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Our Stories

Storytelling is what connects and brings us together. So let’s celebrate, inspire and empower each other by sharing our stories.

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Patricia Punzalan

Senior Director, Patient Care Services, UCSF Health Stanyan & Hyde Hospitals 

Here is what Patricia's nominator had to say about her:

Patricia is an exceptional leader and advocate for nursing. She has been integral to the SMSF acquisition and integration into UCSF Health. Her positivity, thoughtful approach, and visibility during the transition and beyond has been essential to maintain hospital operations. During this complex transition, she has continued to mentor and grow frontline leaders, support quality, and maintain engagement from all levels of staff. She leads with her heart and her efforts deserve recognition!

Nominated by: Tristin Penland

Patricia’s Bio:

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Whitney Higbee

Radiology Administrative Supervisor, Department of Radiology

Here is what Whitney's nominator had to say about her:

Whitney Higbee embodies leadership, resilience, and excellence at UCSF Radiology. As the Radiology Admin Manager, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that operations run seamlessly, balancing complex administrative demands with a people-…

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Maritess Nepomuceno

Associate Director of Clinical Operations, UCSF Cancer Services on the Peninsula

Here is what Maritess's nominator had to say about her:

I would like to nominate Tess for her extraordinary leadership accomplishments within our team. She is an incredible leader, always placing exceptional patient care at the forefront while somehow managing to also maintain the wellbeing of her staff, in all the forms that looks. She is the living example of UCSF PRIDE Values. Since joining the Peninsula team a short several months ago, she has evolved clinical operations, opened a second infusion center, and recruited for a dozen positions. With the collaboration of her leadership team, she has endured all the challenges put forth on this venture including but not limited to strikes, power outages, and unique staffing challenges. She is a mentor for future nurse leaders. Tess is always smiling on even the hardest of days. I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of this spotlight!

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Tatiana Kelil

Associate Professor of Radiology | Chief, Breast Imaging Division

UCSF Department of Radiology

Here is what Tatiana's nominator had to say about her:

I’m pleased to nominate Dr. Tatiana Kelil for the Women of UCSF spotlight. Dr. Kelil is Associate Professor in Radiology and interim Division Chief for Breast Imaging at UCSF. She brings together clinical excellence, innovation, and a clear dedication to patient care.

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Cindy Tao

Ambulatory Administrative Supervisor, Interventional Radiology - Body IR, Neuro IR/NES, HHT, PTC, RTC

Here is what Cindy's nominator had to say about her:

Cindy Tato, the Interventional Radiology Scheduling Supervisor at UCSF, stands out as a true leader in her field. With a deep mastery of IR scheduling, she handles the department’s intricate demands with unmatched precision, ensuring smooth operations and timely patient care. Cindy’s approachable demeanor and willingness to assist make her a cornerstone for her team, always ready to address challenges, share insights, or provide guidance.

Her knack for fostering collaboration with IR physicians has elevated the department’s efficiency, particularly in coordinating complex procedures. Cindy doesn’t just oversee scheduling; she transforms it into a seamless process that prioritizes both patient outcomes and team productivity. Her…

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Amy Vincent Headshot

Amy Vincent, MS, CRT (R) (M), Radiology Services Manager, Clinical & Operations Management, Breast Imaging Services, UCSF Health

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Amy Lu

Clinical Professor, Anesthesia & Perioperative Care, Chief Quality Officer and Vice President, Department of Quality and Safety, UCSF Health

Here is what Amy's nominator had to say about her:

It is a true honor to nominate Dr. Amy Lu for the Women of UCSF Health Spotlight. As Chief Quality Officer and Vice President of UCSF Health, Dr. Lu leads with extraordinary vision, humility, and compassion, qualities that have elevated UCSF Health to new heights of excellence.

Under her leadership over the past several years, UCSF Health has earned national recognition as a Vizient Top Performer for four consecutive years, received Leapfrog “A” Safety Grades and Top Teaching Hospital designations, achieved 5-Star CMS ratings, and been named to the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll each year since 2022. Read more here. 

What makes Dr. Lu remarkable goes beyond the accolades. She leads with authenticity, creating space for…

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Alyssa Reddy

HS Clinical Professor, Director of UCSF Neurofibromatosis Program and Medical Director of Cross Bay Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics

Here is what Alyssa's nominator had to say about her:

Dr. Reddy's career has spanned many years, contributing greatly to the care of patients with brain tumors and neurofibromatosis. She is also leading the neuro-oncology cross bay program leading through transition and furthering collaborations among Oakland and SF. She is a supportive member of the team and proactive in multidisciplinary care of patients and support of the team. After spending many years in Alabama, she has been an asset to UCSF in her time with us and we all benefit from her guidance and advocacy. 

Nominated by Shannon Raber, NP

Alyssa's Bio:

Dr. Alyssa Reddy is a pediatric neurologist and neuro-oncologist with expertise in treating children who have tumors of the nervous system. She has more than 25 years of experience in caring for children and young adults with brain tumors and other neurologic disorders.  Reddy directs UCSF Neurofibromatosis (NF) Program which has rapidly expanded since she joined the faculty in 2018. This genetic disorder,…

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Shira Maguen

Professor and Interim Vice Chair, San Francisco VA Health Care System, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 

Here is what Shira's nominator had to say about her: 

It is a true privilege to nominate Dr. Shira Maguen

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Sr. LVN Supervisor, Department of OB GYN Services and Perinatal Medicine Specialists

Here is what Rosa's nominator had to say about her:

Since Rosa accepted the LVN Supervisor role here in our clinic, she has shown great attention to detail while leading our team. She is one of those knows-all-everything about the clinic,  which makes her such a great resource not only for our back-office team but also for bridging our admin teams as well. Every subgroup in our department leans on Rosa for her clinical knowledge and it's great to have someone really step up to this role in such a strong way.

Nominated by Marissa Castoro​

Rosa’s Bio:

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, a proud daughter of immigrant parents who came from humble beginnings to create a better life for our family. Through their hard work and perseverance, they achieved so much, and I am deeply proud of the life and opportunities they have provided for me and my siblings. I have now been a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for 15 years, starting in home health and pediatrics before finding my home in Women’s Health at UCSF.

I have been fortunate to spend the past 12 years at UCSF,…

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