Irene Sung

Irene Sung, MD has served in multiple roles in her 23 years at San Francisco’s Department of Public Health (SFDPH).  She recently retired from her position as Chief Medical Officer of San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Services, where she oversaw psychiatric services for San Francisco County’s public health system of care.  Irene now consults with various health care and non-profit organizations on implementation of Trauma Informed Systems, Compassionate Leadership and Wellness/Recovery in the context of the Pandemic.

In addition to her work in Behavioral Health, Irene has served on numerous boards and professional societies including, Presidio Hill School (Trustee), Oakes Children’s Center (Trustee), Northern California Regional Organization of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (President, Community Service Chair, National Delegate) and the San Francisco Drug Abuse Advisory Board (member).

As a daughter of Korean immigrant parents, Irene believes deeply in Drew’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). Drew’s mission to help students find and strengthen their authentic empathic voice offers an opportunity for all students, especially those whose voices have not been heard.      

Irene attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Medical School.  She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).  Her son, Jae, Drew class of 2022, participates in the Drew Jazz Ensemble and the Drew Baseball team.  He is also a member of the APIDA and the GSA affinity groups.  Her daughter, Hana attends Mills College in Oakland and is passionate about environmental issues and the zero-waste movement.  Irene’s husband, Richard is an environmental lawyer by day, and plays keyboard in a funk band by night, for which Irene is the sound engineer.