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,...
Manager, Advanced Practice Providers, Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Here is what Hani's nominator had to say about her:
Hani is a refreshing force for APPs in Oakland! When stepping into the position of APP manager just over a year ago, she had tackled things head on, with humor and humility. She is a much-needed presence for APPs and leaders and has worked tirelessly to support the 100+ APPs in Oakland. Under her tenure, APP engagement has risen to an all-time high!
Along with her APP leadership, she has also excelled as a leader at UCSF. She led the BCH-Oakland APP Utilization Optimization project, garnering $1.2 million in increase revenue to UCSF Health with her APP-focused education on billing and coding. Her poster detailing this project was featured in the UCSF Health Improvement Symposium in 2024 and won the Blue Ribbon Award for High-Value Care from the UCSF Center for Healthcare Value. Additionally, Hani was part of the team that won the Chow Imagine Fund Pitch Event with their Pediatric Interprofessional Teamwork for Communication in Healthcare project.
We cannot think of a more deserving woman to be highlighted than Hani Gutierrez!
Nominated by Meg Schoettler
Hani’s Bio:
I’m a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with 17 years of frontline clinical experience, currently leading a powerhouse team of 85+ Advanced Practice Providers across inpatient and outpatient services at...
Professor of Surgery, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Department of Surgery
Here is what Dr. Hiramoto's nominator had to say about her:
I nominated Dr. Jade Hiramoto for the Spotlight Award because she embodies what it means to lead with both strength and authenticity in a space where women are still underrepresented. As a vascular surgeon at UCSF—one of the most technically demanding and male-dominated specialties—Dr. Hiramoto not only demonstrates exceptional competence in her field; she actively reshapes the narrative of leadership within surgical specialties.
She manages some of the most complex and high-risk vascular cases—treating life-threatening aneurysms and dissections—with a composed precision that instills confidence in her interdisciplinary team and earns the trust of her patients.. But what truly sets her apart is how she uplifts others while breaking ground herself. Whether she’s mentoring future surgeons, championing equitable care, or shaping clinical strategy as the Department of Surgery’s Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Dr. Hiramoto leads with a rare blend of vision and compassion.
She’s not just a role model because she’s successful—she’s a role model because she makes space for others to succeed. Her presence tells every woman in medicine, “You belong here. And you can lead here too.”
Nominated by Alpana Patel Camili, BS, CRA, (R) (CT)
Jade's Bio:
Dr. Hiramoto is a vascular surgeon at UCSF with extensive...
Unit Director, Pediatric Cardiac ICU and Pediatric Cardiac TCU
Angela's Bio:
I am a first generation American. I have been a Nurse for 20 years. I entered my BSN program immediately after high school. I began my career in Chicago and came to UCSF as a traveler two years later. I fell in love with the dynamics of the Pediatric Heart Center and accepted a leadership role in the Pediatric Cardiac Transitional Care Unit. I spent two years there before I had my first child. I then returned to the bedside in the CICU and spent the next 5 years growing my expertise and developing leadership skills. I had three more children and then I transitioned the Pediatric Cardiac Cath and Electrophysiology Labs. I helped to open the first Pediatric Cardiac PACU before taking an Assistant Unit Director role in the department with cross bay coverage to Oakland Children’s Hospital. Four years later I returned to the Pediatric Cardiac ICU and TCU as the Unit Director.
I have had many opportunities for growth and development at UCSF. From starting a mock code program in the CTCU in 2010 to helping to lead our Neonatal Cardiovascular Center of Excellence in the Pediatric Heart Center today, I have had no shortage of opportunities to participate in redefining possible at UCSF!
What’s on your reading list? ...
Chief Pharmacy Executive, UCSF Health and Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs, UCSF School of Pharmacy
Here is what Desi's nominator had to say about her:
Desi is a dedicated and thoughtful leader who consistently brings a strong sense of commitment and integrity to her work. Her ability to balance leadership with a genuine interest in the perspectives of others makes her an invaluable colleague and mentor. I appreciate her dedication and the positive impact she has on myself and those she works with.
Nominated by Korin Schmitz
Desi's Bio:
Dr. Desi Kotis is Chief Pharmacy Executive for UCSF Health System and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs for UCSF School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Kotis received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Illinois, where she also received her Doctor of Pharmacy. She completed a pharmacy residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dr. Kotis was appointed fellow of American Society of Health System Pharmacists in 2013 and received the President’s award from the Illinois Council Health System Pharmacists in 2015. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Pharmacist of the Year Award from Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists. She was appointed by the Governor of Illinois and served on the Board of Pharmacy, ending her term in November of 2020 as Vicechair of the Illinois Board of Pharmacy. Dr. Kotis also completed her term as Chair of the Vizient Pharmacy Network in January of 2024. Dr. Kotis was the recipient of the Vizient...
