UCI Health Physician Network expands with Cancer and Blood Specialty Clinic as new affiliate

Expansion builds on commitment to expand coordinated, high-quality cancer and hematology care throughout region

Orange, Calif. — UCI Health is pleased to announce the expansion of its clinically integrated network with the addition of Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic with locations throughout the region, as a new affiliate. This partnership strengthens the commitment of UCI Health to deliver coordinated, high-quality cancer and hematology care across Southern California.

The UCI Health Physician Network brings together the academic expertise of UCI Health with the specialized skills of community-based practices like Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic, a leading oncology and hematology group known for its patient-centered approach and advanced therapies.

This collaboration enhances access to comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, addressing a critical need in Orange County and surrounding communities.

UCI Health Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President Tatyana Popkova emphasized the expanded access to oncology services.

“Expanding our clinically integrated network with Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic reflects our commitment to improving access and outcomes for patients,” she said. “Together, we are building a coordinated system of care that leverages data-driven quality metrics and shared protocols to deliver exceptional value to the communities we serve.”

Addressing growing cancer care needs

The need for specialized cancer and hematology care continues to rise.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million new cancer cases are expected in the United States in 2025, with breast, lung, and colorectal cancers among the most common. Blood disorders, including anemia and clotting conditions, affect millions nationwide, underscoring the importance of accessible, high-quality care.

“This partnership strengthens our mission to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based cancer care across Southern California,” said Dr. Emad Elquza, MD, MBA, physician-in-chief and medical director of Oncology Services of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“By integrating the resources of UCI Health with the specialized skills of Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic, we can offer patients seamless access to advanced therapies and clinical trials.”

The UCI Health Physician Network leverages shared clinical protocols, data-driven quality metrics, and advanced technologies to streamline care delivery. Patients benefit from seamless coordination between the tertiary-quaternary services at UCI Health — including the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Orange County — and Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic’s community-based expertise in oncology and hematology.

“We are proud to join forces with UCI Health in advancing cancer and blood disorder care for our community,” said Dr. Vu Phan, medical director and CEO at the Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic. "This affiliation allows us to combine our patient-centered approach with UCI Health’s academic expertise, ensuring that patients receive the most innovative treatments close to home.”