Hello and Seasons Greetings to all!

I hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather at last and looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. Make sure to visit the Mission Inn this time of year – their holiday decorations are truly incredible!

In November, I had the opportunity to attend three major conferences over the course of one week: the AAMC National Conference, the Beckers CEO and CFO Conference, and the UC Annual Population Health Symposium. The general theme across these events was uncertainty about the short-term future, but a shared conviction that the work we are doing for patients — focusing on quality, service, access, continuity planning, and engagement — is the right approach for the long term. At the Beckers Conference, I was asked to speak about how organizations like UCR Health live our mission by prioritizing the health of our community. As I drive to work, seeing our brand commitment — “Your Health, Our Priority” — emblazoned across billboards along the 91, 60, and 15 freeways, I’m reminded of how inspiring and aligned this commitment is with our goal to improve the health of the Inland Empire. Like all of us here at UCR, I truly believe that serving the community is a team effort, and we will continue to build partnerships to achieve our “True North” aspirations.

This past year, we have achieved significant progress in quality, access, and service. We are seeing more patients each month compared to last year, and we’ve placed a strong emphasis on improving quality outcomes, particularly in hypertension, diabetes, and mental health screening. Thanks to the outreach efforts of our frontline team, we have increased our Merit-based Incentive Payment System hypertension control measure (BP < 140/9) from 40% to 69%. Starting in January, we plan to apply the same successful approach to diabetes care. With the Inland Empire’s high rates of both hypertension and diabetes, the work you’re doing to improve screenings and interventions will have a real impact on saving lives. 

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the recent election and its results. We may all be filled with uncertainty, but the strength of our country and the University of California lies in our ability to be ourselves, express our views, and be respected and valued for who we are. At the same time, it’s important to respect others who may have different perspectives. We should listen, seek to understand, and be thoughtful and reflective in our interactions. That’s one of the reasons why I’m looking forward to spending time with you at our on-site staff luncheons this month — reflecting on our commitments to our patients and to one another. As humans, we are never too old or set in our ways to learn, and this holiday season, we can all focus on being more inclusive and living by the golden rule: treating others as we would like to be treated.  

This month, of all months, I encourage us all to consider how we can be the light within a shadow and take small steps to brighten the world and the season for others. Wishing you and your loved ones all my best during this holiday season. 

With warmest regards,