UCI Forum Series addresses ‘COVID-19: Where We Are & What to Expect Next’

EVENT:  In a three-part series, the UCI Forum addresses the medical, public policy and business impacts of COVID-19. UCI experts join with business leaders and policymakers for three unique, one-hour virtual forums to discuss COVID-19 repercussions on medicine, research, public policy, business, tourism and manufacturing.

WHEN/WHERE:  Video links available at https://oc-covid19.org

INFORMATION:

In the first forum, topics include navigating the new realities in healthcare, telemedicine, public health, testing, surveillance and contact tracing.

Opening message: UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman
Moderator: Dr. Steven Goldstein, UCI vice chancellor of health affairs
Panelists:

• Dean Bernadette Boden-Albala, UCI Program in Public Health
• Dean Michael Stamos, UCI School of Medicine
• Chad Lefteris, CEO of UCI Health
• Susan Huang, UCI professor of infectious diseases
• Shaista Malik, UCI associate vice chancellor for integrative health
• Andrew Noymer, UCI associate professor of population health & disease prevention

The second panel is devoted to public policy. This event addresses the current state of our community through the lens of our elected officials and examines public health within the boundaries of public policy. Panelists will discuss public safety, economic impact, rebuilding of the community, business/manufacturing and education.

Opening message: UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman
Moderator: Dean Bill Maurer, UCI School of Social Sciences
Panelists:

• Mayor Christina Shea, City of Irvine
• Supervisor Don Wagner, County of Orange, 3^rd District
• Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (74^thAssembly District)
• Senator John Moorlach (37^thSenate District)
• Representative Lou Correa (46^thCongressional District)

The third panel focuses on business. Technology and innovation have been important factors for some businesses to continue operating. Orange County business leaders share their insights on the challenges to the county’s dynamic ecosystem, comprising biotech, healthcare, tourism, higher education and manufacturing sectors.

Opening message: UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman
Moderator: Richard Sudek, Ph.D., chief innovation officer and executive director, UCI Beall Applied Innovation
Panelists:

• Lucy Dunn, president & CEO, Orange County Business Council
• Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
• Joseph Lozowski, president & CEO, Tangram Interiors
• Bruce DD MacRae,vice president of state government affairs for the western U.S., United Parcel Service

*All of the UCI speakers are available for interviews based on their respective expertise.

BACKGROUND:  The COVID-19 pandemic is the single biggest threat to global public health and the economy. The circumstances provide UCI the opportunity to assemble an expert cadre of health professionals, business leaders and policymakers to take a deep dive into the “new normal” currently defined and what can be expected in its aftermath by COVID-19.

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