CAHIP Senior Summit – Day 1

UCR Health kicked off the CAHIP Senior Summit by connecting with local healthcare professionals, health plans, insurance professionals, and Medicare brokers. These conversations provided an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and share more about UCR Health’s expanding access to academic medicine across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The team also shared updates about UCR Health welcoming commercial HMO patients during the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period.

See more photos from Day 1.

CAHIP Senior Summit – Day 2

Day 2 of the CAHIP Senior Summit continued with networking, educational sessions, and conversations about healthcare across the Inland Empire. UCR Health representatives connected with industry partners while attending sessions covering topics such as cybersecurity, group health strategies, leadership, and teamwork.

The event offered another opportunity to build relationships and share how UCR Health is bringing academic medicine closer to the communities we serve.

See more photos from Day 2.

An Evening of Clinical Insights

UCR Health brought together specialists, local primary care physicians, and clinical colleagues for An Evening of Clinical Insights, a physician education dinner in Riverside.

UCR Health physicians James Lee, MD; Ramy Sadek, MD; Henry Yang, MD; and Mahsa Khayat-Khoei, MD led discussions around clinical topics relevant to primary care. The evening encouraged shared learning, collaboration, and stronger connections among providers throughout the Inland Empire.

See more photos from the event.

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The path was not a straight one. But for Diaz, working alongside UCR Health physicians and caring for patients across pediatrics and primary care helped transform an interest in healthcare into something more certain: a desire to become a physician.

“I fell in love with talking to patients,” Diaz said. “Working with a variety of people just really opened up my connection to others.”

Learning to Listen

Diaz joined UCR Health in January 2023 as a medical assistant. He started working in pediatrics before moving into different areas of primary care.

Despite being naturally introverted, he found that his work with patients made him more comfortable interacting with people from different walks of life. In pediatrics, he learned how to communicate with both children and their parents, assisting families from their first visit through ongoing care.

For Diaz, making patients feel at ease was an important part of the job.

“How can we make them feel comfortable here and then have them feel comfortable enough to continue their care with us?” he recalled thinking.

Eventually, some families began to ask for him by name. Parents would ask whether he would be rooming their child, or request him specifically to give their child a vaccine based on past visits.

His work in primary care also helped him build deeper relationships with the patients he saw most often. Some were managing chronic illness alongside financial strain, insurance hurdles, or other challenges outside the clinic.

Those experiences taught Diaz that sometimes the most valuable thing a medical professional can do is simply listen.

“They were always eager to come back for their visit, just because they felt like they weren’t being dismissed,” he said.

Even now, those patients remain with him.

“I still think about them as I’m studying, and it really gives me a grounding mechanism to continue forward with my studies,” Diaz said. “I’m in class and I wonder how they’re doing.”

UCR Health Physicians Who Helped Shape His Path

As Diaz was learning the value of listening to patients, he was also gaining the attention of the doctors he worked alongside.

At the time, he was considering PA school and had never pictured himself as a physician up to that point. That began to change after he spent time working alongside UCR Health doctors.

One conversation stands out. Dr. Roopa Viraraghavan, a pediatrician he worked with, called him into her office and asked him directly what he wanted to do with his future. Rather than let him settle for the path he had already chosen, she pushed him to think bigger. 

“I need you to really do some soul searching and think about what you want to do with your future,” he recalls her saying. “You have a lot of potential… we think you’d be a great doctor. And if you want to take that route, just let us know and then we’re gonna help you out however we can.” 

Their support did not stop with encouragement. Dr. Roopa and Dr. Nandini Gowda wrote letters of recommendation and offered guidance, while his UCR Health mentors connected him with Dr. Denise Martinez, the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the UCR School of Medicine, who helped him navigate his application.

Diaz also had the opportunity to shadow UCR Health pediatrician Dr. Tejal Khandhar, gaining additional clinical experience as he prepared his medical school application.

“I would say probably the biggest factor that contributed to me going to medical school was just the support of the physicians that I had while working there,” Diaz said.

Dr. Blanca Campos is yet another physician who left a strong mark on Diaz. He recalls how excited she was when he told her he had been accepted to medical school. “She’s such a wonderful doctor, and I aspire to be like her,” Diaz said, referring to Dr. Campos. 

According to Diaz, physicians like Dr. Roopa, Dr. Gowda, Dr. Campos, and Dr. Marc Debay became his mentors, the role models he hopes to emulate.

Now, some of those relationships are continuing in a new setting. Diaz has already crossed paths with Dr. Roopa at the School of Medicine, where UCR Health physicians can also serve as instructors and preceptors. The doctors who once encouraged him as a medical assistant may now take part in training him as a future physician.

