Our Mission
Vision
Approach
About UFirst Health Partners
At UFirst Health Partners, we are dedicated to transforming healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. Our mission is to provide comprehensive healthcare services that include education, screening, and strong advocacy for patient care, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized and equitable treatment they deserve.
Vision and Approach
We envision a future where healthcare disparities are bridged and every individual, regardless of background, has access to the care they need. We strive to be at the forefront of healthcare screenings and patient-centered care through strategic partnerships and community-centered initiatives. Our integrated approach combines world-class medical technology, innovative health screening, and pioneering research to provide comprehensive solutions that cure and prevent diseases.
Building a Network of Hope
Our network includes strategic partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and physicians, which help connect communities’ health resources with healthcare providers.
Leadership
The UFirst Health Partners team is a multidisciplinary group committed to equitable, patient-centered healthcare. Led by co-founder and Medical Director Dr. Ralph L. Peterson, a renowned specialist in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine with over 37 years of experience, the team focuses on innovation, prevention, and comprehensive care. The clinical and technical staff provide high-quality patient services and advanced diagnostic support. Wellness specialists, educators, and community outreach coordinators advocate for preventive care, healthy lifestyle changes, and accessible healthcare education. Administrative and executive professionals ensure efficient operations, strategic growth, and the organization’s continued commitment to health equity.
Services and Impact
We collaborate with local and international healthcare professionals to support medical treatments and revolutionary cures. We also focus on educational programs that raise awareness about disease prevention, lifestyle modifications, and self-help strategies.
Dr. Ralph L. Peterson, Co-founder
Co-Founder
Dr. Ralph L Peterson is an established medical practitioner with 37 years of professional experience, and more than 22 years specializing in Gastroenterology(GI) and Internal Medicine (IM). Dr. Peterson’s passion is helping to address gastrointestinal diseases and the treatment of Hepatitis B & C on a worldwide basis.
Dr. Peterson is currently being recognized by the pharmaceutical industry as the top HCV Specialist in his geographical region, with a cure rate of over 90%. With a keen awareness of the overall worldwide demand to effectively treat and cure Hepatitis C (HCV), Dr. Peterson’s focus is to support worldwide activities that improve the surveillance, prevention, screening and treatment of HCV.
In 2007, Dr. Peterson’s medical clinic started initial testing for HCV to increase the awareness of individuals at risk and to provide appropriate education and referrals. The medical facility began HCV treatments in 2013, and Dr. Peterson was the first medical doctor in the California County of Alameda, to write RX and have patients approved for the first complete treatment for HCV which required taking only a once-a-day pill.
A medical leader in the community, Dr. Peterson has received awards and recognition from entities such as the American Cancer Society. Dr. Peterson is on the advisory boards of top pharmaceutical corporations and is a speaker for Gilead Pharmaceutical. Dr. Peterson is overall a sought-after speaker on gastroenterology, disease prevention, and patient health and wellness. He has held leadership positions at numerous entities in the United States such as Chief of Staff at Physicians Community Hospital; Interim Medical Director of Berkeley Health Center; Medical Director for the Aids Project of the East Bay; and Director for Office-based Surgery at MacArthur Gastroenterology.
Dr. Peterson’s focus has always been to provide high-quality healthcare to medically underserved individuals and families. As a leader in his field, Dr. Peterson has received numerous recognitions such as the Patients’ Choice Award & Compassionate Doctor Recognition. These awards recognize top doctors that provide exemplary care. The awards are determined based on the reviews and ratings collected from millions of patients and are awarded to less than 5 percent of all doctors in the United States.
Dr. Ralph Peterson has always had an international healthcare focus. He worked as a Volunteer Physician in Bohol Philippines and was a Medical Team Leader in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In Sierra Leone, Dr. Peterson was responsible for evaluating the medical needs of the different provinces and determining what positive medical impacts could be implemented.
With the HCV infection being a major public health concern worldwide, Dr. Peterson’s passion is to aid in the eradication of this disease.