UC Davis Medical Center

06/08/2026

Our resident peregrine falcons are entering an exciting new phase, and this year’s chicks now have names: Christina, Annie and Genevieve!

Over the coming weeks, these young falcons will begin testing their wings as they prepare for their first flights. This stage is a critical moment in their development, and one where the campus community can play an important role.

UC Davis Health staff and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for the falcons during this period.

If a falcon is seen on the ground, do not approach or attempt to handle it. Call the UC Davis Health Police Department non-emergency line at 916-734-2555, available 24 hours a day. Police will notify wildlife experts to ensure a safe response.

Please join us in wishing these young aviators luck as they continue to grow and begin to explore the skies.

Watch the livestream: https://health.ucdavis.edu/welcome/peregrine-falcon/

Image description: The three peregrine falcon chicks, Christina, Annie and Genevieve, stand together in their nest box atop UC Davis Health.

06/05/2026

Last month, Erin Magaletti, MSN, RN, PCCN, PHN, from Home Care Services, received a DAISY Foundation award for the extraordinary compassion, guidance and presence she provided to one hospice patient and her family during end-of-life care.

She was recognized for her steady, empathetic support as she helped ensure the patient’s comfort and dignity while also supporting the family through complex and emotional decisions. Erin’s calm presence, clear communication, and respectful approach helped the family feel supported and informed during a profoundly difficult time. Her actions left a lasting impression of peace and reassurance at a critical moment in the patient’s journey.

From the nomination:

“I would like to nominate Erin Magaletti with the UC Davis Hospice Team for the Daisy Award. Erin showed extraordinary compassion and care for my spouse and her family through her final days while under hospice care. Each day she visited, she was concerned about how she was feeling, what her pain level was and offered her all the options to treat the pain. When she was talking to my bed-bound wife, Erin would get down on her knees to be eye-level with her. Erin would hold her hand and talk to her directly to find out how she was feeling both physically and emotionally. She is a great nurse and a wonderful person to have in the hospice program.

Erin did everything with a wonderful attitude. I can’t tell you how valuable her assistance was. She is an incredible person and a wonderful resource. Death with dignity and grace was a goal I wanted for my wife and Erin helped bring that to fruition. I will always be in awe of her service.”

Congratulations, Erin, on your DAISY Award! 🌼

Image descriptions:
1: Erin Magaletti poses for a photo while holding a certificate, in front of a banner with daisies on it.
2: A large group of people stand around Erin with her certificate.

06/03/2026

Our three peregrine falcon chicks reached an important milestone this week as wildlife experts placed identification bands on their legs, a quick and routine step that helps track and protect the species long term.

Each band has a unique number that helps researchers follow these birds throughout their lives, from migration to nesting success and overall population health. Peregrine falcons were once listed as endangered, and this data continues to play a key role in sustaining the species’ recovery.

Mom and Dad circled overhead during the banding, calling out and closely monitoring the activity. They stayed nearby throughout the process, a protective response as they ensured their chicks' safety.

“This year’s chicks are looking very healthy and strong. They’re doing very well and beginning to spread their wings, which is exactly what we want to see as they get ready for those first flights," said William Corbett, a procurement supervisor and the organization’s resident falcon expert.

In the next few weeks, the falcons will continue to build strength, test their wings, and explore the edges of the nest. These early movements mark a critical stage as they prepare to leave the nest and take their first flights.

Watch the livestream and see all of our chicks' milestones this year: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/the-birds-are-back-in-town-peregrine-falcons-return/2026/02

Image descriptions:
1: A peregrine falcon chick sits in the lap of a handler during the banding process.
2: A person puts an identification band on the leg of a peregrine falcon chick.
3: William Corbett holds one of the peregrine falcon chicks.
4: An adult peregrine falcon circles overhead during the banding process, remaining alert while staff work nearby.

06/02/2026

It looks like Ella’s quiet corner isn’t so quiet anymore.

The familiar killdeer that has made a home in the contractor’s lot near Aggie Square appears to have sparked some neighborhood growth. In recent days, a second family has settled nearby, creating a new nesting site adjacent to Ella’s established spot!

Adding to the excitement, this new pair is expecting. Three eggs are nestled in the gravel, well camouflaged among the stones and construction surroundings that killdeer often prefer. Based on current observations, the projected hatch date is around June 19.

The development suggests the area continues to offer a safe and suitable environment for these resilient birds, even amid ongoing construction.

