Chair's letter

After a long hiatus, I’m thrilled to share our reinvigorated annual report for 2023. Since our 2018 report, we have navigated the pandemic and the exponential growth of the UCSF clinical enterprise – leading to many changes within our department. 

In this issue, we explore the rapid expansion of clinical sites, services, and case volumes, including construction of the new Bayfront Medical Building at the Mission Bay Campus. We also hear updates from several clinical leaders, describing recent initiatives and programs in support of our diverse patient populations.  

Our education programs continue to attract the best and the brightest trainees. Read about some of the latest resident and fellow projects, hear from Kristina Sullivan, MD, associate chair for Education and the Residency Program director, and learn about our state-of-the-art Simulation Center in the new Pride Hall building at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) campus.  

Groundbreaking research continues to happen here. In addition to our new Simulation Center, we’re delighted to have secured modern lab spaces in Pride Hall for our talented research teams at ZSFG. In this issue, we describe recent projects spanning a wide range of research topics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, CRISPR, neurocognitive disorders, acute kidney injury, and transplant medicine. We also share an update about the Pain and Addiction Research Center (PARC). PARC, an interdisciplinary effort, is focused on developing and testing new approaches for treating pain and addiction, decreasing the negative consequences of opioids, and developing effective ways to mitigate the impact of drugs of addiction.  

We recognize that supporting the well-being of our faculty, trainees and staff, and prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and equity in our department and community provides the framework for excellence. We describe our efforts to create a welcoming and positive environment for all in our community, including the work of CHESA. Established in 2020, the Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia focuses on advancing equity in surgery, anesthesia, and perioperative care worldwide through ethical and innovative academic engagement.  

As always, thank you for reading. 

Michael Gropper, MD, PhD 
Distinguished Professor and Chair