Assistant Professor, Cancer Immunotherapy Program
Here is what Bridget's nominator had to say about her:
"Dr. Keenan is a senior medical oncology fellow at UCSF. She is an outstanding physician scientist and immunologist by training, focused on tumor immunology in hepatobiliary malignancies. Her clinical practice is at UCSF Cancer Immunotherapy Program focusing on the advancement of immunotherapy based clinical trials. In addition, Dr. Keenan is a leader on gender equity. During her time at UCSF she was instrumental to the development and success of the Internal Medicine residency Women in Leadership Development (WiLD) Committee and is a co-founder of the UCSF-wide Women in Leadership Development (WiLD) Program."
- Ana Velazquez Manana, MD, Oncology Fellow, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Bridget's Bio:
Bridget is a physician scientist, pursuing a dual career in oncology and translational cancer research. During the early years of her research career, she trained in laboratories at the University of Maryland and the National Institutes of Health. Bridget then entered the MD-PhD program at Johns Hopkins and obtained her PhD in Immunology in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, studying pancreatic cancer vaccines. Bridget came to UCSF as an internal medicine resident; in fact, the first time she came to San Francisco was her residency interview and she immediately knew she wanted to train here. Following residency, Bridget stayed...
Medical Director, Clinical Laboratory, Hematopathologist and Residency Program Director, Clinical Pathology
Here is what Kristie's nominator had to say about her:
"Dr. White is an outstanding mentor and leader in the Laboratory Medicine department, in her roles as hematopathologist and Program Director of Clinical Pathology. Her commitment to education enriches Clinical Pathology training at UCSF. She models both clinical excellence and leadership for her trainees."
- Joanna Balcerek, MD, Resident, Laboratory Medicine
Kristies's Bio:
I began my journey at UCSF as a medical student in 2003, and I am still here! After medical school, I completed residency training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and fellowships in Surgical Pathology and Hematopathology at UCSF. During residency, I also embarked on earning a Master’s degree in Education at UC Berkeley, which allowed me to gain more formal training to pursue research in education. When I finished training, I was thrilled to accept a faculty position at UCSF.
Currently I am based at Mission Bay, where I am the Medical Director of the Clinical Laboratory, and I work as a hematopathologist to diagnosis disorders of the blood and bone marrow. In addition, I am the Residency Program Director for Clinical Pathology. In this role I cherish recruiting, supporting, encouraging, and training our outstanding residents. My research is primarily in the area...
Consultant, Learning & Orginizational Development
Here is what Alleysha's nominator had to say about her:
"Alleysha is an infectiously positive person who embodies our UCSF PRIDE values."
- Korin Schmitz, UCSF Health
Alleysha's Bio:
Alleysha started with UCSF in 2015 as a Leadership Development Manager for Healthforce Center at UCSF. This department creates leadership development programs for external health care organizations. There, she led the Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Leadership Institute and the Cedars-Sinai Community Clinic Initiative: Managing to Leading Program.
While in this position, Alleysha attended the Leading the Frontline series, led by Learning & Organizational Development (L&OD). By the end of the first session, she knew L&OD was the perfect place for her. In L&OD, Alleysha is able to focus on empowering our internal community, in the same way she was doing externally in her previous position.
What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?
I am successful when I am able to spark the potential in others. If you leave one of my workshops with a new learning, a new insight, or a changed perspective, I did my job!
What do you like to do outside of work?
My favorite activity is spending time with my family, particularly taking walks in my neighborhood with my husband and son. I also...
Patient Safety Clinical Specialist, Department of Quality and Patient Safety
Here is what Julie's nominator had to say about her:
"Julie has been an essential member of the Patient Safety Department for several years. Much of her work is behind the scenes, but has been so important in making UCSF a safer place for patients and staff. Patient Safety calls for her to work with departments across the organization. In all of these partnerships, Julie goes above and beyond to collaborate effectively and develop sustainable solutions. Her commitment to excellence is apparent in everything that she does. She never hesitates to take on new projects, learn a new skill or lend a hand to a colleague. Julie maintains calm and thoughtful demeanor even when the job is stressful, which creates a positive atmosphere for all around her. She serves as a role model to so many through her commitment to excellence, leadership and positivity. Julie’s leadership and collaborative spirit have helped so many redefine possible."
- Paige Porter, Patient Safety Coordinator, UCSF Health
Julie's Bio:
I started my professional career a Pharmacy Informaticist and was driven to build systems that bring the best out of people to provide the highest quality of care. I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity expand beyond pharmacy and medication safety when I joined UCSF Health as a Patient Safety Clinical Specialist 6...
