Dr. Baba is a pediatric anesthesiologist and the medical director of the Pediatric Prepare Program, which helps prepare children emotionally and physically for surgery. Her team deeply appreciates her special energy, lightheartedness, and dedication to her work for almost 20 years. She is highly respected by her team for her approachability, recognition of everyone's role, and humanity. Her leadership is seen as a true gift to UCSF, her team, and the patients she serves.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Barnett is a cardiology and critical care medicine specialist who is the section chief in Critical Care Cardiology and director of inpatient services for cardiology. Dr. Barnett prioritizes team comfort, champions professionalism, respect, and collaboration within the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit team. He has restructured care teams, increased patient care efficiency, onboarded advanced practice providers, improved workflows for outpatient follow-up, and advocates for increasing the presence of underrepresented clinicians in critical care cardiology.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Baskin is a chief resident in urology, known for his excellent rapport with patients and team members, and his ability to treat others with respect, kindness, and courtesy even in challenging situations. He collaborates effectively with other team members and creates an environment of equity and inclusion. Dr. Baskin is a dedicated, motivated, and self-assured physician who possesses excellent technical skills, as noted by one nominator who expects him to be an excellent academic surgeon in the future.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Braun is a surgical resident and future transplant surgeon. She researches factors predisposing living donor liver transplant recipients to acute rejection and re-transplantation. Dr. Braun is a leader, mentor, and advocate for medical students, residents, patients, and families. She promotes inclusion and gender equity, improves resident well-being and schedules, and lobbies for legislation protecting living donors from discrimination. Dr. Braun is a collaborative and natural leader who seeks equity and fairness for all patients.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Burch, chief resident in pediatrics, creates a positive learning environment, promotes respectful clinical interactions, and supports colleagues to excel. Dr. Burch built best practices for Voalte phones and an online module for interns, improving clinical efficiency. Dr. Burch champions LGBTQ+ rights and models inclusive language and behaviors. Dr. Burch skillfully provides evidence-based, family-centered care and expertly engages learners to advance their patient care skills.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Esmaili, assistant clinical professor of medicine and medical director of the medicine unit-based leadership team, is highly respected for his tireless advocacy for his patients and leadership. He is dedicated to ensuring ethical, fair, and empathic care for vulnerable patients with psycho-social challenges, using Trauma Informed Care. Dr. Esmaili is engaged in patient care and is praised for his kindness and caring nature. He is also a peer mentor and role model, earning respect and admiration from everyone he works with.​

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Gibb is a compassionate pediatric pulmonologist and associate clinical professor of pulmonary medicine in pediatrics, who also directs the Cystic Fibrosis Center and serves as medical director of the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Pulmonary Function Testing Lab. She exhibited exceptional leadership in creating a safe space for her team to process their feelings after traumatic events and offering mental health support. Her dedication to diversity is reflected in developing resources for culturally competent care.​

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Ihle is a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist who works with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team to provide aftercare to recently discharged patients. Her current positions are senior attending on the Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison service at Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and associate director of the Adult Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison service at UCSF Health. Dr. Ihle mentors colleagues, educating the next generation in their commitment to trauma-informed care.​

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Nicholau is a professor in the Anesthesia and Perioperative Care Department who has dedicated her career to service other physicians by leading the Physician's Well-being Committee, the Committee on Professionalism, and the Patient Advocacy Reporting System. She also reviews documented deficiencies in medical student's performance or professionalism as a longtime member of the Academic Standards Committee. Her efforts largely take place behind closed doors and in strict confidentiality.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Oberheim Bush is an associate professor of neurology and clinical director of the Neuro-Oncology Clinic. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during the COVID-19 pandemic and has supported a diverse and equitable work environment. Dr. Oberheim Bush is also committed to providing excellent care for her patients and always puts their needs first. She is a strong proponent of education for her team and neurology trainees, and advocates for all members of her team.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Otani is a dedicated medical director and associate fellowship director of Allergy and Immunology, specializing in treating drug allergies. She developed the Inpatient Beta-lactam Allergy Program with the UCSF Antibiotic Stewardship Program, addressed disparities in delivery models, and improved pediatric allergy care with the pediatric team. Dr. Otani contributed to oncology allergy desensitization workgroup and has championed multiple Quality Improvement projects to improve patient care.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Sabatini is the director of the clubfoot program and medical director of the Dance Medicine program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. She focuses on pediatric trauma, fractures, and foot/limb deformities, and co-directs the UCSF Center for Health Equity in surgery and anesthesia, advocating for underrepresented minorities in orthopedic surgery and improving surgical care in low resource settings. She is dedicated to training residents, is committed to her patients, and fundraises for those in need.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Santhosh is a pulmonary medicine and critical care specialist who founded and directs the long-COVID/post-ICU OPTIMAL Clinic. She is also the associate program director for the curriculum for the internal medicine residency and is committed to diversity, equity, and anti-oppression. Patients value her trustworthiness, kindness, patience, and empathy, and she takes the extra time to refer patients to other specialties while synthesizing information holistically.

