Our Stories
Storytelling is what connects and brings us together. So let’s celebrate, inspire and empower each other by sharing our stories.
Nurse Manager, Center for Reproductive Health
Here is what Irina’s nominator had to say about her:
I am thrilled to nominate Nurse Manager Irina Snellbacher from the Center for Reproductive Health clinic for recognition during Women's Health Awareness Month. Irina's exceptional dedication and leadership have profoundly impacted the field of reproductive health, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care coupled with compassionate support throughout their reproductive health journey. As Nurse Manager, Irina has fostered an environment of excellence, advocating for women's reproductive rights and access to comprehensive healthcare services. Her commitment to ongoing education and training has empowered her team to stay at the forefront of reproductive health care, while her compassionate approach to patient care has earned her the respect and admiration of those she serves. Irina embodies the values of Women's Health Awareness Month and is truly deserving of this honor.
How can women better prioritize their health everyday?
It's not easy to put ourselves first, especially with so much going on around us, but starting the day with intention is key- preparing a healthy lunch and snacks to…
Administrative Director, OBGYN & Perinatal Specialties at Mission Bay
Here is what Megan’s nominator had to say about her:
Megan is the epitome of a caring leader, always putting the well-being and success of her team members first. She is known for going above and beyond to ensure folks feel supported, valued, and motivated. Whether it's through small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or providing a listening ear, she consistently shows genuine care and concern for the patients, staff, and providers in the OB Mission Bay practice.
What is your number one health tip for women?
Don't skip on your annual screenings -we all get busy, but this is a must.
How can women better prioritize their health everyday?
Do one thing for yourself each day - whether it's a quick walk, reading a book, watching your favorite show, cooking a healthy meal or going to bed early. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it is for YOU.
What is your experience in impacting women's Health?
In my experience in working in OB for almost 20 years, I have always tried to meet patients and families where they are. It is their…
Administrative Analyst, Women's Health Services
Here is what Suwanna nominator had to say about her:
Suwanna is the glue of the leadership team in Women's Health. She is organized, dedicated, reliable and hardworking. Suwanna is always one step ahead, anticipating the needs of others and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously have been instrumental in the success of our team. She is not only reliable but also incredibly dedicated to her work. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that deadlines are met, and deliverables are of the highest quality. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic are truly inspirational, and her commitment to excellence sets her apart as a top performer.
What is your number one health tip for women?
Make time to have regular self-care days. As women, we tend to naturally want to care for others and often forget that if we don't care for ourselves first, we won't be able to take care of our loved ones.
How can women better prioritize their health every day?
Create a routine! At the end of the day, it all…
Administrative Director, UCSF Center for Reproductive Health
Here is what Mirha’s nominator had to say about her:
Mirha is an incredibly hardworking individual who sets a high standard of excellence for her team. She is always the first to arrive and the last to leave, working tirelessly to ensure that all projects are completed on time and to the best of her ability. Her dedication to the success of the team is unwavering, and she is always willing to roll up her sleeves and tackle any challenge that comes her way.
Overall, Mirha embodies the qualities of a true leader - caring, hardworking, and dedicated. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to support her team and ensure the success of the Center for Reproductive Health.
What is your experience in impacting women's Health?
Drawing from over 8 years of experience in nursing and leadership roles within women's health, including my…
Administrative Supervisor, UCSF Health Contact Center - Gastroenterology & Hepatology pod
Here is what Natalie’s nominator had to say about her:
Natalie has been doing an amazing job of communicating updates to and concerns from her employees, paying attention to her employees' professional and personal needs, and helping to build the Contact Center from the very beginning. The GI/Hep pod has become more developed and comprehensive with her leadership.
Nomination by: Tanika O’Guinn.
