Pulse – March 2024

DIRECTOR’S DESK CHRISTINA R. GHALY, MD

As we enter the Spring, it is a great time to reflect on and appreciate the new growth all around us. This is also an ideal opportunity to revisit the excellent things going on throughout our department. I am pleased to share that the 2023 Annual Report is now available. The video link can be found here: 2023 Annual Report. I would like to encourage you to take a moment to review it and learn about the extraordinary breadth of work that is occurring across the department. I know that we can often get tied up in our daily work, but this report offers an important window into the work that goes on outside of our typical realm.

As always, I am delighted to see the creative programs and innovations that are implemented to meet the complex needs of our community members. The highlighted programs often tap into technology in new ways and revisit the way things have been done in the past and figure out how to change the approach to improve efficiencies and outcomes. The time and talent committed to these endeavors is inspiring to see.

This month, you will learn about the Hospital Emergency Response Training program through the Emergency Medical Services division. This is a critical training that enables our staff to prepare for any disaster that may occur.

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center broke ground on a capital project to continue to meet the needs of our patients and workforce. The project entails the creation of a new 9 story hospital building that will ultimately replace the old hospital building. Also at Harbor-UCLA, the Fellowship and Resident Awards recognized some of the Residents and Fellows who help make our programs outstanding.

In March, we celebrate Social Workers. According to the National Association of Social Workers, the theme for 2024 is “Empowering Social Workers!” We have Social Workers who work throughout the department who use their skills, knowledge and creativity to help our patients navigate complex health, mental health, substance use, and housing systems to find solutions to complicated problems.

The Office of Patient Access will be celebrating Patient Access Week during the first week of April, where we recognize the important role that our patient access workers have within our system. They are often the first people that connect with our patients and help set the tone for their visit.

This month, we take a look at some of the ways in which Black History month was celebrated in our workplaces. Thank you to everyone who planned and participated in the festivities.

Thank you for all you do.

Dr. Christina Ghaly