prevent you from being shaken when tragedy hits you personally. Peter was also very kind, compassionate and tolerant with my questions and graciously provided updates. I also recognize that we can often go into autopilot as we care for our patients, sometimes forgetting the compassion and empathy families truly need during their difficult times. Peter satisfied the needs of our loved ones as well as the needs of her friends and family. He deserves to stand on a pedestal for a moment and feel proud of the great care he provided.

We are so grateful to Peter and all the UC Davis Health staff, as they have navigated the care plans for her to get another shot at a quality life. Today, she received an expedited liver transplant! Thank you all for teaming up and making this happen, and a special thanks to Peter for standing out as an extraordinary nurse. Keep providing that special care, as you were certainly called to do.

On behalf of myself and her family, and especially her daughter, we THANK YOU!”

Congratulations, Peter, on your DAISY Award!

Image descriptions:
1: Peter Lindbeck in scrubs stands in front of a “Congratulations” banner and holds a framed DAISY Award certificate.
2: A group of health care professionals gathers in a decorated break room with a “Congratulations” banner and daisy‑themed decorations. A table in front of them holds several boxes and paper daisies. Peter Lindbeck stands in the center of the group holding an award certificate.
3: Four staff members stand together in front of a “Congratulations” banner while Peter Lindbeck holds a framed DAISY Award certificate.

03/24/2026

For several years, our Department of Emergency Medicine has partnered with health care providers in The Gambia to build clinical capacity. The teams provide annual training on point‑of‑care ultrasound, a portable diagnostic tool that helps local physicians make faster diagnoses and clinical decisions in settings where advanced imaging is limited. The program emphasizes hands‑on training, longitudinal mentorship and sustainable collaboration with local hospitals.

This year’s trip marked a significant expansion of the program. Alongside continued ultrasound education, faculty from Global Surgery, Anesthesia and Radiology joined Emergency Medicine colleagues to assess needs and identify opportunities to strengthen surgical and perioperative care.

“Our goal is to move beyond short‑term teaching and build sustainable, multidisciplinary partnerships that local providers can carry forward,” said Christine McBeth, assistant professor of Emergency Medicine and director of Global Health for residents and fellows.

This work supports our mission to advance health equity, while also strengthening education at home. Faculty, residents and fellows gain structured global health experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership development that directly translate into patient care in Sacramento communities.

Image descriptions:
1: A group of participants standing inside a classroom at The University of The Gambia, with posters displayed behind them.
2: A small group gathers around a mobile medical device in a clinical room, reviewing the equipment together.
3: Two people stand over a table as one points to medical equipment while the other records the setup on a tablet.

03/23/2026

Last week, Wendy Braccio, MSN, RN, was honored with a DAISY Foundation Award for the compassion, dedication and steady support she provided to two patients and their families. Nominated by several individuals whose loved ones she supported over the years, Wendy was recognized for the meaningful difference she made through her professionalism, thoughtful communication and unwavering commitment to her patients.

From one of four nominations:

"I want to express my unwavering gratitude to Wendy Braccio for her exceptional dedication and support over the past six years. During this time, she has devoted tremendous time and energy to assisting my father, who had stage 4 cancer, and my brother, who was initially diagnosed with colon cancer that later spread to his lungs and prostate.

It is rare and deeply challenging for a father and son to battle cancer simultaneously, yet Wendy’s compassion, commitment and attentive care brought both of them comfort and peace throughout their journeys.

Wendy’s professionalism, expertise and genuine concern were instrumental in helping my father and brother secure their treatments with UC Davis Medical Center. Her unwavering dedication made it possible for them to navigate an often complex medical system with clarity and confidence.

I am particularly grateful for Wendy’s consistent communication, her attention to detail and her proactive approach to resolving any obstacles that arose. She went above and beyond to ensure that all necessary care was coordinated and delivered effectively.

Wendy’s dedication reflects positively on UC Davis Medical Center’s leadership and culture. It is evident that she takes great pride in her work and genuinely cares for the well-being of those she assists. Her compassion and professionalism serve as an inspiring example of what outstanding patient care should be.”

Congratulations, Wendy, on your DAISY Award! 🌼

Image descriptions:
1: Wendy Braccio wears a patterned blouse and holds a DAISY Award certificate. Behind her is a banner with daisies that says "Congratulations."
2: Six people stand side by side to pose for a photo. They are wearing professional attire and are in front of the Congratulations banner. Wendy stands in the middle of the group, holding her certificate.

03/20/2026

Happy 2026!

03/20/2026

Our Folsom clinic on Turnpike Drive reopened earlier this week after completing a refresh that transitions the space into a dedicated specialty care location, including a comprehensive gastroenterology (GI) unit.

Staff and providers celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with remarks from Senior Vice President and Associate Chief Operating Officer Christina Mintner and Executive Director of Ambulatory Operations Tanya Mullen.

The enhancements follow last summer's opening of the Folsom Medical Care Clinic (MCC), a 114,000-square-foot facility and the first building on the new Folsom Center for Health campus.

Congratulations to the team on their achievement!

Image description: A large group of people is gathered outside the entrance of a building for a ribbon-cutting event. The group stands behind a long blue ribbon that is stretched between two gold stanchions with blue and gold bows.

03/19/2026

Today, we celebrate , recognizing the hard work and expertise of nurses who strive for excellence in their specialties through advanced certification.

