Spotlight: David Rachleff

Born in Springfield, MA, and raised in New Haven, CT, David Rachleff was living in Washington, DC, when he decided to move to California after falling in love with the place when visiting friends. 

Rachleff earned his undergraduate degree in sociology from Clark University in Worcester, MA, and his master's degree in social work at Catholic University in Washington, DC. 

David Rachleff

When and why did you come to work at UCSF?

I started in August 2005 in the University Development and Alumni Relations office as a Development Assistant.  I worked for several years prior to that as a social worker at various non-profit social service agencies both in Washington, DC and here in San Francisco. I was ready for a career change and a friend helped me get the job at UCSF.

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

For the last three years, I have been Curriculum Coordinator at the UCSF School of Medicine. Working with the medical students and faculty of the School of Medicine is directly connected to the University's advancing health worldwide mission.

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

I would say the most rewarding part of my job is getting to work with such fabulous, dedicated colleagues. I enjoy the opportunity to work with the medical students who are the future of our health care system. The most challenging aspect is having so many people involved in projects I work on and committees I staff and making sure that each faculty member gets their input included.

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

My background and education is in social work so I think if I ever left UCSF I might go back to social work in some capacity. I also have a great love of theater and have taken acting classes, but that is more of a dream that I put on the back burner but keep at a low flame!

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

I am a big fan of country music!

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

Films, films, films. I saw every film nominated for Best Picture, the short films and many others. "The Artist" and "Hugo" were my two favorites films so I was thrilled watching the Academy Awards. Also, I love to exercise. I do cardio exercises five days a week and also take an abs class two mornings a week. I love to sit with a good book. I am currently reading Herman Wouk’s “The Winds of War.” I am also a huge supporter of the green movement and take time out at work to separate and put all the compost, recycleables and trash into the right bins.