The UC Riverside School of Medicine has announced the appointment of a pair of senior leaders. Sherif Hassan, MD, PhD will join the school as the executive associate dean for pre-clerkship education and Naveen Raja, DO, MBA will join as the new chief medical officer for UCR Health.

Hassan joins the UCR School of Medicine from California University of Science and Medicine in Colton, where he was the founding professor of anatomy, neuroanatomy, and medical education. In his new role, which begins on January 2, 2024, Hassan will provide oversight and support for the educational activities of the medical school in the pre-clerkship phase of the curriculum.

“Serving in this new role at UCR School of Medicine is an honor,” Hassan said. “I'm excited to work with the outstanding clinical, research, and teaching teams at the school to support its mission serving Inland Southern California. I look forward to leading the team of pre-clerkship faculty and staff to continue to research, build, and deliver a cutting-edge medical education experience within an inclusive learning environment."

Hassan has more than 29 years of medical education experience in the fields of gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, medical imaging, and embryology. He has been at CUSM since 2016 and is a three-time recipient of the school’s “Best Teaching Award.”

He received his MD (baccalaureate of medicine and surgery) and PhD at Cairo University and completed residency training in general medicine and surgery and in clinical and chemical pathology at Cairo University Hospital.

Raja comes to UCR from UCLA Health, where he most recently served as the medical director of population health and accountable care. With more than 15 years of executive management experience, he has a strong background in healthcare administration with emphases in clinical care delivery, value-based care, and population health. In his new position, which begins January 8, 2024, he will drive UCR Health’s commitment toward delivering equitable healthcare, enhancing quality, patient experience and operational efficiency.

"I am inspired by UCR's mission of service and am honored to join a team that is dedicated to serving the community,” Raja said. “I am excited to be a part of UCR's journey at a time of accelerating growth and innovation."

Raja received his DO from Nova Southeastern University and completed an internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at University of Southern California.  He is board certified in rheumatology and clinical informatics.