UCR Colleagues and Friends,

It is with much gratitude for this amazing community that I celebrate 100 days at UCR Health! The past 3 or so months have been filled with excitement, anticipation and the pure joy of working with talented, committed, driven individuals, i.e. all of you, who together hold the vision for UCR Health and all it can bring to the Inland Empire.

I join you here three decades into a career that spans work at UCSF School of Medicine, UCSF Health, Stanford Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente. Most recently, I was the Chief Operating Officer at Woodland Hills Medical Center at Kaiser Permanente, having taken the role at the height of the pandemic. What I know with certainty is that, in healthcare, we are capable of the extraordinary when our mission is clear, and our commitment is strong. And, what’s more, we are a like-minded group, recognizing that everything we do in our work touches people in their most vulnerable times, a responsibility we hold in our hearts and carry out with our hands.

I hope to get to know each of you and what drives you to deliver excellence for our patients. At my core, I have driven by three key life experiences. First, I come from a part of the world where education is a privilege not always afforded to girls. Knowing this, I am compelled to use the tremendous opportunities I’ve been given to pay this forward. Second, I am wired at my core to build teams, systems and processes that deliver results. So many times in my life, my career could have gone in a different direction, by ultimately, my passion is in healthcare. And finally, I am blessed with a family that is equally committed to a life of service. My husband and three children each have a life path that is walking in the path of service to the community, at home and around the world.

Thank you for the privilege of being a part of your team. I look forward to all the ways in which together we will serve the Inland Empire.

Herodia Allen, MBA, MPH
Chief Operating Officer

The post Getting To Know Our New COO appeared first on UCR Health.

What determines health? This is a question we ask ourselves at UCR Health as our purpose is to help our patients and the residents of the Inland Empire achieve optimal health. It turns out that health is related in a major way to where people live, and their health-related social needs – whether they have quality food on the table, adequate transportation, a secure place to live, financial security, and social support. In fact, these social factors account for 40% of what determines health. Habits such as tobacco and alcohol use, a good diet, and sleep quality account for 30% of what determines health. Another 10% has to do with the physical environment and the health impacts of air pollution, water pollution, extreme weather, and safe living and community spaces. Only 20% of what determines health is related to healthcare – what clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare services do.

The social drivers of health are defined as the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. These conditions significantly impact a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. At UCR Health, we want to know more about these socioeconomic, behavioral, and physical environment drivers that impact the health of our patients. When we understand and support our patients through the factors that affect their health, and tailor our care to the unique challenges of each patient, we call that whole-person care. Here is an example: Some of our patients lack adequate transportation. We address this challenge by offering telehealth/video visit appointments whenever possible.  

The physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, clinicians, and staff of UCR Health strive every day to enhance the experience of care for our patients, improve their health, reduce the cost of healthcare, promote quality and health equity, and support the wellness of our colleagues - the healthcare team as well.

Whole-person care is essential for helping our patients achieve the best health possible. By addressing the social drivers of health, we can better serve our patients and communities, reduce health disparities, and improve overall health outcomes. UCR Health will continue to build the whole-person care model over time.  

For more information, please contact Dr. Naveen Raja at Naveen.Raja@medsch.ucr.edu or follow him on X @naveenrajado.

The post UCR Health’s Vision for Whole-Person Care appeared first on UCR Health.

In addition to primary care services, we have implemented laboratory point-of-care testing and are certified by California’s Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. These initiatives aim to increase health equity, improve diagnostic capabilities, and facilitate referrals to specialists and community organizations. The VFC program also helps improve the overall health of the at-risk population by reducing the spread of infectious diseases and viruses.

Over the past eight months, our primary care volume has grown steadily. As of May 2024, we average 8.5 patients per eight-hour day and over sixteen patients per week, surpassing our first-year target. We have served over 360 patients, many of whom have limited access to healthcare and require extensive care and management. Our team has also referred many to community and social services, ensuring comprehensive care management.

