Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry
Here is what Leila's nominator had to say about her:
Dr. Shirazi started 8 years ago as a staff optometrist and has consistently demonstrated exemplary clinical care. In the last 3 years her contributions to the department were finally recognized and she was promoted the Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry, where she functions much more like a practice manager-- managing not only the optometrists, but also orthoptists, optician, technicians, and admin support staff. She even plays a heavy role in managing operations affecting the pediatric MDs as well. She accomplishes all this with almost a full patient load and makes it look effortless, but I know she pours hours and hours of time and thought into her work to make the clinics run as smoothly as possible. She is tenacious and a team player and great with patients. What a gift to the department!
Leila's Bio:
Fresh out of optometry residency, I joined the Pediatric Ophthalmology team at UCLA, with the goal of “one day” coming back home to the Bay Area. “One day” came so soon. One year later almost 8 years ago, I joined the Pediatric Ophthalmology team at UCSF, and have been privileged to work in a multidisciplinary teaching institution, one of the best in the nation, provide eye care to our wonderful patients, and teach our excellent residents and medical students. About 2.5 years ago, I took on a leadership role with the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry team...
Administrative Officer, Central Adminiatration, Campus Life Services
Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?
In recent years, I had the privilege of working under two remarkable leaders who saw my potential and invested their time and effort in developing my critical, analytical, and technical hard skills while strengthening my soft skill set. Their mentorship has molded me into a well-rounded professional who aspires to achieve great things and supports, amplifies, and motivates others to grow in their careers. I am very humble and greatful to have these amazing mentors in my life.
Anything you are excited about – professionally or otherwise?
My long-term goal is to inspire, mentor, and nurture talent in others, especially those at the lower to mid-level and create opportunities for them. I believe that shared inspiring experiences can motivate others to push beyond their limits and achievements. Hence, I aspire to lead by example and use my experience to level-up those who are not reaching their potential.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I am outside of work, I love to spend time with my fur babies and explore the neighboring countries when I get the opportunities. Traveling to other countries teaches me to be more humble and understanding of diffrent cultures while opening my eye to see new things.
Outreach Project Coordinator, Neurosurgery
Kayla's Bio:
More to come
Director, Department of Respiratory Care
Sam's Bio:
More to come
Operations Manager, Neurosciences Service Line
Jessica's Bio:
I am a native San Franciscan, but recently moved back to the Bay Area after living in Houston, Texas for seven years. I am thrilled to be back in my hometown and working at UCSF.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy running, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
Work hard, have a voice, and do not be afraid to ask for what you want.
Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF Health's Committee?
I decided to join Women of UCSF committee and volunteer team because I wanted to get more involved in the organization outside my role, collaborate with colleagues I typically do not have the opportunity to work with, and further support women in healthcare.
IMPACT Coordinator and Research and Policy Analyst, CTSI
Aimée's Bio:
With 10+ years of experience in public health and wellness, Aimée is passionate about driving key strategic and operational initiatives, as well as overseeing complex projects. In addition to my program management skills, she is proficient in leveraging various software programs, such as Epic, RedCap, Smartsheet, and Asana to create digital health tools for patients, conduct data analysis, and identify new opportunities for process improvement. I also have extensive experience in launching impactful human-centric programs, offering training and leadership to diverse teams, devising communication plans, setting and executing strategic goals with C-level executives. She is always eager to learn new skills, collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, and contribute to the advancement of health equity and social justice.
She currently holds the roles of Program Coordinator for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute's (CTSI) IMPACT Program and Research and Policy Analyst for the CTSI TriCore. Prior to her role in CTSI, Aimée held the role of Project Manager for the Clinical Innovation Center (CIC). With CIC, Aimée ensured effective on-site collaboration with 2K participants for two COVID-19 (TrackCOVID and CHART) studies with supervision of clinical and staff operations by coordinating closely with staff from UCSF DeRisi Lab and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network and bridged the communication gap with team members from departments, including technology, Center for...
