Highlighting outstanding women from the UCSF community for their work, service, and commitment. Learn more about each woman's story below. Women featured in our Community Spotlight are nominated by their peers to share their story and voice.
Nominate a Spotlight here!
April 2024 Spotlight
Natalie Williams
Administrative Supervisor, UCSF Health Contact Center - Gastroenterology & Hepatology pod
Natalie Williams has been with UCSF since 2019 and is the Administrative Supervisor of the Gastroenterology & Hepatology pod in the UCSF Health Contact Center. She was inspired to pursue a leadership role at UCSF through her participation in the Ambulatory Elevate Leadership Development Program. She was nominated for this Spotlight for consistently advocating for her team and their professional growth.
Learn more here!
April 2024 Spotlight
Ellyn McCaffrey
Assistant Controller, Contracts & Grants Accounting, UCSF Controller’s Office
Ellyn McCaffrey joined UCSF 15 years ago and is currently the Assistant Controller. The Assistant Controller is a hands-on, participative leader and decision maker who develops and directs an internal team that supports the Controller and all of UCSF in the areas of accounting, financial reporting, and audit. She was nominated for this Spotlight for her incredible support to departments, her approachability, and the time she gives, consistently acting on a great piece of advice she was given years ago by a mentor, “Be on Time.”
Learn more here!
March 2024 Spotlight
Gillian Otway, RN, MSN
Nursing Director, Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
Gillian Otway is the current Nursing Director for Perinatal, Pediatrics and Nursing Administration at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Hospital (ZSFG). Gillian’s career has encompassed her many passions including serving underserved communities, championing programs to serve birthing mothers and families, mentoring the next generation of nurses, and diversity and equity initiatives. She is described by her colleagues as a forceful, yet kind leader who leads by example and inspires others.
Learn more here!
March 2024 Spotlight
Traci E. Ito, MD FACOG
Assistant Professor, Director of Robotic Education & Simulation (OB/gyn), Department of OB/gyn, Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Traci E. Ito, MD, FACOG, is on the verge of marking her third year at UCSF with significant contributions across several domains. She plays a crucial role within the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), serves as one of the directors at the comprehensive endometriosis center, and leads as the Director of the Robotic Education and Simulation program. Her expertise spans treating conditions such as fibroids, pelvic pain, and endometriosis, alongside orchestrating surgical solutions for complex cases. She is passionate about performing and teaching robotic surgery. By leading robot school and dry labs, Traci is dedicated to improving residents' mastery of robotic technology. Her goal is to combat inequities in women’s healthcare as it pertains to surgical approach and care.
Learn more here!
February 2024 Spotlight
Allison Savage
Manager, Special Projects and Staff Engagement, Office of Medical Education, School of Medicine
Allison Savage serves as the Manager of Special Projects and Staff Engagement in the Office of Medical Education (OME) within the School of Medicine. She has been acknowledged by a colleague for her pivotal role in advancing the strategic mission of OME, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education to students. Allison is recognized for her leadership in spearheading diverse projects aimed at enhancing the professional development of staff. Also, she has earned acclaim for fostering a sense of community and teamwork among the OME staff, while also supporting the deans and faculty in their efforts to deliver a world-class medical education curriculum.
Learn more here!
February 2024 Spotlight
Patricia Loftus, MD
Associate Professor Division of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Learn more here!
January 2024 Spotlight
Uma Mahadevan, MD
Lynne and Marc Benioff Professor of Gastroenterology, Director of the Colitis and Crohn's Disease Center, and Director of the Advanced IBD Fellowship at UCSF, Department of Medicine
Dr. Mahadevan is a global expert on the management of pregnancy and drug safety in the patient with IBD. She is also interested in the role of diet and IBD and has an ongoing original study in this area. Her current projects include a national prospective registry of pregnancy outcomes and drug safety in women with IBD on immunosuppressive and biologic medications (PIANO) and a clinical trial on the impact of nutritional interventions in the management of IBD (SEAMUS). She has an interest in digital health and lead the transition of the GI Division to telemedicine at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and has developed an IBD Chatbot with the Center for Digital Health and Innovation at UCSF. Dr. Mahadevan is proud to have mentored several Advanced IBD Fellows who know hold key roles in IBD Centers around the United States.
Learn more here!
January 2024 Spotlight
Sanica Bendre, MHA
Practice Manager, Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology
Learn more here!