Looking ahead, the UCR Hulen Place clinic has ambitious plans to enhance its services further. On June 3, 2024, we began offering behavioral health services alongside primary care, adding a four-hour session for behavioral health, bringing our total operating hours to twenty per week. We are prepared to monitor the demand for these services closely and, if necessary, expand hours to ensure we can meet the needs of our community. We will also begin collecting the missing elements in the data request and submit this in the quarter four data submission.

The successful opening of the Hulen Place clinic is just the beginning. We will continue to evaluate service hours to meet community demand, add behavioral health capacity, assess the development of an extended care management model for the unhoused/low-income population, and work with community organizations to increase patient access to services. By partnering with local insurance companies, we aim to increase both primary care and behavioral health volumes over the next year.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

The post June 2024 – Hulen Place Clinic Update appeared first on UCR Health.

We were fortunate to have Ophelia Pena, the Supervisor of the Patient Access Center and Hulen Place Clinic, present at the event. Her participation was instrumental in outreach and engagement, as she interacted directly with attendees, providing personalized assistance and information about the services available at the Hulen Place Clinic. Through these interactions, Ophelia gained valuable insights into the specific health and social service needs of the unsheltered population, which will inform future service planning and delivery.

By promoting the services offered at the resource fair, CHC increased awareness and utilization of the diverse resources available, ensuring individuals could take full advantage of the support provided. They also referred clients to our Hulen Place Clinic, providing a direct link to continuous care and promoting ongoing health and well-being for the unsheltered population.

Along with the distribution of services, the City of Riverside Access Center and CHC collected important metrics. They gathered client names to maintain a personal touch and ensure accurate record-keeping. Dates of birth were recorded for age-specific services and demographic analysis. Collecting client gender information was important for understanding gender-specific needs and ensuring inclusive care. Data on client race and ethnicity enabled culturally competent care and helped address specific health disparities. Client contact information was essential for follow-ups and continuity of care, while client zip codes helped identify geographic areas with the greatest need, aiding future outreach efforts. Additionally, information on the services clients would utilize helped assess demand for specific services and resources, ensuring adequate preparation for future events.

The range of services offered at the fair was comprehensive, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Physical exams provided essential health checks, while basic wound care offered on-the-spot treatment for minor injuries. Over-the-counter pain medication helped manage discomfort, improving quality of life. Free COVID and HIV testing ensured community health and safety. Medicare/Medi-Cal sign-up facilitated access to healthcare coverage, reducing financial barriers. Free Starbucks coffee and food from Subway and Starbucks addressed immediate nutritional needs. Free clothing supplied essential items, enhancing dignity and comfort. Hygiene kits were distributed to support personal hygiene, crucial for health and self-esteem. Mental health services from the Mobile Crisis Unit and re-entry services assisted individuals transitioning out of incarceration, supporting successful reintegration into the community.

A total of 76 individuals attended the event, reflecting its reach and impact, and indicating community engagement and the level of need within the population. Collecting these metrics helps in understanding the demographics and needs of the unsheltered population, allowing for better planning and resource allocation in future outreach efforts.

UCR Health hopes to continue partnering with organizations to educate people on the available services and to learn more about the needs of our community.

See the event photos below:

Picture #1: Left to Right: Shirley Saenz (Community Health Worker Supervisor), Stephanie Sandoval (Health Educator), Ophelia Pena (Supervisor of Patient Access Center and Hulen Place Clinic), Ali Hariri (City of Riverside Access Center Manager), Vincent Nguyen (VCF Lead Clinic Coordinator), Fara Aidul (Community Health Program Manager)

The post UCR SOM Center for Healthy Communities Resource Fair appeared first on UCR Health.

Tim Collins, CEO of UCR Health, delivered a presentation about UCR Health, highlighting UCR Health's mission and services. The event attracted a diverse audience, including high school students and families, all eager to learn more about UCR School of Medicine. UCR Health also hosted a table at the event, providing information about our clinics, services, and providers.

Here are the snapshots from the event:

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What is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the time of year when UC employees can change their employee health benefits. They can review their health insurance and other benefits for the upcoming year. During this period, most employees change their health insurance plans, remove or add family members, or update their life or retirement plans. It is extremely important this year as many insurance companies are increasing their prices and contributions to UC employees. 

What are the Benefits? 

