Dear Colleagues,

It is with appreciation of his service and his accomplishments at UCSF that I share today the news that Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD, has informed me of his decision to step down as Dean of the UCSF School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor, effective June 30, 2026.

For the past 11 years, Talmadge has led one of the nation’s premier schools of medicine with integrity, steadiness, and a deep commitment to UCSF’s public mission. His leadership has strengthened the School of Medicine across education, research, and clinical care, positioning it on solid ground for continued excellence in the years ahead.

Since assuming the deanship in 2015, Talmadge has sustained and elevated the school’s national and international stature. Under his leadership, the school continued to grow its extramural research funding, expanded interdisciplinary research initiatives, and reinforced UCSF’s position as a global leader in biomedical discovery and translational science. He championed collaborative environments across departments and campuses, enabling scientific advances that directly improve patient care.

Dean King has led significant transformations in medical education, evolving curricula, and training programs to better prepare learners for modern practice — with greater emphasis on team-based care, population health, reducing disparities in health care, and the responsible integration of new technologies. These efforts ensured that UCSF graduates are equipped to lead in an increasingly complex health care landscape.

Equally transformative was his emphasis on long-term stewardship and institutional stability. Through careful financial management and strategic investments, Talmadge strengthened the school’s financial foundation and operational resilience, guiding us through major transitions — including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — while maintaining continuity and momentum.

A defining feature of Dean King’s tenure has been his commitment to expanding access and fostering a welcoming, supportive community. He also strengthened partnerships across UCSF Health, our regional campuses, and community organizations, reinforcing UCSF’s role as a public institution committed to advancing health locally and globally.

Talmadge will remain fully engaged as dean through June 30, continuing to advance strategic priorities and support the school during this transition. I will be leading a national search for the next dean, and we will share additional details about the search process and opportunities for community engagement as they become available.

Following his term as dean, Talmadge will return to the faculty — a role that reflects his nearly 30 years of dedication to UCSF. His commitment to this institution extends well beyond his service as Dean, and I know he will continue to contribute meaningfully as a colleague and mentor.

In the months ahead, there will be opportunities to celebrate Talmadge’s extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to UCSF. Please join me in expressing deep gratitude to Dean King for his remarkable service and enduring impact on our school and university.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor