For Immediate Release

March 25, 2021

Press Contact: Tricia Piper-Bennett

M: 415-914-5511

E: patricia@telegraphpr.com

UC Davis Health Doles Out Cookies in Place of Fair Housing Benefit

Medical staff seek a competitive housing allowance, not cookies

Sacramento- Last week, UC Davis Health’s hospital leadership gave their “Healthcare Heroes” cookies to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day. But when Resident and Fellow physicians have been negotiating throughout the entire pandemic for a housing stipend to afford their Sacramento rent, a cookie just doesn’t cut it. 

UC Davis’ housestaff need a fair housing allowance to live and work in Sacramento. A benefit that values their service to Sacramentans, and keeps them close to the hospital without risking their safety or patient care. 

After 18 months of contract negotiations, UC Davis Health’s administration still insists that Sacramento has adequate $800 1-bedroom apartments for medical residents to rent. In reality, rent rose another 7.5% in February 2021 to average $1,882 per month. 

UC Davis’ housestaff deserve a housing allowance on par with their colleagues across the UC system. 

Without it, UC Davis Health is less competitive to attract and retain diverse doctors, and Sacramento’s patients will suffer. And that’s the way this cookie crumbles. 

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 17,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.

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