Chair's Corner

A Guide to Mentorship, Sponsorship, Coaching, and Leadership Fall brings a familiar “back to school” energy, from our new residents and fellows settling in, to the new faculty and staff joining us at UCSF.

Steady Hands, Shared Purpose After my first year as SFVAHCS Medical Service Chief, I reflect on what we have accomplished and the critical partnerships that helped foster our success. The Service bears responsibility for delivering premier healthcare to Veterans and ensuring faculty and staff experiences across missions are optimized.

Dear Colleagues, On July 2, a long-standing and beloved DOM colleague and leader at ZSFG, John M. Luce, MD, passed away. He was 84 years old.

Across the DOM, coaching is emerging as a powerful way to support faculty, staff, and trainees in navigating transitions and aligning professional goals with meaningful, sustainable work. This piece explores how a coaching mindset can strengthen individuals, teams, and our broader community.

The year ahead will bring significant change as UCSF Health expands its clinical footprint across the Bay Area. Bob Wachter shares the strategic considerations guiding this growth and the key questions the Department of Medicine will address together in 2026.