UCSF proudly honors Dr. Feeley and Dr. Pascual with the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators Excellence in Mentoring Award, recognizing their decades of dedication to mentoring UCSF’s next generation of physicians
SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 17, 2025) — For more than three decades, Brian Feeley, MD, and Lisa Pascual, MD, have shaped the careers of countless physicians at UCSF. From the operating room to research labs and classrooms, they have guided residents, fellows, and junior faculty with patience, expertise, and dedication to professional growth.
This week, UCSF honored Dr. Feeley and Dr. Pascual with the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators Excellence in Mentoring Award for the 2025–2026 academic year.
“Dr. Feeley and Dr. Pascual exemplify the spirit of mentorship that defines our department,” said Dr. C. Benjamin Ma, chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Through their decades of dedication, they have shaped the careers of countless trainees and junior faculty. By leading through example, they have helped build a culture of excellence, collaboration, and compassion that makes our department what it is today.”
The award, which is peer-nominated, celebrates faculty who devote themselves to mentoring. Recipients are honored today at the Academy’s annual celebration at UCSF’s Cole Hall Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Lange Room.
About Brian Feeley, MD
Dr. Brian Feeley has been with UCSF since 2008, serving as professor of orthopaedic surgery, chief of the Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, and director of the MITO Lab (Muscle Injury and Translational Orthopedics Laboratory). He holds the Ron Conway Family Endowed Professorship in Sports Medicine Research.
A nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Feeley treats complex shoulder and knee injuries in athletes and non-athletes while mentoring residents, fellows, and junior faculty in clinical care and research.
“Dr. Feeley has been an incredible mentor throughout my training and now as a colleague,” said Dr. Stephanie Wong, a resident under Dr. Feeley’s mentorship and a current colleague in the Division of Sports Medicine. “He provides unwavering support for research and advocates for trainees to advance their careers. His dedication to developing future leaders in orthopaedics is truly inspiring.”
Dr. Feeley has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and a textbook. His research on muscle injury and regeneration is funded by the NIH, VA, CIRM, and philanthropic sources. He serves on several national orthopedic committees, including the NFL Musculoskeletal Committee, and has received multiple awards for research and teaching, including the 2025 Kappa Delta Award.
“Dr. Feeley invests time and energy in understanding our goals and challenges, providing guidance that extends beyond clinical training,” said Dr. Drew Lansdown, a sports medicine specialist and orthopaedic surgeon who was also a resident under Dr. Feeley’s leadership “Under his mentorship, I’ve grown as a physician, researcher, and educator. He has positively impacted the careers of so many others.”
About Lisa Pascual, MD
Dr. Lisa Pascual has spent more than 35 years at UCSF, serving as Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and a leader in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Over her career, she has mentored countless students, residents, and faculty, shaping a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth.
"Dr. Pascual’s mentorship has guided generations of budding physiatrists, including myself—her wisdom, generosity, and dedication continue to inspire us to grow as both physicians and educators," said Dr. Patricia Zheng, who has trained under Dr. Pascual, and most recently, succeeded her in the role of Division Chief following Dr. Pascual’s long distinguished career. "Her wisdom, generosity, and dedication inspire me every day to grow as a physician and educator."
Dr. Pascual has led programs at Laguna Honda Hospital and Zuckerberg San Francisco General, helping to shape rehabilitation services across the city. Even after retiring from clinical practice in July 2025, she remains active in mentorship and education.
"Dr. Pascual's’s vision and mentorship have not only strengthened our department but have touched the lives of countless students, residents, and colleagues throughout UCSF," said Dr. Rick Coughlin, a longtime colleague who has worked with Dr. Pascual over the course of her career.
"What sets her apart is her remarkable ability to understand the unique needs of each patient and to instill that same sensitivity in those she trains. Through her guidance, she teaches others not just to excel clinically, but to truly sense and respond to the human aspects of care—an approach that elevates everyone around her and defines what it means to be exceptional," Dr. Coughlin added.
About the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators
The UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators is dedicated to advancing education in the health professions. Its Excellence in Mentoring Awards recognizes faculty who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
###