A Full Circle Return to UCR

For Diaz, going back to UCR to study medicine meant staying connected to the Inland Empire community where he grew up. He was familiar with UCR through his older brother's attendance at the university. Completing his undergraduate studies at UCR and later working at UCR Health both led him back to pursue his medical education at the UCR School of Medicine.

His connection to community health existed even before he came to UCR. Diaz recalls attending community health fairs with his mother as a child, though at the time he saw them as a little more than neighborhood gatherings. Years later, while volunteering at similar events through UCR, he found himself on the other side of the table, offering resources to families much like his own. 

“It kind of felt like now I was on the other side of the table, being able to help out a kid that was like me,” he explained.

That sense of coming full circle continued when Diaz was accepted to the UCR School of Medicine. “UCR always felt like home,” he said.

Carrying Those Lessons Forward

Diaz is still in the early stages of his medical education, but he is already leaning toward family medicine, drawn to the range of ages he treated at UCR Health. He is also considering academic medicine, given the possibility of balancing patient care with teaching future clinicians, much like the UCR Health providers who mentored him.

More than any clinical specialty, Diaz is clear about how he wants his patients to feel when they come to see him. “My goal would probably be to just be a doctor that can give them some peace when they come into the clinic,” he said.

That goal reflects one of the biggest lessons he took from UCR Health: listening can shape a patient’s entire experience. He witnessed it firsthand as an MA, then experienced it himself when UCR Health physicians listened to him and helped him see a future he had never imagined for himself.

As he begins the next phase of his education, Diaz wants to carry that approach forward: building trust with patients, listening closely to their concerns, and making sure their worries are taken seriously.

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Girl Scouts Learn First Aid and Outdoor Safety with UCR Health Pediatrician Dr. Esther Jun-Ihn | April 6, 2026

UCR Health pediatrician Esther Jun-Ihn, MD, visited a local Girl Scout troop in the Coachella Valley for an interactive first aid and outdoor safety session. Dr. Jun-Ihn, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in children’s care, shared practical tips to help the girls stay safe and prepared during outdoor activities.

The session covered common childhood concerns and minor injuries, including scrapes, mosquito and spider bites, bee stings, sunburn, heat safety, and minor sprains. Dr. Jun-Ihn also emphasized prevention strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, dressing in long sleeves and pants when appropriate, and being mindful while walking on rocks or outdoors. The Girl Scouts were highly engaged throughout the presentation and asked thoughtful questions about how to respond to everyday health situations.

Dr. Jun-Ihn’s visit reflected her commitment to creating a supportive environment where children feel heard, informed, and empowered to take care of themselves and others. Through this hands-on discussion, the Girl Scouts earned their First Aid Badges and gained valuable first aid knowledge and practical safety tips they can use at home, at school, and during outdoor adventures.

UCR Health Promotes Wellness and Community at the "UCR Glow Run 2026" | April 23, 2026

UCR Health joined more than 100 Highlanders at UCR Walks 2026 on Friday, May 15, at the UC Riverside Track & Field Stadium. The event, sponsored by Human Resources’ wellness programs, encouraged staff, faculty, students, and community members to prioritize movement, connection, and overall well-being. Participants walked at their own pace around the track while enjoying music, raffle prizes, Scotty the Bear, and 2026 UCR Walks medals.

As part of the event, UCR Health hosted an interactive Wellness Wheel booth designed to be quick, upbeat, and educational. Brand ambassadors invited attendees to spin the wheel, answer a short health-related prompt or complete a mini challenge, and receive a small prize. The booth drew engagement from participants across campus and created a fun opportunity to promote healthy habits, encourage physical activity, and connect with the community.

Through its participation in UCR Walks, UCR Health helped support a campus culture centered on wellness, prevention, and community care.

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Event Recap: UCR Homecoming November 8, 2025

The UCR Health Brand Ambassador team enjoyed connecting with the campus community at UCR Homecoming. Around 100-115 attendees stopped by our table—many of them learning for the first time that UCR Health is available as a care option. Visitors shared great energy throughout the day, and, in true Homecoming fashion, foot traffic slowed the moment Ludacris hit the stage!

Event Recap: Dr. Khayat-Khoeí on Brain Health at the Goeske Center November 14, 2025

Dr. Khayat-Khoeí met with a wonderful group of seniors at the Goeske Center to talk about brain health, aging, and simple daily habits that support well-being. Nearly 50 attendees joined and stayed for a lively Q&A, with many expressing how valuable the DocTalk series has been and asking for her information to continue their care journey.

Event Recap: Dr. Sadek on Heart Health at the Goeske Center December 2, 2025

Dr. Sadek visited the Janet Goeske Senior Center to share an informative talk on heart health and aging. He discussed common warning signs, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular health. Seniors were engaged throughout the presentation and appreciative of the practical guidance shared.

