Anais Ryken is the Interim Director of Women's Health.

Tell us about your UCSF story:

I emigrated from Mexico at a very young age. Since then I was met with barriers from having to learn English to figuring out how to pay for college. At 18, using all the money I had saved, I was able to complete a Medical Assistant program. I will never forget at the age of 19 when I first stepped foot into the 400 ACC building at Parnassus and how privileged I felt to be there. I was given the opportunity to work in Ambulatory at DGIM as a Per-Diem Medical Assistant. With the amazing leadership at DGIM and the encouragement of the exceptional physicians I worked with; I continued my education while working fulltime.  Within a couple of years I became the clinic's Vocational Nurse Supervisor but it did not end there.  The Administrative Director at the time, Jason Selinger, was a great mentor who pushed me to continue my career growth. I applied to Women’s Health and to my excitement was hired on as a Practice Manager. After a few years, Erica Rajabi who was the Director at the time, gave me the opportunity to report to her as the Administrative Director for OBGYN. I have never been more in awe of someone so dedicated who continuously inspires me to be better. Now, 14 years from when I started, I am the Interim Director of Women’s Health.  

There is never a day that I do not feel like I’ve lived a Cinderella story. It was all due to the incredible managers, leaders and physicians I encountered in Ambulatory Services who took the time to mentor me. My family and I will forever be grateful to this institution.

What do you love about your job?

I am very lucky to get to do what I love every day which is operations. I’m that person that likes the schedules, paperwork, seeing things from different angles and always finding a way to make things happen!  This has been such a supportive department and I feel so lucky to work with the providers, staff and leadership team here. 

What has been your biggest COVID take away? 

When we all work together we can accomplish amazing things pretty rapidly.

What's something people don't know about you or what do you do outside of work?

I have four children that range from 3-16 and all my spare time is spent with them and my incredible husband who also works here at UCSF. I’m also a huge Marvel, Star Wars and Harry Potter fan. Pre-covid my favorite places were Disney and Comic Conventions.   

Who's your dream dinner guest?

My father who passed away a couple years ago from pancreatic cancer.  He passed the same week my son was born and I wish they could have met. Especially since my son is a mirror image and they have the same humor, I could just see the smile on his face now.  

What's the best career advice you've ever received? 

There are three things:

• Work hard and be nice to people.
• Listen to hear the person and not to respond.
• Impossible is only an opinion

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.