In honor of the occasion, we are highlighting several of our certified nurses and sharing why they chose to pursue certification and what it means to them: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/certified-nurses-day-2026-ucdavishealth-bnelc

Image descriptions:
1: Monica Aguilar in professional attire, smiles at the camera in front of a grey background.
2: Anna Volosenko stands on a wooden bridge in a nature area.
3: Kristine Strohbin wears a red and blue striped shirt and smiles while standing outdoors.
4: Sandeep Singh wears a light lavender traditional outfit, smiling at the camera.
5: Roumelia Decontreaus smiles while taking a selfie in front of a blue background.
6: Lourdes Grano sits in front of their computer, smiling at the camera.
7: Andrea Walthers smiles at the camera in front of a blue background.
8: Genaro Hernandez wears medical scrubs and smiles at the camera.
9: Annette Needham wears a blue shirt, smiling at the camera in front of a brick building.
10: Tracy Tooley smiles at the camera, standing outdoors with the background slightly blurred.
11: Ben Judah C Gayoba smiles at the camera, wearing a stethoscope around their neck.
12: Jasmine Heidari smiles at the camera, wearing a grey UC Davis Health jacket and a badge that says RN.
13: Lester Allen Christian Arocena stands outside a brick building, in a grey sweatshirt and a brown jacket.
14: Sheena Mae Demicais smiles for a headshot photo in front of a white background.
15: Rosa Aguillon Lopez sits on a wooden bench outdoors.
16: Alex DePew smiles at the camera, wearing a long-sleeve white shirt, standing outside a building.
17: Trudee Murray smiles at the camera, wearing a white shirt in front of a grey brick background.
18: A collage of four people in white coats or scrubs all smile at the camera.

03/19/2026

This year's Principles of Community Showcase was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when faculty, staff and students come together around a shared purpose and collaborate.

The energy was high throughout the event as we, along with staff, partners and community members, connected, exchanged ideas and celebrated the amazing work happening across our campus. With more than 1,000 attendees, a new record turnout, we all learned from one another, shared ideas, and built relationships that will last beyond a single gathering.

Learn more about the Principles of Community: https://excellence.ucdavis.edu/principles-community

Video description: A variety of world flags line an outdoor walkway leading to Betty Irene Moore Hall. Multiple interviews with employees are followed by clips from the event featuring various performers and people mingling. A UC Davis Health Believe in Better logo ends the video.

03/17/2026

We're proud to share that our Specialty Pharmacy has earned the Rare Disease Pharmacy Center of Excellence certification from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC)!

The recognition was awarded as part of the specialty pharmacy reaccreditation, marking the organization’s fourth successful URAC survey and first Rare Disease Pharmacy Center of Excellence certification.

Patients living with rare diseases often face complex treatment journeys that require coordinated care, specialized expertise and strong support systems. Only a select group of specialty pharmacies nationwide holds this distinction, and our Specialty Pharmacy is honored to be among them.



Image description:
1: A large group of people in grey scrubs poses for a photo outside of a building on a set of stairs.
2: A pharmacy counter scene shows a person in a white lab coat standing behind the counter and holding a prescription bottle, pointing toward it. The lab coat includes a UC Davis Health logo. Across the counter, another person stands facing the pharmacist.
3: A large group of people in grey scrubs poses for a photo inside. Behind them is a UC Davis Health logo.
4: A different large group of people in grey scrubs poses for a photo inside. Behind them is a UC Davis Health logo.

03/16/2026

Congratulations to Deborah Small, B.S.N, R.N., CRNI, VA-BC, OCN, on her DAISY Foundation Award! 🌼

A patient's family member nominated Deborah for her compassion, attentiveness and initiative, which she demonstrates in every interaction.

From the nomination:

“My husband comes in for monthly infusions, and Debbie is his R.N. She is always kind and courteous, checking to make sure he’s comfortable, offering a warm blanket, something to drink, and consistently showing genuine care.

But today, she went above and beyond. His doctor had placed an order for monthly vitamin B12 shots, but the order wasn’t clearly visible in the system. Rather than passing it off or asking us to follow up, Debbie took the time to research, locate the order, and even scheduled his B12 injection for immediately after his infusion, saving us from having to make another trip.

In a time when so many health care providers put the burden back on the patient, it’s refreshing and heartening to know there are still people like Debbie who go the extra mile. Her dedication and kindness do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Congratulations, Deborah, on your DAISY Award! Your thoughtful approach and willingness to go the extra mile reflect the dedication and professionalism that define nursing excellence and patient-centered care here at UC Davis Health.

Image descriptions:
1: Deborah Small stands in blue scrubs that say "UC Davis Health" while holding a DAISY Award certificate. Behind her is a banner with daisies that says "Congratulations."
2: Six people stand side by side to pose for a photo. They are wearing professional attire and are in front of the Congratulations banner. Deborah stands in the middle of the group, holding her certificate.
3: Four people stand together, smiling at the camera. Deborah stands, holding her certificate.

03/13/2026

We are proud to announce that Adrienne Hoyt-Austin, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics, has received the 2026 Eli Gold Prize!

"Dr. Hoyt-Austin is an extraordinary pediatrician, scholar, teacher, mentor and service leader who is truly deserving of the Eli Gold Prize,” Serena Yang, division chief of general pediatrics, said in her nomination letter.

Named after the former professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Pediatrics, Eli Gold supported and encouraged many young aspiring pediatricians, and now the annual award is open to any junior faculty member in the department who has made an impact on children's health.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hoyt-Austin on the award! Learn more about her many achievements: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/adrienne-hoyt-austin-receives-eli-gold-prize/2026/03

Image description: Vice chancellor of human health sciences Mark Rosenblatt (right) presents Adrienne Hoyt-Austin (left) with the Eli Gold Prize. The two stand together, holding a certificate, in front of a TV screen that has Adrienne's photo on it.