UCI Health Physician Huddle

UCI Health
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MEDICINE

At UCI Health, advancing medicine means never standing still. Physician Huddle brings specialists, healthcare leaders, and clinical partners into the center of the latest breakthroughs, research discoveries, and innovations in patient care. Hosted by Sunil Verma, MD, and Lindsay Carrillo, MBA, each episode features candid conversations with UCI Health experts — from pioneering brain cancer therapies and AI-driven cancer diagnostics to surgical innovations, aging care strategies, and advances in specialty fields like urology and neuro-oncology. Whether you’re seeking clinical insights to inform your practice or looking for new ideas to improve patient outcomes, Physician Huddle offers trusted expertise, forward-thinking discussions, and real-world applications you can use today. Subscribe and stay connected to clinical innovation at UCI Health. Learn more or refer a patient at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org.

  1. What happens when GI doctors shape the future of endoscopic therapy and technology?

    FEB 20

    What happens when GI doctors shape the future of endoscopic therapy and technology?

    Jason Samarasena, MD, professor of medicine and Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at UCI Health, reflects on more than two decades of service at UCI Health and the rapid transformation of modern GI practice. Now leading a division spanning advanced endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology and motility, Samarasena discusses recruiting world-class faculty, expanding clinical trials and building a culture that empowers physicians to pursue their strengths, whether in program development, research, or innovation. The conversation highlights breakthrough technologies including the first drug-coated balloon for complex esophageal strictures, next-generation robotic colonoscopy platforms and artificial intelligence systems designed to detect and characterize polyps, identify dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus and automate endoscopy reporting. Samarasena also shares insights from co-founding an AI company focused on computer vision in GI and discusses how digital health agents may transform patient preparation, multilingual communication, and workflow efficiency. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming UCI Health Digestive Health Summit, a two-day educational and hands-on training event showcasing multidisciplinary collaboration across surgery and gastroenterology, along with a leadership and empowerment track addressing physician wellness, innovation, and the evolving business of healthcare. Topics Discussed: •Balancing clinical care, research and training •Clinical trials in IBS and advanced GI therapeutics •Robotic colonoscope platform development •Ergonomics and physician longevity in endoscopy •Drug-coated balloon for esophageal strictures (Paclitaxel) •AI computer vision in colonoscopy •Dysplasia detection in Barrett’s esophagus •Automating endoscopy reports with AI •AI health agents for bowel prep and multilingual patient communication •Chao Digestive Health Institute (CDHI) collaborative model •Digestive Health Summit and hands-on endoscopy labs Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    29 min
  2. Neurosurgical innovation and incremental wins in an unforgiving field

    FEB 18

    Neurosurgical innovation and incremental wins in an unforgiving field

    Frank Hsu, MD, PhD, the Denny and Betty Tsai Endowed Chair in Neurological Surgery at UCI Health, reflects on shaping a comprehensive, subspecialty-driven neurosurgery program grounded in collaboration, academic rigor, and steady innovation. Since joining UCI Health in 2012 and assuming departmental leadership shortly thereafter, Hsu has helped guide the program through a period of significant growth, expanding faculty depth across trauma, spine, vascular, functional and skull base neurosurgery while strengthening residency and fellowship training. In this conversation, he discusses building a culture that prioritizes teamwork over ego, developing multidisciplinary programs in partnership with neurology, orthopedics and otolaryngology, and advancing minimally invasive approaches such as focused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. He also outlines how the UCI Health expansion into Irvine and affiliated community hospitals is enhancing access to complex stroke, trauma, and tertiary neurosurgical care across the region. This episode offers an inside look at how advanced neurosurgery evolves, through deliberate recruitment, evidence-based innovation and incremental progress in some of medicine’s most challenging diseases. Topics Discussed Multimodality monitoring in traumatic brain injuryExpanding subspecialty expertise across trauma, spine, vascular and functional neurosurgeryComprehensive spine collaboration with orthopedics, neurology, pain and rehabGrowth of residency and fellowship programsFocused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s diseaseExpansion across Irvine and community hospitalsBuilding a collaborative neurosurgery cultureManaging stroke volume in a growing regionEvidence-based adoption of robotics and minimally invasive techniquesIncremental advances in glioblastoma survivalAcademic leadership in Orange County’s only academic medical centerConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    29 min
  3. From gene therapy to focused ultrasound: Advancing the future of neurological care

    FEB 18

    From gene therapy to focused ultrasound: Advancing the future of neurological care

