Year 3. August 12. Clinical and Education Leaders are all Around Us.

By sjmartinez • August 12, 2024

As I move around the department each day, it is easy to spot many examples of leadership and the impact of our colleagues across multiple missions. I hope they will inspire you, as much as they do me.

Samuel P. Haslam, MD Named 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Pacific Coast Business Times

It is with pride that I share that the Pacific Coast Business Times has named Pulmonologist Dr. Samuel P. Haslam as one of the 40 under 40 community leaders in Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties whose contributions are improving the region’s quality of life through public service. The recognition honors his commitment and contributions to providing exceptional patient care to UCLA patients in the community of Thousand Oaks.

Dr. Haslam shares, “I am incredibly grateful for this award and the opportunity to work at UCLA. My goal is to continue pursuing clinical mastery and expanding our mission to serve patients in the valley. The support from UCLA allows us to provide exceptional care to those who might otherwise face barriers due to geography or financial constraints.”

Dr. Haslam’s approach to patient care is rooted in thorough preparation, building strong relationships with patients, explaining information in an easily digestible format, and providing guidance that empowers each patient on their health journey. His goal is to always optimize patient outcomes while avoiding unnecessary treatments.

Dr. Haslam shares that he is thrilled to practice in the beautiful location of Thousand Oaks Hampshire Primary and Specialty Care alongside fantastic colleagues, and join his wife, a UCLA psychiatry resident, in Southern California. Dr. Haslam concludes, “I look forward to continuing to develop meaningful and productive relationships with patients, while enhancing their health and helping them to achieve their own health goals, in a way that is kind, compassionate, and endearing.”

Congratulations Dr. Haslam on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to your continued LEADERShip and impact in the community!

Tyler B. Larsen, MD Awarded the 2024 Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) David M. Worthen Award for Excellence in Health Professions Education

Next, we celebrate Hospitalist Dr. Tyler Larsen, who has been named the recipient of the Rising Star Award by the David M. Worthen Awards for Excellence in Education. This distinction, presented by the VHA, is the highest recognition in educational excellence and is named after the late Dr. David M. Worthen, head of Academic Affairs, board-certified ophthalmologist, academician, surgeon, researcher, and inspirational leader of VA’s education mission.

“It is a profound honor to receive this recognition as the VA David Worthen Rising Star for 2024. It is a distinct privilege to educate the next generation of physicians. To receive this award for doing the job I enjoy so much, is humbling. I am grateful for all of those who played a part in my receiving this recognition,” states Larsen.

Inspired by his grandfather’s service as a Korean War era veteran, Dr. Larsen has focused his educational efforts on enhancing the veteran experience, making a profound impact on both education and patient care. Dr. Larsen has had a critical role in shaping the educational landscape at the VA as the site director for the internal medicine clerkship and sub internship rotations. His teaching strategies and commitment to excellence have increased enrollment in elective sub-internal medicine rotations at the VA. His leadership also includes educating faculty on trauma-informed examination and best practices in medical education.

Dr. Larsen’s dedication to health education extends into the broader community through peer-reviewed publications, podcasts, videos, and social media.

Congratulations Dr. Larsen on this well-deserved recognition! Your unwavering commitment to our veterans and health education inspire us all.

Sina Shafiei, MD Named Adventist Health Simi Valley HEROES Awardee

Join me in congratulating Hospitalist Dr. Sina Shafiei who was recognized with a Hero Award by our community hospital partner Adventist Health Simi Valley. This award is driven by patients who nominate faculty and staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care and are committed to excellence. I would like to celebrate Dr. Shafiei by sharing the remarks from his nominator:

“I am writing to nominate Dr. Shafiei for the HEROES award in recognition of his exceptional care and dedication to his patients, particularly my husband, during a challenging time. My husband was admitted to the hospital on April 9 with acute renal failure, partial blockage to both kidneys, and a mass in his abdomen. Just four days later, he was readmitted for a severe bacterial infection in his bloodstream. Throughout both admissions, Dr. Shafiei’s invaluable knowledge and commitment to going the extra mile played a crucial role in my husband's fight for his life and our peace of mind.

Dr. Shafiei's professionalism, approachability and kindness were evident in every interaction. Despite the complexities of my husband's case and the multitude of questions from concerned family members, Dr. Shafiei remained steadfast and steady, providing clear explanations and reassurance. His dedication to his patients and his ability to remain a calming presence during challenging times make him a true HERO in my eyes. Thanks to Dr. Shafiei, my perception of the hospital has shifted from negative to one of trust and ultimate respect. I believe Dr. Shafiei is more than deserving of the Adventist Health HEROES award, for his outstanding contribution to patient care and his unwavering commitment to excellence.”

On behalf of the department, I extend my congratulations Dr. Shafiei and thank you for upholding our department’s LEADERS values in the community of Simi Valley.

Cardiology Division Recognized for Outstanding Heart Failure and Diabetes Care by the American Heart Association

I am excited to share that the UCLA Division of Cardiology has achieved the Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure GOLD PLUS designation with Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. These accolades, awarded by the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines, Heart Failure program, focuses on improving the quality of care for patients hospitalized with heart failure. Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death affecting those with type 2 diabetes, the recognition underscores our commitment to delivering the latest evidence-based care for patients with heart failure and/or type 2 diabetes who are hospitalized with heart related conditions.

Congratulations cardiology team!

Alexander Monto, MD Named Clinical Chief of the Gastroenterology Section at the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System

I invite you to join me in welcoming Dr. Alexander Monto, who has been appointed clinical chief of the gastroenterology section at the VA Greater LA Health Care System (VAGLA) and a professor of medicine. Today is his first day!

For over 23 years, Alex served as a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, based at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. At the UCSF VA, he led hepatology, including liver clinics, inpatient consults, and research. His research interests have focused on hepatology, specifically on the progression of hepatitis C-related liver disease and on the clinical trials of direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C. He had a key role in developing national VA hepatitis C initiatives which resulted in over 90% of VA hepatitis patients being cured by 2021. His work, supported by the National Institutes of Health, VA, and industry grants, now focuses on alcohol-associated liver disease, fatty liver disease, new liver disease therapies, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to his research, Dr. Monto is dedicated to clinical practice and has received numerous awards for his teaching and mentorship of medical students and trainees.

Dr. Monto earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed his residency in internal medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed gastroenterology fellowship at UCSF.

Welcome to the department of medicine (DoM) and the VA, Dr. Monto! We are happy you are joining our community of LEADERS.

Welcoming New Faculty: DMPG Onboarding Session #1 and UCLA GIMHSR Welcome Reception

These past few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting a few events to welcome new faculty joining the DoM. Last month, we shared the names and specialties of the faculty joining us on July 1^st. This month, we introduce you to colleagues joining us as of August 12^th.

Meet Some of the New Faculty of the DoM

I am pleased to welcome each person into our community. We caught up with a few of the newest members of DoM faculty to learn about what they are looking forward to as they begin the year-long DMPG onboarding program. We also met up with faculty and staff at the GIMHSR Welcome Reception and invite you to view the highlight videos below.

DMPG PHYSICIAN ONBOARDING SESSION #1