The UCLA South Asian Heart Program recently convened a vibrant gathering at the Luskin Conference Center for its “Lunch & Learn: Strong Hearts, Strong Women” event, uniting clinicians, experts, and community members around a shared goal of improving cardiovascular health in South Asian women.
With heart disease and diabetes disproportionately affecting this population, the program emphasized the importance of prevention, early detection, and culturally tailored care. The event served as both an educational forum and a platform for meaningful dialogue, reflecting a growing movement to address health disparities through community engagement and science-driven solutions.
Opening the program, Dr. Dale Abel, Chair of Medicine at UCLA, and a world renowned expert in the field of diabetes, highlighted the rising global burden of cardiometabolic disease and the urgent need for deeper research in high-risk groups such as South Asians. His remarks connected the complex interplay between diabetes, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, setting a compelling tone for the discussions that followed.
Dr. Eve Glazier welcomed attendees and reinforced the importance of accessible, culturally relevant health education. She noted the role of media and storytelling in extending health awareness beyond clinical settings and into everyday life.
The program continued with featured guest Dr. Amy Shah, who shared practical strategies for improving long-term wellness through nutrition, lifestyle habits, and preventive care tailored specifically to women. Her insights resonated strongly with attendees seeking actionable steps to improve their health.
Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Chief of Cardiology at UCLA, delivered a powerful overview of the heightened cardiovascular risks faced by South Asians and stressed the need for greater inclusion of this population in clinical research. Her talk highlighted the importance of advancing science that reflects the diversity of patients it serves.
A multidisciplinary panel featuring Dr. Vijaya Surampudi (Nutrition), Dr. Anuradha Seshadri (Internal Medicine), Dr. Priscilla Hsue (Cardiology), Dr. Fatima Hayat (Interventional Cardiology) and Dr. Tanaz Moin (Diabetes and Metabolism) engaged directly with the audience, addressing questions on topics ranging from diet and exercise to hormonal health and navigating trustworthy medical information. The interactive session created a supportive space where women felt comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.
Dr. Ravi H. Dave, Director of the UCLA South Asian Heart Program and Jivrajka Family Foundation Chair, outlined the program’s rapid growth and future direction, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that integrates clinical care, research, education, and community outreach to improve long-term outcomes.
The event also featured remarks from Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, who voiced strong support for initiatives that elevate South Asian health awareness and highlighted the importance of collaboration across industries.
Co-hosted by Dr. Renu Jivrajka and Hemali Dave, the event fostered an atmosphere of warmth, inclusivity, and engagement. The strong turnout and active participation underscored the community’s desire for culturally relevant health education and resources.
Organizers noted that this event marks just the beginning of a broader effort to empower South Asian communities through knowledge, research, and partnership—paving the way for future programs that will continue to build on this momentum.
About the UCLA South Asian Heart Program – Jivrajka Initiative
The UCLA South Asian Heart Program – Jivrajka Initiative is a leading effort focused on improving cardiovascular outcomes in South Asian populations, who face a higher burden of heart disease and related conditions. Established in 2025 within UCLA’s Division of Cardiology, the program combines culturally sensitive clinical care, innovative research, and community-driven education to promote prevention and lifelong heart health.
With a multidisciplinary team at its core, the initiative is designed to address critical gaps in awareness, early detection, and treatment of cardiometabolic disease. Its impact is made possible through the Jivrajka Family Foundation Chair, a visionary philanthropic investment by Drs. Jayashree and Vinod Jivrajka, supporting continued growth, discovery, and meaningful community engagement.
