Volume 1: Spring 2025
School of Medicine Alumni:
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Medical Alumni Association Newsletter. I’m truly honored to greet you as the new Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
My connection to UC San Diego runs deep. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship on the mesa, followed by my residency and fellowship training right here. In the years since, I’ve watched with admiration as our School of Medicine has risen to national prominence, earning its place among the country’s top academic medical institutions. Now, returning as dean is not only a personal milestone but a meaningful opportunity to give back to the place that helped shape my career and purpose.
We are at a pivotal moment in medicine — scientific discovery is accelerating, care is evolving and the needs of our communities are shifting. UC San Diego is uniquely positioned to lead in this moment, and I believe our alumni are key to that leadership. You bring a wealth of experience, wisdom and generosity that continue to shape this institution long after graduation.
I invite you to stay engaged with the Medical Alumni Association. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or simply showing up to connect at one of our events, your presence makes a difference. You have the power to inspire the next generation of physicians, scientists and changemakers.
I’d love the opportunity to hear from you directly. Please join me on April 30 for our Q&A with the Dean webinar. I look forward to sharing more about where we’re headed and how you can be a part of it.
With gratitude and excitement for what we’ll build together,
Barbara Jung, M.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean
UC San Diego School of Medicine
Dear Fellow Alumni,
We’re excited to launch a new way to keep you connected and involved with the Medical Alumni Association. Our goal is to share timely and meaningful updates about UC San Diego School of Medicine, your fellow alumni and ways you can stay engaged with the community.
Whether you’re interested in attending in-person or virtual events, mentoring students, or getting involved in other impactful ways, there are many opportunities to participate. To help us tailor these experiences to your interests, we’d greatly appreciate your input.
Please take a moment to complete our brief survey. Your feedback will help us better understand how to serve you and ensure you receive relevant updates, opportunities, and invitations. Keep your contact information current to stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives. The Medical Alumni Association is blazing a new path, and we want you to be part of it.
We also welcome your ideas at any time. Your voice matters, and we’re always eager to hear from you.
Looking forward to connecting soon!
Jeffrey Krebs, M.D. ’86
President, UC San Diego Medical Alumni Association
School of Medicine News
Match Madness
The School of Medicine Class of 2025 celebrated Match Day on March 21. More than 70% of students matched into programs in California. Top specialties matched into this year: internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, anesthesiology and diagnostic radiology.
Behind Every Breakthrough
At UC San Diego, we don’t just navigate change—we create it through bold ideas fueled by curiosity, collaboration and investment. With strong support, our faculty are driving breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s, rare cancers and stem cell treatments, transforming possibility into reality.
School of Medicine Recognized Among the Best in Research by U.S. News & World Report
UC San Diego School of Medicine has once again earned a prestigious Tier 1 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools, affirming its leadership in groundbreaking medical research and innovation. From uncovering early pathways of neurodegeneration to sending microbes into space, the school continues to push the boundaries of science in pursuit of better health for all.
Spotlights
Student: José Vasquez
Growing up, first-year medical student José Vasquez, didn’t see doctors who looked like him. He recalls losing close friends and family to preventable diseases, overdose, gang violence and suicide. These experiences, and the loss of his mother, drive him daily to make a real difference in his community.
Alumni: Zora Rogers, M.D. ’83
When Zora Rogers, M.D. ’83, entered medical school at UC San Diego, she found more than rigorous science—she discovered a deep understanding of the human stories behind illness. That compassion, paired with scientific curiosity, led her to become a pioneer in treating sickle cell disease and a champion for children with rare blood disorders.
Upcoming Events
Webinar with Dean Jung
Wednesday, April 30 | 5-6 p.m.This webinar, moderated by Medical Alumni Association board member David Pryor, M.D. ’97, will be an informal Q&A for the broader alumni community to learn about Dean Jung, followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask questions. Register for the webinar.
Alumni Networking and Social in Orange County
Saturday, May 3 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Join your fellow School of Medicine alumni in Orange County, hosted by Angelika Rampal, M.D. ’02, and Tim Springer, at their home on the Newport Coast. Register to attend.
Medical Scientist Training Program Anniversary Gala
Join us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of UC San Diego's Medical Scientist Training Program (M.D./Ph.D) with a weekend of connection, inspiration, groundbreaking research, and a special gala honoring five decades.
Commencement
Celebrate the Class of 2025 at Commencement on Sunday, June 1 at 10 a.m. at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. The School of Medicine's 54th graduating class will begin their residency training in 20 different states across the country.
School of Medicine Alumni Reunion
Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025 for a night of celebration, connection and nostalgia at the UC San Diego Medical School Alumni Reunion for the classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2015. Reconnect with classmates, relive those unforgettable moments from rounds to residency, and see how far we've all come—white coats, laughter, and all. Whether you graduated 10 or 50 years ago, your presence makes the story complete.
Continuing Professional Development
Looking for educational opportunities? Explore the full calendar of events offered through the Continuing Professional Development office. Select webinars offer free registration, and some programs may include special UC San Diego alumni rates.
Keep in Touch
It's essential that we have your current information so we can keep you informed of alumni news, events, and other activities and opportunities.