VIRTUAL AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Shimotake is a neonatologist and medical director of the William H. Tooley Intensive Care Nursery at Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco, providing care for newborns. He is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusivity, attending every ICN DEI taskforce meeting and encouraging staff to prioritize DEI. He introduced technological advancements to the ICN, including a fiberoptic camera, Elemeno communication system, neonatal hemodialysis, and a new ventilatory system trial to prevent chronic lung disease.

Virtual AWARD PRESENTATION

Dr. Shinohara is an excellent physician specializing in urologic oncology, holding the Helen Diller Family Chair in Clinical Urology. His expertise is widely recognized, and he is highly respected for his ability to guide and inspire his colleagues and patients with compassion and patience. He is dedicated to providing ethical, fair, and sincere care to his patients, and his commitment to education and inclusivity has led him to train countless medical professionals.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Steurer is an associate professor of pediatrics and director of the Neonatal Cardiovascular Center of Excellence at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. She cares for term and preterm neonates with congenital heart disease. She published several recent studies on the effect of prematurity in congenital heart disease. Dr. Steurer is known for her inclusive approach, excellent bedside manner, and passion for teaching and mentoring trainees.

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Dr. Chen is a renowned expert in gynecologic oncology with a particular interest in ovarian cancer management. She has dedicated herself to improving gynecologic cancer care through education and leading the Cancer Committee's Performance Improvement Sub-Committee to ensure compliance with the 37 CoC standards for accreditation. Her leadership has made an incredible impact on improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Collins, a chief resident in general surgery, is recognized for her professionalism, leadership, and dedication to her colleagues' well-being. She advocates for her co-residents, mentors those in need, and designs curricula for surgical residents. She oversees a surgery symposium for medical students, modeling the resident experience. Dr. Collins has made significant contributions to the surgical training program.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Freise is a renowned transplant surgery professor and chief, serving as attending surgeon for liver, kidney, and pancreas transplant services. He has a busy hepatobiliary practice and remains patient-focused, modeling professionalism to his team. Dr. Freise championed the Comprehensive Approach to Pre-transplant project, achieving outstanding results and reducing the waitlist size. His leadership and advocacy have had a significant impact.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Gupta is the chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. He specializes in treating neurological disorders in children and collaborates with other services for comprehensive care. Dr. Gupta's surgical skills and expertise are known for treating complex conditions. He is also involved in clinical trials and teaches the residency program. Patients and families appreciate his compassionate approach to care and his efforts to involve them in the decision-making process.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Ha is a gastroenterology and hepatology clinical fellow who is dedicated to patient care and known for his kindness towards staff and patients. He takes the time to understand patient cases and involves families in the treatment process. Despite exhaustion, his colleagues appreciate his positive attitude and enthusiastic demeanor, making him a beloved colleague in his unit.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Ha is a respected head and neck oncologic surgeon with excellent patient care, leadership, and collegiality. He established a patient-centered care culture, making himself available and responsive to patients. Dr. Ha is an excellent educator, helping residents and APPs advance their knowledge. His colleagues praise him for his impeccable bedside manner, surgical skill, and wonderful disposition.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Karvonen is a pediatric fellow who's a national leader in racial equity, focusing on disparities in perinatal and neonatal care. She founded the Neonatal Justice Collaborative to improve outcomes for children of color. Her leadership abilities have been instrumental in the success of the collaborative and advancing health equity at UCSF. She's also a founding member of the Brave Space initiative and leading an initiative to understand patient families' experiences with limited English proficiency in the ICU.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Link is the chief of Musculoskeletal Imaging and Clinical Director of the Musculoskeletal and Quantitative Imaging Research Group, also serving as program director of the T32 Program. He is praised for his dedication to patient care, research, and education. Dr. Link is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department and his leadership of the T32 program has led to a diverse pipeline for academic leaders, particularly regarding gender.