Spotlight: Brian Auerbach

Brian Auerbach

Brian Auerbach is Communications and Technology Manager in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the National Center of Excellence in Women's Health at UCSF.

When and why did you come to work at UCSF?

I started temping at UCSF in 1988 and took a full-time position in 1989. I have been here ever since (except for 3.5 years at the Gladstone Institutes and 3 years at the UC Office of the President).  Many great and unexpected opportunities have become available during these years.

What do you do at UCSF and how is it connected to the UCSF mission?

I work to promote the variety of women's health programs at UCSF, especially through our websites and I help connect those within UCSF and the community to the great work in clinical, research and educational endeavors in women's health. 

Within the realm of technology, I manage our department IT resources, which includes computing devices, data storage and account management. As IT liaison to University-wide IT for the department, I work closely with the School of Medicine, campus and medical center IT groups to improve services as IT operations consolidate at UCSF. I also do a variety of special projects for department management. I am also a member of the UCSF Communicators Network and collaborate on design and content for their Resources web page.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?

I really like the variety. Working for a large School of Medicine department devoted to clinical service, education and research provides an excellent opportunity to participate in multifaceted activities.  I can't think of anything better than promoting women's health. I also find mentoring junior and mid-level colleagues very rewarding. The challenge is how to fit that in.

If you chose another career path outside UCSF what would it be?

Retirement so I can take pictures and make photo books, write more poetry and perform it, start an Internet radio station and play my bass guitar in my "spare" time.

What's something that members of the UCSF community would be surprised to know about you?

For 25 years, I have been a member of the poetry-jazz group wordWind chorus. We perform throughout the Bay Area and recorded a CD titled “we are of the saying.”           

What are your favorite things to do with your free time? 

I take photographs, write and perform poetry and listen to music, play music, and go out and hear music. I also make "mix tapes" (which are now on CD.) My wife and I go on hikes whenever possible, and we love to travel.

Brian Auerbach captured this image of Swan River, Big Fork, Montana in May 2010.