January 2024 Spotlight
Danielle Lallement, BSN, RN
Unit Director, Department of Nursing, Adult Intensive Care Unit and Adult Rapid Response Team
Mission Bay and Mount Zion Campus
Danielle joined the UCSF Neurological Intensive Care Unit in 2009 and is currently the Unit Director of the Adult Intensive Care Unit and Adult Rapid Response Team at both Mission Bay and Mount Zion Campus. Danielle gained much of her leadership skills through her 16 years of service with the Rotary Club, serving as Club President, and most recently, serving in the role of a District Governor, responsible for 45 Rotary Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was nominated for this Spotlight for her excellent leadership and management style. Danielle has a friendly open-door policy, she's a great listener, and is a guiding light for her staff.
Learn more here!
December 2023 Spotlight
Dani Cambier, MBA
Director of Communications, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care
Dani Cambier, a member of UCSF since 2006, stands out as an excellent example of career advancement achieved through effective networking, building her career through her experience, education, professional connections and ability to navigate systems. She is actively involved in leadership roles on UCSF committees and has been recognized as an impactful and fearless leader.
Learn more here!
December 2023 Spotlight
Laura A. Dapkus Humphries, NCPT, CCRP
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Pediatric Endocrinology
Laura joined UCSF in the Department of Neurology in 2013 as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) at the UCSF Headache Center. For the past 10 years, Laura has volunteered as one of the champions of the CRC Council, the Research Leadership Team, and Miles for Migraine. She greatly values mentoring other research coordinators in advancing their careers.
Learn more here!
November 2023 Spotlight
Parya Saberi, PharmD, MAS, MFA
Associate Professor, Division of Prevention Science in the Department of Medicine
Parya Saberi, PharmD, MAS, MFA received a record number of 24!! nominations for the Woman of UCSF Spotlight, for her role in establishing the WomanLifeFreedom group at UCSF. In October 2022, in response to the brutal crackdown on women in Iran and physicians who were assisting peaceful protesters, Dr. Saberi mobilized Iranian American UC members to raise awareness and work together for positive change. Coming together as WomanLifeFreedom, she tapped the community’s energy to tell the story of women and girls in Iran whose voices are not heard because of oppression. In less than two months, WomanLifeFreedom held cross-campus events, panel discussions, social events, and drafted a national petition to bring awareness to the imprisonment, torture and death of physicians who were simply doing their jobs. WomanLifeFreedom also raised funds to help Iranian scholars through the UCSF Scholars at Risk Program and worked to provide telehealth services for Iranian healthcare professionals. This work deserves recognition and celebration for exemplifying UCSF’s mission of advancing human rights and health world-wide.
Learn more here!
November 2023 Spotlight
Leila H. Shirazi, OD, FAAO
Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry
Leila Hajkazemshirazi is the Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Chief of Pediatric Optometry, where she provides both clinical and administrative leadership to her team. UCSF's Pediatric Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic evaluates and treats pediatric eye problems, from the most common to the rare and extremely complex. Leila has a passion for consistently improving patient experience as well as operations and access to this highly-sought clinic.
Learn more here!
October 2023 Spotlight
Linda Branagan, PhD
Director, Telehealth Programs, Telehealth Resource Center
Learn more here!
September 2023 Spotlight
Lauren Ortiz-Urena
Department Business Manager, Clinical Technologies, UCSF Health
Nominated by Harold ‘Doug’ Shearer and her supporters at Clinical Technologies
Lauren Ortiz-Urena is the Business Manager for Clinical Technologies, where she has responsibility for overseeing the Business Operations encompassing the entire department. This department provides vital support to the expansive UCSF Health system and its remote clinics, spanning from the North Bay down to Monterey Bay. Lauren's exceptional contributions have led a colleague to nominate her as an invaluable asset within UCSF, both as an anchor for the department and as a mentor where she has played a pivotal role in the professional growth of many team members.
Learn more here!
August 2023 Spotlight
Andréa S. Mejía
Manager of Administrative Operations, UCSF Health, Cancer Services
Nominated by 11 colleagues, Andrea Mejia is known for her infectious energy, compassionate leadership, and relentless kindness.
Learn more here!
