Graduating chief residents take to the waters of San Francisco Bay during the 2026 UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery Chiefs Cruise. From left to right: Katherine Woolley, MD; Alicia Asturias, MD; Jeffrey Kwong, MD, MS; Ryan Halvorson, MD; Edgar Garcia-Lopez, MD; Syed Ali, MD; and Chris Stewart, MD. (Courtesy Photo)
Longstanding tradition recognizes the Class of 2026, honors faculty award recipients and pays tribute to one of UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery's most influential educators and mentors.
SAN FRANCISCO (June 22, 2026) — One of UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery's most cherished traditions returned to the waters of San Francisco Bay on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The annual Chiefs Cruise brought us aboard across the San Francisco Bay to celebrate the Department's graduating chief residents: Syed Ali, MD; Ryan Halvorson, MD; Alicia Asturias, MD; Edgar Garcia-Lopez, MD; Jeffrey Kwong, MD, MS; Chris Stewart, MD; and Katherine Woolley, MD.
The Chiefs Cruise also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty members. Congratulations to Dr. Paul Toogood, recipient of the James O. Johnston Teaching Award, and to Dr. Dan Thuillier and Dr. Kristina Olson, recipients of the James Morris Compassionate Physician Award. Their dedication to our patients, learners and department continues to make a lasting impact.
"The Chiefs Cruise is more than a celebration of our graduating residents," said C. Benjamin Ma, MD, chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "It is an opportunity to honor the legacy of James O. Johnston, MD, and the past educators within the Department. It is a great time for us to reflect on our past and celebrate with our graduates. Congratulations to our graduating chief residents and faculty education award recipients, and best wishes as they begin the next chapter of their careers."
Marking their final days as residents at UCSF, the graduating chief residents gathered with colleagues and mentors before embarking on the time-honored Chiefs Cruise, a longstanding tradition celebrating the completion of their residency training.(Courtesy Photo)
The event honors the legacy of James O. Johnston, MD (JOJ), a pioneering orthopaedic oncologist, educator and mentor, and the namesake of the Department's James O. Johnston Outstanding Teaching Award. His commitment to excellence in patient care, education and mentorship continues to inspire generations of UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery faculty and trainees.
Join the department in congratulating these outstanding physicians as they begin the next chapter of their careers.
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