Senior PA-C, UCSF Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

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

It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Sarah Palilla for the Women of UCSF Health Spotlight at UCSF Medical Center.  Sarah is the most outstanding physician assistant at UCSF. She is the energy behind the UCSF Bariatric Surgery Program where she holds the title of Program Coordinator. Sarah has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and expertise. Her innovative approach to patient care and program management has not only elevated the standards of our Bariatric Surgery Program but also impacts most significantly our excellent patient outcomes and patient reviews. Sarah's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work, from her meticulous attention to detail to her compassionate interactions with patients. Sarah's leadership has been instrumental in the program's success, having been instrumental in our two most recent successful reaccreditations from the national accreditation organization MBSAQIP, a subsidiary of the American College of Surgeons. Sarah's work and attitude make her the epitome of what the Spotlight award represents. Her contributions are not just to our UCSF Medical Center patients and physicians, but also to the field of medical learners at UCSF, inspiring a new generation of healthcare professionals at every level.

Nomination by Dr. Stanley Rogers

Sarah’s Bio:

While I grew up in Northern California, school took me east. I went to college in Massachusetts, followed by PA school at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After graduating, I worked in Urogynecology in Mountain View, California, which brought me back out west and closer to my family. I joined the Bariatric Surgery group at UCSF in 2019.

As the program coordinator for Bariatric Surgery, I have a variety of responsibilities. I work closely with patients in our outpatient clinic, assist with surgeries, and lead the program’s quality initiatives. I am grateful to work with an incredible group of colleagues and equally thankful for the opportunity to provide the best possible care to our patients.

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

Try to find your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have an opinion or ask if you have a question.   

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

There are many aspects of healthcare that caught my attention – the mission-driven nature of the work, caring for others, improving the quality of life for patients, and so on. But perhaps one of the pieces I find most exciting about it is no two patients are the same. I believe providing great care requires careful listening, empathy, and a dose of problem-solving. When done right, the outcomes are (hopefully) positive for the patient and the process is rewarding for the provider.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I love to take on projects. I am a DIY enthusiast, and I particularly enjoy doing things with my hands. Most recently, I completed a bathroom renovation (including the demolition, plumbing, tiling, etc.). It was quite an undertaking, and there moments I questioned what I was doing, but now that it is finished I am elated with the result. But projects don’t always have to involve construction – I like to sew, paint, and garden as well.  

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

It would be the south coast of France. The natural beauty, great food, and speed of life creates the perfect environment to enjoy life.  

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.