Clinical Nurse Manager, General Internal Medicine
What brought you to healthcare?
Ever since I was a little girl, I was always curious about hospitals, doctors, medicine and the way these spaces, people and medical technologies could help heal people who were hurting or ill. I felt called to be a part of this mission of healing and worked my way through college and nursing school to get to work at a leading healthcare institution with a demonstrated commitment to these same values.
What is your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I directly manage a team of nurse practitioners and oversee the clinical staff and operations of our large internal medicine practice. I love being a part of a strong team of clinicians and leaders at our practice, getting involved in clinical innovations and improvements with the aim of improving patient care and learning more about how to effectively lead in a sea of change and challenges.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
You can accomplish anything. Relentlessly pursue your passion and calling! Surround yourself with mentors to help you along your journey.
Interim Administrative Supervisor, Office of the CNO - Adult Services
Mary's Bio:
Mary started her career at UCSF in 2001 working in the Department of Family, Community Medicine (FCM) as the Meetings and Training Coordinator where she trained Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health (MCAH) Directors how to use our tools to collect data and write publications. She left in 2007 to work in tech start up for 10 years; industries include Solar, Internet Privacy, B2B marketing and SaaS companies.
Mary later returned to UCSF, School of Dentistry in 2015 where she was the Externship Program Coordinator & Partnerships. At SOD, Mary created partnerships with dental FQHC clinics around the bay area and Alaska for our Dental students to provide dental care for the underserved.
Mary shares it’s been a lot of fun learning about the public and private sectors but UCSF is where her she feels like she belongs. She found her true family when she became an Administrative Officer at UCSF Health July 2022; working alongside the most amazing CNO and Leaders in the office of the CNO. She was recently afforded an opportunity to assume the role of Interim Administrative Supervisor, currently overseeing a team of 3 Admin Officers.
Mary lives in Cole Valley with her husband and 5 year old son. On the weekends, Mary and her little family will explore the city, go on short trips, go camping, or simply just stay home to cook and sing karaoke. She is excited to have the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community such as Women of UCSF...
Director of Operations, Adult Services, Advanced Practice Providers
Alisa's Bio:
I was born in San Francisco and raised in Piedmont, California. UCSF Health has been my first and only employer since obtaining my California Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner licenses.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time competing in tennis and pickleball at local and national tournaments. In addition, I volunteer with a theatrical group that puts on original productions for school-age children of San Francisco.
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
I would spend the entire day exploring the underwater world. If I didn’t pursue healthcare as my career, I would have become a marine biologist.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
The possibilities for lateral or upward movement is endless. Seek out mentors and self-reflect on your professional goals early and often.
Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?
Joining a group of women who are passionate and dedicated leaders in their own specialty is a source of constant inspiration
What’s your ideal weather...
Stroke Program Coordinator, Neurosciences Service Line
Rebecca's Bio:
My friends call me Bex or Becca. Born and raised in SF, I found myself drawn to advocacy and had the dream of helping others. My personal health experience guided my path into nursing and into the stroke coordinator role. I have been a RN over 10 years now and began my career at Mills-Peninsula in Burlingame psych emergency then trained and worked in the Emergency department while obtaining my MSN in Clinical Nurse Leadership at University of San Francisco. I have worked various roles such as the assistant clinical manager of behavioral health at Stanford, adjunct instructor for Samuel Merritt EL-MSN program, and charge nurse in urgent care with PAMF Sutter and the was former stroke coordinator for Alameda Health. I am happy to be moving back to the bay area with my 2-year-old daughter and husband to be closer to family. My favorite tv series is the office and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. My favorite books are Pride and Prejudice and LOTR. Prior to becoming a mom my favorite hobbies included bowling and traveling. I look forward to working with and learning from this team. I am constantly learning and trying to improve so please do not hesitate to let me know how I can assist you as a team member and if there are any areas of opportunity for myself.
What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?
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