Event Recap: Dr. Tuqan on Healthy Aging at the UCR Emeriti Luncheon December 5, 2025

Dr. Tuqan joined the UCR Emeriti Luncheon as a guest speaker to share insights on healthy aging. Her talk focused on the 4 M’s of geriatrics and how they apply to older adults, along with practical resources to help attendees get started. The audience was warm and highly engaged, with an active Q&A that reflected strong interest in the topic.

Event Recap: MetroLink Holiday Express — Teddy Bear Clinic December 7, 2025

On December 7, UCR Health brought its Teddy Bear Clinic to the MetroLink Holiday Express in San Bernardino. UCR Health physicians and UCR School of Medicine students welcomed families as children helped give their teddy bears checkups—sparking curiosity about healthcare while strengthening UCR Health’s presence in the community. Many families expressed interest in continuing care, especially with Spanish-speaking providers, highlighting the importance of accessible, community-centered services.

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Event Recap: Montclair Community Health Fair (October 2, 2025)

UCR Health joined the Montclair Community Health Fair, which brought together local healthcare providers to offer free screenings and vaccines. Over 100 attendees visited the UCR Health table to learn about available services, and several were connected directly to appointment scheduling. The event fostered meaningful community engagement and new partnership opportunities.

Event Recap: Dr. Raja's Senior Lecture on Joint and Bone Health (October 6, 2025)

Dr. Naveen Raja visited the Janet Goeske Senior Center to speak on osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and joint health in older adults. Around 50 seniors attended the interactive lecture, and several expressed interest in scheduling appointments for continued care and guidance.

Event Recap: Becker's 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable (November 3 - 6, 2025)

CEO Tim Collins joined national healthcare leaders at Becker's 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable to discuss how collaboration and trust between executives strengthen organizational resilience and advance high-quality patient care. 

Listen to Tim's Becker's Healthcare Podcast on access, workforce, and collaboration in the Inland Empire. 

Event Recap: UC Paths Fair (November 5, 2025)

The UCR Health Brand Ambassador team connected with nearly 200 employees at the UCPath Benefits Fair to share news about UCR Health joining the UC Health Plans network. Attendees showed strong interest in switching to UC Health Plans and appreciated learning about convenient access to care through the UCR Health Network.

Event Recap: UCR Employee Benefits Fair (November 6, 2025)

The UCR Health Marketing Team and Brand Ambassadors connected with nearly 200 employees at the UCR Benefits Fair to share information about UCR Health’s participation in UC Health Plans. Attendees showed strong interest in exploring the plans and appreciated learning that UCR Health is a care provider, not an insurance provider, offering convenient access to quality care across the region.

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Event Recap: Life Way Church Community Health Fair (September 13, 2025)

UCR Health connected with nearly 200 Inland Empire community members at the Life Way Church Health Fair. Dr. Brenda Ross, Clinical Research Program Administrator Herlinda Bergman, and our medical students provided education on Peripheral Artery Disease and the Milk Depot, while building stronger community relationships. The event also created meaningful opportunities to expand our outreach in senior care.

Event Recap: New Highlander Welcome (September 18, 2025)

At the September 18 New Highlander Welcome, CEO Tim Collins emphasized the value of the UC Blue & Gold Health Plan, encouraging employees to choose UCR Health for their care. He also shared updates on UCR Health’s growth and commitment to expanding access across the Inland Empire.

Event Recap: Dr. Tuqan's Senior Lecture (September 24, 2025)

UCR Health launched its new senior lecture series at the Janet Goeske Center, where Dr. Alia Tuqan led an engaging session on healthy aging and preventive care. The event brought together Riverside seniors eager to stay informed and proactive about their health, reflecting UCR Health’s ongoing commitment to community wellness. Read Dr. Tuqan's Q&A for more insights on healthy aging.

Event Recap: UCR SOM Latino Physician Celebration Day (September 30, 2025)

UCR Health participated in the Latino Physician Celebration Day on September 30, connecting with over 40 attendees from across the Inland Empire. The event provided an opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and community members about UCR Health services and the UC Blue & Gold Health Plan ahead of Open Enrollment.

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Event Recap: Celebrating Black Motherhood 8/16/2025

On August 16, UCR Health joined the Celebrating Black Motherhood Community Health Fair at the IEHP Center for Innovation and Learning. The event drew ~80–100 attendees and featured a powerful panel of maternal health experts who shared insights and opened the floor for community stories. UCR Health was proud to support this celebration of maternal health and equity.

