Associate Professor Division of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

What her nominator had to say about her:

“Dr. Loftus is one of our core OHNS faculty at ZSFG. She has mentored countless residents and medical students and has spearheaded our departments regular women in Otolaryngology social gatherings. 

She is an outstanding clinician and has a particular interest in treating patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, fungal sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and sinonasal tumors. 

Dr. Loftus is also actively engaged in research, with a focus on sinonasal changes that occur with aging, meningoencephaloceles, cerebrospinal fluid leaks of unknown origin, and patient outcomes following endoscopic skull base surgery. Her work in these areas has been published in high level journals and she has been invited to present her findings at national and international conferences. 

Dr. Loftus' dedication to her patients and her contributions to the field of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery make her an outstanding practitioner. Her kind and approachable nature make her a natural mentor and role-model to trainees. Her expertise and research are instrumental in improving patient outcomes and advancing the field, and she is an asset to her colleagues and the medical community as a whole.” 

Dr. Loftus's Bio:

Dr. Patricia Loftus is an Associate Professor in the Division of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, splitting her time between the UC and ZSFG campuses. She obtained her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, completed residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, and then completed fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at Emory University before joining the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology at UCSF. She is also certified in otolaryngic allergy testing and treatment and provides this service at the UCSF Redwood Shore office. 

Dr. Loftus is passionate about teaching and received the 2021 Roger Boles, MD award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by the graduating OHNS residency class. She enjoys working closely with medical students as the OHNS Interest Group Facuty Advisor, PISCES and SPAN preceptor, substitute Bridges Curriculum Coach, and Clinical Microsystems Clerkship OHNS Coordinator. She serves on numerous committees for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, Women in Rhinology, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and North American Skull Base Society. She is on the editorital board for the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, and is the Principal Investigator on numerous grants supporting her research interests. 

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment? 

All the small successes have added up to provide the immense satisfaction I have with my career - the first medical student I mentored matching into residency, the sinusitis patient who can breathe and smell for the first time after surgery, my resident perfecting a surgical skill in the operating room, my first grant support as PI, my first publication as senior author - all of these successes are important because they remind me how much I have grown in my career and how lucky I am to take care of patients, mentor trainees, and work in a collegial environment that will continue to support my career growth. 

A key breakthrough moment for me was when I realized I could have everything I wanted professionally and personally, but not all at the same time. Some days I will be ahead of deadlines and feel extremely accomplished in my career goals, and others I will feel like I am falling behind due to personal responsibilities - but things always even out. Give yourself grace, find and focus on what really interests you, and realize that it's OK to say no to the things that don't. Protect what is important to you! 

How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career? 

There are more of us! This means more role models for the next generation of women to look up to, more women with a seat at the table, more women in leadership positions making important decisions. We are part of the story now, although there is ALWAYS more work to do. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

Spend time with my husband and two children, get on the Peloton as much as possible, and dream about having more hobbies when my kids are older and I have more free time! 

What is your ideal weather?

I love a beautiful spring day where you absolutely must get outside for a walk or a trip to the beach, but then it starts to get dreary and rainy so you absolutely must go inside and relax on the couch!

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.