Dr. Chris Searles is a previous co-director of the UCSD Combined Residency Program. A San Diego native, Dr. Searles earned his undergraduate degree from University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from the University of California, Davis. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Psychiatry in the UCSD School of Medicine.
Dr. Searles is the medical director of a newly established UCSD Downtown Family Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on the integration primary care and psychiatry as well as modalities of integrative medicine to focus on a patient centered, "whole person" approach. The prevention based health program offers traditional care along with access to elements such as acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, and more to offer a balanced and comprehensive approach to finding and maintaining health.
Dr. Searles is also very active in the community and has a special interest in finding creative ways to address preventable disease. His passion for preventive health is fueled by his firm belief that by finding community partners with similar goals we can all "work smarter" to address the health disparities that exist for families who live and work below the poverty line. He has previously chaired the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative andserved on the board of directors of Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP). He is currently the vice-chair of the Coronado Schools Foundation.
He was the recipient of the 2008 American Medical Association Community Service Award and was recognized by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine as one of its "40 Under 40." He is also the recipient of the 2010 LEAD San Diego Herbert G. Klein Visionary Award.