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Liu is a Nephrologist and Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Parnassus. She is an internationally recognized researcher and spearheaded the NIH-funded I-SPY COVID-19 clinical trial. Dr. Liu has been a tremendous source of support and wisdom during the pandemic, and she promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among colleagues. Her nominators praise her for her outstanding work in clinical care, teaching, research, and administration.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Lo is the outpatient kidney services practice chief and Dialysis Center medical director. He expanded clinical operations, created a patient-centered environment, and developed specialized clinics for ambulatory care excellence. He created a patient registry and partnerships for comprehensive care to underserved populations with kidney disease, minimizing lost patients, and improving care quality.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Moon-Grady is an expert in fetal and pediatric cardiology and the director of the Fetal Cardiovascular Program at UCSF. She champions patient care, serves as a mentor and resource to her peers and trainees, and advances the field of pediatric cardiology. She provides thoughtful and clear perspectives on difficult clinical situations and researches social determinants of health and their connections to clinical outcomes in the congenital heart disease population.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Noor is a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland’s Primary Care Clinic. Her experience as a refugee led her to found the Center of Excellence for Immigrant Child Health and Wellbeing. She obtained the US civil surgeon designation to provide medical exams for immigration purposes and established a free asylum clinic. Dr. Noor helps immigrant families seeking refugee status with physical and forensic exams.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Rajagopal is a pediatric cardiologist and critical care specialist who serves as the medical director for the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. He has brought about a significant culture change through his leadership skills, behavior modeling and adaptive rounding practices, and his warm and welcoming personality, easygoing humor, and positive energy have created an environment of respect and appreciation for everyone. Under his leadership, the hospital's Pediatric Heart Center has achieved a number of accomplishments.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Seijo, a pulmonary critical care and lung transplant fellow, provided care for COVID-19 patients at multiple hospitals and volunteering at clinics. She spent hours on video calls with families of ICU patients with COVID-19 to allow for many to say goodbye. Dr. Seijo is a native Spanish speaker and advocates for health equity, committed to increasing equity in clinical care for underrepresented and underserved patients with pulmonary diseases.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Shah, a Pulmonologist and Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program, is known for optimizing patient satisfaction and transitioning ambulatory practices to Telehealth video visits during COVID-19. She founded the Women in Pulmonary Medicine Group and is a member of several committees, making an impact throughout the campus. Dr. Shah's leadership skills, compassion for patients, and professionalism amongst colleagues and staff make her highly regarded.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Shuman is a chief resident in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is highly regarded for her exceptional professionalism and bedside manner. Her ability to communicate and connect with patients and their families has earned her unsolicited accolades from nursing staff, attendings on other services, and patients alike, making her a role model for junior residents.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Varma is a chief of colorectal surgery, director of Center for Pelvic Physiology, co-director of UCSF Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and member of the Women’s Continence Center and Women’s Health Research Center. She is a UCSF Lean Champion and leads the Muriel Steele Society, which promotes and supports women surgeons. Colleagues describe her as an excellent surgeon, leader, and motivator, and a genuinely kind person.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Williams is a section chief of Pediatric Critical Care in Oakland. She is known for her integrity, kindness, empathy, and compassion towards patients and staff. Dr. Williams is committed to issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation in healthcare, and is a mentor to both minority high school students and medical and nursing staff. She leads by example in promoting professionalism and professional development.

