John D. Stobo, M.D., has served as senior vice president for health sciences and services for the University of California system since October 2008. He has more than 40 years of leadership experience in the clinical and academic health science fields.

Q: What is the biggest health problem facing California and how is UC addressing it?

A: The two major issues are cost and access. They’re linked. As the cost of health care goes up and the cost of health insurance premiums go up, fewer employees can afford to pay for health insurance and fewer employers can afford to provide it. Roughly 1 in 5 Californians doesn’t have health insurance, and we know the absence of health insurance is associated with poor health.

We’re looking at ways to make sure what we are doing is effective and adds value to the health of society. We are also examining how we can use systems such as electronic medical records to lead to more effective, coordinated and less costly health care.

We’re looking at ways we can rationalize health care services in the context of whether all services should be duplicated at each medical center.

Several of our institutions are working with community-based clinics to provide health care in their communities, making health care more accessible.

Q: What is the Office of the President’s role in UC Health?

A: One of our major roles is to look at issues from a systemwide basis and understand how we can as a system more efficiently cooperate, integrate and coordinate so we can create programs where the total exceeds the sum of the individual contributions. We also look at how we can work together to achieve goals that better health and better educate a health professions work force.

Q: What are your priorities?

A: My priorities are to look across the system at our educational and clinical service programs and understand how we can more effectively communicate across the system to enhance those programs. We want to serve as a model for this nation in terms of what a system can bring to the health of its communities and the nation.

Q: What is your biggest challenge?

A: I’m concerned that we will get distracted by necessary things such as furloughs, salary reductions and downsizing and lose sight of the long view of who we are and what we stand for. We are a public trust and as such have a responsibility to serve the public good. I hope we remain committed to this as we address our financial challenges.

Q: What led you into the field of medicine?

A: I have always had a passion to help others. This started off as a desire to help animals and my wanting to be a veterinarian. At some point, this transitioned to helping people and becoming a doctor.

Q: If you could offer one tip for staying healthy, what would it be?

A: Exercise and don’t take yourself too seriously.