August 2023 Spotlight
Caroline Cortezia, MS CCLS
Neurosciences Improvement Specialist, Neurosciences Service Line, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Caroline Cortezia is an accomplished Certified Child Life Specialist and experienced Quality Improvement Specialist who joined UCSF in 2018. She was recognized by a colleague as someone who brings a wealth of knowledge about topics such as autism, diversity and inclusion, education and improving systems. Caroline is dedicated to making a difference specializing in integrating trauma informed care into quality improvement work at UCSF and helping bridge gaps in health equity patients are facing.
Learn more here!
August 2023 Spotlight
Stephanie Feng, NP, MSN
Nurse Practitioner, GU Medical Oncology, Misson Bay
“Stephanie is hard-working and kind. She goes above and beyond for her colleagues and her patients. She exemplifies UCSF's values of patient-centered, evidence-based care, and I am proud to work with her."
Learn more here!
July 2023 Spotlight
Marlene Martin, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director of Addiction Care Team, Director of Addiction Initiatives for the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine based at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
Marlene Martin is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine providing expert addiction care to hospitalized patients with substance abuse disorders. She was recognized by her colleague as someone who demonstrates indefatigable advocacy for patients, especially those with a history of substance use disorders, and as a leader clinically in teaching others how to care for patients in a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-first way.
Learn more here!
June 2023 Spotlight
Angela May V. Pascua, MSN, RN, CNL
Registered Nurse, Genitourinary Medical Oncology at Mission Bay
Angela May has been at UCSF since 2014 and has worked in roles such as a Research Nurse, Infusion Nurse, Assistant Nurse Manager, Clinical Nurse Educator, and Oncology Nurse. She is known for applying the knowledge, education, and experience that she has gained in her career towards making a difference in the lives of patients and staff at UCSF. In her spare time she is also involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her colleagues report that she provides a positive environment where other fellow nurses can thrive, is a great mentor and is always willing to share her knowledge.
Learn more here!
May 2023 Spotlight
Bhairavi Tolani, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
Bhairavi Tolani is an inspiration as an accomplished cancer researcher and faculty member. In addition, she is President of the SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) Breath Meditation organization at UCSF. She writes grants to fund SKY workshops and has been offering free workshops to UCSF faculty, staff, and students since 2019 where these breathing techniques can be learned to help people deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. These retreats are open to the entire UCSF community.
Learn more here!
April 2023 Spotlight
Laurel Bray-Hanin
Vice President and COO, Adult Cancer Services
After joining UCSF in 1997, Laurel Bray-Hanin continues to have immense impact on Cancer Services and the staff that place the patient experience is at the center of their work.
Learn more here!
April 2023 Spotlight
Christina Gagnon
Finance Manager, Financial Planning, Faculty Practice Finance
Christina started at UCSF in 2014 as a senior analyst. As a Finance Manager in the FPO, she is responsible for supporting the development of the yearly budget, long-range plan, and benchmarking to make informed financial and strategic decisions. She works tirelessly to support these major initiatives with grace and makes it look effortless.
Learn more here!
April 2023 Spotlight
Brandie Hollinger Quao
Unit Director, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital
Brandie is an incredible manager who leads her department with kindness and compassion.
Learn more here!
March 2023 Spotlight
Rebecca Brassfield
Administrative Director, Digestive Cancer Service Line, UCSF Health Adult Cancer Services
Learn more here!
March 2023 Spotlight
Chelsey Coco
Ultrasound Operations Manager for Parnassus Heights, Benioff Children’s Hospital at Mission Bay, Precision Cancer Medical Building, Mount Zion Medical Center, Joint Venture Golden Gates Women’s Imaging and UCSF/ John Muir Partnership at Berkeley Outpatient Center
Learn more here!
March 2023 Spotlight
Aday Robinson, RN, BSN, PHN
Nurse, USCF BCH-Oakland Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
February 2023 Spotlight
Lori D. Fineman, RN, MS
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Department of Nursing
Lori has been an outstanding mentor and clinical leader within the Pediatric Heart Center for nurses and physicians, committed to providing the highest level of care for the Pediatric Cardiac population. Her leadership has helped build a nationally recognized program, and her mentorship to the bedside nurses has allowed them to achieve the Beacon Award of Excellence. She is a clinical leader throughout the Children's Hospital by participating in multiple councils and providing expertise for the Pediatric Cardiac population.
Learn more here.
February 2023 Spotlight
Jessica Pfannenstiel
Manager of CT Operations, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging
Jessica A. Pfannenstiel, BSRT (R)(CT), manages CT operations at Parnassus Heights, Benioff Children’s Hospital at Mission Bay, the Spine Center at China Basin, the Precision Cancer Medical Building, and Mount Zion Medical Center.