Virtual Award Presentation

Dr. Sara M. Buckelew is a director of the UCSF Eating Disorders Program and an adolescent medicine specialist who focuses on caring for teenagers with eating disorders and other topics in adolescent mental health. She earned her medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine and completed a residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. At UCSF, she completed a residency in preventive medicine and public health and a fellowship in adolescent medicine. She is a member of several organizations, including the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.​

Dr. Carlos Corvera is the chief of the Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery Program at UCSF Medical Center and a cancer surgeon at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in complex conventional and laparoscopic surgical procedures for the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Corvera's research focuses on inflammation, thickening, and scarring in the biliary tract. He completed his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego, and his residency in general surgery at UCSF, followed by clinical and hepatobiliary surgery fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Dr. April Edwell is a Pediatric Critical Care Fellow in her final year of training with a focus on communication between providers and families in the PICU. Her fellowship research project, supported by a T32 training grant, has been presented internationally. She is pursuing a career as an Academic Educator and is currently getting a Master's in Education from UC Berkeley with a focus on race and equity in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Edwell is dedicated to addressing structural inequity and injustice in healthcare training programs.

Dr. Elizabeth Gleghorn is a gastroenterologist who specializes in treating children with various gastrointestinal disorders, including issues related to pain, feeding, growth, and defecation. She works with the patient, family, and GI team to identify the sources of symptoms and develop a treatment plan. Dr. Gleghorn performs procedures such as endoscopy and is trained in hypnotherapy. She collaborates with other specialty clinics and participates in clinical research programs at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland GI unit. Dr. Gleghorn earned her medical degree from Stony Brook University and completed her residency in pediatrics and fellowship in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Dr. Jackson-Triche is a vice chair for adult psychiatry and vice president for adult behavioral health services at UCSF Health. She has served in leadership roles within the Veterans Health Administration network, including as chief mental health officer for the VA Sierra Pacific Network, overseeing mental health care services for over a million veterans. She has also held academic appointments at several medical schools.

Dr. Chienying Liu is an endocrinologist who specializes in treating patients with thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid disorders, as well as endocrine neoplasia, which are hormone-producing gland tumors. Her research interests are focused on understanding the risk factors for distant metastases of thyroid cancer and evaluating the effectiveness of radioactive iodine in treating it. Liu is a member of the Endocrine Society and the American Thyroid Association and enjoys teaching medical students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Chinwendu Onwubiko is a pediatric surgery fellow at UCSF (Mission Bay and Oakland Children's Hospitals). She completed her general surgery residency in Mississippi, followed by a pediatric endo-surgery fellowship at UAB. During residency she completed a pediatric surgery critical care fellowship and spent time doing research in pediatric trauma.

Dr. Maulik Shah is a neurohospitalist who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients with neurological disorders. He serves as the medical director of UCSF's adult inpatient neurology services and researches ways to optimize the transfer process of patients to ensure safe and coordinated care plans. Dr. Shah is involved in several projects to improve quality and safety across multiple departments and teaches medical students and UCSF's neurologists-in-training while directing the UCSF neurohospitalist fellowship program.

Dr. Ana Velázquez Mañana is a medical oncology fellow at UCSF with a focus on improving oncology care access and the quality of care delivered to underserved and racial minority patients with cancer. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City and is a proud native Puerto Rican who is passionate about diversity and inclusion. Dr. Velázquez is involved in a two-year postdoctoral fellowship as part of the inaugural cohort of UCSF National Clinician Scholars Program, and currently studies gaps in care and unmet needs of diverse adults with lung cancer while leading quality efforts at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Dr. von Scheven is a pediatric rheumatologist at UCSF who specializes in the care of children with rheumatic conditions and has a special interest in the long-term outcomes of children with chronic illness. She conducts research on childhood lupus, osteoporosis, and transitions of care. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and is a member of the Northern California Arthritis Foundation's medical and scientific advisory committee. Dr. von Scheven also serves as the Director of UCSF Child and Adolescent Chronic Illness Center, where she provides multidisciplinary care to children with lupus.

