Michael Steinman, MD, is the director of CTSI's Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) program.
How long have you worked at UCSF?
I came to UCSF in 1997 for residency in primary care internal medicine and never left – after residency and fellowship here I joined the faculty in 2004.
What do you do at UCSF and how is it connected to the UCSF mission?
As a clinician-researcher the majority of my time is spent on research, which focuses on measuring and improving the quality of medication prescribing for older adults. I’m also spending an increasing amount of my time on research education, including directing the research fellowship in the Division of Geriatrics and the Comparative Effectiveness Research program of our CTSI. It’s fun to mix my own research with supporting the research of trainees and others.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is mentoring junior investigators and seeing them develop successful research projects and careers. The most challenging part is finding balance and sufficient time to do the things I do while still maintaining protected time with my family.
What do you like most about your work related to Comparative Effectiveness Research?
Meeting with people from across UCSF. CER is such a broad area that it brings me into contact with lots of people with whom I might not otherwise interact.
What are some things that people may not know about the work you do?
The goal of my work with the CTSI is not to provide direct funding for CER projects, but to catalyze investigators' research through education and bringing people and resources together.
If you chose another career path outside UCSF what would it be?
I love airplanes although it’s hard for me to imagine a career as a pilot or engineer!
What's something that your colleagues or members of the UCSF community might be surprised to know about you?
I play in a city ultimate frisbee league and get my game on Tuesday nights.
What are your favorite things to do with your free time?
Spend time with my kids, ages 3, 6, and 8.
CTSI Spotlight is part of an ongoing series that offers an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn more about the wide range of people who make CTSI's work possible. See all featured faculty and staff.