Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Gelareh Sadigh

Gelareh Sadigh, MD (She/Her/Hers) is an Associate Professor-in-Residence and Director of Health Services and Comparative Outcome Research in the Department of Radiological Sciences and recently appointed Assistant Program Leader for the Cancer Control research program. Read on to learn more about her story. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

As an Associate Professor-in-Residence and Director of Health Services and Comparative Outcome Research in the Department of Radiological Sciences, my primary clinical focus lies in imaging the brain and spine, with a particular emphasis on brain neoplasms. However, my research interests extend beyond clinical practice to address overarching themes of healthcare value and reducing health disparities. My work spans various areas, including enhancing patients' shared decision-making processes, integrating cost considerations into decision-making, mitigating financial and health-related social risks, and promoting patients' adherence to recommended care and outcomes. Ultimately, my long-term research goal is to advance patient-centered and evidence-based healthcare delivery while simultaneously curbing healthcare costs. 

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

My early life experiences, particularly witnessing my mother's compassionate care for patients, sparked my initial interest in medicine. However, it was the invaluable guidance from mentors throughout my journey that steered me towards specific paths within the medical field. Their support led me to pursue radiology residency and later a neuroradiology fellowship. Along the way, I discovered a passion for health services research, inspired by the desire to improve care delivery and reduce health disparities. These mentors not only shaped my career trajectory but also instilled in me a commitment to enhancing healthcare for all.

3. What brought you to UCI?

I was drawn to UCI for several reasons. First, my family's move to California to be closer to relatives provided the initial motivation. However, what truly sealed the decision was my impression of UCI's collaborative faculty, its abundant resources, and its inclusive culture. I recognized an opportunity to contribute to a community that values teamwork and innovation. Additionally, the prospect of serving a patient population that could benefit from my expertise and research was a significant factor in my decision to join UCI.

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

I actively sought out connections with colleagues across different departments within the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health, particularly those involved in Cancer Control. By engaging with faculty members and learning about their work, I was able to identify areas of overlap with my clinical and research interests. These initial meetings led to ongoing collaborations, which not only enriched my professional network but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose within our collective efforts.

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

What motivates me is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of diverse patients in Orange County. Every individual we serve represents a unique story and set of needs, and being able to provide care and support to such a varied community is both rewarding and fulfilling. It's a privilege to be part of an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those around us, and I find great purpose in contributing to that collective effort.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey?

I've encountered various challenges inherent to research and academia. These challenges include navigating the complexities of research design and implementation, securing funding for projects, and navigating the publication process. Like many in the field, I've experienced setbacks and failures along the way. However, what keeps me motivated is the opportunity to learn from these experiences and adapt. Each failure presents a chance to refine my approach, reassess strategies, and ultimately grow as a researcher. The resilience and problem-solving mindset required in research make overcoming these challenges rewarding, contributing to the continuous advancement of knowledge in our field.

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

One of my proudest accomplishments is immigrating across continents to pursue my goal of becoming a radiologist. This journey required resilience, determination, and sacrifice, and achieving success in this endeavor is a significant source of pride for me. Additionally, I take great pride in conducting research aimed at improving healthcare delivery for my patients. Securing federal funding to support this research has been my another source of pride and validates the importance of this work and allows me to make a tangible impact on patient care.

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and two children, who are 5 and 7 years old. Visiting my parents is also a priority for me, as family connections are important. I have a passion for exploring new cuisines and trying out different foods. Swimming is one of my favorite ways to unwind and stay active. And I cherish opportunities to go on vacation and create lasting memories with my loved ones.

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

While I absolutely love going on vacations and exploring new destinations, I'm not a big fan of the planning process that comes with it. I much prefer to leave the planning to someone else and just enjoy the adventure!

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