Michelle Albert received the Holly Smith Award

Michelle Albert is one of this year's recipients of the annual Holly Smith Award for Exceptional Service to the School of Medicine. Albert has shaped UCSF and academic medicine through a rare combination of visionary leadership, groundbreaking scholarship, and deep commitment to mentorship. As associate dean for admissions, she has strengthened and modernized the medical school admissions process while helping recruit exceptionally talented and innovative classes of future physicians. An internationally recognized cardiovascular scientist, Albert has advanced the understanding of how social and environmental adversity influence health, elevating UCSF’s influence in cardiovascular science and health care for all populations. Her impact extends far beyond her own achievements through the many trainees and faculty she has guided into successful academic careers. Throughout her distinguished career, she has brought warmth, humility, and thoughtful leadership to every role.