K Scholars Program 20th Anniversary
Scientific Symposium
September 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center, Fisher Banquet Room
Join us to celebrate 20 years of the K Program!
The event will feature a keynote from Kristen Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor-in-Chief of JAMA, distinguished alumni panel, lightning talks from current K scholars, a poster session, and more!
The K Scholars program has provided an academically invigorating and supportive environment encompassing many of the top young faculty at UCSF and affiliated institutions. Participants have been receiving advice and support from an exceptional group of peers, mentorship and guidance from outstanding program faculty, over the past two decades. This event is in honor of the participants, mentors, mentees, and supporters of this program.
Complimentary light breakfast, lunch, and afternoon reception will be provided.
Highlights of the Day:
Keynote Address
Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor-in-Chief of JAMA, "Building for the Future: Reflections on 20 years of the K Scholars Program"
Lightning Talks
Short research presentations from current scholars and recent alumni
Alumni Panel Discussion
Distinguished alumni share how the K Scholars Program shaped their careers and trajectories in research
Poster Session
Scientific posters presented by current scholars throughout the day
Networking Opportunities
Connect with investigators, mentors, and colleagues across disciplines
Full Agenda:
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Coffee & Posters Enjoy coffee and breakfast while you peruse posters from current Scholars |
| 9:00 - 9:05 AM | Welcome from Vanessa Jacoby, MD, MAS Associate Vice Chancellor of Clinical Research, Director of the UCSF Clinical & Translational Science Institute and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences |
| 9:05 - 9:15 AM | History of the K Scholars Program with Urmimala Sarkar, MD Director of the K Scholars Program and Professor of Medicine |
| 9:15 - 9:20 AM | Introduction of Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo by Talmadge King, MD Former Dean of the UCSF School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine |
| 9:20 - 10:20 AM | Keynote by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS Building for the Future: Reflections on 20 years of the K Scholars Program |
| 10:20 - 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Lightning Talks from Current K Scholars Jackie DesJardin, MD Marissa Boeck, MD,MPH Mel Molina, MD, MAS Nick Rubashkin, MD |
| 11:30 - 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:00 - 1:05 PM | Welcome to the Afternoon Session from Catherine Lucey, MD Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost, UCSF |
| 1:05 - 2:00 PM | Distinguished Alumni Panel, moderated by Urmimala Sarkar, MD Adithya Cattamanchi, MD Courtney Lyles, PhD Hilary Seligman, MD Carmen Peralta, MD |
| 2:00 - 2:15 PM | Break |
| 2:15 - 3:15 PM | Lightning Talks from Current K Scholars Nicky Mehtani, MD, MPH April Bell, PhD, MPH Mary Karalius, MD Jon Witonsky, MD, MAS |
| 3:15 - 3:25 PM | Closing remarks from Urmimala Sarkar, MD |
| 3:30 - 4:30 PM | Reception & Networking |