Story #93: Sae Takada, HSHS Alum and Faculty at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Dr. Sae Takada ‘03, MD, PhD, MHS, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her distinguished academic path includes a Master of Health Sciences in Global Health Policy from the University of Tokyo, an MD-PhD in Health Policy from Harvard University, and extensive clinical training as an Internal Medicine resident and fellow in the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA. As a health services researcher, Dr. Takada’s work examines the role of social relationships in under-resourced communities, especially how they influence health behaviors, beliefs, and access to care. In addition to her research, Dr. Takada serves as a primary care physician specializing in HIV care for veterans experiencing homelessness, a position that reflects her commitment to addressing the intersection of health disparities and social justice.
Dr. Takada’s passion for addressing the root causes of health inequities was nurtured during her time with the PBHA’s Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. Reflecting on her PBHA experience, she noted how it shaped her understanding of structural forces—such as housing policy, systemic racism, and mental health stigma—that contribute to housing insecurity and poor health outcomes. She emphasized that the people she encountered at PBHA, both clients and peers, continue to inspire her work today.
“The clients and peers I met through my PBHA activities continue to motivate me to work towards creating a world in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. My current professional role as a health services researcher, educator, and primary care provider for veterans experiencing homelessness include engaging in research, teaching about, and providing care to people experiencing systemic barriers.” - Sae Takada
Her work at PBHA helped her grasp the importance of integrating direct service with structural change, a lesson that has deeply influenced her approach to both research and clinical practice.
“I learned about a social change approach that integrated direct service and structural change, reflective practice” - Sae Takada
Dr. Takada views her professional journey as an opportunity to learn and grow through service, continuously drawing inspiration from the individuals she serves. As she continues to bridge the worlds of health care and social justice, her commitment to advocating for marginalized populations remains unwavering. PBHA is so proud of Dr. Takada for advocating for social justice through her health services research, her compassionate care for veterans experiencing homelessness, and her ongoing commitment to addressing the structural factors that shape health outcomes for under-resourced communities.
