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Our Stories

Storytelling is what connects and brings us together. So let’s celebrate, inspire and empower each other by sharing our stories.

November 1, 2023

Associate Professor, Division of Prevention Science in the Department of Medicine

Here is what Parya's nominator had to say about her:  

“Dr. Saberi has taken a painful, heartbreaking moment in time – difficult for both those who live inside Iran, as well as those who watch from a distance or have families who are directly impacted – and helped galvanize the energy and emotion into something positive.”  Another nominator summed it up well: “Dr. Saberi is a true leader and an inspiring scientist and activist. She is a role model for future generations of female scientists, activists, and leaders.”  

Parya’s Bio: 

Dr. Saberi is an Associate Professor at UCSF’s Department of Medicine. She joined UCSF in 2005 for her second-year residency and her fellowship, and continued as faculty in the Division of Prevention Science where she is the Principal Investigator of multiple NIH grants and the Director of the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies’ Developmental Core. She conducts behavioral research on HIV treatment and prevention with a focus on improving healthcare delivery to increase access for all and reducing health disparities among people with HIV. Dr. Saberi is an expert clinical consultant for the CDC/HRSA-funded National Clinician Consultation Center (HIV Warmline, PEPline, PrEPline, and Perinatal HIV Hotline), which has the mission of promoting health equities...

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November 1, 2023

 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...

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October 19, 2023

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.

 


Get to know the rest of our...

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October 19, 2023

Outreach Project Coordinator, Neurosurgery 

Kayla's Bio:

More to come 

 

 


Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team

October 19, 2023

Director, Department of Respiratory Care

Sam's Bio: 

More to come

 

 

 


Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team

October 19, 2023

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.   


Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team...

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October 19, 2023

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...

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October 19, 2023

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. 


Get to know the rest of our Women of UCSF Health team

October 19, 2023

Administrative Manager, 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 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 Administrative Manager, 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...

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October 18, 2023

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...

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