Sarah E. Choi

Dr. Sarah E. Choi is a faculty member at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) specializing in Nursing. Her research integrates biological, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions to address chronic disease self-management, focusing on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention among ethnic minority seniors.

Education:

• B.S. in Nursing, Yonsei University (1986)
• M.S. in Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles (1994)
• Ph.D. in Nursing, University of California, San Francisco (2007)

Dr. Choi’s work examines the intersection of cultural practices, brain integrity, and chronic disease outcomes, particularly in Korean immigrant communities. Her NIH-funded R01 project investigates brain tissue integrity via MRI and its impact on diabetes self-management abilities.

Recent publications highlight trends in diabetes prevalence among Asian immigrants, culturally tailored stroke prevention programs, and the role of family support in health behaviors. Key subfields include cognitive modeling, community health interventions, and health equity research.

Scientific Awards:

• 2010 UC Irvine Outstanding Community Research Award and Community Partnership
• 2013 AHRQ Innovation Recognition for Korean Immigrant Diabetes Program

Dr. Choi actively collaborates with the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association. Her work bridges clinical expertise as a family nurse practitioner with community-based research.