Holly Smith Award Recipients

Michelle Albert, MD, MPH, has shaped UCSF and academic medicine through a rare combination of visionary leadership, groundbreaking scholarship, and deep commitment to mentorship. As Associate Dean for Admissions, she has strengthened and modernized the medical school admissions process while helping recruit exceptionally talented and innovative classes of future physicians. An internationally recognized cardiovascular scientist, Dr. Albert has advanced understanding of how social and environmental adversity influence health, elevating UCSF’s influence in cardiovascular science and health care for all populations. Her impact extends far beyond her own achievements through the many trainees and faculty she has guided into successful academic careers. Throughout her distinguished career, she has brought warmth, humility, and thoughtful leadership to every role.

"Service for the collective good, a purpose-driven life, innovation, joy and kindness are core principles which were embodied by Dr. Lloyd Holly Smith. Therefore, I am extremely honored to receive this award as a reflection of such values and his legacy."

For more than two decades, Peter Chin-Hong, MD, has exemplified excellence in patient care, education, and public service, reaching communities far beyond UCSF. During times of uncertainty, he became one of the nation’s most trusted voices on infectious diseases, helping the public navigate complex health issues with clarity, empathy, and humor. At UCSF, he has inspired generations of learners through his teaching and mentorship, while expanding medical education opportunities in California’s Central Valley as Associate Dean for Regional Campuses. Whether in the classroom, the clinic, or the public square, Dr. Chin-Hong has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with people and advance UCSF’s mission through service, inclusiveness, and compassion.

"I have always believed that our greatest impact comes through service to one another. Receiving the Holly Smith Award is especially meaningful because it honors the values that have guided my career such as building community, creating opportunities for others, and helping people thrive. Holly’s legacy reminds us that our most enduring contributions come from lifting each other up."

Few individuals have had a more transformative impact on the inner workings of a UCSF department than Kelly McNeill, MSEd. As Chief Administrative Officer for the Department of Pathology and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, she has strengthened operations, enhanced financial stewardship, and built systems that support long-term success across research, education, and clinical care. Her strategic vision and ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions have positioned the department for sustained growth. Her leadership on university-wide initiatives, including Project One, has also benefited the broader School of Medicine and UCSF enterprise. Respected for her integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to developing others, Kelly is a trusted advisor whose influence extends far beyond her formal role.

"Being recognized with the Holly Smith Award is one of the greatest honors of my career. Service to the UCSF community is a core value that I share with Dr. Smith, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to carry this value forward through my work at UCSF. This recognition is both humbling and inspiring, and it reinforces my commitment to supporting our community with the same spirit of service and dedication that Dr. Smith exemplified."

At the heart of Patricia Mejía’s work is the belief that meaningful change happens when people feel heard, valued, and empowered. A gifted trainer and curriculum designer at the Center for Excellence in Primary Care, she has spent more than 15 years helping clinicians, students, care teams, and community members build the skills needed to improve care and strengthen partnerships. Her impact is evident in classrooms across UCSF, in health systems throughout California, and in community-led initiatives such as the Community Advocates program, which equips individuals from historically marginalized communities to navigate and advocate within the health care system. Known for her empathy, creativity, and ability to bring people together, Pat combines technical expertise with genuine humanity, creating lasting change through education, collaboration, and service.

"Receiving the Holly Smith Award was completely unexpected and deeply humbling. I am grateful to be considered as worthy of this honor."