Dear UCSF Community,

I am pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the UCSF Medal, the university’s highest honor. The UCSF Medal recognizes individuals whose extraordinary contributions reflect the very best of our mission to advance health for all. Their tireless work inspires us to push the frontiers of what’s possible.

Our awardees have made breakthroughs in scientific discovery, transformed clinical care, and strengthened public and global health. They have tackled some of our most consequential health challenges, brought people and disciplines together, and translated bold ideas that have improved the health of people and communities across the globe.

Jeffrey Bluestone, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Diabetes Center, has spent nearly four decades advancing our understanding of the immune system and immune tolerance. His research has helped turn fundamental discoveries into new treatments for autoimmune disease, cancer, and organ transplantation, including the first FDA-approved treatment to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Sue Desmond-Hellmann, MD, MPH, former UCSF chancellor and former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has built a career spanning academic medicine, biotechnology, and global health. At UCSF and throughout her career, she has brought people and disciplines together to address complex challenges and improve health.

Julie Louise Gerberding, MD, MPH, a UCSF alumna and former faculty member, has been a leader in public health and infectious disease. As director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she guided the agency through SARS, anthrax bioterrorism, and other emerging threats, becoming the first woman to lead the CDC.

Ambassador Eric Goosby, MD, Professor Emeritus in the Institute for Global Health Sciences, has devoted his career to transforming HIV/AIDS care and advancing health worldwide. His leadership of the Ryan White CARE Act and PEPFAR helped expand access to lifesaving HIV treatment to millions of people around the world.

Please join me in congratulating this year’s UCSF Medal recipients. You can learn more about them and their lasting contributions on UCSF.edu.

Sincerely,

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