The UCSF Community Newsletter

How UCSF’s Historic Campus Rose from ‘Remote’ Sand Dunes

The cornerstone of any building is essential to its success. That holds especially true for the first medical building at UCSF Parnassus Heights – an occasion set in motion by a generous donation, an appetite for a UC medical school and unpopular sand dunes on the edge of late 1800s San Francisco.

Explore the history of Parnassus Heights »

Struggling to Sleep? It Could Accelerate Brain Shrinkage

To estimate the effects of sleep quality on the brain, UCSF researchers surveyed approximately 600 adults on how well they slept. Participants were asked the same questions five years later, then underwent brain scans after 10 years.

Get the details »

Introducing the Recipients of the 2024 Chancellor Awards for Diversity

The Chancellor Awards for Diversity are presented to those who have committed time and effort to build bridges, dismantle barriers, and create spaces of innovation and connection.

Hear from the honorees in their own words »

Is Bird Flu a Threat to Humans?

As California's Central Valley makes headlines for a growing number of people testing positive for the bird flu, Rais Vohra, MD, professor at UCSF Fresno and interim health officer for the Fresno Department of Public Health, is in the eye of the storm.

Learn about the symptoms »

‘Spectacular’ UCSF Mentors Honored for Dedication to Next Generation

Even with differing styles, the result has always been the same for Kevin Shannon, MD, and Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH. Their mentees know that better than anybody. 

Celebrate Kevin and Monica’s achievement »

Experts in the News

TIME

5 Gastroenterologists on the 1 Thing You Should Do Every Day

ABC7 News

Solutions to Monitor Air Quality and Keep Your Home Clean

USA TODAY

Here's the Difference Between a Sore Throat and Strep

NPR

More Women Who’ve Been Denied Abortions are Going Public with Their Stories

KCBS

Young Athletes Should Diversify Their Exercises

Social Spotlight

From simulations to real patient care, School of Dentistry students like third-year learner Ansen Lai are steering the future of health care.

Watch and share Ansen's UCSF journey on LinkedIn »

Announcements

Avoid Holiday Scams and Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card: Learn about online shopping scams and protecting yourself just in time for the holidays. Everyone who completes the quiz is entered for a chance to win one of six $50 Amazon gift cards. Take the test »

UC Open Enrollment Begins: Open enrollment for faculty, staff and UCSF Health employees begins on Thursday, October 31, at 8 a.m. and ends on Friday, November 22, at 5 p.m. Medical plan premiums and some out-of-pocket medical plan costs are increasing for 2025. Local resources available during enrollment include on-site and virtual enrollment help desks, virtual Q&A sessions in Spanish and Cantonese, and individual phone consultations for those considering changing their medical plan. Details on local support options are available on the UCSF Open Enrollment website. Find additional details on all Open Enrollment and premium changes »

Open Enrollment Ending for BCH Oakland Employees: Open enrollment continues until Thursday, October 31, for benefitted employees at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Those eligible must take action through UKG on a computer or mobile device. The Company Access Code should already list “bchoak.” Get help using UKG »

Hear from the President of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals: Get the details on this year’s UC open enrollment at the next UCSF Town Hall on Friday, November 1, at 4 p.m. Also, don’t miss Nicholas Holmes, MD, MBA, president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and senior vice president of UCSF Health Children’s Services, as he introduces himself to the UCSF community, and get Health News You Can Use with Peter Chin-Hong, MD. Submit a question for panelists ahead of time and mark your calendar »

Don’t Miss the Annual State of the University Address: UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood delivers his 10th annual State of the University address on Thursday, November 21, at noon, highlighting major milestones and accomplishments across UCSF's mission areas that note the University’s remarkable “momentum” in pursuit of its public mission of advancing health worldwide. The hour-long program will be streamed live and features a look to the future through the eyes and experiences of a new generation of leaders in health sciences discovery and care. Make plans to watch it »

UCSF Health Pharmacies Open at Mission Bay and Parnassus Heights: UCSF Health has opened two outpatient pharmacies in the new Bayfront Medical Building at UCSF Mission Bay and the Millberry Union at UCSF Parnassus Heights. Both are open to the general public and accept most insurance options, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and commercial plans. The openings expand UCSF Health’s service offerings into the retail pharmacy space, building upon a commitment to make world-class, patient-centered care accessible and convenient for all. Get more information »

Step It Up Holiday Wellness Challenge: Registration is open for our annual Step It Up holiday wellness challenge with weekly opportunities for prizes! This year, UCSF is joining the UC-wide challenge, and those interested can join Team UCSF or make a team with their colleagues. The challenge runs from Sunday, November 24, through Sunday, December 22. Prioritize well-being during the holiday season and grab a spot today »

Latest on Construction at Parnassus Heights: Major projects at UCSF’s Parnassus Heights campus continue to progress, including the UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital, the UCSF Barbara and Gerson Bakar Research and Academic Building and more. Explore the newest developments »

New Look for MyUCRetirement: It’s now easier than ever before to find the tools, information and support needed to take full advantage of your University of California retirement benefits via MyUCRetirement. See the new-look website »

President Drake Shares His UC Priorities: University of California President Michael Drake, MD, has released an update on his systemwide priorities. From expanding opportunity and excellence to leading on climate change, strengthening our community, and promoting health care access, here’s how the UC is moving forward »

Multi-factor Authentication Added for Fidelity NetBenefits: Fidelity has enabled multi-factor authentication for employee NetBenefits accounts, adding an extra layer of security to protect against compromised or weak passwords. Employees will be challenged at login with a one-time passcode or other authenticator. Log in to learn more »

Upcoming Events

Visit the UCSF Events Calendar to submit events and see what’s happening.

Deals and Discounts

Exclusive Shopping Event for UCSF Employees: The Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store opens its doors to UCSF employees just a few times a year – and the next event is almost here! Get ready for winter with a wide array of discount jackets, fleeces, pants, hats, boots and much more. See when it’s happening »

Campus News | Suggest Story | Contact | Archive