UCSF Medical Center performs a lower-risk cardiac procedure to treat coronary blockage that goes through the radial artery in a patient's arm, an uncommon practice in the U.S., where more than 95 percent of heart catheterizations are performed through the femoral artery in the patient’s leg.

Mark Laret, a national health care expert who is credited with outstanding leadership as chief executive officer of UCSF Medical Center, has been elected by his peers to be chair of the board of the Association of American Medical Colleges through November 2012.

Mark R. Laret, chief executive officer of UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, has been elected by his peers as chair of the board of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). His term will run until November 2012.