While the two nests remain distinct, their proximity has transformed the contractor’s lot into a small but lively hub of killdeer activity, something few would expect in a space defined by cars and gravel.

Visitors to the area are encouraged to continue giving nesting sites plenty of space and to remain mindful of the birds’ protective behaviors. Like Ella, the new parents are likely to be vigilant as the hatch date approaches.

If all goes as expected, mid-June could bring twice the excitement, with two broods of tiny, fast-moving chicks exploring the lot.

Image descriptions:
1: Two adult Killdeer birds sit on gravel.
2: Three spotted Killdeer eggs sitting atop gravel.

06/01/2026

More than 100 juniors and seniors from Cosumnes Oaks High School’s medical careers pathway program spent the day touring our clinics, hospital units and support departments as part of a growing partnership between UC Davis Health and the Elk Grove Unified School District.

The students rotated through departments, meeting nurses, pharmacists, managers, technicians and administrative staff while learning how departments across the organization work together to support patient care.

“I’ve never actually seen a hospital behind the scenes before. It was interesting because this is probably what I’m going to be around for a long time in my life. All the nurses we met were so friendly and it really made me feel at home," said high school senior Jacob Kim, who hopes to become a pediatrician.

For many students, this was the first real look inside a hospital environment. Last year’s event hosted about 50 students. This year, participation more than doubled.

The goal of the day was simple: help students picture themselves in the future of health care. We can't wait to see what the next generation accomplishes!

Image descriptions:
1: A large group of students in a classroom lecture hall gather in several rows of seats, posing for a photo. All students wear blue UC Davis Health shirts.
2: A healthcare professional stands, speaking to a group of students while wearing blue scrubs.

05/29/2026

Sudden cardiac arrest, which is different than a heart attack, is a rare but serious event. It happens when the heart stops beating and is no longer able to send blood to the rest of the body. Sudden cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level or heart issues.

In all cases, it’s critical to perform CPR and use an AED as soon as possible. Learn more:

It’s estimated that 436,000 Americans (adults and children) die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Find out how CPR and AED use can save lives.

05/28/2026

When serious infectious diseases like Ebola emerge, not every hospital has the specialized resources needed to safely treat patients. That’s where we play a critical role.

As one of only two Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs) in California and the only one in Northern California, we are uniquely equipped to care for highly contagious, life-threatening illnesses while protecting patients, staff and the community.

In a recent Q&A, infectious diseases expert Angel Desai shares what you need to know about Ebola, including our advanced training, safety protocols and dedicated facilities to ensure readiness when it matters most.

Learn more about how we’re protecting our community and advancing infectious disease care: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/expert-qa-what-is-ebola-and-how-uc-davis-health-is-uniquely-prepared-to-evaluate-and-treat-it/2026/05

Video description: Ebola virus under a microscope. Dr. Desai is speaking from a studio.

05/27/2026

Pediatric patients at the UC Davis Children's Hospital enjoyed a special visit with Athletics players Zack Gelof, Max Muncy and Stomper the mascot! Patients got to spend time with the players, play games and color pictures.

Thank you to the A's for making today feel like a home run for our patients! ⚾

Image descriptions:
Five photos show Zack Gelof, Max Muncy and Stomper interacting with pediatric patients in the Panda Cares Center of Hope room.

05/26/2026

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in our region, raising concerns across California as mosquito season begins.

Dr. Natascha Tuznik, Associate Clinical Professor of Infectious Diseases, explains what West Nile virus is, the symptoms people should watch for, who is most at risk for severe illness and when a mosquito bite may require medical attention.

Learn more about the West Nile virus: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/west-nile-virus-is-on-the-rise-3-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-mosquitoes/2023/07

Video description: Dr. Natascha Tuznik sits in a studio with a blue background featuring the UC Davis Health logo. Images show people outdoors, mosquitoes and buckets of water.

05/22/2026

What are the most common food allergens in kids? Dr. Lena van der List breaks down the top 9 foods that cause the majority of food allergies in children, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and more.

Learn why early and frequent introduction of these allergenic foods may help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy, and what parents should watch for when introducing new foods to babies, in the latest episode of UC Davis Children's Hospital's Little Lessons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UidI_ducPUM

Video description: Dr. van der List stands in front of a blue wall as she speaks about introducing allergens. Illustrations are shown for each allergen as she lists them off.