• If eligible, dental and vision coverage is provided through the University of California. Choosing a dental or vision plan is more flexible.
• Employees can save money by paying for eligible health care expenses on a pretax basis.
• Open Enrollment allows easy removal or addition of any family members to a healthcare plan.
• Ensures they have the right level of coverage and financial support for themselves and their family. 
• You can find many other benefits HERE.

How to Enroll?

• Before beginning, make sure to disable any pop-up blocker and check the plan website for your primary care as some plans have different steps.
• Sign into your account and select 'Open Enrollment' at the bottom of the page.
• Employees can edit their benefit plan options, add or delete any dependents, and view the cost summary for the selected plan.
• Submit your changes before Friday, November 17th at 5 pm.
• You will receive a confirmation of an Open Enrollment Submission Statement via email each time you submit your application.
• For more in-depth steps, follow HERE.

Applying during this Open Enrollment ensures you get the best support for you and your family through the UC. As many changes to health care are being made in this upcoming year, make sure to apply before Friday, November 17th at 5 pm. You can find the application link HERE.

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The Patient Safety Committee has representation from UCR Health employees, physicians and residents. One of their key focuses in 2022 was to establish work processes with the goal of delivering safe and reliable care. The committee used the National Patient Safety Goals as the blueprint for their patient safety improvement work. Helen Lau RN, an active member of the Patient Safety Committee, notes that “these goals were created by experts, it would not be wise not to follow the Patient Safety Goals.” An example is the refinement of medication management policy to target the improvement in safe use of medications. With this, educational sessions on medication safety were provided to staff at the clinics. The team also worked on improving the process of which clinic staff reconcile patient medications. 

In addition to following the National Patient Safety Goals recommendations, the committee also standardized their medical emergency response process. Helen and the team conduct quarterly training to each clinic with realistic medical emergency scenarios allowing for staff to practice how they would respond in the case of a real medical emergency. 

Healthcare environments can be a vulnerable and anxiety-evoking place for individuals. Ensuring the safety of patients is a responsibility for everyone. Helen explains, “While patient safety is not a popular conversation topic, for us in healthcare it is second nature and feels like the right thing to do. We are passionate about keeping our patients safe and it is always on our mind. Working in healthcare is all about how we care for our patients and the way to do it is to do it safely, providing the right care at the right time to the right patient.” 

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 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.

The post Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 12-19, 2023) appeared first on UCR Health.

Special kudos and thanks to Drs. Varadarajan, Gowda, Sims, Arora, Hernandez Schulte, Song, Woods, Harrington, and Nyc for kicking off the first round of interactive physician media trainings. Hosted by UCR Health, School of Medicine, and University Relations, physicians took part in an educational seminar designed to amplify clinical expertise across news media, educate the community, and dispel misinformation in service to our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare resources as a clinical enterprise.

Want to learn more? 

Watch & Listen to Drs. Lo & Stuparich’s POV on why media supports practice growth and research support.

Ready to RSVP?

Please e-mail UCRH Marketing Director: eileen.kwan@medsch.ucr.edu; Seats are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

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 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.

The post Physician Media Training appeared first on UCR Health.

Why UCR Health? UCR Health is accessible, accepting, welcoming, and an inclusive healthcare system! Plans may vary due to employment status and residential status. If you're curious about which health insurances are accepted at UCR Health, you can view the full list here. Still have some questions? Our CEO Donald Larsen, MD would love to answer your questions! Please contact Beverly.Herbert@medsch.ucr.edu to book a 15-minute call with him.

For more information about Open Enrollment, please visit ucrhealth.org/enroll or call us at 1.844.UCR.8000!

The post Last Chance: UCR Open Enrollment Ends in 2 Days! appeared first on UCR Health.

Dr. Gowda, MD specializes in Adult Medicine, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Internal Medicine, Men’s Health, Preventative Medicine, Primary Care, Well Women Care, and Women’s Health Services at the UCR Health Multispecialty Center.

UCR Health Multispecialty Center

3390 University Avenue, Suite 100
Riverside, CA 92501

To make an appointment with Dr. Gowda, please visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/.

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