Patricia Punzalan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NEA-BC

Senior Director, Patient Care Services, UCSF Health Stanyan & Hyde Hospitals 

Here is what Patricia's nominator had to say about her:

Patricia is an exceptional leader and advocate for nursing. She has been integral to the SMSF acquisition and integration into UCSF Health. Her positivity, thoughtful approach, and visibility during the transition and beyond has been essential to maintain hospital operations. During this complex transition, she has continued to mentor and grow frontline leaders, support quality, and maintain engagement from all levels of staff. She leads with her heart and her efforts deserve recognition!

Nominated by: Tristin Penland

Patricia’s Bio:

Patricia Punzalan is a double board-certified nurse executive with extensive experience in clinical care and healthcare operations. A servant leader and strategic thinker with strong capabilities in designing, developing, and implementing innovative, evidence-based practices that enhance organizational performance. Deeply committed to developing people through shared vision & active engagement that fosters key leadership behaviors. Brings over three decades of combined clinical and leadership experience across academic, tertiary, and secondary acute-care hospital environments.

Patricia began her career in the Philippines as an Operating Room Nurse before moving into Critical Care. After several years of clinical practice, she transitioned into academia, progressing from clinical instructor to Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at one of the country’s well-established nursing colleges. Prior to immigrating to the United States, she completed her master’s degree in Nursing Administration and taught in the graduate-level as a professor.

After passing the NCLEX in 2003, she accepted a nurse manager position in Critical Care at a community hospital in Brooklyn, New York—her first experience navigating the U.S. healthcare system as a leader, which became a catalyst for her professional journey. Over the next 20 years, Patricia built a distinguished leadership career on the East Coast, serving in two 450-bed community hospitals doing various leadership roles and later in a major academic medical center as Director of Nursing. During this time, she also earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice before ultimately relocating to the West Coast.

Patricia’s journey reflects excellence, resilience, determination, and a strong dedication to lifelong learning. One of her greatest strengths is her willingness to embrace discomfort and push beyond perceived limits. She often recalls a mentor’s advice: “The sky is the limit for those who dare to dream big.”

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

Identifying a company that prioritizes people development as a core framework of its operations is essential. The shared vision should extend beyond mere financial outcomes, striving instead to achieve sustainable success by reinforcing the organization’s commitment to its people—the very individuals who drive positive results. Furthermore, as a woman in leadership, it is critical to find the right mentor and a committed sponsor. A mentor can help you build the skills necessary for success, while a sponsor can advocate for you in circles where decisions are made. 

Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?

I have several individuals that have shaped who I am today as a person and as a leader. One of the distinct characteristics I would say that all of them have in common is their fearless desire to provide me with unfiltered feedback for the sole reason of making me better. 

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

One of the moments that stood out most vividly for me was an experience of radical candor with my former CNE. As a newcomer to the role, I sat in my office sharing what I believed were my challenges with the team, expecting empathy and reassurance. Instead, without hesitation, she asked me whether this role was truly the right fit for me. At the time, some might have seen her words as harsh or uncaring, but in hindsight I recognize them as a way of freeing me from learned helplessness. That single moment profoundly reshaped the way I lead today and all the significant achievements that came with it. 

What is your ideal weather? 

The crisp autumn air and its vibrant colors are among the many things I miss the most after living on the East Coast for nearly 20 years.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.