Susan Pappas is the Executive Director of the UCSF Health Experience Excellence Division which includes the following departments: Experience Improvement, Experience Intelligence, Patient Relations, Decedent Affairs, Guest Screening Services, Volunteer Services, Surgical Navigation Assistance Program, Spiritual Care/Chaplaincy Education and Language & Interpreting Services.
Here's what Susan’s nominator had to say about her:
“Susan is the heart of UCSF. She oversees the Office of UCSF Health Experience which includes patient experience analytics and training, interpreter services, patient relations, volunteers, decedent affairs and physician and staff experience. She trains, influences, and is relentless in pursuing the optimal patient, staff and physician experiences. Through her work, she transforms teams to become aware of how their behavior impacts the patient experience. She is a continuous improvement advocate and approaches her work through deep caring and compassion.”
- Cynthia Chiarappa, VP, UCSF Health Administration & Chief of Staff to CEO
Susan’s Bio:
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help vulnerable people. I had a learning disability (Dyslexia) and knew acutely what it felt like to struggle in life. I developed a deep appreciation for kindness and patience since that is what I needed most from others. While attending college in Arizona at 22 years old, I began my career in healthcare working at Tri City Behavioral Health Center within the Banner...
Mariah Bianchi, RN, MSN, is the Executive Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Adult Services at UCSF Health.
Here's what Mariah's nominator had to say about her:
"Mariah is a true leader in every sense of the word, and I would love to see her behaviors and philosophy championed. She and I started within two weeks of each other and have had next door offices in the Department of Quality and from day one, I have watched her engage and empower her team to lead meetings, ask questions and solve problems. And she herself asks GREAT questions – they are always meaningful, effective, thought-provoking, and respectful. She also has a methodical, evidence-based process for coaching, teaching and learning which allows her to engender trust and support from people at all levels. I learn from her every day and I think others would too!"
- Kate Pavlovich, Director, Analytics & Clinical Effectiveness
Mariah's Bio:
I am fortunate to have had an encouraging and talented friend recommend a job in the Department of Quality and I joined UCSF Health as the Director of Adult Quality Improvement three years ago. Despite my short time working here, I have a long history with UCSF and have experienced the joy, heartache, and pride that is associated with a healthcare institution and college of this caliber. As an ICU RN, I have always cared for critically ill patients and helped to manage the complexities associated with their care, but after watching my son die in my arms on the 15th...
Dr. Rebecca Olin is a hematologist who specializes in bone marrow transplantation in adults. Her expertise encompasses treating acute leukemia, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders and aplastic anemia.
Here's what Dr. Olin's nominator had to say about her: "Rebecca is a female, mentor, academic physician, researcher, colleague, wife, mother and a boss. She handles multiple situations with ease, including patient care, education, mentorship and being the voice for many different subcategories within the division of Heme/BMT. She makes a difference in the lives of her patients, mentees and colleagues and makes an impact for the better within our division. She strives for individual growth within herself and others around her. I enjoy working with her and admire her greatly."
- Dr. Shagun Arora, Hematology-Oncology
Tell us about your UCSF journey: I came to UCSF in 2009, after finishing my Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. I primarily see patients with leukemia and other bone marrow disorders, many of whom need a stem cell transplant as part of their therapy. My research focus is in geriatric hematology/oncology, specifically looking at the role of geriatric assessment to predict post-transplant outcomes, with a goal of improving the patient experience and ensuring that our older patients stay as fit and functional as possible through this difficult therapy. I am also the medical director for our inpatient Hematology/BMT unit, and have really enjoyed...
Dr. Chienying Liu is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Endocrinology.
Here's what Dr. Liu's nominator had to say about her:
Dr. Liu's Bio:
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?
How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career?
Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.
Eunice Stephens is Chief of Staff to the School of Dentistry.
Here's what Eunice's nominator had to say about her:
"Eunice has been with UCSF for nearly 25 years! She has held an array of various leadership roles over the years. She is an amazing role model, mentor and colleague to many at UCSF. Eunice is extremely accomplished and well-respected by the clinicians and researchers alike. What I appreciate about her the most is, probably, the fact that she is extremely down-to-earth and very approachable. I think this is one of the many reasons for many of Eunice's colleagues, especially women, come to her for her advice, guidance and support."
- Tatiana Urisman, Unit Director 8 South/12 South Surgical Transitional Care Units
Eunice's Bio:
Eunice Stephens is the Chief of Staff for the School of Dentistry. In her role she provides strategic guidance, advising, and decision making in support of Dean Mike Reddy. Her role spans strategic academic and resource planning, short and long range policy development, communications and high level program development and execution.
She has been at UCSF for 25 years in a number of roles and has won both the UCSF Great People Award in 2013 and the Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Management in 2016. Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director of Clinical Research Operations and Administration for UCSF Health and Executive Director of the Office of Clinical Research, which supports UCSF’s...