    In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Claire Henchcliffe, MD, DPhil, Stanley van den Noort Endowed Chair in Neurology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, discusses scaling a 60+ faculty department, expanding clinical trials access and advancing precision neurology through stem cell therapy, artificial intelligence, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Henchcliffe reflects on her path from Oxford to Weill Cornell Medicine and ultimately to UC Irvine, where she has grown the Department of Neurology from fewer than 40 faculty to more than 60, with ongoing expansion underway. She discusses the strategic importance of integrating academic neuroscience with enterprise growth, leveraging campus research strength, community partnerships, and clinical scale to meet a nationwide shortage of neurologists. The conversation highlights the UCI Health depth in neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and emerging dementia subtypes, as well as its more than 100 open clinical trials across gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, antibody infusions, and small molecule therapeutics. Henchcliffe describes pioneering work in first-in-human stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease and the launch of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound for non-incisional neurological interventions. Looking ahead, she outlines a vision for precision neurology powered by neurogenetics, AI-driven predictive analytics and neuroinformatics, bringing biomarkers, environment, social determinants and big data together to personalize neurological care. Topics Discussed: Addressing the national neurologist workforce shortageIntegrating campus research with clinical neurologyFirst-in-human stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s diseaseGene therapy in neuromuscular disordersMagnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound for non-incisional neurosurgeryExpansion of stroke care and comprehensive stroke center collaborationUndiagnosed Disease Network participationDevelopment of a new headache fellowshipNeuroinformatics, AI and predictive analytics in clinical decision-makingPrecision neurology incorporating genetics, biomarkers and social determinantsMore than 100 open clinical trials across subspecialtiesConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    32 min
  4. From hidden gem to regional referral center: The evolution of ENT at UCI Health

    FEB 12

    From hidden gem to regional referral center: The evolution of ENT at UCI Health

    In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Lindsay Carrillo, MBA and Sunil Verma, MD, sit down with Tjoson Tjoa, MD, Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, to discuss the department’s transformation from a single-digit-faculty service line to a rapidly expanding, subspecialty-driven academic program. Tjoa reflects on returning to UCI Health after fellowship, building a head and neck cancer practice through community engagement and availability, and ultimately stepping into departmental leadership. He shares lessons learned about referral network development, physician accessibility, and the importance of creating sustainable growth that supports both patient access and physician wellness. The conversation also explores how recent health system expansion, including the opening of UCI Health – Irvine and the launch of a dedicated ENT presence in Brea, has lifted longstanding constraints on ambulatory and operating room capacity. With 19 faculty members and at least two subspecialists in every major ENT discipline, the department is positioning itself as a regional referral destination serving Orange County, the Inland Empire, and eastern Los Angeles County. Tjoa also outlines emerging research strengths, including nationally recognized innovations in hearing science and spatial genomics in head and neck cancer. Together, these efforts aim to elevate national reputation while maintaining the UCI Health identity as an accessible and collegial academic medical center. Topics Discussed: Building a head and neck cancer referral network through availability and community engagementAligning departmental growth with health system expansionDoubling faculty size to meet regional demandSubspecialization across seven ENT disciplinesExpanding ambulatory access in Brea and IrvineCreating geographically rooted care teams to improve continuity and wellnessStrengthening collaboration between clinicians and campus researchersNationally recognized hearing research and cochlear innovationSpatial genomics and transcriptomics in head and neck cancerBalancing local community access with national academic reputationConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    27 min
  5. What NCI designation means for cancer care in Orange County

    FEB 11

    What NCI designation means for cancer care in Orange County

    In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Lindsay Carrillo, MBA, and Sunil Verma, MD, are joined by Richard Van Etten, MD, PhD, director of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and holder of the Chao Family Endowed Director’s Chair in Cancer Research and Treatment. Van Etten reflects on his career path from Stanford and Harvard to leading one of the nation’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centers, and outlines what distinguishes academic cancer centers from community oncology practices. He discusses the depth of subspecialization required to treat complex malignancies, the importance of multidisciplinary care models, and why access to clinical trials remains essential when guidelines fall short. The conversation also explores the UCI Health commitment to its Orange County catchment area, including care for underserved populations, the expansion of inpatient and outpatient cancer services in Irvine and Orange, and the impact of launching the county’s only adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cellular therapy program.  Van Etten closes by sharing leadership strategies that have driven rapid growth in faculty, funding and national research visibility, and by outlining the cancer center’s future priorities in precision medicine, integrative oncology, and training the next generation of cancer specialists. Topics discussed: What NCI designation means for patients and referring physicians.Differences between academic cancer centers and community oncology practices.Subspecialization and multidisciplinary care in complex cancers.Clinical trials access when standard treatment guidelines end.Caring for underserved populations in Orange County.Expansion of cancer services across Irvine and Orange.Launch and growth of the adult stem cell transplant and cell therapy program.Faculty recruitment, research funding growth and leadership strategy.The role of philanthropy and investigator-initiated trials.Future priorities in precision oncology, integrative care and education.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    36 min
  6. How Advanced Clinical Research Evolves Into Patient Access

