Krupp Center for Integrative Research

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research

About Us

ABOUT US

Thanks to the generosity and vision of Richard "Dick" Krupp, UC San Diego has established the Krupp Endowed Fund (KEF). The primary aim of the KEF is to support research examining natural complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine approaches that show the greatest promise for bettering human health for the largest number of people, at the lowest cost, without relying on prescription drugs or surgery. Watch the video below to learn more about our history and mission.

From One Man’s Healing Journey To a Lasting Commitment to Research and Integrative Health

Richard “Dick” Krupp grew up with chronic asthma and modest means, but his life changed when he began exploring health and nutrition through the work of pioneers like Adele Davis and Carlton Fredericks. Turning to natural approaches—diet, herbs, vitamins—he dramatically improved his own health and began sharing these methods with others, seeing similarly powerful results.

Believing that millions could benefit from natural healing, he sought to back these approaches with scientific research. In 1997, he established a trust at UC San Diego and later expanded his support through a transformative gift to the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine. Inspired by the Center’s mission to serve all communities, he also helped bring Frazier Farms, a natural grocery store, to San Diego.

Dick passed away on January 1, 2015. His generosity and belief in the healing power of food continue to shape the future of integrative health through the Krupp Endowed Fund.

Meet the Team

Gordon Saxe, MD, PhD, MPH

Director, UC San Diego Krupp Center for Integrative Research

Shahrokh (Shah) Golshan, PhD

Co-Director, UC San Diego Krupp Center for Integrative Research

Lauray MacElhern, MBA

Managing Director, UC San Diego Centers for Integrative Health

Research Executive
Committee

Shahrokh (Shah) Golshan, PhD
Nigel Crawford, PhD
Lauray MacElhern, MBA
Chris D'Adamo, PhD
Gordon Saxe, MD, PhD, MPH

Research Team

Tatyana Shekhtman, MS, PMC
Phoebe Senowitz, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, CHES
Renu Sugathan 
Kathleen Bundy, MS, RDN
Chloe Delgado Ramirez, BA
Jessica Matthews, DBH, NBC-HWC, DipACLM
Leslie J. Sebastian

Krupp Committee

Joshua Shelton (Chair)
Larry Cooper, Esq.
Daniel Vicario, MD
Cindy Leeder, DC
Lauray MacElhern, MBA
Z’ev Rosenberg, LAc
Gordon Saxe, MD, PhD, MPH

Active Members

Seema Aceves, MD, PhD
Sanjay Agarwal, MD
Hossein Ansari, MD
Ellen Beck, MD
Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH
Tim Brown, PhD
Ru Bryan, PhD
Laura Buehning, MD, MPH
Marcia Ellison, PhD
Lauren Foster, PhD
Alessandra Franco, MD, PhD
Linda Hill, MD, MPH
Suzi Hong, PhD
Chad Hutchison, MSN, RN
Wonkyu Ju, PhD

Carrie Jung, MD
Hyeoneui Kim, RN, MPH, PhD
Hollis King, DO, PhD
David Kunkel, MD
Thomas Liu, PhD
Emily Lukacz, MD
Lauray MacElhern, MBA
Paul Mills, PhD
Sonia Ponce, MD
Erin Raskin, MS, LAc, DACM
Ravinder Reddy, MD
Byron Richard, MS, RD, CDE
Gordon Saxe, MD, PhD, MPH
Jeffrey Schwimmer, MD
Dorothy Sears, PhD

David Shannahoff-Khalsa
Tanya Shekhtman
I-Wei Shu, MD, PhD
Amy Sitapati, MD
Mamata Sivagnanam, MD
Daniel Slater, MD
Radhika Sundararajan, MD, PhD
Pam Taub, MD
Robert Terkeltaub, MD
Luke Thompson, PhD
Francisco Villarreal, MD, PhD
Kenneth Vitale, MD
Sonya Wang, MD
Robert Weinreb, MD
Linda Zangwill, PhD

Preoperative Flavanols Supplementation in Elderly Patients to Reduce Inflammatory Markers and Improve Mitochondrial Function

Completed
Lifestyle Medicine
Natural Products
Experimental

Led by Dr. Byron Fergerson, Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Anesthesiology at UCSD Health, this study evaluates a flavanol-based supplement aimed at supporting recovery and overall health in patients 50 years or older preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery.

Study Activities

Participants will complete two in-home blood draws, take one 500 mg capsule daily for 14 days, log their intake, and answer questionnaires.