Learn more here.
February 2023 Spotlight
Ellyn (Hyun-ok) Woo
Director of Finance Management Team, Institute for Global Health Sciences
Ellyn is the Director of the Finance Management Team for the Institute for Global Health Sciences. She has been at UCSF for the past 18 years. Her colleague Heidi Frank shared that “Ellyn is the rock that holds the department's finances together. She is amazing at her job and in addition is a great listener, problem solver and advocate.” When she is not working, Ellyn enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family and friends.
Learn more here.
January 2023 Spotlight
Saiqa Anne Qureshi
Special Projects and Chief Administrative Officer, School of Dentistry
Saiqa Anne is a well-informed and strategic administrator in the School of Dentistry who supports women around her to explore opportunities. She is gracious with her time in helping others explore career opportunities at UC that help them argue their skills and advance their careers within the university.
Learn more here.
January 2023 Spotlight
Michelle Sison
Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation
Michelle is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist in the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation and the coach of the Nursing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council that was started in October 2020. Her colleague Christina Luu shared that ‘In addition to Michelle being amazing at bringing people together to make an impact on UCSF Health's culture, she is a humble human being, supportive team member, and advocator.” When she is not working on DEI and Nursing excellence, Michelle enjoys international travel and sunny SF days.
Learn more here.
December 2022 Spotlight
Shanna Travis
Executive Assistant, Office of the Chair
Shanna joined the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology in 2011. She works in the Chair’s office supporting human resources and several different administrative functions. Some advice that Shanna would give women entering UCSF, “True leadership, in my opinion, is not the ability to give directives, anyone can tell someone what they think should be done. It is standing side-by-side with your team, teaching, learning together and celebrating your wins together.” Her colleagues report that she is always positive, helps when needed, creative, and is a wealth of knowledge for anyone needing help.
Click here to read more.
December 2022 Spotlight
Jasmine Santoyo-Olsson
Project Director, Division of General Internal Medicine
Jasmine has been a Project Director in the Division of General Internal Medicine for the past 15 years. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health. Jasmine actively seeks research projects that focus on health equity and engage community throughout the research process. Her advice to folks starting out in their career is “when you hear 'no,' remind yourself 'sí, se puede' (yes you can). It is ok to take the road less traveled, there is no wrong or right way to get to where you want to be.”
Click here to read more.
November 2022 Spotlight
Patience Vega
Director, Revenue Management
Patience Vega is a truly inspirational leader who continuously impresses her team with a can-do attitude. Although involved in several initiatives, she always makes time to check that her team is feeling supported. Patience is a proven leader both within the Revenue Cycle and across the organization. When not at work, she is spending time with her lovely family.
Click here to read more.
October 2022 Spotlight
Inez Bailey, MS
Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences
Inez Bailey is the Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences. She is an incredible leader, motivator, and mover-shaker in all the spaces she reaches. The heart of her career fits into three categories: create and build academic and academic support programs, make those programs as accessible and efficient as possible, and then hold space for all those involved – staff, students, and faculty– to do their best work.
Click here to read more.
October 2022 Spotlight
Leah Pimentel, MBA
Director of DEI and Culture, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care
UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care has established a new leadership director level position and named Leah Pimentel as their inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Culture. She previously served UCSF as the Assistant Director of Community Relations at the Office of Community & Government Relations. She brings more than 17 years of experience in healthcare, technology, and non-profit as a dynamic consultant leading cultural and operational change to the role.
Click here to read more.
September 2022 Spotlight
Usma Khan
Chief Program Officer, Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative
Usma Khan is the Director of Staffing & Strategic Operations at the Institute for Global Health Sciences. She founded the IGHS DEI committee and has served as IGHS DEI Committee co-chair for several years. A mother of two kids who is also a children’s book writer who does art projects during her free time.
Click here to read more.
September 2022 Spotlight
Jessica Welch
Service Line Director, Surgical Services, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
Jessica is known as a “Superwoman” who drives improvements across the Benioff Children’s Hospital enterprise. When Jessica isn’t serving in her leadership and mentoring roles fostering growth in others, you can find her in the garden fostering growth in beautiful flowers!
Click here to read more.
