Executive Assistant, Orthopaedics Institute, Department of Orthopaedics Surgery

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

Maricar is the point person for the Orthopaedic Institute (OI). Whenever someone (physician, staff person, visitor, vendor, etc.) is in need of something, everyone reaches out to Maricar. She is extremely helpful and resourceful to resolve the person's issue. She is also extremely patient. She is always willing to go the extra mile. People really admire her for all that she is able to do, coordinate, assist with, resolve, etc. Internal and external customers all love working with her. She is an inspiration because of how helpful she is to all in whom she has contact with.

Nomination by Debbie Gee

Maricar’s Bio:

I have been at UCSF for almost 14 years by this June, all of which have been at the Orthopaedic Institute. Prior to working at UCSF, my professional experience was mainly comprised of retail management and customer service. For a brief time, I was also a Certified Nursing Assistant at a skilled nursing facility in Walnut Creek.

I began working at the Orthopaedic Institute in 2011 as an Administrative Assistant to the Perioperative Manager. It was in this role that I was first introduced to the world of Periop, and I quickly gained a deep appreciation for the work being done. With my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) background, I was also able to support the Pre-Op and PACU nurses by checking in patients, taking vital signs, and assisting with wheelchair transport at discharge. After about a year, the Administrative Analyst position for the Director of the Orthopaedic Institute became available. I applied, was selected, and continued to grow professionally in this new role. A few years later, I was promoted and transitioned into my current position as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. In my current role, I wear many hats. Some of my key responsibilities include graphing and trending important Ortho metrics—such as Press Ganey scores, Call Center abandonment rates, and surgery turnover times. I also coordinate and assist with a variety of Ortho events, support budget preparation and payroll issue resolution, manage facility needs at the Orthopaedic Institute (including repairs, paint/patch work, and moves), and collaborate on construction projects.

I owe a great deal of my professional growth to my Executive Director, who saw potential in me early on, and has mentored me ever since. Her guidance and support have played a major role in where I am today. I was even honored to be nominated by my peers and selected for our department’s quarterly OI Service Excellence Award, which recognizes team members who embody the values and mission of the Orthopaedic Institute through exceptional patient and customer service.

No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes my job both challenging and rewarding.

Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?

My parents have been my role models for as long as I can remember. Both immigrants from the Philippines, they worked incredibly hard to build a life here and achieve the American dream. Their journey has been full of challenges, but also marked by perseverance, success, and personal growth. My mother is a retired nurse who worked tirelessly—often holding down two nursing jobs and clocking in up to 80 hours a week—to ensure our family was taken care of. Despite the demands, she never complained and always approached her work with compassion and a genuine love for helping others. My father, unable to attend college early on, joined the U.S. Army at a young age and made it his career. He served for 22 years before retiring, and even then, he didn’t stop. He took full advantage of the educational resources available through the military, earning various certifications through the local community college. After his military service, he continued to serve by working over a decade in the Federal Government before retiring a second time. Watching both of them throughout my life has deeply inspired me. Their resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication have shaped my own work ethic and values. I’m incredibly grateful to have them as my parents and role models—they’ve taught me the true meaning of commitment, sacrifice, and what it means to work hard for something you believe in.

What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?

I’ve always known I wanted to be in healthcare, but for a long time, I wasn’t quite sure which direction to take. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at San Jose State University, I earned my certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), thinking patient care might be my path. I briefly worked at a skilled nursing facility, which gave me valuable hands-on experience. However, I soon realized that while I loved helping people, direct patient care didn’t feel like the right long-term fit for me. Around that time, my best friend—who was working at the Ortho Spine Center at UCSF—told me about a job opening. While that specific role was quickly filled, another opportunity became available within the Department of Orthopaedics. Thanks to my CNA background, I was hired into an administrative position in Periop at the Orthopaedic Institute. That role was a turning point. I discovered a passion for the administrative side of healthcare—being behind the scenes, supporting teams, improving workflows, and making sure things run smoothly. Nearly 14 years later, I’m still with the Orthopaedic Institute, but I’ve grown tremendously in my career. I’ve moved from Administrative Assistant to Analyst, and now serve as the Executive Assistant to our Executive Director. This journey has taught me that there are many ways to serve in healthcare—and I’ve found my place where I can make a meaningful impact every day.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love travelling and spending time with my loved ones and two French Bulldogs: Goku and Chi Chi.

What is your ideal weather?

I love Fall in California. It’s not too hot and not too cold. The weather is just right and you see all the beautiful color changes in the trees.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?

I would love to go and see any of the great wonders of the world: Stonehenge, Great Pyramid of Giza, Northern Lights, Great Wall of China, the Parthenon, etc.

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