Pulse of UCSF logo
Essential news for the UCSF community
A person drawing a person frustrated by itch on a white board.

The Surprise Science Behind That Pesky Itch


It's a relief to scratch the occasional itch – but when an itch gets out of control, it can become a pestering problem. How does the body know when to stop?


Learn about UCSF’s research »

A nurse giving a shot to a pregnant woman.

What You Need to Know About RSV Vaccines


The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the world’s first vaccines to prevent RSV for infants and adults over 60. 


Read what UCSF experts are saying »

Portrait of Katina Bitsicas.

Loss, Health Meet in New Work from UCSF Artist in Residence


Personal truth and creativity are central points for any artist – and the intersection of the two is everything for Katina Bitsicas.


Read her powerful story »

Dan Bernal portrait.

Dan Bernal Named Vice Chancellor of Community and Government Relations


The longtime San Francisco chief of staff to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi comes with deep community ties and experience in a broad range of issues affecting UCSF.


Learn about Dan »

Social Spotlight
Block party attendees line dance on Gene Friend Way.

Miss the return of UCSF’s Block Party? Just want to enjoy the festivities all over again?


See the photos on Instagram »

Our Experts in the News

The New York Times 

Feeling Terrible After Your COVID Shot? Then It’s Probably Working 

 

NBC News 

How Levels of ‘Good’ Cholesterol May Increase Dementia Risk 

 

Fortune 

How Harmless Cancers are Being Overdiagnosed in America 

 

The New Yorker 

The Power of Food for People with Dementia 

 

KCBS-AM with UCSF Health 

As Prescribed: Clearing Up RSV, COVID Confusion 

Announcements

Open Enrollment Begins Soon: Open Enrollment for 2024 benefits begins Thursday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m. and ends Friday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. With significant increases in medical plan costs – despite UC covering a larger share of premiums – it’s more important than ever to understand your options and costs. An announcement about Open Enrollment including additional UCSF resources will go out on Monday, Oct. 23. There will also be information at the next UCSF Town Hall on Friday, Nov. 1. Learn more » 


Parking Garages Go Gateless: Beginning this week, UCSF Transportation will convert the following parking garages into a gateless system: Community Center Garage and the 3rd Street Garage at Mission Bay, and the Mount Zion Garage at 2420 Sutter Street. Customers will no longer be required to pull a ticket at entry or wait in line to pay a cashier to exit. Get more information » 


The Latest on COVID-19: UCSF epidemiologist George Rutherford, MD, Interim Director, Institute for Global Health Sciences, shared the latest on COVID-19 in his first Town Hall in over a year. You can also hear an update on staff recruitment and get Health News You Can Use with Peter Chin-Hong, MD. Watch the Town Hall video on demand » 


Flu Shot Deadline Fast Approaching: The compliance deadline for UCSF faculty, staff and learners to get their flu shot is Wednesday, Nov. 1. Flu vaccines are required by public health agencies and the University of California. Get more information » 

 

Tap On for UCSF Shuttles: Campus shuttles are now equipped with UCSF ID badge scanners. All UCSF faculty, staff and learners are required to tap their UCSF or ZSFG ID badge when boarding. Plan your shuttle trip » 

 

Virtual Veterans Job Fair and Open House: Network with UCSF hiring managers, Talent Acquisition, fellow veterans and community partners focused on serving veterans on Thursday, Nov. 9. Access resources and gain insider tips to support your job search. Mark your calendar » 

 

New Art Exhibit Reception: Maternal Health and Images of the Body in Japanese Ukiyo-e opens next month at the UCSF Kalmanovitz Library at Parnassus Heights. The exhibition focuses on how women and their families experienced pregnancy and childbirth in mid-19th century Japan through a selection of ukiyo-e art and other materials. The UCSF community is invited to attend an opening reception on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Register now » 

 

Sort That Waste: The UCSF Recycling and Waste Reduction Program is seeing a high volume of items in the trash that could have gone into recycling or compost. UCSF has a goal of zero waste – and we can make an immediate impact on that goal by sorting correctly. Signs encouraging better sorting will soon be placed in buildings across UCSF. Learn more » 

 

Guard Your Personal Data: UCSF invites comments on interim UCSF Campus Administrative Policy 650-20 – External Sharing of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and PII-Derived Data (External Data Sharing Policy). A group comprised of IT experts developed the policy. Comments are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Use the feedback form » 

 

Mission Bay Conference Center Improvements: The Fisher Banquet Room and Robertson Auditorium in the Mission Bay Conference Center are set for upgrades at the beginning of 2024. Improvements include the AV system in both rooms, including sound and projection. Read more » 

Wellness Corner: Here's your sign to take a stretch break. Stretching improves flexibility, blood flow and relieves stress. Get more well-being resources here »

Events

October 18 

2023 UCSF Health Equity Symposium 

 

October 18 

Pronouns Day at Parnassus 

 

October 18 

Low Fidelity Prototyping 

 

October 18 

True Selves: LGBTQ Student Support Group Series 

 

October 19, 26 

Health Care Reimbursement Masterclass 

 

October 20 

Animal Ambassador at UCSF 

 

October 21 

Head for the Cure 

 

October 21 

Art for AIDS 

 

October 23 

Effective Feedback to Promote a Growth Mindset 

 

October 24 

UCSF School of Medicine Teaching Awards 

 

October 25 

Pumpkin Decorating 

 

October 25 

UCSF Career Expo 

 

October 26 

Helping Helpers Help Themselves: Increasing Professional Resilience and Navigating Burnout 

 

October 26 

Infertility 101: Issues and Treatment Options for Family Building 

 

October 26 

Bailamos 2023: A Night of Latinx Dancing 

 

October 27 

Teach for UCSF Certificate Day: Educator Essentials Part 1 

 

October 27 

Teach for UCSF Certificate Day: Simulation Teaching Part 1 

 

October 27 

Sports Basement Discount Night and Social for UCSF Faculty and Friends 

 

October 30 

The WISDOM Study Community Forum 

 

November 1 

Puppies at Parnassus 

 

November 1 

Dia de los Muertos Altar Viewing Reception 


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

Deals and Discounts
A woman choosing vegetables in the produce aisle.

Save with Safeway Discount: Take advantage of a 5% discount on groceries on each transaction at participating Safeway locations. Just present your UCSF ID badge to get a keycard to use at checkout.

Visit Customer Service at One of These Stores
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin