Utibe Essien, MD, MPH

Utibe R. Essien, MD, MPH is a board-certified general internist, an Associate Professor of Medicine in Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and an investigator in the Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy at the Greater Los Angeles VA. He also serves as Associate Vice Chair of Community Engagement and Inclusive Excellence in the UCLA Department of Medicine. Dr. Essien’s research focuses on variation in the use of novel medications and technologies, especially in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In 2021, he coined the term, “pharmacoequity” to describe the goal of ensuring all patients have access to life-saving therapies. This research and policy framework has since been applied to myriad clinical conditions including diabetes, health failure, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His work has been funded by a VA Career Development Award and the Harold Amos Faculty Development Program, in conjunction with the American Heart Association and NIA UCLA RCMAR Center for Health Innovation and Maximizing Eldercare.  Current projects include: 1) "Improving Access to Neurology Care for Older Adults with ADRD" which is funded by NIH NINDS (MPI, RF1NS143735) and 2) "Characterizing the Quality of Prescribing for Hospitalized Veterans"  funded by VA Health Systems Research (MPI, 1I01RD000382).