James Frank, MD, Named Director of the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators

Announcing the appointment of James Frank, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, as Director of the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators, effective September 1, 2026.

The Academy of Medical Educators recognizes excellence in health professions education and fosters a collaborative community of educators dedicated to advancing teaching, learning, and educational scholarship across UCSF.

As Director, Dr. Frank will lead UCSF’s community of distinguished health professions educators and oversee the Academy’s programs, committees, and initiatives. Working closely with Academy members and Center for Faculty Educators staff, he will strengthen connections among educators, support career development across all stages, and advance the Academy’s mission.

Dr. Frank is a pulmonary and critical care medicine physician, educator, mentor, and nationally recognized leader in medical education. At the San Francisco VA Health Care System, he serves as Associate Chief for Education for the Medical Service. At UCSF, he is a Co-Director of the Department of Medicine's Program for Clinician-Educator Success (DOM PRO-cess). He has also served as a medical student coach in the Bridges Curriculum and currently serves as a Clinical Microsystems Clerkship site director, reflecting his longstanding commitment to undergraduate medical education.

Dr. Frank previously served as Program Director of the UCSF Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, where he led initiatives in coaching, faculty development, learner well-being, and recruitment. Nationally, he served as President of the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors (APCCMPD), developing educational leadership programs, advancing faculty and trainee development, and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen medical education across the specialty.

Dr. Frank has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the Academy and its mission. He received the Academy’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014, was inducted as a member in 2020, and received its Service Award in 2022 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Academy activities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Frank has focused on creating the conditions for educators and learners to thrive through faculty development, collaborative communities, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. His collaborative leadership, commitment to faculty development, and vision for the future make him well-suited to lead the Academy’s next chapter.