Chair's Corner

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.

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Amy Lin, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UCSF Health, on December 5th, 2025. During her two decades of service, leadership, and patient care at UCSF, first as a Hematology/Oncology fellow and then as a faculty member, Dr. Lin made many indelible and lasting contributions to the Division of Hematology/Oncology, the Department of Medicine, and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Our entire department grieves the death of Alberto Rangel, a beloved social worker at the HIV clinic (Ward 86) at ZSFG. For over 15 years in the San Francisco Public Health system (the last five on Ward 86), Alberto provided compassionate social services and counseling to thousands of patients. His dedication, skills, and warmth were legendary. We extend our deepest sympathies to his husband and family. The outpouring of grief from across Ward 86 and the entire ZSFG community reflects the profound impact Alberto had and how greatly he’ll be missed.

Healthcare and federal policy have shifted rapidly this year, creating uncertainty across federal and private health systems alike. Budget challenges, hiring freezes, a cascade of executive orders, impending reorganization, and a government shutdown have all tested the VA.