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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.

October 30, 2024

Program Manager, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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

“She is an incredibly hard worker, warm, inclusive, and with deep knowledge of UCSF.  She has been here for over 15y and serves as my program manager, overseeing ARCHES, my public psychiatry fellowship, and my lab.  EVERYONE who meets her appreciates her congeniality, outstanding communication, and capacity to support all members of our community.  She is a star!”

Nominated by: Christina Mangurian, MD, MAS

Claudine's Bio

I began my career at the San Francisco VA Medical Center as the Lab Manager for the Behavioral Medicine Research Center, and in 2008 I joined the UCSF Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator for the Over-60 Program. I currently serve as the Program Manager for the PReMIUM Lab and the ARCHES Program under the leadership of Vice Dean Christina Mangurian, MD, MAS. In my 16 years at UCSF, I have led programs and initiatives with a singular mission: improving access to health care and mental health services for historically excluded communities. I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary faculty,...

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October 1, 2024

Music Therapist Board Certified BCH Oakland Hematology/Oncology & Surgical

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

“Lauren is a credit to the field of music therapy. She is an excellent clinician who makes a meaningful difference with her patients in HEM/ONC. Her involvement in BCHO's work towards anti-racist practice is excellent. She regularly speaks on the intersection of therapy, identity, and navigating systems to groups of various backgrounds. Lauren is the "go-to" for interviews and presentations. She is truly changing the way clinical work is done at Children's Oakland and within the profession of music therapy.” 

Nominated by: Rebecca Hames 

 

 

Lauren's Bio: 

Lauren has worked in the music therapy profession for 11+ years, gaining experience in pediatrics, mental health, special education, and palliative/hospice.  Prior to children's she pioneered music therapy services at a variety of Bay Area pediatric units including work in private practice. Her...

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October 1, 2024

 Director, Neurological Surgery

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

"Janice is relentless in her pursuit of building community and partnerships which foster diversity and inclusion for her team and the patients we serve with the goal of leveraging their voice through advocacy and allyship. Outside of UCSF, Janice is a CASA volunteer and champions children in foster care."

Nominated by: Gita Patel 

Janice's Bio

I started my career in healthcare almost 25 years ago at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. I enjoyed many roles as a Pediatric ICU Nurse, Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner, and Heart Center Service Line Director. I joined the UCSF Parnassus Team in 2019 and was the Admin. Director for the Urology Faculty Practice, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, and General Surgery. For the past 3 years I have been thrilled to be a part of the Neurosurgery family.  The opportunity to be on the Neurosurgery team fills me with excitement as it allows me to shape the future of the department, spearhead critical initiatives, and collaborate with top-tier Neurosurgeons, Neuro-Oncologists, staff, and dedicated managers. My...

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August 30, 2024

Stroke Program Coordinator, Department of Neurosciences

Here's what Rebecca's nominator had to say about her:

“I have had the pleasure to work with Rebecca on multiple occasions. Most recently we were able to organize a UCSF/ZSFG stroke community event providing stroke education and blood pressure readings to the community. We rallied 28 volunteers and were able to touch over 150 persons at the Alamany Farmers market. Rebecca gives her all and is such a collaborative, kind, spirit.  She is an unsung hero.”

Nominated by: Sara Cole

“She goes above and beyond in all that she does. She took me under her wing and mentored me. I have seen her give 110% to her patients, peers and the stroke program. No one works harder or cares as much as her.”

Nominated by: David Yablonsky

Rebecca's Bio

Rebecca Hidalgo Salomon is an advocate and a dedicated leader within the UCSF Health community, she is committed to advancing patient care and driving meaningful change. Rebecca has been at UCSF for just over two years, where she has thoroughly enjoyed her role in the Stroke Program. Rebecca’s role involves leading initiatives to enhance stroke care, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving improvements in patient outcomes. A significant part of her work includes spearheading process improvement LEAN initiatives, fostering innovation, elevating care standards, and cultivating a collaborative environment...

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August 30, 2024

 Hospital Assistant III, Neuroendovascular Surgery (NES)

Here's what Beatrice's nominator had to say about her:

Per Dr. Steven Hetts & NES attendees: Beatrice is extremely conscientious, caring, and patient oriented. She quickly achieves rapport with patients and their family members, making them feel comfortable in the health care setting. She is a commensurate team player, patiently working with our nurses, technologists, nurse practitioners, office staff, and physicians in a very busy and complex service environment.

From Alpana & NES Nurse & Technologist team: Beatrice consistently and effortlessly embodies the UCSF PRIDE values as a hospital assistant. Her unwavering dedication to her role and her exceptional work ethic are a testament to her deep commitment to UCSF's mission. Every interaction she has with patients and colleagues is marked by a profound sense of Professionalism and Respect. Whether she is assisting a patient or offering support to a fellow team member, Beatrice radiates a warmth and kindness that elevates the atmosphere around her.

Her Initiative is one of her most remarkable qualities. Beatrice never waits to be asked – she instinctively knows where her help is needed and is quick to step in. From ensuring that patients are comfortable to anticipating the needs of her colleagues, she goes above and beyond, always willing to take on more for the betterment of those around her.

Beatrice's compassion and empathy are deeply...

