UCI Health Physician Network Expands with Southland Neurologic Institute

Expansion enhances access to high-quality neurology care in Orange County

Orange, Calif. — UCI Health, Orange County’s only academic health system, is pleased to announce the further expansion of its UCI Health Physician Network with the addition of Southland Neurologic Institute as a valued key participant. This milestone follows the recent inclusion of Cancer & Blood Specialty Clinic, with the network now reaching more than 500 providers and 100 locations.

Additionally, this expansion reinforces the commitment of UCI Health to transforming healthcare delivery through innovative, patient-centered partnerships across Southern California.

The UCI Health Physician Network unites the academic excellence and leading-edge research of UCI Health with the specialized expertise of community-based practices like Southland Neurologic Institute, a leading neurology group dedicated to treating disorders of the nervous system, including strokes, epilepsy, headaches, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and pain.

Founded with a mission of excellence, integrity, respect and compassion, Southland Neurologic Institute offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, including in-office procedures such as:

• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCS) tests and electromyography (EMG)
• Botox injections
• Digital cognitive assessment
• Programming for deep brain stimulators
• Programming for vagal nerve stimulators

With a team of ten board-certified neurologists, the institute provides consultations and long-term care for chronic neurological conditions. This collaboration enhances access to advanced neurologic care, addressing critical needs in Orange County for specialized diagnosis and management of complex nervous system disorders.

“By welcoming Southland Neurologic Institute into our UCI Health Physician Network, we are expanding access to world-class neurology care, combining UCI Health’s academic innovation with their exceptional clinical expertise,” said Tatyana Popkova, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of UCI Health. “This partnership ensures that patients receive state-of-the-art neurologic care tailored to their needs, right here in our community.”

Dr. Claire Henchcliffe, chair of the UCI Health Department of Neurology, added, “Partnering with the outstanding neurologists at Southland Neurologic Institute allows us to elevate neurologic care by integrating our research-driven approaches with their proven expertise in treating a wide range of conditions, from stroke to neurodegenerative diseases. This expansion will improve outcomes for patients facing complex neurological challenges.”

Addressing growing neurology care needs

The demand for specialized neurology care in Orange County is significant and growing, driven by an aging population and rising rates of neurological conditions.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, there is a national shortage of neurologists, with demand outpacing supply in most states, including California, where access is particularly limited in underserved areas. In Orange County, where the population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 30% by 2030, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affects approximately 84,000 individuals, with rates expected to increase.

Additionally, stroke remains a leading cause of disability, with over 3,000 annual hospitalizations in the county, underscoring the need for timely access to comprehensive neurologic services (ALZOC, OC Health).

Conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease further highlight disparities, as geographic access to neurologists is reduced in areas with higher proportions of Hispanic residents, uninsured individuals and those with disabilities.

“Addressing the growing need for neurology care in our region requires collaborative efforts like this partnership with UCI Health,” said Dr. Omid Omidvar, president of Southland Neurologic Institute.

“By combining our specialized services with UCI Health’s academic resources, we can provide timely, comprehensive care to more patients facing complex neurological challenges, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life.”

The UCI Health Physician Network, with Southland Neurologic Institute’s contributions, aims to meet these needs through integrated, evidence-based care and advanced diagnostics.

The UCI Health Physician Network leverages shared clinical protocols, data-driven quality metrics and advanced technology to ensure seamless care coordination. Patients benefit from the synergy between the research-driven resources at UCI Health and Southland Neurologic Institute’s comprehensive services, strengthening the network’s ability to serve diverse communities across Orange County.