Event Recap: ONT x LAFC Watch Party 8/23/2025

On August 23, UCR Health participated in the ONT x LAFC Community Fair and Watch Party, which drew ~150–200 attendees. Over 80 visitors stopped by our table, engaging with our team and sharing positive feedback. The energy of the sports-focused crowd made for a lively event, and we were proud to connect with community members from both Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 

Event Recap: Spill the Tea, Not the Milk 8/28/2025

On August 28, UCR Health joined the Spill the Tea, Not the Milk celebration at Living Way Christian Fellowship in Moreno Valley, held in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week. The event drew over 100 Black mothers in person, with additional attendees tuning in virtually for featured speakers. UCR Health’s table served as an important resource point—several attendees received information on pediatric services and Dr. Ross’s clinic, with at least four individuals planning to schedule visits. Many community members also picked up flyers on the Milk Donor program, highlighting ongoing interest in maternal and infant health initiatives. The event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Black motherhood and strengthen connections to care in the Inland Empire.

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August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of breastfeeding and ensure that all parents have the resources, spaces, and support they need to nourish their children. This nationwide observance emphasizes not only the health benefits of breastfeeding, but also the role that access, representation, and culturally competent care play in supporting families.

In line with this commitment, Ontario International Airport (ONT), in collaboration with UCR Health, has upgraded its private, secure, and fully furnished nursing rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. These single-occupancy lactation rooms give mothers a comfortable and private place to breastfeed or pump when they travel. Each lounge is furnished with padded benches and an electrical outlet, and equipped with a changing space. Although they are not attached to restrooms, a restroom is conveniently located nearby.

Where to Find Them

• Terminal 2 – Located on the 2nd floor past TSA screening, across from Gate 207, next to the Women’s Restroom.

• Terminal 4 – Located on the 2nd floor past TSA screening, across from Gate 407, next to the Family Restroom.

Spotlight: Black Breastfeeding Week

Black Breastfeeding Week is observed August 25–31 to raise awareness among the general public about the ongoing racial disparities in breastfeeding. While 84% of U.S. infants are breastfed at birth, only 74% of Black infants begin — and by six months, fewer than 45% are still breastfed, compared to nearly 60% of white infants. The campaign was founded by Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka and addresses the limited access to culturally competent breastfeeding support, unstable leave policies, and limited representation through mentoring, peer networking, advocacy, and storytelling.

Community Connection

This month, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, UCR Health will participate in the Celebration of Black Motherhood at the IEHP Center for Learning and Innovation - an event that is centered on creating culturally affirming spaces where Black mothers feel seen, heard, and supported.

ONT's revitalized nursing rooms share this vision: to ensure that every family, from every background, is able to access safe, comfortable, and inclusive spaces to care for their child during travel. Constructed to California Building Code and ADA standards, these lounges are part of an ongoing commitment to health equity and family-friendly travel.

Looking Ahead

Breastfeeding Awareness Month is more than just a health observance. It is a movement to ensure every family has access, representation, and support in every space. From community events like the Celebration of Black Motherhood to public spaces such as ONT’s newly remodeled nursing rooms, UCR Health is working on creating a future for every parent to feel welcomed and for every child to have the healthiest start.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With four medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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In August, UCR Health proudly partnered with Path of Life Ministries for their 2nd Annual Back-to-School event, right here in our Riverside community! Path of Life Ministries offers emergency shelter to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, where they are provided with additional resources and support.

Thanks to our gracious donors, backpacks and school supplies were distributed to young guests. In addition, UCR Health offered free health screenings, helping to promote wellness and ensure that young students are starting the school year healthy and ready to learn.

Events like this highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of community partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by those in need. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success and for continuing to support our mission to uplift our local community.

Check out the UCR Health team in action from the heartwarming event: 

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Better health for all

April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM) and this year's theme is Be the Source for Better Health. UCR Health is committed to being that source by working with public health and community-based partners to provide quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, and economic and environmental circumstances. We’re here to help make health better for all.

This month, we’re celebrating YOU

Many of our communities face health care challenges including limited access to care, higher rates of chronic conditions, and poor health outcomes. For example, African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease, 50 percent more likely to have a stroke, and 30 percent more likely to have asthma. Hispanic Americans and Latinx are 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. 

UCR Health and National Minority Health Awareness

UCR Health is committed to addressing minority health issues as we work to improve access to quality, compassionate care. It's our goal to provide healthcare programs that specifically address the health of those considered minorities. We want to:

• Incorporate the perspective of lived experiences
• Integrate safety net providers
• Include community-based organizations in our plans

During National Minority Health Awareness Month and all months, we’re working toward eliminating avoidable differences in health outcomes, increasing access to the kinds of better care that will help, and getting you out and moving to help ensure better health for all. 

To speak with a UCR Health physician, please visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

Additional Resource: hhs.gov/national-minority-health-month/

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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