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...
Administrative Assistant to the Chief, Cardiac Electrophysiology; Cardiology Administration, Academic Office Manager; Administrative Assistant to the Chief, Cardiology
Here's what Jerley's nominator had to say about her: "Jerley is a shining example of our UCSF PRIDE values each and every day. She is always ready to help, is very collaborative and brings her positive energy with her everywhere she goes.”
- Jenny Ta, Administrative Officer, Office of the CNO
Tell us about your UCSF journey:
I have been with UCSF for sixteen years this April in the Cardiology Division. Prior to UCSF I worked at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan for 12 years as HIV Health Educator, HIV Counselor and a Project Manager in Infection Control. Before moving to NY, I worked at Del Monte Corporation HQ in San Francisco for 16 years in their Marketing and Promotion Dept. and as an Import/Export Analyst.
The Cardiology department is unique in that some people will spend their whole career in this department. We have employees that have worked 20, 30+ years together, all working side-by-side. This fosters a family environment. Teamwork is key.
My job is to support our Academic Analysts as they aid our over 60 Faculty for their academic needs. It’s always a pleasure to see how caring and dedicated our Faculty are to their patients and to our staff. I take great pride in being a part of this process.
Do you have a favorite song?
I like jazz...
LaMisha Hill is a licensed psychologist, diveristy expert and educator. She currently serves as the Director of Multicultural Affairs for the Office of Diversity and Outreach (ODO).
Here’s what LaMisha’s nominator had to say about her:
"Dr. Hill works tirelessly to provide diversity education and training across UCSF. Her facilitation and collaboration with many different departments to help them better understand their own unconscious bias yield deeply impacts our community's climate and culture. She is a thoughtful colleague and a humble leader who has gone above and beyond to help make where we work and study more inclusive and equitable."
- Tiffani Chan, MA, Project Manager, Office of Diversity and Outreach
LaMisha’s Bio:
Originally from the Chicago-land area with family roots in Mississippi, LaMisha completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago and graduate studies in counseling psychology at the University of Oregon. LaMisha began her journey into the UC system as a psychology pre-doctoral intern at UC Riverside, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. In these roles, she provided direct counseling services including individual therapy, group therapy, mental health outreach for undergraduate and graduate students. Having a desire to contribute to institutional change on a broader level, LaMisha began her professional career in the Office of Diversity and Outreach at UCSF and sought to leverage her skills as a...
Director, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine
Here's what Dr. Norton's nominator had to say about her: "Mary Norton is not only an exceptional physician who has been helping many families at the Fetal Treatment Center, but she is also a very dedicated and caring mentor for us all who is working with her. She is a great role model for how to be very successful, but at the same time remain engaged and down to earth with her team, and to support each and every one of them in their own professional development. I think these are qualities that outstanding women leaders demonstrate, and that Mary definitely deserves the spotlight."
- Dr. Nuriye Sahin-Hodoglugil, Program Manager, Institute for Human Genetics, School of Medicine
Tell us about your UCSF journey: I came to UCSF as a clinical fellow, to pursue training in a combined program in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Clinical Genetics. After my training, my husband and I moved to Boston with our one year old son to be closer to family. However, we missed the west coast and I realized that prenatal genetics was uniquely strong at UCSF, which was really a birthplace of the field.
I have tried a few other opportunities along the way, but the amazing faculty and opportunities here have drawn me back. UCSF has been unique in allowing me to pursue collaborative research efforts in reproductive genetics, to train the next generation of MFM geneticists, and to provide the best of care to patients with complex concerns who benefit...
Dr. Lei Choi is the Medical Director of the Continuous Improvement Department and a practicing Professor of Medicine in the UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine.
Here’s what Lei’s nominator had to say about her:
“Lei is a powerful force in continuous improvement. She has taught and coached many individuals here at UCSF, and is responsible for developing a record number of faculty in Lean methods and mindset. She is an amazing educator and influencer and has impacted UCSF’s national stature as one of the few health systems that have been successful in engaging physicians in improvement work.”
- Cynthia Chiarappa, VP, UCSF Health Administration & Chief of Staff to CEO
Lei’s Bio:
Dr. Lei Choi is the Medical Director of the Continuous Improvement Department and a practicing Professor of Medicine in the UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine. She joined UCSF Health in 2015. Lei loves to teach, coach, and delight learners. She is passionate about developing competent and confident problem solvers.
What’s on your reading list?
The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures by Dan Roam (because a good visual is priceless!) and Radical Candor by Kim Scott.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?
Don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table. Be brave and just sit down. As a new faculty member, I remember walking...