Natalie’s Bio:
I am the Administrative Supervisor of the Gastroenterology & Hepatology pod in the UCSF Health Contact Center. I have been with UCSF since 2019. I started as a temporary practice coordinator in GI…
Assistant Controller, Contracts & Grants Accounting, UCSF Controller’s Office
What her nominator had to say about her:
Ellyn McCaffrey is the best Assistant Controller. She provides clear guidance, makes the time to meet when needed, and goes above and beyond to support our department. Even though she's incredibly busy, she takes the time to listen, responds to emails promptly, and is personable in a way that makes for a great working relationship.
Nomination by: Heidi Frank
Ellyn’s Bio:
Ellyn McCaffrey is an accomplished business professional with 15 years of Research Management experience at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) including Contracts & Grants Accounting (CGA) and Office of Sponsored Research positions. Ellyn has held various positions within the post-…
Rebecca Berman, MD, FACP is UCSF's Internal Medicine Residency program director. After completing her chief residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in 2009, she joined Mass General Hospital, where she built a network of student-faculty primary care practices, the Crimson Care Collaborative (CCC). Over 1000 Harvard Medical students have participated in CCC gaining early exposure to primary care, to care for the underserved and interprofessional education opportunities. In 2013, Dr. Berman returned to BWH to direct its primary care residency program. Dr. Berman is the founder and co-leader of the National Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine’s Primary Care Program Director Group and is the editor of their Primary Care Toolkit which offers a blueprint for building and strengthening primary care tracks. She is an elected Councilor of the National Associatio of Program Directors of Internal Medicine. To help reduce pay disparities and improve diversity in medical leadership positions, she teaches nationally on negotiation skills for physicians. She is a member of the Society of General Internal Medicine and served on their National Career Development Working Group. Other areas of interest include medical education, diversifying the physician workforce, novel curricular design, health…
Assistant Professor, Director of Robotic Education & Simulation (OB/gyn), Department of OB/gyn, Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Nominated by: Sheila Antrum, Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer of UCSF Health
Traci’s Bio:
I have been at UCSF just shy of three years but have been enjoying my role in the division of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). One of my biggest roles has been to bring awareness to our subspecialty. We have additional fellowship training specific to complex gyn surgery. This encompasses a patient population that has fibroids, pelvic pain, and endometriosis, and/or complex medical patients requiring surgical intervention. I am extremely lucky to work amongst gifted gyn surgeons who comprise the MIGS department.
I am also one of the directors of the multi-disciplinary endometriosis center that works to assist and facilitate care of patients with endometriosis. This is a disease that, notoriously, has a delay in diagnosis and treatment in the reproductive age population. Within the center there is a focus group called “ENACT” (Endometriosis Center for Discovery, Innovation, Training and Community) comprised of an…
Nursing Director, Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
What her nominator had to say about her:
Gillian Otway serves as Nursing Director for Perinatal Service and Pediatrics at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. She is recognized for her innovation, dedication to excellence, commitment to equity, and outstanding colleagueship. Throughout the hospital and campus, Ms. Otway is a trusted leader who mentors others, inspires excellence, and implements meaningful change to promote quality, equitable care.
Nominated by: Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH
Gillian’s Bio:
Gillian was born in the Caribbean and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She started her nursing career in New York City at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in medical surgical and critical care nursing. Gillian's nursing career has allowed her to live her passion for serving underserved communities, promote quality care, and inspire, support, and engage her work force. Gillian Otway is currently the Nursing Director for Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Hospital (ZSFG). Early in…
Bella, originally from San Diego, California, pursued her studies in Global Studies and Human Services at Lesley University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she actively engaged in the university's women's soccer team for the duration of her four-year tenure. Following her graduation, she committed two years to AmeriCorps, overseeing a 9th-grade leadership development initiative within an after-school youth program in Boston. Subsequently, she assumed the role of Leadership Coach at a distinguished boarding school catering to high school athletes in Florida, focusing particularly on the development of female student-athletes. Driven by a profound enthusiasm for education, Bella is delighted to assist universities across the United States in integrating Canva for Campus, a specialized platform tailored for university Faculty, Staff, and Students.