University of California San Francisco

Driving Innovation in Trauma, critical care and Pediatric Devices

Alberto Jarrin Lopez headshot large

Alberto Jarrín López, MD
Research Fellow (2024-26)
UCSF Surgical Innovations
UCSF Department of Surgery

Background and Education

  • Hometown: Arequipa, Peru & Los Angeles, CA
  • Education: Human Biology B.S. at University of Southern California
  • UCSF School of Medicine: MD and Certificate Program in Biomedical Research
  • Medical School - MD at UC Irvine School of Medicine

Alberto Jarrín López, MD, is successfully completing his 2-year Biodevice Innovation Pathway fellowship with UCSF Surgical Innovations (SI). Dr. Jarrin Lopez joined the program in Summer 2024 as a General Surgery resident from UCSF East Bay.

During the fellowship, he collaborated closely with Drs. Hanmin Lee, Chris Newton, Sunghoon Kim and the Surgical Innovations team on several key initiatives, including a Disaster Preparedness project and contributions to the Pediatric Device Consortium’s Real-World Evidence (RWE) and Unique Device Identification (UDI) efforts.

His work focused on advancing innovations in trauma, critical care, and minimally invasive surgery. Through the program, Dr. Jarrín López gained valuable experience working alongside leaders in both clinical practice and industry, further strengthening his development as a surgeon-scientist and aspiring entrepreneur.

We congratulate Dr. Jarrín López on this achievement and thank him for his engagement with the Surgical Innovations team. Sharing a part of his conversation with a SI team member below:

What drew you to surgery?

The ability to make an impact instantaneously, through a practiced skill, in support of a team.

Can you describe the project you’re working on during the research years of your residency program?

I have had the opportunity to work on projects spanning from disaster preparedness for medically complex children to designing & developing medical/surgical technology.

What’s your role on the design team?

I work alongside other inventors, engineers, and computer scientists to develop ideas that are clinically relevant / needed.

Are there other skills that are helpful for successful collaboration?

Open communication, and mutual respect.

What have you learned so far from the Surgical Innovations Program that will help you in your career?

An innovation is as impactful as its need.

Have there been any other highlights of the program?

It has been a great opportunity to learn from giants in the field of pediatric surgery and all the members that make up the SI Team.