Dr. Steven Hetts Joins UCSF Rosenman Institute as Clinical Innovation Director
A leader in clinical innovation in healthcare joins Rosenman to help drive translational impact across UCSF
The UCSF Rosenman Institute welcomes Dr. Steven Hetts as Clinical Innovation Director, a key role advancing our mission to drive clinical innovation in healthcare and deliver meaningful patient impact.
Dr. Hetts is Co-Chief of NeuroEndovascular Surgery Service Line and Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology at UCSF Mission Bay Hospitals. He is a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive therapies for stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and tumors. He brings deep expertise in translational research, medical device innovation, and system-level leadership.
Bridging Clinical Insight and Innovation Strategy
A longtime champion of the UCSF Rosenman ecosystem, Dr. Hetts played a key role in shaping the Clinical Advisory Committee for MedTech Venture Partners, Rosenman’s venture fund. His guidance has connected frontline clinical insights with investment decisions—accelerating the development of patient-centered technologies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hetts has exemplified how clinical innovation in healthcare can move from lab to bedside. His pioneering work on remote-controlled endovascular catheters and filtration devices has secured over $7 million in federal and foundation funding, with potential to transform stroke and cancer treatment.
From Lab to Leadership
As Co-Director of the Interventional Radiology Research Laboratory, Dr. Hetts leads projects at the intersection of medicine and engineering. He is also an experienced innovator and advisor, having co-founded and supported startups including ChemoFilter, acquired by Penumbra, Inc. His counsel continues to guide UCSF faculty seeking to translate research into clinical and commercial impact.
In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Hetts has contributed to institutional strategy and governance, serving as Faculty Representative to the UC Regents Health Services Committee, an Implementation Leader for the UCSF School of Medicine’s Strategic Plan in Clinical Care, and as Chair for the UCSF Division of the Academic Senate.
“Innovation doesn’t live in the lab alone — it lives where clinical need meets bold thinking,” said Dr. Hetts. “The UCSF Rosenman Institute has built a community that turns insights from the bedside into tools that transform care. I’m honored to help expand this work and foster the next generation of clinician-innovators.”
Looking Ahead: Clinician Leadership at the Forefront of Innovation
Under Dr. Hetts’ leadership, the UCSF Rosenman Institute will deepen its integration of clinical expertise into the innovation process, expand strategic partnerships across UCSF, and support the development of transformative solutions that meet pressing patient needs.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hetts to the UCSF Rosenman leadership team.