August 2022 Spotlight
Denise Thomas
Payroll Analyst, Human Resources
Denise’s story is one of resilience and growth. You are sure to feel inspired after learning more about her journey over the past nine years, and the transformation that is possible with optimism, honesty, and belief in oneself.
Click here to read more.
July 2022 Spotlight
Deborah Franzon
Professor of Pediatrics, Executive Medical Director of Quality & Safety, Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Interim
Deb's nominator said she is an incredible clinician, medical director of the PICU, and a cheerleader for her colleagues.
Click here to read more.
June 2022 Spotlight
Christina Delsman
Project Analyst, Revenue Cycle Strategy
Christina Delsman is a Project Analyst ensuring Revenue Cycle readiness for the UCSF Health strategic expansion and integration projects. She creates immense value through assessing Revenue Cycle metrics and faciltating their optimization.
Click here to read more.
May 2022 Spotlight
Shana Johnson, MPH, RD
Clinical Dietitian
Shana Johnson is a clinical dietitian and has recently taken on many different roles in the nutrition department. With staff shortages, Shana has been covering multiple services as well as continuing to train new staff members and interns while providing solid patient care and maintaining a positive and calm attitude. She has truly been inspiring as we navigate ongoing uncertainty in the hospital as a result of pandemic consequences.
Click here to read more.
April 2022 Spotlight
Heidi L. Willsher
Patient Care Manager, Pediatric Surgical Specialties Ambulatory
Heidi has been in healthcare for 32 years with her primary focus in Women's and Children's health with nursing speciality focus on inpatient Obstetrics/Maternal-Child Health, Ambulaory Care OBGYN, Prenatal Diagnosis, Infertility, Family Planning, UroGynecology, GynOncology, minimally invasive GYN, and Ambulatory Pediatric Surgical Specialities. She has a speciality RN certification on Inpatient Obstetrics, Ambulatory Care Nursing, Subspecialty Certification Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification, and Public Health Nursing. Heidi teaches, precepts, and mentors nursing students, residents, fellows, and new graduate nurses.
Click here to read more.
March 2022 Spotlight
Benita Benavides
Manager, Community Construcation Outreach Program
Benita manages UCSF's Community Construction Outreach Program (CCOP), which seeks to leverage UCSF's role as an Anchor Institution to train and place San Franciscans from disadvantaged neighborhoods on UCSF construction projects. Benita excels at navigating the male-dominated world of construction contractors and labor unions to press for increased local hiring on UCSF projects. She deploys in-depth industry knowledge as well as diplomacy to leverage her small team of one to get results for the university.
Click here to read more.
March 2022 Spotlight
Ana Delgado, RN, MS, CNM
Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Sciences
Ana's coworkers say they are lucky to share spaces with her. She is a great advocate for patients and is always willing to educate them; her trauma informed approach helps her be respectful & caring. They consider her a role model and enjoy seeing her dedication to patients, diversity, and equity.
Click here to read more.
February 2022 Spotlight
Lisa Cisneros
Senior Director, Office of Communications
You may know Lisa Cisneros from the COVID-19 Response Town Halls over the past two years. She has served as executive producer of 50 Friday town halls, reaching a high of 7,200 viewers in March 2020 and now averaging about 2,000 attendees for each town hall. She has been privileged to work with the Chancellor, George Rutherford, Ralph Gonzales, Peter Chin-Hong, Monica Gandhi, Jon Giacomi and so many others.
The town halls continue to be popular and represent one of the silver linings of the pandemic – addressing the most critical issues of our time, increasing visibility and accountability of UCSF leadership at the highest levels, sharing the expertise of our world-renowned faculty who are world leaders in their fields and facilitating two-way communication with our UCSF family.
Click here to read more.
February 2022 Spotlight
Roxanna Irani, MD, PhD
Ambulatory Executive Medical Director for Women’s Health, Assistant Professor, Department of Obsterics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
Roxanna Irani serves as the Ambulatory Executive Medical Director and helps support the diverse Divisions, Faculty and staff of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences in the outpatient setting. Every day, she works alongside an amazing administrative dyad partner, Anais Ryken, who tirelessly strives to improve our services, safety and patient experience, but more importantly, shares the same passion for Women's Health and the ever-growing patient population we serve.
Click here to read more.
