Distinguished Alumnus, UC Irvine School of Medicine
With a generosity of spirit and a tireless commitment to helping others, Dr. Cleveland Lewis is this year’s recipient of the UC Irvine School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award.
Cleveland’s journey to becoming a trailblazing surgeon and healthcare executive began with a simple yet profound desire: to care for the grandmother who raised him. Although she passed away when he was just 11, her compassion and strength inspired a lifelong dedication to service.
A 1960 graduate of the institution that would become the UC Irvine School of Medicine, Cleveland devoted more than six decades to surgery. He recalls learning from exceptional faculty whose dedication to excellence prepared him for a career of caring for patients and advancing the profession.
His path to medicine was shaped by military service in the U.S. Army. After his service, he built a distinguished career in surgery and healthcare leadership.
As one of only seven Black students admitted to his medical school class – and the only one to graduate – he persevered through barriers with resilience, integrity and quiet determination.
Becoming a board-certified surgeon during an era of profound social change remains one of his proudest achievements, reflecting not only personal excellence but also a journey that helped broaden opportunities for those who would follow.
Cleveland cared for countless patients as a trauma, vascular and general surgeon in California before assuming physician executive leadership roles, including at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, now part of UCI Health.
A lifelong learner, he continually sought new knowledge to better serve patients, physicians and the evolving healthcare system. He remains committed to mentoring future generations, welcoming medical students into his practice and sharing his experience throughout his career.
Cleveland, his wife, Gerrie, are considering a bequest to support scholarships for future medical students, with the hope of extending a legacy rooted in service, perseverance, and opportunity.
“Dr. Lewis is a distinguished alumnus of the UC Irvine School of Medicine whose career reflects extraordinary service, leadership, and perseverance… He overcame systemic and societal barriers with resilience and integrity, never wavering from his mission to heal and serve others.”
Join us as we honor this year’s distinguished recipients and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Anteater community.
