Year 5. April 27. It Was Only a Game!

From the Lab to the Mound

As faculty, staff and trainees, learning in the DoM is constant. As a physician-scientist myself, my mind is often focused on problem solving, which may include learning a new method that will enable our pursuit of the next scientific discovery or adjusting the way that I think about a field. Sometimes, that spirit of learning extends beyond my laboratory and the hospital in unexpected ways.

When I was invited to throw out the first pitch on April 15 at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day, I knew that I was immediately stepping into unfamiliar territory. While I was incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity, I was also recognized that I had to rapidly come up to speed. Having grown up in Jamaica, and being an avid runner, I admire the brilliance of athletes like Usain Bolt — and am more familiar with track and field, soccer and cricket than throwing a baseball.

Recognizing that I was going to be representing the DoM on the national stage, I understood that preparation matters. I am fortunate that I could count on the expertise and encouragement of colleagues and coaches in the department of medicine and UCLA baseball who graciously offered to help.

Coaching Begins

From the very beginning of this journey, I was relieved to learn that there were many in the department who knew a lot more about baseball than me. I am grateful for the generosity and guidance of DoM Chief Financial Officer Albert Haro, who agreed to take me under his wing. Albert scheduled time with me to introduce me to the fundamentals of baseball pitching. We went to the park behind the Federal Building on Veteran’s Way to practice. I understand that we were spotted by a few faculty, who traversed the park on their way home and did double takes, wondering about my new hobby. A few people shared that they saw me and offered their encouragement, reminding me that we often find support and mentorship from unexpected places.

Coaching sessions extended into the Abel lab, where my colleagues Young Do Koo, PhD, Kenuske Tsushima, MD, PhD, and Warren Tai, MD were more than happy to be filmed walking me through a white board explanation of the basics of pitching and how to stay balanced during this moment. Kensuke is a serious Dodgers fan, like most of Japan these days (think Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki), as is Young Do, given that his compatriot shortstop Hyeseong Kim is also a key member of the Dodgers lineup.

From there, the hands-on preparation continued with a morning spent with former UCLA pitcher and current graduate assistant coach Joshua Alger, who patiently guided me through the mechanics of throwing a baseball. That’s where I learned about the importance of a flexible wrist (think a ship rudder). At this point, the experience started to feel very real, most notably when members of the DoM administrative team showed up to the practice with signs and words of support! I had a preview of what the moment would feel like once I took the mound at Dodger Stadium.

GIF of the admin staff doing the wave with their signs

After the lesson with the coach, Albert and I had a few more practice sessions. As the day approached, I got some interesting messages from staff, with videos and gifs about first pitches that went badly, and reminders that it was only a game! However, I was intent on representing the department well.

No preparation would be complete without a final test. In my journey to the major leagues, the test was administered by my 11-year-old year old niece Camile, who came down from Seattle with her dad the day before the game. We made our way to the closest patch of open land in our neighborhood to do a final practice on the day of, and her feedback was that I was not too bad. I took it as a sign that I was ready for this moment. 

Taking the Mound

Arriving at Dodgers stadium on April 15, I was eager to share the experience with my family and more than 100 members of our department, who I knew would be attending. Knowing that I had the support of our DoM community in the stands made the moment more meaningful and something that I will always carry with me. That day, as I spent time learning about the Dodgers organization and reflecting on Jackie Robinson’s legacy, I felt like I was standing on the shoulders of a giant. I represented a large group of people who will achieve anything they aspire towards if given the chance and the opportunity.

When I stepped on to the field, the energy from the crowd was electric. I was humbled and grateful for that moment — and eager to get them to cheer even louder. As I prepared to throw out the first pitch, it was all muscle memory from the coaching lessons and the encouragement I received. The pitch fell just slightly short of the catcher’s glove! The Dodgers may not be signing me up after that pitch, but I do think they saw the potential, so I am readying for the World Series. 

Overall, this experience left me with a deep sense of gratitude for the colleagues, friends and family who took the time to share their expertise, encouragement, and support throughout the journey. The first pitch reflected a collective effort, reminding us that none of us achieves anything alone. It was heartwarming to see so many of our community in the stands, which powerfully demonstrated how in the department of medicine we show up for one another to teach, learn, and celebrate together. I am grateful to lead this community and to continue to learn from all of you each day.

Thank You

Enjoy the recap video of the journey from the lab to the mound, as well as the many pictures captured throughout the game!

Yusuke Tsugawa, MD, MPH, PhD Visits Japan with Chancellor Julio Frenk

Our LEADERS in the DoM take on many roles beyond research and clinical care. This week I am pleased to share that Yusuke Tsugawa, MD, MPH, PhD, an all-star health services researcher who also serves as associate director of the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, accompanied UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk and a group of UCLA representatives to Japan in early March. The DoM was also represented by health services professor, DOM faculty member and Associate to the Chancellor Felicia Knaul, MA, PhD. They were joined by Cindy Fan, vice provost for international studies and global engagement; Hitoshi Abe, director of the Terasaki Center; Terasaki Center Executive Director Noei Shimizu and Program Manager Christian Rodriguez.

Dr. Tsugawa noted that Ambassador Glass was very interested in U.S. universities taking a more active and visible presence in Japan, and Chancellor Frenk offered a compelling vision for how UCLA can contribute concretely. Dr. Tsugawa added that his and Dr. Knaul’s presence naturally opened avenues relevant to the DoM’s missions.

“Dr. Knaul brought deep expertise in global health equity to the discussion, and I contributed perspectives from my research in both domestic and international health policy,” Dr. Tsugawa said. “This visit reinforced that the DoM's education, research, and global health missions have a meaningful role to play in UCLA's broader international strategy in Japan.”

Dr. Tsugawa was particularly struck by Ambassador Glass’ enthusiasm for the idea that universities play important roles in international diplomacy and mutual understanding between nations. Chancellor Frenk’s leadership was instrumental in elevating the conversation, he added, and in securing a shared commitment to UCLA’s role in Japan.

“I am also proud that the DoM played an important role in this visit — Dr. Felicia Knaul and I both brought complementary perspectives from our work in global health policy, and our presence demonstrated that the DoM is an active and valued contributor to UCLA's international engagement,” Dr. Tsugawa said. “I look forward to the partnerships and opportunities that I hope will emerge from these conversations.”

Read more about the UCLA delegation’s trip to Japan in the UCLA International Institute newsletter. Thank you to Dr. Tsugawa and Dr. Knaul for representing the DoM on a very productive trip.

Dale