    JAN 29

    How Advanced Clinical Research Evolves Into Patient Access

    In this episode, Farshid Dayyani, MD, PhD, medical director of the Stern Center for Clinical Trials and Research and associate director for translational science at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center shares his path to UCI Health and how the cancer center’s clinical trials program has grown over the past decade.  From expanding participation in industry-sponsored studies to developing a robust portfolio of investigator-initiated trials, he discusses what it takes to build a sustainable clinical trials infrastructure, balance patient care with research responsibilities, and support junior faculty as clinical investigators. The conversation explores how patients and referring physicians access trials, the ethics and design of modern oncology studies, and the evolving role of liquid biopsy and molecular residual disease testing in cancer care. Dayyani also reflects on the scale and complexity of running a large clinical trials enterprise, the importance of team-based execution, and why meaningful research starts by listening to the patients you serve. Topics discussed: Building and scaling a comprehensive clinical trials program within an academic medical center.Balancing patient care responsibilities with the demands of clinical research.The role of industry-sponsored, cooperative group, and investigator-initiated trials.How patients and referring physicians identify and access clinical trials at UCI Health.Ethical design of oncology trials and addressing common patient concerns about participation.The growing role of liquid biopsy and molecular residual disease testing in cancer care.Supporting and mentoring junior faculty as clinical investigators.The infrastructure and collaboration required to run high-quality clinical trials at scale.How regional demographics and disease prevalence shape trial design and enrollment. Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    28 min
  7. Building a Research Powerhouse: The Evolution of the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute

    JAN 28

    Building a Research Powerhouse: The Evolution of the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute

    In this episode of Physician Huddle, Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, endowed professor, chair of the UC Irvine School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and director of the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, shares the challenges of building a nationally recognized research enterprise within an academic ophthalmology department. Kuppermann reflects on his decades-long career at UC Irvine, including two distinct tenures as department chair, and the strategic decisions that helped transform the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute into a leading center for translational vision research. He discusses recruiting world-class scientists, aligning research growth with clinical excellence, and leveraging philanthropy and institutional partnerships to accelerate discovery. The conversation explores how proximity between bench and bedside is reshaping faculty recruitment, collaboration and patient care, as well as the leadership principles, integrity, consistency and playing the long game, that have guided the institute’s evolution. Kuppermann also shares advice for emerging academic leaders on building credibility, managing complexity, and sustaining momentum over time. Topics discussed: Building a translational vision research enterprise within an academic ophthalmology department.Strategic recruitment of world-class scientists and clinician–scientists.The role of philanthropy and endowments in accelerating research growth.Creating proximity between bench research and clinical care to drive innovation.Expanding NIH-funded research and national visibility in vision science.Lessons learned from serving multiple tenures as department chair.Servant leadership, integrity and managing alignment across faculty and institutional leadership.Balancing academic growth with community-based ophthalmic care across Orange County.Advice for emerging leaders on credibility, diplomacy and long-term impact in academic medicine. Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    25 min
  8. Why Great Urology Programs Don’t Happen by Accident

    JAN 16

    Why Great Urology Programs Don’t Happen by Accident

    Leaders from UCI Health sit down with Jamie Landman, MD, Chair of the UC Irvine School of Medicine Department of Urology, to discuss leadership, culture-building, and innovation in academic medicine. Landman reflects on his path to UCI Health, the evolution of the Department of Urology over the past 15 years, and the leadership philosophy that has helped cultivate collaboration, mentorship, and sustained the development of faculty at every career stage. He also shares lessons learned from executive coaching, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and why service-oriented leadership is essential to building high-performing clinical teams. Landman also highlights emerging innovations in robotics, minimally invasive procedures, and clinical trials that are shaping the future of urology. Topics discussed: Building and sustaining a collaborative, service-oriented culture within an academic urology department.Leadership development in academic medicine, including the role of executive coaching and emotional intelligence.Recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty across career stages to drive long-term departmental excellence.Leveraging philanthropy and development partnerships to launch innovative clinical, research, and community programs.Expanding access to urologic care through community partnerships and the growing UCI Health clinical footprint.Emerging innovations in urology, including robotics, minimally invasive procedures, and first-in-the-world clinical trials.The role of academic health centers in translating cutting-edge research and technology into patient-centered care.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

At UCI Health, advancing medicine means never standing still. Physician Huddle brings specialists, healthcare leaders, and clinical partners into the center of the latest breakthroughs, research discoveries, and innovations in patient care. Hosted by Sunil Verma, MD, and Lindsay Carrillo, MBA, each episode features candid conversations with UCI Health experts — from pioneering brain cancer therapies and AI-driven cancer diagnostics to surgical innovations, aging care strategies, and advances in specialty fields like urology and neuro-oncology. Whether you’re seeking clinical insights to inform your practice or looking for new ideas to improve patient outcomes, Physician Huddle offers trusted expertise, forward-thinking discussions, and real-world applications you can use today. Subscribe and stay connected to clinical innovation at UCI Health. Learn more or refer a patient at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org.

Information

  • Creator
    UCI Health
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UCI Health Physician Huddle
  • Show Website
    UCI Health Physician Huddle