A charismatic high school biology teacher named Brian Biemuller and a trip to Bolivia 38 years ago as a health care volunteer convinced Dan Lowenstein of his direction in life.

The path was obvious: I wanted to become a doctor, Lowenstein, MD, said in a 2013 talk about his lifes story. The mixture of science and humanism, the opportunity to serve others in such a fundamental way, the rawness, the poignancy, the intensity all lined up to become my dream.

Lowenstein, professor and vice chair of the Department of Neurology, has been devoted to his dream ever since. His distinguished career encompasses teaching, research and patient care from his arrival to UCSF in 1987 as an aspiring pediatrics intern to his appointment on Thursday as executive vice chancellor and provost.

Our singular focus on excellence in all three elements of our mission is what defines the unique greatness of UCSF, and I will do everything I can to help UCSF remain a world leader in life science discovery and innovation.

For his wealth of experience and passion for UCSF, Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, tapped the physician-scientist to be second-in-command at the nearly $5 billion enterprise, effective February 1. He succeeds Jeff Bluestone, PhD, who stepped down to devote more time leading diabetes research for which he is internationally renowned.

Lowenstein will lead UCSFs robust research enterprise, and its highly ranked academic program, consisting of four professional schools and Graduate Division. He will work in close collaboration with the Chancellor and the leadership team to develop and implement campus priorities and vision, including advancing precision medicine, maintaining UCSFs status as an international leader in health sciences education, and overseeing external partnerships and representing UCSFs best interests across the University of California system and at the UC Office of the President.

Dan exemplifies excellence in each of our mission areas research, education and patient care and has a deep love for our public mission."

Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS

Dan exemplifies excellence in each of our mission areas research, education and patient care and has a deep love for our public mission, Hawgood said. His values very much reflect those of UCSF, and I am very pleased that he will join me in leading this great University.

For Lowenstein, the decision to join Hawgoods new administration came easily: Quite simply, I love our community and I welcome this opportunity to work in this new capacity with the phenomenal people here.

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Driven by Science, Humanism and Service, Dan Lowenstein Joins UCSF Leadership Team