Medical Alumni Association Newsletter

Volume 2: Winter 2025

Dear School of Medicine Alumni,

As I reflect on my first year as dean of the School of Medicine, one of the brightest highlights has been connecting with you—our remarkable alumni. From September’s alumni reunion to events throughout the year, I’ve enjoyed learning about how UC San Diego has shaped your journeys and propelled your careers. Your insights, expertise and stories are a vital part of our school’s continued growth.

We’re excited to keep that dialogue alive. Over the coming year, a robust lineup of events will provide plenty of opportunities for you to stay engaged, share knowledge and mentor the next generation of physicians.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community. I look forward to many more conversations, collaborations and celebrations together.

Barbara Jung, M.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean
UC San Diego School of Medicine

Dear Fellow Alumni,

I am filled with gratitude as I look back on this past year and the many moments that brought our School of Medicine alumni community together. From a lively reunion celebration and regional gatherings to our inspiring webinar with Barbara Jung, M.D., each connection reminded us of the special bond we formed at the School of Medicine. Hearing Dean Jung speak about the future of our school reaffirmed the pride we all share in where we came from and where we are headed. The support and enthusiasm of our alumni reflect the strength of this network and continue to inspire me.

I am truly excited for the opportunities ahead in 2026 as we continue to reconnect, stay engaged, and grow our alumni community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday season and a very happy New Year.

Jeffrey Krebs, M.D. ’86
President, UC San Diego Medical Alumni Association

2025 Reunions Brought Re-connection and Celebration

The Reunions Celebration brought the UC San Diego School of Medicine community together on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as alumni and guests from the Classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2015 returned to celebrate. More than 150 attendees spent the day reconnecting on campus before gathering for an evening celebration at Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

The day began with welcome remarks from Barbara Jung, M.D., Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of the UC San Diego School of Medicine, who shared updates on the school’s growth and vision. Alumni then joined medical student-guided tours through the School of Medicine, including the Simulation Training Center and the Center for the Future of Surgery, where current students demonstrated hands-on learning with advanced technologies.

That evening, alumni gathered at Karl Strauss Brewing Company to reconnect and reminisce over dinner and drinks. “It was such a wonderful experience. Karl Strauss was fantastic,” said Natalie Voskanian, M.D. ’05.

Sandra Daley, M.D. ’75, reflected that she enjoyed “being on campus, meeting current students, and having an opportunity to talk with them.”

Jeff Krebs, M.D. ’86, president of the UC San Diego Medical Alumni Association, offered remarks at the reception to welcome alumni back and thank them for their continued engagement and support.

For many, the event was both nostalgic and inspiring. “From the tour to the brews, everyone had a great time. Classmates were all glad they came,” shared Mimi Isham, M.D. ’85.

“It was truly a meaningful experience. I was so impressed by the advancements in medical education. Watching students practice in realistic clinical scenarios made me wish we had those tools back then. The simulation lab was equally impressive. Students now have the opportunity to practice procedures and use diagnostic tools like ultrasound in a safe, hands-on environment,” added Alvina Leung, M.D. ’00.

The reunion brought together generations of UC San Diego School of Medicine alumni, celebrating shared experiences and the lasting bonds that continue to shape the School of Medicine community.

Photos from the reunion are available now. Click the button below to view the pictures.

View the Photo Album

Program Spotlight: Mobile Health Clinic

UC San Diego Health's general health and mammography mobile clinics are bringing essential health care directly to communities across San Diego County. Through partnerships with organizations like the Haitian Bridge Alliance, Ventanilla de Salud, and Many Shades of Pink, our two "clinics on wheels" have reached more than 300 individuals across 12 community events since launching in August. More than 30 health professional students and volunteers have powered the program, each participant gaining invaluable hands-on experience while extending access to health care. Help us expand this impact through donations, volunteering or advocacy. 

For more information about the mobile health clinics, please reach out to HealthEquity@health.ucsd.edu.

Volunteer with the mobile health clinic

Regional Events Recap

Scholarship Celebration Highlights

On November 16, the fourth annual School of Medicine Scholarship Celebration brought together leadership, students, alumni, donors and friends to celebrate the transformative impact of scholarships. The event featured remarks from medical students Francesca Daniels, M.D. ’29; Andrea Sawaya, M.D. ’30; and Mo Oni, M.D. ’29, as well as donor Paul Citron, and included a special announcement of a $1 million commitment from Jeff Krebs, M.D. ’86, and Fritz Friedman. With the addition of this gift, we’re thrilled to share that we’ve reached 62.5% of our Health Sciences Challenge goal!

 

Save the Date: 2026 School of Medicine Alumni Reunions

Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, for a night of celebration, connection and nostalgia at the UC San Diego Medical School Alumni Reunion for the classes of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2016. Reconnect with classmates, relive those unforgettable moments from rounds to residency, and see how far we've all come—white coats, laughter, and all. Whether you graduated 10 or 50 years ago, your presence makes the story complete.

Sign up to learn more about the 2026 reunion