Anais Ryken
Executive Director, Women's Health, Faculty Practice Office
Anais' Bio:
I emigrated from Mexico at a very young age. I was met with barriers from having to learn English to figuring out how to pay for college. At 18, using my savings, I completed a Medical Assistant program which started me on a journey into healthcare. I will never forget the moment I 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 and the encouragement from the exceptional Physicians and Nurse Managers I worked with, I continued my education while working full-time. Within a few years I became the clinic's 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 as a Practice Manager. After a few years, Erica Rajabi, 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, 17 years from when I started, I am the 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 in Ambulatory Services who took the time to mentor me. My family and I will forever be grateful to this institution.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have an amazing husband and four incredible children. Every spare minute I have is spent with them. We like to watch movies, build Legos, attend comic conventions, and eat amazing food.
Who's your dream dinner guest?
My father who passed away from pancreatic cancer a few years ago. He passed the same week my youngest son, who is a mirror image of him, was born. I wish they could have met.
What's an issue you think is still overlooked or under-addressed in terms of women in the professional world?
The lack of representation of women in leadership positions. Despite progress made in some organizations, like UCSF, women are still largely underrepresented in executive and board roles across many industries. Increasing female representation at decision-making levels is vital not only for fostering diversity and inclusion but also for bridging the gender gap. This issue requires systemic change, including promoting workplace policies that support supplying mentorship and sponsorship opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds, and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives that actively embrace intersectionality.
Can you tell us about an important struggle you have overcome in your career?
Imposter syndrome is real at every level and working from Medical Assistant to a Director level role has amplified the feeling. Although I’ll never be completely rid of it, acknowledging, and normalizing it has helped tremendously. Recognizing that failures exist and making a mistake is sometimes part of the growth process has also helped. Additionally, UCSF has hired amazing supportive leaders who make you feel at ease in every meeting.