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 15^th floor of Moffitt-Long, my life and everything I knew was lost.  This event triggered a desire to understand more about how our clinical practices influence patient outcomes, how hospital errors impact patients, families and our community at large, and how our beliefs, comfort levels and faith in systems impact advocacy.  

I found my way to the Health Policy program at the UCSF School of Nursing and my career has grown and evolved ever since. I have spent the past 10 years working with amazing people who have helped expand my exposure to informatics, coordination in care, systems thinking, regulatory compliance, community advocacy and driving improvements through the utilization of Lean methodology.  Today, as the Executive Director of Quality and Patient Safety for Adult Services, I find great pride and value in working with brilliant people who are forward thinking and drive toward improving care, research and developing best practices that set the stage for our nation and beyond. It is an absolute honor to now look out of that Moffitt-Long 15^th floor window and know that my son is helping to make care better for others and that my daughter’s birth has since brought so much light to that view.  

Do you have a favorite song? If you had to choose an anthem what would it be?

Favorite song - I Know It’s You by my dear friend, Noelle Hampton. It is a beautiful tribute and helps me to remember that the special people we love and care about are always with us and never really leave our side.

Anthem - Liverpool FC’s You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Pacemakers. An inspiring and powerful anthem that highlights the power of supporting each other. No matter who we are or how many challenges we face as individuals, our ‘families’ stand with us. I also love how ANYONE can sing this song at the top of their lungs and it will be always be beautiful!  

What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?

My family and I have been watching a new series on Apple TV called Ted Lasso.  Ted’s unrelenting optimism, warm and charming personality and leadership style has been a refreshing break and brought some much-needed laughs to the stressful and difficult times we are navigating right now.  

What’s on your reading list?  

I love to read, and our current climate and kids new back-to-school reading list has helped me to prioritize this. I am currently reading:  How to be an Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

What’s your ideal weather?

I have lived in SF for over 20 years but can’t seem to shake my love for the warm summer nights I grew up with in LA.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?

Don’t be afraid to step into roles that you don’t think you are qualified for. Going outside of your comfort zone helps you to learn how to better manage change, creates space for creativity and humility, and deepens the value and your appreciation of teamwork.  

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.