2nd Annual Department of Medicine LA Summit

On October 21, the UCLA Department of Medicine (DoM) hosted its 2nd Annual DoM for LA Summit at the Los Angeles Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. Guided by this year's theme, “Health Unites Us. Community Strengthens Us. Hope Inspires Us,” the daylong conference brought together UCLA faculty, staff, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community partners to highlight innovative programs, strengthen collaborations, and explore opportunities to improve health and well-being throughout Los Angeles.

The Summit featured a keynote presentation by Ernesto Rodriguez, Founder and Executive Director of Kindful Restoration, along with panel discussions exploring youth and mental health, community engagement at Olive View Medical Center, and lessons from street medicine. Several of CERP's valued community partners and collaborating programs participated, including the Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship Program, Homeboy Industries, and other organizations working to address pressing health and social challenges across Los Angeles.

Dr. Keith Norris, CERP Co-Lead, helped facilitate discussions on youth and mental health, while Dr. Arleen Brown, fellow CERP Co-Lead, helped lead conversations highlighting community engagement and healthcare delivery at Olive View Medical Center. Their involvement reflected CERP's commitment to connecting academic research, healthcare systems, and community voices.

CERP was also well represented during the Summit's poster presentations, highlighting the breadth of our program's research, partnerships, and community-engaged initiatives. Among those presenting were Brianna Smith and Jachael Gardner. Additional CERP attendees included Stefanie Vassar, Michael Coffee, Juan Barron, Maria Morales, and several other team members.

The day concluded with community-focused breakout discussions, reflections from participants, and a reception featuring a Tai Chi wellness activity led by Jachael Gardner.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to another successful DoM for LA Summit! We extend special appreciation to Dr. Casillas, Xen, Camila, our CERP colleagues, and the many UCLA and community partners whose collaboration helped make this event possible. This year's theme served as a powerful reminder that while health brings us together, it is our community partnerships, shared commitment, and collective hope that drive meaningful change. We look forward to building on the connections and momentum generated by this year's Summit as we continue working together to advance community health across Los Angeles.