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The UCSF Community Newsletter

 
 

UCSF Honors Four Extraordinary Leaders with the 2026 UCSF Medal


The UCSF Medal — the university’s most prestigious award — recognizes the awardees for their groundbreaking contributions to advancing science, patient care, and public health.


Meet the winners »

 
A composite image showing Kevan Shokat, Joseph DeRisi, Susan Lynch, and Stephen Hauser.

UCSF Wins Big, From Gamechangers to Startups to Life Achievement


Four UCSF professors received UC Regents Innovation Awards, celebrating their accomplishments in multiple sclerosis care, faster disease diagnostics, microbiome-based disease prevention, and new approaches to precision cancer therapies.


See the innovators »

 
A medical student stands in front of a San Francisco MUNI rail train.

Expanding Transit Pass Program Across UCSF’s Workforce


Bay Area’s second largest employer offers Clipper BayPass to its employees and students, providing a convenient and affordable transit option, while investing in Bay Area transit.


Explore the benefits »

 
A registered nurse smiles as he tends to a baby in a pediatric intensive care room.
 

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Earn Strongest US News Rankings


Four pediatric specialties rank among the nation’s Top 10 for the first time.


Follow the rankings »

 

What’s New

UCSF School of Pharmacy 

New Master's Program Aims to Shape Future of Regulatory Science

 

UCSF School of Nursing 

Balancing Opioid Safety and Pain Care in Nursing Homes

 

UCSF School of Medicine 

Kristine Yaffe Receives National Academy of Medicine’s Sarnat Prize for Transformative Work in Dementia Prevention and Cognitive Aging 

 

Social Spotlight

Smiling patient talks with a health care professional wearing blue scrubs in a bright hospital hallway.

Cait Joseph spent more than a decade receiving care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for complex medical conditions during childhood. Her journey inspired other patients and her medical team, and last week she was celebrated at Salesforce's Dreamfest with the 2026 Colin Powell Medal of Courage.



Watch on YouTube »

 
UCSF medical students wearing white coats smile together while taking a selfie in front of San Francisco City Hall.

On White Coat Day, new medical students were asked, “As a doctor, how will you make an impact?” Hear their plans, and what shaped them.



Watch on Instagram »

 

Experts in the News

The Washington Post

The Dementia That Often Strikes in Midlife — and the Signs People Miss


The New York Times

3 Common Drugs Older Adults May Be Overusing


Science Magazine

Single Brain Implant Lets Paralyzed People Both Talk and Gesture Via an Avatar


Scientific American

COVID Cases Are on the Rise — Here’s What You Need to Know


KTVU 

SF Giants, UCSF Give Pediatric Cancer Patients a Day to ‘Just Be Kids’

 

Announcements

Flu Clinics are in Full Swing: Protect yourself and your community by getting vaccinated for the flu season. Faculty, staff, students, and volunteers must document receipt of a flu shot or submit a declination by Nov. 1. Find a clinic »


Save the Date for Block Party 14: Head to Mission Bay on Oct. 14 for music, games, giveaways, and more. The first 2,200 guests to check in with a UCSF ID will receive $13 in Pride Bucks for lunch at participating campus retailers. Join the fun »


Apply for the Environmental Scholars Program by Sept. 30: This two-year program for UCSF medical, nursing, and graduate students is building the next generation of environmental health leaders. Get program details »


Virtual Support Group for Caregivers of Older Loved Ones: All UCSF employees and learners actively caring for older loved ones are invited to participate. Join a safe space for community building and mutual support. Registration ends Oct. 4. Get support »


UCSF Basic Sciences Public Lecture Series: Join UCSF professor Holly Ingraham on Oct. 14 for a free talk on hormone-responsive nodes in the brain and peripheral tissues that impact metabolic, skeletal, and gut physiology and women’s health. Get the scoop »


Register for the Health Equity and Anti-Racism Research Symposium: Explore research on health equity and anti-racism at UCSF’s 19th annual HEAR symposium on Oct. 14. Explore the program »


Get Curious at the Bay Area Science Festival: Explore, experiment, and get hands-on with free activities and demonstrations for all ages on Oct. 17 at Mission Bay. Experience how STEM shapes the way we live. Plan your visit »


Parnassus Heights Construction Update: The Bakar Research and Academic Building is now energized, major Parnassus Commons utility connections are complete, and more. Learn the latest on traffic impacts, and what you can expect around campus. Stay updated »


Watch Out for Fake Service Desk Calls: Cybercriminals are targeting health care organizations with phone scams that impersonate IT. Never share account information, and verify unexpected requests directly with UCSF IT. Don't get "vished" »


If You Missed the Last UCSF Town Hall: The Sept. 10 Town Hall featured Chancellor Sam Hawgood and conversations on a promising melanoma vaccine, new insights into Parkinson’s disease, and the latest health news from Peter Chin-Hong, MD. Get caught up »

 

Upcoming Events

 

SEPT

23

Genotech Symposium 2026


Dialogues on Opportunity Series: Build Skills in Dialogue, Reflection, Inclusive Practice


Arte con la Gente: Community Paint Activity


Transit Month Webinar: BART


Women in Tech@UCSF x UCSF Workforce Development: Career Growth & Development at UCSF


Exhibition Opening - Past Advocacy, Future Change: HIV/AIDS Campaigns Transforming Dementia Narratives

SEPT

24


E-waste Collection at Mount Zion


Toastmasters for Health


Introduction to Machine Learning


Bikes! @ Doc’s Clock: Clock Out. Ride Over

SEPT

30

E-waste Collection at Mission Bay Campus


Climate & Belonging Fall Open House

OCT

7

LGBTQ Fall Welcome 2026

OCT

8

UCSF Town Hall


UCSF Student and Alumni Mixer at SPARK Social SF

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

 

Deals and Discounts

Smiling woman rides a stationary bike during a group cycling class at a fitness center.

$0 Fitness Center Enrollment Deal Until Sept. 30: Whether you’re beginning a fitness journey or elevating your current one, get access to world-class facilities and inspiring classes with a UCSF Fitness and Recreation Membership — open to all.



Join today »

 
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