UC Davis Health Equity by Design in Inclusive Practice (HEDI) is translating health equity from principle into practice across UC Davis Health’s efforts in research, education and community partnership. During the past year, its work has spanned local economic investment, clinical education, statewide policy leadership and national conversations on access to care, pathways into the health professions and innovations shaping the future of medicine. The following stories reflect this work in action.
Anchor Mission at Five Years
20%
UC Davis Health has exceeded its goal of 10% of new hires for local hiring.
The 2024-25 academic year marked the five-year anniversary of its Anchor Institution Mission at UC Davis Health, a groundbreaking initiative that embeds equity into local hiring, procurement and investment. In its first half-decade, the mission has generated momentum in workforce development and strengthened community partnerships in Sacramento and beyond. By committing institutional resources to local impact, UC Davis Health is redefining how academic health centers contribute to economic and social wellbeing.
Avenue M: Redefining Access to Medical Education
Through Avenue M, UC Davis has reimagined how medical schools identify, prepare, and support future physicians — earning national attention for building a pathway that more closely reflects California’s communities. Launched to expand opportunity for students historically excluded from medicine, Avenue M emphasizes academic preparation, mentorship, and holistic review rather than traditional gatekeeping metrics alone. The program has contributed to a medical student body that is more representative of the state’s diversity and has been cited nationally — through rankings and news coverage — as a model for advancing equity in medical education.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Health Inequities
UC Davis convened faculty experts to reflect on more than two decades of health equity research and practice, examining how the field has evolved and where gaps remain. The discussion traced progress in understanding social determinants of health, structural racism and community-based approaches, while also acknowledging persistent inequities in access, outcomes and trust. “Real change happens when we bring together science, community and advocacy,” said Ruth Shim, M.D., M.P.H., the Luke and Grace Kim Professor in Cultural Psychiatry, “Locally, we need to re-strengthen our commitment to addressing inequities by prioritizing our connections to the communities we serve.”
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“Real change happens when we bring together science, community, and advocacy. Locally, we need to restrengthen our commitment to addressing inequities by prioritizing out connections to the communities we serve.”
— Ruth Shim, M.D., M.P.H., the Luke and Grace Kim Professor in Cultural Psychiatry
Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola Appointed to State Health Equity Committee
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, to the California Health Equity Advisory Committee. This appointment reflects national recognition of UC Davis as a thought leader in advancing equitable healthcare.
Addressing Bias and Bigotry at UC Davis Health
UC Davis Health launched a new speaker series to confront antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bias and discrimination. The series created a safe forum for faculty, staff and students to learn from national experts and community leaders. Speakers brought perspectives on systemic racism, conflict and the role of empathy in clinical care. By integrating these discussions into its existing Grand Rounds program, UC Davis Health affirmed its commitment to fostering compassion, dialogue and understanding within the medical community.
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“I just noticed how many of my colleagues, from diverse backgrounds like Muslim, Palestinian and Jewish, were silently suffering without an outlet to process their experiences and perspectives. As physicians it’s important for us to understand those experiences and perspectives so we can be empathetic when we work with patients, students, residents and other colleagues.”
— Mithu Molla, MBA, M.D., director at the UC Davis Office of Medical Education