Mary Betinis is Director of Epilepsy Services & Neurodiagnostic Services, Adult & Pediatrics.
Here's what Mary's nominator had to say about her:
When I think of women at UCSF who are capable, motivated, creative, kind, dedicated, and visionary, Mary is at the top of the list. In the five years I've known and worked with her, she has demonstrated effective leadership, developing her team into one worthy of national recognition. She has also served in a key role for the strategic success of the UCSF Epilepsy destination program. Through it all, she makes time for mentoring, for community, and for her personal passion - cycling! Though she may be reluctant, I would love for her to be in the spotlight so others can get to know this amazing woman at UCSF!
- Maurine Coco, Rehab Service Manager
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career or to a woman entering your field today?
Trust your gut, develop boundaries to achieve a work/balance, it’s okay to say “no”, you’re enough, step through fear and take risks, honor your truth, live your purpose and do one good deed every day.
Do you have a favorite song?
Beautiful day by U2
What’s on your reading list?
Two books by Oprah Winfrey: The Wisdom of Sundays and The Path Made Clear
What’s your ideal weather?
60 degrees and sunny!
If you could go anywhere for a day, where...
Dr. Maureen Kohi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology in the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Division of the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging.
Here's what Dr. Kohi's nominator has to say about her:
I am nominating Dr. Kohi to be featured by the Women of UCSF Health because she is a champion of women with a passion for superior patient care, innovation and research in treating women's health through minimally invasive treatment options and thoroughly embodies UCSF P.R.I.D.E. Dr. Maureen Kohi is an inspiring leader and mentor through both her words and actions. Dr. Kohi successfully completed fellowships in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and in Women's imaging at UCSF.
- Carrie Pond, Radiology Service Supervisor.
Tell us about your UCSF journey:
I have been at UCSF for the past 13 years. I completed my Diagnostic Radiology residency at UCSF, and then continued on to do fellowships in both Interventional Radiology and Women’s Imaging. I then joined the faculty in the Interventional Radiology division. My experience at UCSF has been truly extraordinary and fulfilling -- I have met outstanding clinicians and researchers who have provided guidance and mentorship to support my career growth. I now serve as Division Chief of Interventional Radiology and am honored to work side-by-side with my colleagues and trainees, our hardworking nurses and technologists, and our wonderful staff to deliver the best minimally invasive image-guided care...
Kathy Brady-Porter works as an Administration Officer in the Department of Radiology.
Here's what Kathy's nominator has to say about her:
I am nominating Kathy Brady-Porter to be featured by Women of UCSF Health. Though her role does not always place her achievements or daily endeavors on stage or in the spotlight, Kathy’s efforts positively impacts every technologist, supervisor, manager and eventually the patients in the Radiology department. For a department of 400 plus team members, Kathy is the string that binds us and the glue that holds us together. She is conscientious and detailed oriented, often wearing several hats in the department. She is the sounding board, the counselor, the confidant, the organizer, and the person that reminds us about items that may have slipped thought the cracks. Kathy genuinely cares for people at UCSF and realizes that though she may not work directly with patients, the effectiveness of her work does eventually impact patient care. She brings her heart and soul to work every day and though she knows a lot about others in the department and across the UCSF enterprise, not many people know about her. Alpana Patel Camilli, Radiology Diagnostic.
Tell us about your UCSF journey: I have worked for UCSF for thirteen years in a few departments: Care Coordination, Apex and currently in Radiology. Prior to UCSF I worked in the banking industry and then spent a decade working from home handling medical billing which allowed me to spend time volunteering at my children’s...
Lisa Purser is the Patient Care Manager for IP3 Integrate Integrated Pediatric Pain & Palliative Care
Here's what Lisa’s nominators have to say about her:
“Lisa is a champion of our IP3 service, alongside the other services that she manages. During my time at UCSF, IP3 has tremendously grown under her direction.” Luvleen Kaur, IP3
“Lisa Purser has been an integral part in building our Integrated Pediatric Pain & Palliative care program into what it is today. Her direction has guided so many to work towards an amazing vision for care for the pediatric patients and their families. Her leadership and passion are inspiring and she even finds time to volunteer at EVERY UCSF BENIOFF CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL fundraiser!!!” Nikki Tobia, Special Events
Tell us about your UCSF journey: 24 years ago, I began my career at UCSF. As a bedside nurse, I worked with an amazing team of nurses who took me under their wing and instilled several beliefs and values that shaped the nurse I am today: teamwork is key to success, trust your colleagues, always listen, be flexible, ask questions, utilize your resources, and most importantly, the patient/family always comes first (no matter how busy you are). I quickly learned my passion was in pain management and palliative care. Eager to learn how the system worked, I joined the hospital pain committee and the pediatric palliative care committee. I became a nurse manager because I wanted to improve the quality of care we delivered at the bedside for our...
Jessica Opoku-Anane is an Assistant Professor of Gynecology, and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Director of the UCSF Center for Endometriosis.