Jacquelyn Maher will step down as chief of Gastroenterology at ZSFG

Jacquelyn Maher, MD, intends to step down from her position as Chief of Gastroenterology at ZSFG and retire from UCSF, in order to focus on her research as an emerita. Maher has been the GI division chief at ZSFG since 2012; during her tenure she recruited 7 faculty, 6 of whom remain active in the division today. Maher credits her colleagues for making the ZSFG GI division a model of excellence and collegiality as well as a favorite rotation site for the GI fellows. Her outstanding leadership upholds UCSF values for the division’s distinction.  

Maher has a long history at UCSF and ZSFG. She trained in gastroenterology at UCSF from 1983-87 under the direction of D. Montgomery Bissell, where she acquired a foundation in hepatology research in a laboratory located in Building 40. She joined the UCSF faculty in 1987 and advanced through the ranks to Professor, ultimately achieving the title of William and Mary Ann Rice Distinguished Professor in 2012. 

For her entire career, Maher has been an active member of the NIDDK-funded UCSF Liver Center. She skillfully led this consortium for 16 years along with several faculty colleagues. She also directed the T32 postdoctoral program in hepatology at UCSF for 16 years before sharing this role with Dr. Mandana Khalili. Outside UCSF, Dr. Maher has served as Associate Editor for several specialty journals (Hepatology, Gastroenterology, American Journal of Physiology (GI & Liver)) and as a member or chair of standing study sections at the NIH and American Gastroenterological Association. She is currently a member of the NIDDK Advisory Council.      

Maher intends to continue her research focusing on the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty steatotic liver disease (MASLD) after stepping down. Her leadership will be missed when she transitions to emerita. We are grateful for the outstanding division Jackie has created, nourished, and advanced over these years.     

Maher will remain in her position as chief for one year, during which time we will conduct a national search for a successor. Terence Friedlander, MD Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at ZSFG will chair the search committee.  

Let’s all recognize this brilliant physician scientist, clinician and leader who brought so much to our community for many years.