Message to the Community

Public service is a fundamental element of the University of California mission, and it is the focus of UCSD’s 40th anniversary celebration this year.

UCSD physicians and scientists are nationally known for conducting leading edge research, resulting in improved diagnostic techniques and treatments for disease. Progress is being made toward better management and even cures for diseases ranging from cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease to rare disorders that can strike in infancy or adulthood.

But as you’ll see in this directory, the faculty, staff and students of the UCSD School of Medicine and UCSD Healthcare are advancing the health and welfare of the region not just through research, patient care and education, but through an extraordinary variety of community activities. Our most successful efforts are often in partnership with colleagues in the education and health fields, local businesses, and with dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of their communities.

An important aspect of disease prevention is educating people about nutrition, lifestyle and environmental factors that influence health. Practicing healthy behaviors and being aware of risk factors, as well as conducting self-assessments to catch early signs of disease, can be as important as regular medical check-ups. Many of our outreach programs are focused on early interventions to keep our community healthy, and basic care for the medically underserved so that medical problems can be identified and treated before they become serious.

Providing educational enrichment to help supplement science and health curricula in local schools is also an important part of our commitment to serve.

I hope you find this directory useful, and I look forward to continuing and expanding our involvement in the promoting the health of all San Diegans.