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August 2, 2024

Pediatric Infection Preventionist

Bio:

Carolyn Caughell brings over a decade of expertise to her role as a Pediatric Infection Preventionist (IP) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). During her tenure spanning 12 years at UCSF, she has been a lead Pediatric IP for Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco.  Collaborating closely with medical and hospital leadership, Carolyn has helped implement the best infection prevention protocols.  She is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of patient care and adherence to evidence-based practices and published guidelines.  Specifically, Carolyn has focused on pediatric surgical site infection (SSI) prevention and the meticulous reprocessing of reusable medical equipment, consistently aligning procedures with manufacturer’s instructions for use (MIFUs).   Before working in Infection Control, she worked at Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA within their Hospital Research Institute and as a Neonatal Nurse in the NICU.  

 

Carolyn is deeply engaged in the fields of infection prevention and public health, holding active memberships in both SHEA and APIC. Her commitment to advancing these causes is evident through her roles, including serving on the SHEA Public Policy & Government Affairs Committee (PPGA) and the CDPH Healthcare-Associated Infection...

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August 2, 2024

 

 

Chief of Staff UCSF Police Department

Here's what Ailene's nominator had to say about her:

"Ailene has worked tirelessly to improve the UCSF environment, in her role supporting campus safety initiatives and beyond her role on equity, inclusion and belonging. She's lighting the path to bring restorative justice to our community and helping to tear down systems that get in the way. Her passion is inspiring!”

Nominated by: Kim LaPean 

Ailene's Bio

Ailene Estalilla is an advocate, problem-solver and strategist.  In her current role as Chief of Staff and Director of Compliance for the UCSF Police Department, Ailene is responsible for strategic, operational and cultural agendas calling for considerable changes in policing and public safety for UCSF.  As a part of the leadership team, her most important objective is shaping a healthy, engaging, inclusive and high performing culture.  In 2021, Ailene led the inaugural Vendor Diversity Event for UCSF Real Estate, laying a foundation for Real Estate’s commitment to their current supplier diversity program.  She also created the first ever Job Readiness Program for the Security Services Division of the Police Department, partnering with non-profit organizations in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco.   

...
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July 1, 2024

Fellowship Program Administrator, Department of Pathology

Here is what Suria’s nominator had to say about her: 

I am nominating Suria Sadat to be featured by Women of UCSF Health because of recent events that have led to Suria taking on a huge additional amount of work for the Department of Anatomic Pathology. She has managed to take on this additional responsibility with poise, elegance, and an impressively positive attitude that I know few could manage. While Suria was previously in charge of the fellowships within the Anatomic Pathology Department at UCSF, she additionally took on the role of being our interim residency coordinator, a role that requires her to become the first point of contact for an additional 25-30 residents. This means a constant onslaught of emails, questions, problems to solve, and so much more I could probably not imagine.

Nominated by: Nikka Khorsandi 

Not only has Suria excelled in this role, she has even gone above and beyond to offer the resident class extra training in how to use various administrative tools. She organized a fantastic graduation event for the department last year and pulled it off in an impressively short amount of time. Clearly, Suria is organized, dedicated, and adaptable, but the real reason that she deserves to be highlighted by Women of UCSF is her constant cheerful attitude. Every time I interact her, I am met with a huge smile, lots of laughs, and a magnetic...

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July 1, 2024

Administrative Director, Dept of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Here is what Madee’s nominator had to say about her: 

Madee has been with UCSF for more than 30 years during which time she has served many roles including a floor nurse in Neuro ICU, a manager and now leads Otolaryngology services in Ambulatory. Madee is a fearless champion of her team and works to develop emerging leaders. She is grace under fire and brings all sides together to deliver patient centered care pathways that are inclusive of all voices. She brings a joy to patient care and team work and embodies UCSF PRIDE principles in every interaction.

 Nomination by Gita Patel.

Madee's Bio: 

I received my Bachelor’s in Nursing from San Francisco State University and began my nursing career at UCSF in 1991 as a new graduate nurse on the Neurology/Neurosurgery inpatient unit.  I transferred from the acute care unit to the Neuro Transitional Care unit in 2004 where my management journey began.  I took on the role of Assistant Patient Care Manager in 2008.  There was quite a learning curve, but that experience shaped me into the leader I am today.  Managing personnel is one of the most challenging aspects of the role, but also...

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July 1, 2024

 Assistant Director, Inpatient Rehab Services Parnassus and Mt Zion

Here is what Annette’s nominator had to say about her: 

Annette is a dedicated and extremely  values-based leader at UCSF. She demonstrates the pride values in all of her interactions and always leads by example. I am in awe of her leadership skills and ability to demonstrate such humility, insight and maturity in the face of complex and high pressure situations. She inspires and motivates staff to be the best versions of themselves at work. I am very grateful to have a successful example of the pride in action as a leader in the Rehabilitation Services Department. Thank you, Annette, for sharing your skills with us!

Nomination by: John Stack

Annette's Bio: 

I moved from Ireland to San Francisco in 2002. Having qualified and worked as an Occupational Therapist in Ireland, I decided to chance my luck and apply for a role at a world -renowned teaching hospital. I was delighted to be afforded an opportunity at UCSF as a clinician. From early on, I felt a strong sense that I belonged at UCSF. I truly felt privileged (and still do) to work with patients and staff from all corners of the globe, and I appreciated the serendipity that brought us all together at UCSF!

I took every...

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