January 2022 Spotlight
Carolyn Sangokoya, MD, PhD
Adjunct Instructor, School of Medicine, Pathology
Dr. Carolyn Sangokoya is an inspiration to many other women physician scientists at UCSF. She recently completed residency and fellowship training in Anatomic Pathology, with specialization in liver pathology, and is now a senior postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Robert Blelloch at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF. In lab, she is developing tools to study and functionally dissect the roles of post-transcriptional regulation in pluripotent stem cell biology and cell fate decisions. Dr. Sangokoya founded the UCSF Women Physician-Scientists Supergroup in the past year, a cross-departmental group of innovative interdisciplinary women physician-scientists breaking barriers to bridge science and medicine. She single-handedly recruited and organized a group of trainees and faculty spanning many different divisions and departments and brought them together to innovate solutions to foster career development for those in the unique physician scientist pathway. She then demonstrated her leadership by advocating on behalf of women physician scientists to administration, particularly important during the pandemic when women's careers are being disproportionately affected. She is clearly demonstrating her own leadership skills and the determination to lift up other women.
Click here to read more.
December 2021 Spotlight
Kim LaPean
Communication and Engagement Manager, Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor
Kim is an ally for all women of color. She always advocates for those who are not typically seen or heard. She makes space for women of color and sponsors us when we are not in the room.
Click here to read more.
December 2021 Spotlight
Iris Otani, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
Iris is a remarkable mentor and force for improvement in our clinic and fellowship. She is generous in identifying opportunities for fellows to grow and projects to join, while balancing their wellness and helping them stay true to their own career goals.
Click here to read more.
November 2021 Spotlight
Jan Yeager
Human Factor Designer, Clinical Innovation Center
In her role as a service designer, she introduced human-centered design (HCD) methods and tools into engagements with clinical teams. She supports their mission to build internal capacity through education and coaching on this subject matter. She developed a human-centered design course that is running this fall as an elective in the Implementation Science program.
Click here to read more.
November 2021 Spotlight
Amanda Yeaton-Massey, MD
Assistant Professor, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Amanda is absolutely committed to maternal mental health and builds strong partnerships across psychiatry, OB, and the community. She is amazing.
Click here to read more.
October 2021 Spotlight
Deborah Collins
Project Manager and Senior Clinical Analyst, Department of Pediatric Cardiology
Deborah has been in the medical field for 12 years where her passion for patient advocacy and health equity is the driving force of her life work. She encourages openness and authenticity to communicate our struggles and collectively heal and progress. Deborah also serves on the Social Justice Committee for the UCSF Black Caucus.
Click here to read more.
October 2021 Spotlight
Jeanne Noble, MD
Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine
Jeanne was recognized last year by the American College of Emergency Physicians with the National Emergency Medicine Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award - one of only 2 faculty in the country to receive this award.
Click here to read more.
September 2021 Spotlight
Bridget Keenan, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Cancer Immunotherapy Program
Bridget is a physician scientist, pursuing a dual career in oncology and translational cancer research. While at UCSF she helped develop the Internal Medicine residency Women in Leadership Development (WiLD) Committee and is a co-founder of the UCSF-wide Women in Leadership Development (WiLD) Program.
Click here to read more.
August 2021 Spotlight
Kristie White, MD
Medical Director, Clinical Laboratory, Hematopathologist and Residency Program Director, Clinical Pathology
Kristie started her journey at UCSF as a student 18 years ago. She has been described as an outstanding mentor and leader in the Laboratory Medicine department.
Click here to read more.
July 2021 Spotlight
Alleysha Mullen
Consultant, Learning & Organizational Devleopment
Alleysha is a strength-orientated coach, speaker, and facilitator. As a consultant for Learning & Organizational Development, Alleysha is devoted to unlocking potential.
Click here to read more.
June 2021 Spotlight
Julie Nguyen, PharmD
Patient Safety Clinical Specialist, Department of Quality and Patient Safety, UCSF Health
Julie has been with UCSF for 6 years in the Department of Quality and Patient Safety. Her collegues describe her as positive, collaborative and committed to excellence.
Click here to read more.
March 2021 Spotlight
Anais Ryken
Interim Director of Women's Health.
Anais has been with UCSF for 14 years and started off as an Ambulatory Medical Assistant. Anais may say she is inspired by her nominators, they are equally inspired by her.
Click here to read more.
February 2021 Spotlight
Jerley Arafelis
Administrative Assistant to the Chief, Cardiac Electrophysiology; Cardiology Administration, Academic Office Manager; Administrative Assistant to the Chief, Cardiology
Jerley has been with UCSF for sixteen years this April in the Cardiology Division. She has been described as a shining example of our UCSF PRIDE values by her peers.
