The passing of Alberto Rangel, beloved social worker at ZSFG

Dear Colleagues:

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.

Our department leaders are collaborating with the relevant leaders at ZSFG and the Department of Public Health to address concerns about security. This is also an opportunity to reexamine security procedures across all the campuses where our people work. We are committed to learning from this tragedy.

The 3,000 people of the UCSF Department of Medicine stand with our ZSFG colleagues in mourning this unspeakable loss. At times like this, supporting one another matters more than ever.   

The UCSF Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is available if you or others need support. Call 415-476-8279 or visit https://fsap.ucsf.edu and reference this event.

As information about a memorial service and donations become available, we will forward that. 

Sincerely,

Neil Powe
Chief of Medical Service and Vice Chair, Dept. of Medicine

Monica Gandhi
Medical Director, Ward 86

Diane Havlir
Chief, Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, ZSFG/UCSF

Bob Wachter
Chair, Department of Medicine