UCI Health, California’s only academic health system catering to the diverse population of Orange and sections of Los Angeles counties, along with its esteemed infectious disease authority, Dr. Susan Huang, were recently distinguished at the Greater Irvine Chamber Excellence in Healthcare & Innovation Awards. The recognition shines a spotlight on transformative infection prevention methodologies, leadership, and innovations in healthcare equality.
Dr. Huang, a nationally acknowledged physician-scientist, was granted the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award, signifying her considerable contribution to infection prevention research and groundbreaking leadership. As a leading clinical researcher, she has been instrumental in developing pioneering infection prevention protocols. These efforts have succeeded in locally and nationally safeguarding patient lives, specifically against threats from multidrug-resistant organisms. Dr. Huang’s specialty lies in curbing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria across hospitals and nursing homes. Her research-informed guidelines are presently adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Orange County Health Care Agency, and various health institutions across the United States.
Dr. Huang also holds a prestigious position in the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. This council is tasked with offering strategic advice to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to combat antimicrobial resistance. In 2023, Dr. Huang and her team unveiled two ground-breaking studies related to reducing healthcare-associated infections, the findings of which were divulged in the New England Journal of Medicine. Other significant contributions by Dr. Huang towards the field include the REDUCE MRSA Trial and the ABATE Infection Trial, both of which have significantly reshaped infection prevention protocols across healthcare settings on a national scale.
Further occasion for celebration arose as UCI Health received the Excellence in Health Systems award. UCI Health, now boasting a 1,317-bed health system, ranks as one of the largest in the state, following the purchasing and inauguration of four hospitals: UCI Health ― Fountain Valley, UCI Health ― Lakewood, UCI Health ― Los Alamitos, and UCI Health ― Placentia Linda. Coupled with their associated ambulatory facilities, the acquisitions gave birth to the UCI Health Community Network, marking a significant step in magnifying accessibility to quality healthcare throughout the region.
The flagship UCI Medical Center in Orange remains a central pillar in healthcare, managing and treating a wide array of intricate conditions. The center holds the sole National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer facility based in Orange County, housing several top-tier facilities including the only Level I Trauma center, Level II pediatric trauma center, and several others. The center stands as a nationally recognized beacon of superior care, securing a spot within the top 10% of U.S. hospitals to receive five Magnet designations for its remarkable nursing.
UCI Health also leads over 500 cancer-focused clinical trials, the highest for a single health system in the region. In the summer of 2024, they expanded their cancer care capacity with the launch of the innovative UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building. Future growth plans include a 52-bed UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital, signaling steady progress and an unwavering dedication to enhancing patient care and innovation.
Source: https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2025/01/excellence-in-healthcare-awards