Manager, Special Projects and Staff Engagement, Office of Medical Education, School of Medicine

What her nominator had to say about her: 

Allison is the Special Projects Manager within the Office of Medical Education (OME) and leads various initiatives within the School of Medicine. She is integral to the strategic mission of OME in terms of providing quality education to our students; in addition, she also undertakes and spearheads various projects that improve professional development of staff, fosters community and teamwork within the staff in OME, and supports our deans and faculty with their tasks of delivering world class medical education curriculum.

Just in my purview, she leads the all-hands meetings that bring together all staff within OME, shares various resources with staff, promotes and organizes staff appreciation activities and staff development opportunities and serves on the taskforce that is designing diversity, equity and inclusion content specifically targeted for staff within OME.

Allison is the first to volunteer to help any staff member and she seems to have all the answers. I consider Allison the North Star and encyclopedia of our department as she can guide us in both a professional capacity while fostering a compassionate and positive relationship with people in our office. She has a knack for making everyone feel seen and heard and that's truly a testament to her inclusive and giving spirit. She's an asset to our office and beyond her intersection of responsibility within the Dean's office also would make her of inspiration and a model for others across our institution

Nominated by: Gabby Negussie-Retta

Allison’s Bio: 

Before UCSF, I worked at a college access nonprofit, and never even considered how doctors were educated. I had just moved back home to the Bay Area after living on the East Coast, and my mom recommended I apply for a job at UCSF, because “hospitals are always hiring”. I saw that a position supporting the Vice Dean and Associate Dean for Education in the SOM (School of Medicine) was open and thought that I would use both my administrative skills from prvious role as an office manager and my interest in higher education. I learned a lot about medical education administration quickly, and the Vice Dean at the time, Dr. Catherine Lucey had recently led the development of the SOM’s Differences Matter initiative, so I began coordinating the launch of that important program. From there, I took on other projects for the Education Deans, including leadership recruitments, developing and streamlining processes, and managing engagement for Medical Education’s ~115 staff, which is what I love most about my job today.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?

Since medical education is pretty niche, I’d advise a woman entering the field to asks lots of questions and read as much as they can to learn about the field and how things work at UCSF. It’s a very complicated place and being curious is an asset.

Do you have a favorite song? If you had to choose an anthem, what would it be?

I am a huge Taylor Swift fan! Hearing “Love Story” live at her concert this summer is something I’ll never forget.

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