UC Davis Health

This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reminds us of the vital contributions of individuals with disabilities, and the caregivers and allies who support them. We are proud to foster a culture of inclusion, advocacy and belonging here at UC Davis Health.

A new clinical trial shows that shunt surgery can help older adults with hydrocephalus walk better and fall less. The study found that patients who received working shunts had improved mobility, balance and fewer falls. “Progressive walking difficulty, cognitive problems and urinary issues are some of the telltale signs of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Yet, it has long been underrecognized, leaving many older adults struggling with a preventable disability,” said neurosurgeon Branden Cord. We are one of 17 research sites in the international trial. Learn how timely diagnosis and treatment can help older adults regain mobility: https://lnkd.in/gwEPpYnK

NIH-funded research, led by Alyssa Weakley in the UC Davis Department of Neurology, is pioneering technology that enables remote caregiving. This allows patients with cognitive impairment to stay home while staying connected to caregivers. Her research aims to reduce health care burdens and promote patient independence. Without continued NIH support, these innovations will be lost, leaving families with fewer options and increasing strain on an already overburdened health care system. Alyssa Weakley, PhD explains how NIH cuts will impact the development of new treatments, cures and quality of life for all Americans. Learn more about her research: https://lnkd.in/gnSbxNpA #FromLabsToLives University of California, Davis

#FromLabsToLives | #SpeakUp4Science Did you know? The Center for Reducing Health Disparities at UC Davis Health operates a federally funded program, "Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL), which focuses on strengthening community–academic collaboration to address social needs in underserved communities. Through this initiative, community-based organizations (CBOs) receive technical assistance and participate in monthly webinars over the course of two years to help them design and implement social needs interventions tailored to their respective communities. Learn more about this program that serves and empowers our local communities. https://conta.cc/3WsyjCu Learn more about UC Davis research by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gG5GWmKu

"Without federal funding, we're going to fail the people of California.” - Dr. Fred Meyers Cancer affects millions of lives, but better treatments and outcomes start with research. Dr. Meyers is leading NIH-funded efforts to improve cancer care by exploring new treatment approaches, from precision medicine to immunotherapy. Without continued federal funding, progress in developing better therapies could slow, leaving patients with fewer options. Dr. Meyers explains how federal funding is used to train the next generation of scientists and doctors, and the gaps that will be created if that funding is lost. Learn more about his research: https://lnkd.in/gRfKe9DU #FromLabsToLives University of California, Davis

The University of California just made Nobel history. In just three days, UC faculty and alumni earned five Nobel Prizes, including a world record: four faculty winners in a single year. These honors recognize decades of research in quantum computing, immune system regulation, and climate chemistry. They also highlight the importance of federal funding in supporting bold, creative science that improves lives and drives progress. UC San Diego and UCLA alum Fred Ramsdell, along with collaborators in Seattle and Japan, received the The Nobel Prize in medicine for identifying the cells that prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. University of California, Berkeley emeritus professor John Clarke, UC Santa Barbara emeritus professor John Martinis, and UC Santa Barbara professor Michel Devoret earned the physics prize for experiments that underpin today’s most powerful quantum computers. UC Berkeley professor Omar Yaghi shared the chemistry prize with scientists in Australia and Japan for developing a new kind of super-absorbent molecular architecture that can clean pollutants from the atmosphere or harvest drinking water from desert air. UC faculty have now earned 75 Nobel Prizes since 1934. These discoveries are more than scientific milestones. They are examples of how curiosity, collaboration, and public investment can change the world. Explore the stories behind the prizes and the discoveries that made them possible: https://lnkd.in/gJhUyG3r

Two UC Davis Children’s Hospital physicians were among more than 90 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and trainees recognized this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for exemplary achievements in advocacy, practice and research that impact the care of children. Erik Fernandez y Garcia, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. was honored with the Council on Community Pediatrics’ Local Hero Award. He is the first UC Davis Health pediatrician to win this award. Satyan Lakshminrusimha was awarded the prestigious Virginia Apgar Award by the AAP’s Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. The award honors an individual whose career has had a sustained and profound influence on the welfare of newborn infants. Read more about their achievements: https://lnkd.in/gK8w8pwf

National Celebrate Healthcare Security and Safety Week is Oct. 12-18, 2025. This important week spotlights the critical role our Protective Services Officers (PSOs) play in serving staff, patients and visitors. "Our PSOs at UC Davis Health are a vigilant and caring group of individuals who selflessly put themselves on the front line every day, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to serving others," said UC Davis Police Captain Mark Brunet. Protective Service Officers help keep UC Davis Health safe, secure and running smoothly. They support a community of care that fosters quality treatment for patients and their families. Whether it's ensuring the physical safety of staff and patients or simply serving as a reassuring presence, the work of the PSOs allows the workforce to focus on their roles with peace of mind. Please take some time to show appreciation to our Protective Services Officers this week!