Nursing Director, Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

What her nominator had to say about her: 

Gillian Otway serves as Nursing Director for Perinatal Service and Pediatrics at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. She is recognized for her innovation, dedication to excellence, commitment to equity, and outstanding colleagueship. Throughout the hospital and campus, Ms. Otway is a trusted leader who mentors others, inspires excellence, and implements meaningful change to promote quality, equitable care.

Nominated by: Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH

Gillian’s Bio: 

Gillian was born in the Caribbean and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She started her nursing career in New York City at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in medical surgical and critical care nursing. Gillian's nursing career has allowed her to live her passion for serving underserved communities, promote quality care, and inspire, support, and engage her work force. Gillian Otway is currently the Nursing Director for Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Hospital (ZSFG). Early in her career at ZSFG, she had the opportunity to support the organization in many areas including nursing recruitment and retention. As the nurse recruiter, Gillian was able to create programs that mentored and supported nursing students and new graduate nurses. Gillian has also been able to successfully partner with the bargaining unit for nursing staff in promoting healthy work environments.  

In her current position, Gillian has been able to champion initiatives that positively impacts birthing people and families, such as doula services, addiction care and The Baby Friendly Initiative. She is an executive member of the hospitals Solid Start Program which promotes health and health equity by integrating social behavioral and medical care for pregnant individuals and families with children ages 0 through 3. Gillian is also a respected mentor and leader.  Those who work with her appreciate her gracious, respectful, and steady guidance.  Gillian is not afraid to bring creative solutions and to partner with stakeholders in order to meet common goals. Most importantly, her work at ZSFG promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and ensures that all patients receive quality equitable care.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? 

Have patience and trust that everything will work out. 

To a woman entering your field today? 

Take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered to you because the experiences will serve you well in the future. 

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I enjoy traveling, visiting museums and listening to Jazz.

What is your favorite movie or TV Show you have watched recently?  

The Bear, Beef, Slow Horses and Fargo

What is on your reading list?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.