Participant Benefits

While direct health benefits cannot be guaranteed, the flavanol supplement may reduce inflammation and support antioxidant activity. Other possible benefits include improved cognition, mood, and recovery. Participants may receive up to $100 upon completion.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Age 50 or older
  • Reside in San Diego County
  • Scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery
Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Byron Fergerson, MD

Study Duration
2 weeks
Study Compensation
Up to $100
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
619‑929‑0828
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Weight Management: Dissemination and Implementation of Shared Medical Appointments at UC San Diego Health

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Observational

The UCSD Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) Program for the treatment of obesity is a virtual SMA program that has a curriculum based on USPSTF recommendations for intensive lifestyle change and meets the requirements of ITLC outlined in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine position statement on ITLC.

It is run by the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine, and in-person assessment visits take place at the UC San Diego Center for Weight Management. The program consists of 12 visits, covering all six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. There are 2 pre-intervention visits for initial assessments and tailored recommendations and 2 follow-up assessments.

Study Activities

Participation includes 12 virtual group appointments, 2 pre-intervention visits, and 2 post-intervention assessments, focused on lifestyle education and personalized weight management support.

Participant Benefits

Education and tools for long-term weight management through evidence-based lifestyle interventions and support from an integrative health team.

Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Study Duration
6 months
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858‑413‑7728
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anti-Inflammatory Diet Randomized Trial

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Experimental

Dr. Monica Guma from the Division of Rheumatology at UC San Diego, together with the Center for Integrative Nutrition and Research, is conducting a study of a 3-month long program to test nutritional changes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Study Activities

There will be four, one-hour, face-to-face visits required. Participation will also involve education and support in the adoption of a healthy and nutritionally balanced anti-inflammatory diet. The program includes a detailed baseline orientation, expert nutrition counseling and education, and telephone coaching.

Participant Benefits

Education and support in adopting a healthy and nutritionally balanced anti-inflammatory diet.

Eligibility Criteria

Any patient with rheumatoid arthritis without food allergies can participate.

Additional Information

If you are interested in the study and would like further details, please contact the Nutrition Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Coordinator. You may also review the study flyer here.

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Monica Guma, MD, Ph.D

Study Duration
3 months
Email
z2manalo@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858-822-3745
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Evaluating the Effects of Magnesium on Arterial Compliance and Cerebral Blood Flow

Completed
Diet & Nutrition
Natural Products
Experimental

This feasibility study aims to examine whether 12 weeks of magnesium supplementation (450 mg magnesium citrate 3x day with food) might increase cerebral blood flow and reduce the stiffness of the medium-sized arteries in the brain of obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Blood and MRI are measured before and after the intervention.

Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Thomas Liu, PhD

Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH

Study Duration
12 weeks
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858-249-6896
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Integrative Prehabilitation Program for Patients Facing Surgery

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Mind-Body
Observational

This study supports patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery with a comprehensive integrative care plan. The program includes services before and after surgery and is led by UC San Diego experts in mindfulness, dietetics, and exercise physiology.

Study Activities

A treatment development and feasibility study assessing a 3–5 month integrative pre- and post-habilitation program. The program includes mindfulness sessions with a mindfulness coach (MC), dietary counsel visits with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and physical fitness consultation visits with an exercise physiologist. The study activities consists of mostly virtual visits and surveys, but also includes in-person visits to complete questionnaires and physical evaluations.

Participant Benefits

All services are provided at no cost. Pre- and post-surgical oral nutrition supplements are provided. Participants may experience improved surgical outcomes, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Adults ages 18–75 undergoing major abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal cancer
  • Must enroll at least 4 weeks—and no more than 3 months—prior to surgery
Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Jula Veerapong, MD

Jenn Lee, MD

Study Duration
3-5 months
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858-413-7728
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Integrative Plant-Based Diet & Behavioral Interventions for Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Closed
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Observational

This study explores an Integrative Care Program for reducing symptoms of LPR. Study outcomes will be measured before and after an 8-week intervention including dietary counseling, educational materials, and recipes.

 

Study Activities

The objective of this prospective single center study is to test a whole food, plant-based diet with special attention to certain foods for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).The intervention includes a Principal Investigator–led orientation video and four telehealth visits with a registered dietitian. The study activities also include completing online assessments.

Participant Benefits

Benefits include dietary orientation and expert nutritional counseling, WFPB diet education materials and recipes, and telehealth support for lifestyle and dietary changes.

