Amy Lu, MD, MPH
Clinical Professor, Anesthesia & Perioperative Care, Chief Quality Officer and Vice President, Department of Quality and Safety, UCSF Health
Here is what Amy's nominator had to say about her:
It is a true honor to nominate Dr. Amy Lu for the Women of UCSF Health Spotlight. As Chief Quality Officer and Vice President of UCSF Health, Dr. Lu leads with extraordinary vision, humility, and compassion, qualities that have elevated UCSF Health to new heights of excellence.
Under her leadership over the past several years, UCSF Health has earned national recognition as a Vizient Top Performer for four consecutive years, received Leapfrog “A” Safety Grades and Top Teaching Hospital designations, achieved 5-Star CMS ratings, and been named to the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll each year since 2022. Read more here.
What makes Dr. Lu remarkable goes beyond the accolades. She leads with authenticity, creating space for others to learn, lead, and thrive. Her mentorship and steady leadership have inspired so many of us to approach challenges with purpose and optimism. She embodies what it means to lead with heart, transforming systems while uplifting people.
Nominated by Jenny Ta, EA
Amy's Bio:
Dr. Amy Lu serves as the Chief Quality Officer and Vice President at UCSF Health and Clinical Professor in the department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at UCSF. As system CQO, she leads organizational efforts to advance quality, safety, and equity across UCSF’s academic and community hospitals, ambulatory sites, and affiliate network. Her work spans programs in quality improvement, patient safety, regulatory and accreditation readiness, infection prevention, risk management, clinical documentation, health equity, and quality analytics. At UCSF Health, Dr. Lu co-chairs several system committees, including the Quality Improvement Executive Committee and the Quality, Safety, and Experience Committee.
Dr. Lu’s work has been grounded by a commitment to building systems that create value and amplify underrepresented voices in healthcare. She is dedicated in improving clinical effectiveness, strengthening teamwork, and advancing value and equity through systems-level redesign and innovative care models. Beyond UCSF, she serves as core faculty for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Chief Quality Officer program and serves as a Deputy Editor for the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.
Dr. Lu completed her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, earned her MD from UC San Francisco, and an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She completed a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, internship at Beth Israel Deaconess, and residency in Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Critical Care at Massachusetts General Hospital. She previously was a clinical attending and held leadership roles at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Stanford Health Care, where she served as Associate Chief Quality Officer and inaugural Vice Chair for Quality and Safety in Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine.
What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?
A key breakthrough moment for me came at the end of residency when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required urgent surgery. I was fortunate to have an incredible care team and was able to fully recover. That experience made me realize how important it is to focus on priorities and not get caught up in the small stuff. It also gave me a deep appreciation for the potential of a coordinated, multidisciplinary team in supporting long-term recovery and improving patient outcomes.
What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?
I grew up translating for my family at doctor’s appointments in the Bay Area. Those experiences inspired me to study public health and social justice early on because I wanted to help bridge the gap for patients and families within the healthcare system. Clinically, I love being an anesthesiologist and caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Supporting patients in these critical moments has shaped my perspective and continues to motivate my work, both as a provider and at the system level.
What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?
I’d remind myself and others entering the field that being an excellent clinician is the most important foundation early in your career. Clinical excellence builds credibility, shapes your judgment, and forms the basis for everything that follows, including leadership positions. I've always believed it’s a privilege to care for patients in a mission-driven organization, and staying grounded in that work, consistent with your values, will guide you through every future opportunity.
Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?
I’ve been fortunate to have many inspiring professional role models, although my grandmother has been the most important influence in my life. She raised me with lessons in kindness, perseverance, and grit, and she instilled in me the importance of developing and supporting others. Over the years, I’ve realized how much her quiet strength continues to shape how I show up as a leader, a colleague, and a team member.
Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.