Photo Credit: UC San Diego School of Medicine

FEATURE 

We are thrilled to invite you to the 4^th Annual Symposium for Innovation in Medical Education (SIME) on May 16, 2025, at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. The goal of this event is to promote and advance the educational mission of the UC San Diego School of Medicine, while building leadership capacity in medical education. This year's theme is "Technology in Medical Education," featuring presentations on AI and technology in medical education, precision medicine, personalized tutors, and much more. 

The day's agenda is intended for health care professionals across specialties, including faculty, residents, medical students, fellows, and administrative staff who wish to learn more about the educational resources and innovations available on campus. CME credit will be provided. 

SIME is co-hosted by the UC San Diego Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Continuing Medical Education, and the Sanford Institute's Center for Mentorship in Medicine. 

Event Details:
• When: Friday, May 16, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST
• Where: Rady Children's Hospital, Education & Office Building
• How to Register: Click here to save your spot for free

Want to submit an abstract for the SIME poster session?
SIME is currently accepting abstracts in all areas of medical education, including: curriculum development, innovations, research and educational scholarship. Submission deadline is March 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. PST. Click here to submit your abstract.

Please email sbodonnell@health.ucsd.edu with any questions. 

EVENTS

On May 19 and May 21, 2025, a planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — including the Sanford Institute's very own Dr. Gentry Patrick of the Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health — will host a two-day public virtual workshop that explores the neurobiology of empathy and compassion. This event will bring together leaders and experts across disciplines and sectors to explore potential implications and utilizations of empathy and compassion for the treatment of brain disorders and other real-world applications.   

PUBLICATIONS

Led by Sanford Institute researcher Amy Bintliff, PhD, this new research publication centers on the UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship — revealing how the program contributes to improved compassionate communication, empathic listening, and more.

NEWS

Leaders from UC San Diego —including Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health Director, Dr. Gentry Patrick — traveled to Washington, D.C. to highlight university efforts to expand STEMM career pathways for students, as well as advocate for increased federal investment in critical programs. 

PODCAST

Burnout in health care is more than just exhaustion; it’s a deep disconnect from the purpose that once fueled a career in medicine. Center for Compassionate Communication Affiliate Faculty Members, Dr. Ami Doshi and Dr. Julie Celebi join the Symptom Media Podcast to discuss the emotional toll of caregiving and the moments that led them to reevaluate their professional paths.

CULTURE

Meet Shruthi Suresh (she/her/hers), our student employee at the Sanford Institute.

NEWS

— We're hiring a Research Program Coordinator, who will support our Center for Research on Empathy and Compassion. Learn more and apply.

— The UC Office of the President has launched a federal updates website with information and resources on the UC system's approach to executive orders. This site covers important topics such as research, immigration, and more. 

— Are you a medical or nursing educator seeking new curricular innovations? Join the Lead With Compassion 2-day training in San Diego, CA, this September 8-10, 2025, to get the tools to enhance your leadership, facilitation, and professional performance in health care. (Discount available for UC San Diego faculty — email nonava@health.ucsd.edu to redeem.)

— Co-led by Sanford Institute researcher Dr. Jyoti Mishra, UC Climate Resilience Initiative is hosting an ongoing 'stress break' for students on all UC campuses, guided by expert mindfulness teachers. Register now to settle your mind and body (it's free!).

— Center for Compassionate Communication is now recruiting fellows for its fall 2025 cohort of the UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship. This opportunity is open to UC San Diego faculty members across all medical disciplines.

Pictured: Siblings getting along!

CULTURE

Lexi Elo-Rivera is half-Poodle, half-Husky, and 100% comPAWssionate. Adopted by Sanford Institute Manager of Communications Angela Elo-Rivera in 2020, Lexi enjoys being chased at the dog park, getting scraps from her toddler brother, and watching The Great British Baking Show. She even has her own Instagram account, managed by her momager.

Known for being prim, proper, and utterly fabulous, Lexi thinks anyone who comes to her house is there for her — and we're not correcting her. She makes family, friends, and total strangers feel special with a wag of her tail, a nuzzle for pets, or puppy-dog eyes for treats, and it's a major oxytocin release. Thanks, Lexi!