Michael Harrison M.D. Elected to Institute of Medicine

Michael Harrison M.D., a renowned pioneer in fetal and pediatric surgery, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Pediatrics, and Director Emeritus of the Fetal Treatment Center at UCSF, has been elected to the prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM), one of the U.S. National Academies. Membership in the IOM reflects "the height of professional achievement and commitment to service" and is reserved for those at the pinnacle of their field.

Pediatric Surgery Pioneer Alfred de Lorimier Dies

Dr. Alfred de Lorimier, a pioneer in pediatric surgery and founder of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at UCSF, has died. We owe much to his contributions and express our heartfelt sympathies to his family.

NIH to Award Valerie Weaver and Collaborative Group Grant for Virtual Physical Sciences - Oncology Center

The National Institutes of Health has notified Valerie Weaver, PhD, Director of the UCSF Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration in the UCSF Department of Surgery, and her colleagues of its intent to award a grant for the establishment of a virtual Physical Sciences - Oncology Center. The goal of the research will be the development of novel approaches to cancer diagnostics, prognosis and therapy.

The interdisciplinary collaboration will be led by Dr. Weaver, and Jan Liphardt, PhD, a world-renowned physicist at the UC Berkeley, as co-Directors. The grant is spearheaded by 16 investigators spanning seven global academic institutions and laboratories: University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and its Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Berkeley, E. O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program, and NYU Breast Cancer and Translational Cancer Research Program. The interdisciplinary group encompasses a diverse array of interests from the physical sciences, including physics, bioengineering and bioinformatics, as well as from the clinical and biological sciences.  

Dr Harrison Endowment Recieves Matching Grant

In our efforts to establish a distinguished professorship in honor of Michael R. Harrison, MD, an extremely generous donor has called for a challenge. The anonymous donor has pledged a gift of $500,000 in the form of a match. Our goal must be met by Dec 31, 2009.

Michael Harrison, M.D. Wins FDA Device Grant

Dr. Michael Harrison of UCSF has won a $500,000 FDA grant - one of three awarded nationally - to develop a medical device for children.

UCSF Scientists Illuminate How microRNAs Drive Tumor Progression

UCSF researchers, led by Doug Hanahan, Ph.D. (left), have identified collections of tiny molecules known as microRNAs that affect distinct processes critical for cancer progression. The findings help elucidate the important regulatory function of microRNAs in tumor biology.  Eric Nakakura, M.D., Ph.D. (right), a surgeon-scientist who treats patients with challenging pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, was on the team that validated the findings, which were based on an exquisite mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Many of the same altered microRNAs in were found to be present in human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. This represents a major advance in our understanding of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor biology, one that might be exploited to better treat patients.

Dr. Stanley Rogers Named Surgical Director of Bariatric Surgery Program and Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Stanley J. Rogers, M.D., an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCSF, has been named Surgical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program and Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Division of General Surgery. Dr. Rogers received his M.D. from the University of Utah School of Medicine and did his post-doctoral surgical training at UCSF including his residency, and a fellowship in laparoscopic surgery, surgical sonography and GI endoscopy.

Laurie Carlson MSN, RN, Earns Nephrology Nursing Journal Writer’s Award

Laurie Carlson, MSN, RN, was recently honored at the American Nephrology Nurse's Association's (ANNA) 40th National Symposium, held from April 26 - 29, 2009 in San Diego. ANNA was established in 1969 for nurses to share knowledge and best practices and to introduce novel treatments for the benefit of patients with kidney disease. The annual symposium is also a forum to distribute awards for excellence in patient care and research as well as grants to members seeking to further their education.

Annual Pediatric Transplant Picnic Held

On Saturday August 1st, UCSF held its annual Pediatric Transplant Picnic at McNears Beach in San Rafael, CA . Hundreds of children and their families enjoyed burgers and hot dogs and celebrated the work of the Transplant Service with face painting, music, crafts and more.

SF Chronicle Profiles Dr. Laura Esserman

Laura Esserman, M.D., M.B.A. is profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle: her upbringing in Chicago, research and operatic talents - she sings a patient's requested song as general anesthesia is being administered. The story also recounts the story of breast cancer survivor Jessica Galloway, a mother of three, diagnosed with the disease in 2005; she is now assisting Esserman in a UCSF peer-support program." 

Dr. Laura Esserman (left) meets with patient Jessica Galloway at UCSF Mt. Zion. Photo provided courtesy of  (Paul Chinn / The SF Chronicle).

Opera Star Sings Praises of Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy

Last October, opera singer Zheng Cao fell during a performance and had no idea why.  Later, it turned out she had advanced lung cancer. Now, as a result of treatment with a new type of targeted therapy, her cancer is retreating. Personalized medicine - that is, customizing the treatment to the patient's tumor -is rapidly gaining ground in the treatment of lung cancer.This has given hope to patients like Zheng Cao that their lung cancer can be successfully treated.

Surgical & Therapeutic Advances in Pancreatic Cancer

"Surgery for pancreas cancer is long and demanding, and surgeons must be practiced to consistently perform it well. Pancreas cancer surgery outcomes are better at high-volume, major medical centers such as UCSF, where surgeons can specialize - perfecting and maintaining skills and deepening their experience and judgment."  UCSF surgeons Kimberly Kirkwood, M.D., and Eric Nakakura, M.D., Ph.D., achieve outstanding outcomes for standard procedures and also perform operations rarely offered elsewhere for select patients who would otherwise not meet criteria for surgical treatment.

Section of Colorectal Surgery Participates in "Take Steps"

Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis is an evening walk and fundraiser supporting the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. .......The UCSF team raised over $3,500 for CCFA - dollars that will support important research and our shared mission to improve the lives of people with colorectal conditions.......

New Website Launched for Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program

The Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program, led by Dr. Sandy Feng, has launched a new, updated website, one that will serve as a portal for current as well as aspiring transplant fellows. The rich didactic environment of the program is highlighted against the backdrop of its storied history. The program's distinguished  alumni also have a section on the site, which features a link to the current biographical sketch of each respective physician. 

Brilliance and Precision: From Surgery to In Utero Transplantation

As a gifted pianist in high school, Assistant Professor of Surgery Tippi MacKenzie, MD, spent every Saturday studying music at Juilliard. This musical training was good preparation for her current work as a researcher and surgeon.