2025 UCI-OC Alliance Spring Meeting – New Leadership and Healthcare Conversations
On May 22, 2025, the UCI-OC Alliance gathered for its annual spring meeting, marking a new chapter of growth and collaboration. Some important activities included engaging discussion as well as a welcome to new members and recognizing of past and new leadership.
New 2025-26 Alliance members include Jessica Fernandez, Teresa Razo '92 and Dr. Lori Ochoa '03. These remarkable leaders with diverse sets of talents in the areas of energy, entrepreneurship, and applied behavioral analysis will be adding unique value to the Alliance.
After nearly five years of leadership, Dean A. Yoost stepped down from his role as Co-chair of the Alliance. In recognition of his leadership and co-founding of the Alliance, Dean was presented with the prestigious Crystral Anteater Award – the highest award given by UC Irvine’s Chancellor Howard Gillman. Pamina Barkow ’03, EMBA ’16, was announced as the succeeding Co-chair. Pamina joins returning Co-chair Eloy Ortiz Oakley and Executive Director, Maria G. Cervantes, and newly appointed special advisor, Dean Tiffany Ana López in leading the Alliance.
Alliance members and campus liaisons were joined by Dean Ian O. Williamson, Dean Jan Hirsch, Dean Michael Stamos, and Dean Mark Lazenby. The Chancellor’s remarks were followed by California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana E. Ramos, who delivered a powerful keynote address discussing the need for culturally sensitive healthcare professionals who speak the language of California’s largest ethnic minority group. She emphasized that there is a gap in representation and UC Irvine is positioned to make a difference.
The conversation was followed by UC Irvine’s Interprofessional Education & Practice Collaborative (IEPC), whose mission is to foster teamwork across healthcare disciplines by integrating faculty, students and community partners, promoting shared knowledge and effective communication. Faculty Director, Dr. Stephanie Au and Assistant Faculty Director, Dr. Nana Entsuah-Boateng, discussed the various initiatives including community engagement, curriculum development, educational pathways and accessibility, professional development, and research and scholarships. They highlighted marquee events like the annual Community Health Fair and the Choosing a Major conference.
Areen Andreasian (MS1), Vivian Dinh (PharmD), and Trinh Woolridge (MS1) showcased their IEPC research project which focused on Reducing Social Isolation in Low-Income Elderly Communities: A Hybrid Model of Digital and In-Person Interventions. UC Irvine is committed to developing well-rounded healthcare leaders dedicated to upholding the gold standard of care.
The successful meeting underscored the collective commitment to supporting UC Irvine's future and empowering today's leaders. The UCI-OC Alliance looks forward to another year of engagement and meaningful contributions from its Alliance members and scholars.