Department Chair Christopher Hess, MD, PhD, is Recognized for Five Years of Leadership
On Wednesday, January 24, School of Medicine Dean Talmadge King congratulated Christopher Hess, MD, PhD, at his Five-Year Stewardship Review Read-out. Dean King gave some background on the stewardship review process which is managed by the Chancellor’s office and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Brian Alldredge. Dean King then read the executive summary and invited audience members to contribute remarks.
At five-year intervals, UCSF leaders of departments, centers, and organized research units are holistically assessed on faculty development, financial performance, promotion of diversity, communication, decision-making, contributions to morale, and relationships with the campus and community.
Reading from the report, Dean King recounted, “In the first five years of the chairmanship of Dr. Hess, the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging has thrived, a reflection of his outstanding stewardship.” He went on to note that, “Despite numerous challenges, including those presented by the COVID pandemic, the department under Dr. Hess’ leadership has achieved fiscal stabilization, expansion in the number and diversity of faculty, academic excellence and innovative partnerships for the improvement of patient care.”
When the floor was opened up for comments neurologist Paul Garcia, MD, recounted a story of Hess’ kindness, patience, and humility when serving as an attending physician for trainees, and how that attitude reflects the overall department culture. Next to step up was Mark Wilson, MD, Vice Chair of Radiology at ZSFG and a 30-year member of the department, who said to Hess, “I love having you as a leader.”
When asked to give a few words of his own, Hess thanked the department’s vice and associate chairs, division chiefs, and research leaders who have contributed their expertise to faculty recruitment, trainee education, operations, team science, partnerships, and more. He went on to thank the faculty, trainees, technologists, and staff who have all contributed to what the department brings to its patients every day and to its international stature as a world leader in imaging and image-guided intervention.
Hess said, “It takes a village to create impact in today’s world. It takes the coordinated thought, effort, and ideas of a team. Every day I am inspired by everything I see going on in this organization. We have a lot in front of us and a lot to be excited for.”
Department members can view the recording of the read-out here.