About Us

UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked the No. 1 health care system in San Diego. That's just one reason to choose us as your health care provider.

Our Mission

To deliver outstanding patient care through commitment to the community, groundbreaking research and inspired teaching

Our Vision

To create a healthier world — one life at a time — through new science, new medicine and new cures

Best Specialty Care in San Diego

Medical and surgical expertise that hasn't gone unnoticed

When it comes to your health care, quality matters. So when U.S. News & World Report ranked UC San Diego Health as among the nation's best in 11 medical and surgical specialties — more than any hospital system in San Diego — we were thrilled for our patients. These distinctions proudly reflect upon our dedicated physician, nursing and research staff. As do our "A’s” for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group.

Top-Ranked Care

What Is an Academic Medical Center?

All hospitals treat patients, but academic medical centers do much more.

The fundamental difference between an academic medical center and a community hospital is that an academic medical center is integrated with a school of medicine.

At UC San Diego Health, this means that many of our doctors are also faculty members at UC San Diego School of Medicine, conducting original peer-reviewed research and training the next generation of doctors.

By the nature of our university-based hospital system, we play a unique and vital role in the health care landscape of our community. Some of our strengths and contributions are highlighted on this page.

More About UC San Diego Health Sciences

Video: The Value of Academic Medicine to Our Community

Dr. Kane talking to camera with the words "world-class care here for you" on the screen

Christopher Kane, MD, explains how UC San Diego Health, the region's only academic medical center, improves people’s lives and shapes the future of medicine.

Top Minds

We’re outsmarting ailments

With more than 1,500 doctors and scientists who are published experts in their fields, we’re well equipped to deliver unparalleled patient care. Armed with groundbreaking clinical research, our dedicated faculty is saving lives and shaping the future of medicine — from primary care to cancer, childbirth and numerous other disciplines. Their number includes 50 current and emeriti members of the renowned National Academy of Medicine at UC San Diego. As a patient, you’ll enjoy direct access to the top minds in modern medicine.

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Latest Advancements: Clinical Trials

Innovation is in our DNA

For decades, UC San Diego Health and its schools of medicine and pharmacy have been advancing medicine through breakthrough discoveries — including pioneering firsts in surgery, imaging, cancer treatment and cardiovascular care. In fact, we’re the only university-based health care system in San Diego to focus on developing new medicines and therapies — for both common and rare conditions. This all bodes well for our patients, because with hundreds of ongoing medical research studies and clinical trials, you’ll have immediate access to potentially life-saving medical advancements.

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Access and Facilities

World-class care, right in your backyard

It’s all right there. Just waiting. Ready to serve you. A network filled with the most brilliant minds in medicine. And it’s backed with the most advanced research technologies and patient care facilities available, including Jacobs Medical Center and the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region. Which is why UC San Diego Health is committed to working with numerous health insurance plans and products — to ensure that more Californians have access to the highest quality care available.

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Four women in scrubs take notes in class

Benefits to the Community

One role of an academic health system is to serve as a safety net for the underserved. As such, UC San Diego Health supports and participates in various programs to improve our community's access to care, health education, and physical and mental wellness.

Community Outreach Initiatives Nationally recognized programs including the High School Sponsorship Academy, Student-Run Health Clinic and the Health Careers Opportunity Program
340B Prescription Drug Program A vital lifeline for safety-net providers
Education of Health Professionals Teaching physicians, nurses and students, as well as scholarships and education funding