Sara Nedkov, RN

Regulatory Specialist, Department of Regulatory Affairs

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

Sara continued to go above and beyond to ensure regulatory compliance. For years, Sara has helped guide teams to ensure accreditation. We could not have maintained our stroke certification without her. 

Nominated by: Rebecca Hidalgo Salomon

Sara's Bio:  

I began my career as an ICU nurse and later transitioned into the PACU, drawn to the intense, high-acuity critical care environments and the opportunity to care for patients in their most vulnerable moments. Those experiences taught me the importance of reliable systems, teamwork, communication, and consistent workflows in supporting staff under pressure. I later stepped into leadership as a nurse manager, where my passion shifted from individual patient care to empowering our teams and creating a supportive environment for staff to thrive. 

My journey ultimately led me into regulatory, where I now focus on strengthening organizational readiness, safety, and compliance. At UCSF, I’ve collaborated with various departments to streamline processes, support teams through audits, licensing, committee work, accreditation, and certification cycles, and build structures that make complex requirements more manageable. Each step of my career—from bedside care to management to regulatory—has provided me with a different perspective on the systems essential to building high-quality patient care environments.

What brought you to healthcare?

I initially entered nursing because I wanted to be in a field where my actions had a direct and immediate impact. I specifically sought out academic medical centers, driven by their commitment to scientific advancement and the highest level of patient care complexity. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how systems, policies, and processes influence what happens at the bedside. That curiosity led me to regulatory, where I can help ensure the environment is safe, consistent, and ready for the realities of patient care.

Advice to your younger self / to women entering your field

I’d tell my younger self to recognize that adaptability is a strength and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Career paths may not be as linear as we had planned, but every role teaches you something that will matter later, developing you into the leader you are meant to become.

For women entering healthcare today: Don’t be afraid to explore paths beyond what you initially imagined. Different work experiences foster diverse perspectives, enabling you to connect and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams.

An important success or breakthrough moment

A defining breakthrough in my career came when I realized I could make as much impact outside the clinical setting as I did at the bedside. I began to truly appreciate that learning never stops, regardless of the setting, and that I can still make a difference on a broader scale. I deeply value the ability to partner with and learn from our multidisciplinary staff and insightful leaders, recognizing that true organizational strength and patient safety are the result of our collective efforts.

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

I enjoy the opportunity to travel with my family, always seeking out new destinations for either skiing or international experiences.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.