Nancy Ascher, MD, will transition out of full-time employment into part-time employment in August 2024. Dr. Ascher's contribution to the UCSF community and surgical industry is immeasurable.
Dr. Ascher began her work in surgery during her medical school training at the University of Michigan, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Minnesota. After obtaining her Ph.D. in Immunology, she completed a transplant fellowship. In 1988, she was recruited to UCSF where she established the new liver transplant program and was appointed as the Chief of Transplant. Building an esteemed multidisciplinary team, she soon transitioned to the Department of Surgery Chair from 1999 to 2016.
While tackling the demands of the department, Dr. Ascher always remained active in all surgical areas. She earned many awards and leadership positions in national committees and societies. She is the Isis Distinguished Professor of Transplantation, and previously held the Leon Goldman Distinguished Professorship in Surgery. She received the Thomas E. Starzl Prize in Surgery and Immunology in 2006, Frances Moore Excellence in Mentorship award 2013, American Medical Women's Association Exceptional Mentor Award in 2013, UCSF Chancellors Diversity Award in 2015, ILTS Distinguished Service Award 2015, ASTS Pioneer Award 2015, UCSF Medical Center Leadership Award 2016, and the Presidential Recognition Award from the American Medical Women's Association in 2016. She served as President of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) in 2000-2001, President of the Transplantation Society 2016-2018, and Chair of the Transplantation Society Women in Transplantation Committee in 2015-2016. She continues to be active in the World Health Organization Task Force on Transplantation and a committee member in the National Academy of Medicine.
With over 400 publications, the list of Dr. Ascher's academic accomplishments is long. One of her greatest legacies are the countless students, residents and fellows she has trained as a part of the UCSF surgical team. A celebration in her honor will be planned for 2025.
Congratulations, Dr. Ascher, on an outstanding career.
