UCI Health Physicians

Food as medicine? Here, Kiran Sachdev, MD, shares how diet plays an important role in gut health and gastrointestinal disease. Sachdev treats patients at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Learn more and refer a patient: https://lnkd.in/gPwmEme3

In this segment, Carlen A. Yuen, MD, a specialist in the field of neuro-oncology, shares a case study of a 40-year-old patient with recurrent grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. After failing standard-of-care treatments, the patient was offered a novel immunotherapy approach using bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE therapy), targeting a tumor-specific DLL3 marker. Yuen illustrates the rationale behind next-generation immunotherapies — including PD-1 inhibitors, CAR T cells, and BiTEs — and how these agents are helping turn “cold” tumors into immune-responsive environments. This case reflects the power of precision oncology, collaborative care at UCI Health and the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the evolving landscape of immunotherapy in CNS tumors. Watch to see how targeted therapies and immune-based strategies are creating new hope in neuro-oncology. Learn more about Yuen's practice, and refer a patient: https://lnkd.in/gxyRFpVT

Here, UCI Health electrophysiologist David Donaldson, MD FACC FHRS, explains how a novel protocol for Watchman™ device insertion offers quicker recovery time, and the potential for same-day discharge. By combining advanced technology with patient-centered care, we are committed to improving heart health and providing exceptional outcomes. Learn more about our approach to the left atrial appendage occlusion device: https://lnkd.in/eJsNEpue

Not all seizures are epilepsy — and not all epilepsy is straightforward. In this clip from a recent webinar, Division of Epilepsy Chief David King-Stephens, MD breaks down the nuances of seizure diagnosis, including the critical distinction between #epilepsy and provoked or mimicking events like convulsive syncope, nocturnal movement disorders, or functional #neurologic conditions. At UCI Health, accurate diagnosis begins with a multidisciplinary approach and continuous EEG monitoring that helps avoid misclassification — especially in complex cases. Watch to learn more about how our epilepsy monitoring unit delivers clarity and confidence in care. Learn more about Stephens' practice and refer a patient: https://lnkd.in/gQyNd3Hj

“My advice would be, you know, AI implementation is not just about the model. It's not like reaching out to the vendor and getting an AI model. It's still at the heart of, it goes back to the key principles of informatics, which is people, process, and policy and technology,” said UCI Health Vice President & Chief Medical Information Officer Deepti Pandita, MD on a recent episode of the Becker's Healthcare podcast. “So the systems that will invest in clinician buy-in, robust AI governance with multi-stakeholder presence, workflow integration, they are the ones who are going to see success in deployment of AI and expect gains rather than systems that are just implementing AI because you know it is available.” Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/g869iJgw

In this discussion, UCI Health pain management specialist Alexa Lean, MD explains how minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD®) relieves pressure on the spinal nerves caused by lumbar spinal stenosis — a common condition in patients over 50. For patients who haven’t responded to conservative therapies and aren’t candidates for open spine surgery, MILD® offers real relief with less tissue trauma and faster recovery. Watch for more about how MILD® works — and who it’s best suited for. Learn about Lean's practice and refer a patient at https://lnkd.in/g7ssKDFr #PainManagement #LumbarStenosis

“I think the future of plugging all the AI tools to driving more administrative efficiency, operational efficiency, and decreasing the cognitive burden of our clinical teams—so they can be more free to provide that very top-of-line patient care—is where everything is moving.” That’s the perspective of Deepti Pandita, MD, vice president and chief medical information officer at UCI Health, shared in a recent episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast. With decades of experience at the intersection of clinical practice and health IT, Pandita reflects on a challenge that hasn’t changed over time: How do we make care teams more productive, more efficient, more proficient? What has changed, she says, are the tools available to meet these demands. And the most promising among them—artificial intelligence—is already reshaping how we streamline operations, reduce clinician burnout, and deliver better care. Listen to the full conversation below.

In this segment, Kiran Sachdev, MD shares how she blends conventional GI care with functional medicine principles to uncover deeper causes of digestive symptoms. She argues that not every older patient with dyspepsia needs a proton pump inhibitor—and why considering underlying issues like hypochlorhydria can lead to more personalized, effective care. Sachdev treats patients at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Learn more and refer a patient: https://lnkd.in/gPwmEme3

At UCI Health, collaboration drives better outcomes. From complex tricuspid valve cases to left atrial appendage occlusion, our structural heart team brings cardiologists, surgeons, imaging specialists, and anesthesiologists together — along with patients, families, and referring physicians — to deliver tailored, community-based care. Watch to learn how we’re treating patients close to home by working with community physicians to diagnose, plan, and treat together. Refer a patient and learn more about UCI Health cardiology services at https://lnkd.in/gmbTJs5v

At UCI Health, gastroenterologist Kiran Sachdev, MD brings together 30 years of traditional GI experience with advanced training in integrative and functional medicine to treat the whole patient — not just the symptom. Her approach addresses complex gut disorders by combining proven diagnostics with systems biology and lifestyle-informed care. For patients with unresolved GI issues, this model offers a new pathway to healing. Sachdev treats patients at the UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and at various locations of the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute. Learn more and refer a patient: https://lnkd.in/g-FB75M9