Click here to read more.
January 2021 Spotlight
LaMisha Hill, PhD
Director, Multicultural Affairs, Office of Diversity and Outreach
Originally from the Chicago-land area with family roots in Mississippi, LaMisha completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago and graduate studies in counseling psychology at the University of Oregon. LaMisha began her journey into the UC system as a psychology pre-doctoral intern at UC Riverside, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. In these roles, she provided direct counseling services including individual therapy, group therapy, mental health outreach for undergraduate and graduate students. Having a desire to contribute to institutional change on a broader level, LaMisha began her professional career in the Office of Diversity and Outreach at UCSF and sought to leverage her skills as a psychologist and commitments to equity and inclusion.
Click here to read more.
December 2020 Spotlight
Mary Norton, MD
Director, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine
Dr. Mary Norton is the Director of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine. She joined UCSF Health as a clinical fellow in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Clinical Genetics. She left UCSF to follow other opportunites but returned to purse collaborative research efforts in reproductive genetics. Mary's research passion involves applying developments in genetics and genomics to clinical care, and offering her patients the very best of both maternal and fetal care.
Click here to read more.
November 2020 Spotlight
Lei Choi, MD
Medical Director, UCSF Health Continuous Improvement Department & Professor of Medicine, UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine
Dr. Lei Choi is the Medical Director of the Continuous Improvement Department and a practicing Professor of Medicine in the UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine. She joined UCSF Health in 2015. Lei loves to teach, coach, and delight learners. She is passionate about developing competent and confident problem solvers.
Click here to read more.
October 2020 Spotlight
Susan Pappas
Executive Director, Experience Excellence Division
Susan oversees the Experience Excellence Division that includes many departments ranging from patient relations to internal employee experience. Once she was introduced to the world of patient advocacy at the beginning of her career, she says her heart found its home and she found her place in healthcare.
Click here to read more.
September 2020 Spotlight
Mariah Bianchi, RN, MSN
Executive Director, Quality and Patient Safety, Adult Services
Mariah's career bloomed from her days as an ICU registered nurse to where she is today from both professional and personal experiences. Life events triggered a desire to understand more about how clinical practices influence patient outcomes, how hospital errors impact patients, families and our community at large, and how beliefs, comfort levels and faith in systems impact advocacy.
Click here to read more.
August 2020 Spotlight
Dr. Rebecca Olin
Hematologist
Dr. Rebecca Olin is a hematologist who specializes in bone marrow transplantation in adults. Her expertise encompasses treating acute leukemia, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders and aplastic anemia. Her nominator emphasized that "she makes a difference in the lives of her patients, mentees and colleagues and makes an impact for the better within our division."
Click here to read more.
March 2020 Spotlight
Eunice Stephens
Chief of Staff, School of Dentistry
Eunice's role spans strategic academic and resource planning, short and long range policy development, communications and high level program development and execution. She has been at UCSF for 25 years in a number of roles and has won both the UCSF Great People Award in 2013 and the Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Management in 2016.
Click here to read more.
February 2020 Spotlight
Mary Betinis
Director of Epilepsy Services & Neurodiagnostic Services, Adult & Pediatrics
Not only has Mary proven to be an effective leader at UCSF, amongst her many achievements she played a key role in the strategic success of the UCSF Epilepsy destination program, but she is also a mentor and ally to up and coming women in her field.
Click here to read more.
January 2020 Spotlight
Dr. Maureen Kohi
Chief of Interventional Radiology, Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Kohi is a renowned expert on women's health and interventions. Beyond her success in the medical world, she is an advocate and mentor to women at UCSF and a true gender ally.
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December 2019 Spotlight
Kathy Brady-Porter
Administration Officer, Radiology
Kathy's dedication to her role at UCSF Health knows no bounds. She is deemed as the glue that holds the Radiology department together and is celebrated by her team mates as having a positive impact on each and every one of them.
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November 2019 Spotlight
Lisa Purser
Patient Care Manager, IP3 Integrated Pediatric Pain & Palliative Care
A champion for her team and a passionate contributor to the greater UCSF Health community, Lisa has spent her time at UCSF working towards higher standards of quality for patients and their families. Her vision of success is rooted in doing anything she can to make a patient's journey easier and safer.
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