Registered Nurse, Mission Bay Adult Acute Care
April's Bio:
I grew up in a tiny town in Ontario, Canada where despite its small population there was a culture of acceptance and inclusion. Moving to a bigger city center for nursing school was a delight for the senses; there was so much to learn about everyone and curiosity gave me my best education. Throughout school I worked as a Patient Care Aide with the oncology population. Cancer treatments, especially in the early 2000's, could drastically change how someone looked and I learned that more than anything what most people wanted was to be seen, as themselves, their whole selves. It's something I have carried with me through nursing at 12 different hospitals over the course of my career; night shift, day shift, my Charge Nurse roll or when I precept new staff. I believe that is part of why I was awarded the Vera Brau award for Clinical Excellence and Patient Advocacy in 2004 and the Daisy Award here at Mission Bay in 2023.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career?
Take every opportunity to listen and learn. Keep a toe in the education system even if it's not towards a formal degree. New ideas feed into curiosity and fuel enthusiasm in a profession that has a very real risk of burn out.
Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?
My first few preceptors were critical to the bedrock of my nursing practice. Both were immigrant women who had chosen to leave...
Practice Supervisor, UCSF Department of Ophthalmology
Here is what LaShawnda’s nominator had to say about her:
LaShawnda Ross is a force. She gets the work done, has a great head on her shoulders, is extremely practical and efficient, and works closely with the team of practice assistants in the department to ensure everyone is well-trained and can work to the best of their ability. Her workflows are well-thought-out and she has a knack for knowing what works and what won't. She is everywhere all at once and even makes time to work after her young kids go to bed at night! She has worked with me to figure out reconciliation efforts before at 9PM on a Friday because that was the time she would not be interrupted. LaShawnda is a true team player who puts patients first, and I'd want her with me if it were ever the end of the world, because we'd survive it together!
Nomination by Daphne Chan
LaShawnda’s Bio:
I am a Practice Supervisor in the Ophthalmology department. I have been a Practice Supervisor in the department for 3.5 years. I started off as a Practice Coordinator III and worked my way up with helping the department with initiatives, standard operating procedures, and various projects. While a Practice Coordinator III, I completed my Master’s degree at California State University, East Bay going to school at night time after work in addition to being a single mom. I know this may sound cliché, but it's in my...
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...
Associate Director, Nutrition & Food Services Mission Bay
Leila's Bio
I started my healthcare career when I joined the Nutrition & Food Services (NFS) team in 2010. I obtained my undergraduate degree from UC Irvine, followed by my master’s degree in nutritional science from Cal State Long Beach, and credentials as a Registered Dietitian. Fresh out of graduate school and excited to begin my career in nutrition, I joined UCSF as a Nutrition & Procurement Supervisor. In this role I oversaw food & supply purchasing and developed my people management skills. I was involved in menu planning, nutritional analysis, and contributing to our sustainability goals. I have grown within our department in various leadership roles each providing me opportunities to further my career goals, think outside the box when faced with obstacles, and to be an advocate for my team and our patients. I helped implement and enhance our Room Service Dining program. This allows patients to select the foods they want from our robust menu and have it delivered to them at a time that is ideal, which has resulted in an overall better patient experience and improved nutrition outcomes. During my time as Patient Food Service Manager, I had the unique opportunity to help open the Mission Bay hospital location and contributed to its ongoing success.
Currently as the Associate Director for Nutrition & Food Services at Mission Bay, I have the pleasure of collaborating with an amazing team, improving food systems to adapt to the ever-changing...
Operations Manager, Neurosciences Service Line
Jessica's Bio
Jessica is a San Francisco native and is thrilled to be back in the Bay Area after living and working in Houston, Texas for several years. Jessica started her healthcare career as a Research Coordinator in health services research on an interdisciplinary team at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Working with this team sparked her interest in health IT, patient safety, and healthcare delivery. In this role she learned how to work cohesively with a multidisciplinary team, something that has stayed with her throughout her career in both research and operations. Jessica also had the opportunity to contribute to several papers and grants, present abstracts at conferences, and publish a first-author publication on patient portals and health apps. While working as a Research Coordinator, she returned to graduate school for her MPH in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health. After finishing her MPH, she completed an Administrative Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. During her fellowship Jessica had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects with several departments including the COVID Incident Command Center. Following her fellowship, she served as the Business Operations Manager for Abdominal Transplant in the Department of Surgery and as the Senior Business Operations Manager for the Department of...