Eligibility Criteria

Adults aged 18 to 89 years old with 8 weeks or more of laryngeal symptoms (dysphonia/voice hoarseness, throat clearing, sore throat, globus, cough, mucus in throat), that are suspected to have potential LPR and are currently receiving concurrent clinical speech therapy at UC San Diego Health.

Additional Information

Additional study eligibility and participation requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Rena Yadlapati, MD

Study Duration
8 weeks
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858‑249‑6896
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Anti-Inflammatory Rich Diet in First Episode Psychosis

Closed
Diet & Nutrition
Lifestyle Medicine
Experimental

The goal of the study is multi-faceted: to develop and test a dietary intervention based on an anti-inflammatory, whole foods diet pattern using continuous feedback from early psychosis patients and their families, evaluate the feasibility, satisfaction, and adherence of a 5-week diet intervention, and explore whether the intervention effects weight, metabolic parameters, biomarkers, symptoms of psychosis, and overall well-being. The intervention includes individualized dietary counseling, diet education, meal plans, and recipes.

Study analysis in progress.

Principal Investigator(s)

Helen Mirzakhanian, PhD

Kristin Cadenhead, MD, Gordon Saxe MD, PhD 

Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
619-543-7816
Sign Up Link
Sign Up
Primary Center
KCIR

Practice Based Research

Practice-based research is central to our mission of advancing integrative health through real-world clinical evidence.

Practice-based research (PBR) is clinical investigation grounded in the outcomes of real-world care. Rather than relying on costly clinical trials, PBR draws from data already collected during integrative health visits—making it a practical, cost-effective way to study what works in everyday settings.

With support from the Krupp Endowed Fund, CIH uses PBR to evaluate the impact of our clinical programs on a range of health conditions. These studies help generate evidence that directly informs patient care, advances best practices, and improves outcomes across our community.

We also collaborate nationally through BraveNet, a 20+ member practice-based research network. Through initiatives like the PRIMIER registry, we contribute to standardized health data collection and cross-institutional insights into integrative medicine.

Step 1

Review the RFA

Read this essential document for complete details on eligibility, application requirements, timelines, and submission format for the Practice-Based Research program.

REVIEW RFA

Step 2

PBR Application

Submit your proposed study details through the online PBR application form. You will be asked to describe your research question, study design, data needs, timeline, and requested research support. Applications will be reviewed by the KCIR team.

Apply Now

Step 3

Application Review

The KCIR team will review your submission for alignment with our Primary Aim and Objective, feasibility, and requested support. We will contact you within 2–4 weeks to discuss next steps and, if appropriate, schedule a consultation.

Active Studies

  • UC San Diego Health Inpatient Acupuncture and Massage
  • Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) program
  • Center for Integrative Medicine (IM) Outpatient 
  • Food is Medicine (FIM) program
  • Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program
  • Health and Wellness Coaching CPT Code Utilization Study
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Service Study
  • Integrative Medicine (IM) Consult Service Study
  • IM PBR Pre and Post Survey Study

PRIMIER: 5,000 patients
CBD: UC San Diego, UCSF and Northwestern
ACUITY:  NCCIH-funded U01 multicenter feasibility trial (Cleveland Clinics, Vanderbilt, UC San Diego) studying Acupuncture in the Emergency Department

Access PBR Support Materials

Visit the PBR Resources page to explore resources, presentations and worksheets to help clinician-scientists learn about and implement practice-based research in clinic.

RESOURCES

Get Involved

The Krupp Center for Integrative Research invites faculty, staff, students, and supporters to help advance whole-person health by contributing to a dynamic, equity-informed research community. Through membership, mentorship, and support, you’ll play a role in expanding our network, fueling novel ideas, and translating integrative discoveries into clinical care and policy.

KCIR Membership

Interested in getting your research funded? UC San Diego faculty and staff can apply for Krupp grants by becoming KCIR members. Members receive early notice of funding opportunities, invitations to strategy sessions, and connection to a vibrant network of peers advancing integrative health.

Join the Leadership Circle

Help shape our future direction by joining the leadership circle with a meaningful annual pledge for at least three years.

Propose a Collaboration

Mission-aligned proposals from individuals and organizations are welcome.

Make a Donation

Make a tax-deductible donation to advance integrative medicine and support high-impact research.

Volunteer or Intern

Support research, outreach, or clinical care while gaining valuable practical experience. Opportunities are open year-round to students and community members.

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