Medicine in Our Backyard 2025-2026

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Changes in Vision and Long-Term Prevention

Andrew W. Browne, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor — Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, November 17, 2025, 7:00pm

What do you need to know about age-related macular degeneration? Andrew Browne, MD, PhD, of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute will discuss what can be done to manage its progression and the hope for future treatment of AMD.

Innovative Approaches to Weight Management: A Physician’s Perspective

Shaun Daly, MD FACS
Assistant Professor — Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00pm
Civic Center Community Room

Today’s weight loss options offer hope for those struggling with obesity and related health issues. From supervised medical programs emphasizing diet and exercise to innovative medications and safe bariatric surgeries, there are now more effective solutions than ever. We’ll explore these recent advancements with Shaun Daly, MD, to help you find the best approach for your weight loss journey.

Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment

Andy Huang, MD
Assistant Professor — Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:00pm
Civic Center Community Room

This lecture highlights key steps individuals can take to maintain heart health, including managing blood pressure, eating a heart-healthy diet and staying active. Attendees will learn how to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular wellness.

Preventing Cognitive Decline

Sonia, Sehgal, MD
Professor and Archstone Endowed Chair in Geriatrics — Division of Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Family Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Professor — Department of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Director — UCI Health SeniorHealth Center

Monday, March 23, 2026, 7:00pm
Friends Room, Newport Beach Public Library

Everyone wants to age gracefully and stay sharp. This lecture focuses on ways to prevent cognitive decline through mental stimulation, physical activity, healthy eating, and social engagement. Attendees will gain practical tips to support brain health and maintain memory and focus as they age.

Managing Knee Pain: Exploring Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options

Navid Alem, MD
Assistant Professor — Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Ryan DiGiovanni, MD
Assistant Professor — Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, April 27, 2026, 7:00pm
Friends Room, Newport Beach Public Library

Join pain medicine specialist Navid Alem, MD and orthopadeic surgeon Ryan DiGiovanni, MD as they discuss common causes of knee pain and the different approaches available for finding relief. This discussion will review non-surgical treatment options, from physical therapy to pain management, to when surgery would be recommended.

Spotting Stroke: Know the Signs, Prevent Damage

Jay Shah, MD
Assistant Professor — Department of Neurology, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, May 18, 2026, 7:00pm
Friends Room, Newport Beach Public Library

In this informative lecture, attendees will learn how to recognize the early warning signs of a stroke, understand key risk factors and explore the most effective prevention strategies. The session will also cover current treatment options, the importance of acting FAST and how timely intervention can significantly reduce long-term damage.

Understanding Hearing Loss and the Latest Treatment Options

Hamid R. Djalilian, MD
Professor— Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Professor — Department of Biomedical Engineering, UCI Samueli School of Engineering
Director — UCI Health Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery Services

Monday, September 22, 2025, 7:00pm

Don’t wait to give your ears the attention they deserve.  UCI Health neurotologist Hamid Djalilian, MD, will discuss ways to protect your hearing, how to recognize hearing loss, the latest research and available treatment options.

What Else Can I Do? Integrative Whole-Person Cancer Care

Gary Deng, MD, PhD
Associate Director — UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Director — UCI Health Integrative Oncology Program
Professor — Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Monday, October 13, 2025, 7:00pm

Join Gary Deng, MD, PhD, director of the new Integrative Oncology Program at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute as he discusses the importance of pairing integrative health alongside cancer treatment, what those therapies include and the benefits to patients.