Dr. Rosanna Wustrack is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in treating musculoskeletal tumors and fragility fractures. She is also involved in researching functional outcomes in cancer patients, osseointegration, and optimizing treatment for patients when cancer has spread. Wustrack earned her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed her residency in orthopaedic surgery at UCSF, followed by a fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Jacob Young is a neurosurgery resident who focuses on optimizing functional outcomes and minimizing complications after surgery for intrinsic brain tumors by understanding the interaction between functional neural pathways and malignant cells. He works closely with mentors on projects exploring these topics and has received several awards for his work, including the Peter Huttenlocher & Douglas Buchanan Prize, the Brain Research Foundation Award for Neuroscience, the Harold Rosegay Award, and the Krevan’s Award for Excellence in Patient Care. His work has also been funded by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Neurosurgery Research Education Fund.

Dr. Bryn Boslett is an infectious disease specialist at UCSF who focuses on HIV and Hepatitis C care. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine and practices at the 360 Wellness Center and Infectious Diseases Faculty Practice. Bryn is also involved in medical education and innovation as a coach and faculty member in the Clinical Microsystems Clerkship and an instructor in the Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation block. She is also a member of the Resident Advising and Development committee.

Dr. Sarah Doernberg is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Medical Director of Adult Antimicrobial Stewardship at UCSF Medical Center. Her research focuses on healthcare-acquired infections and antimicrobial stewardship. She received her BA from Harvard and MD from Yale School of Medicine, completed her Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Diseases fellowship at UCSF, and received a Masters’ degree in advanced studies through the Training in Clinical Research Program at UCSF.

Dr. Chaz Langelier is an Assistant Professor in the UCSF Division of Infectious Diseases and Associate Medical Director of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention. In addition, he works with the Infectious Diseases Platform at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. His translational research bridges basic science and clinical medicine through patient-oriented studies using metagenomics. His lab focuses on advanced infectious disease diagnostics, respiratory disease biology, surveillance of emerging pathogens, and tracking of infectious disease outbreaks. 

Dr. Ann Petru is a specialist who cares for children with serious infections, including pediatric HIV and AIDS. Her professional interests include infection control and medical ethics. Petru earned her medical degree from UCSF. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, she completed a residency in pediatrics, serving as chief resident, followed by a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases. In her free time, Petru coordinates a local Masters Swimming program and participates in a book group made up of UCSF doctors. 

Dr. Lynn Ramirez is the Medical Director of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, where she works to prevent hospital-acquired infections and cares for immunocompromised pediatric patients. She collaborates with various healthcare professionals and is also involved in the care of patients in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Consultation service and clinic. Additionally, she is a member of the UCSF Transplant Infectious Disease group.


 

Dr. Deborah Yokoe is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Medical Director for Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention for adult services. She is an attending physician on the Transplant Infectious Diseases consultation service and has co-chaired the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Dr. Yokoe is also a member of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Board of Trustees and has conducted research on healthcare-associated infections, particularly surgical site infections, as an investigator in the CDC's Prevention Epicenters research program.

Dr. Daniel M. Balkin graduated from the UCSF Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program after completing chief residency in June 2019. He is currently participating in the Hand & Microsurgery Fellowship at  The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, California. Balkin plans to pursue an academic career in reconstructive surgery with an emphasis on pediatric patients. His research focuses on deciphering the genetic basis of congenital anomalies in children and on efforts to develop targeted  therapeutics. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Balkin graduated  from Northwestern University before completing his MD and PhD training at the Yale University School of Medicine.
 

Dr. Coleman began her General Surgery Residency at  Duke University Medical Center where she completed her intern and  second year. From 2009 – 2011 she was a research fellow in the Thoracic  Surgery Oncology Laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her research focused on the identification of estrogen-regulated genes associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma outcomes. Dr. Coleman  then completed her General Surgery Residency followed by a Surgical  Critical Care and Clinical Nutrition Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Coleman is currently a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow at  UCSF Medical Center.
 

Dr. Laura Hill-Sakurai is a Family Physician who has a special interest in menopause. In particular, she studies the varied understandings of menopause based on women’s experiences, as well as patients’ decisions about hormone replacement therapy, and complementary and alternative medical therapies during menopause. As an educator in family and community medicine at UCSF with an interest in doctor-patient communcation, Hill-Sakurai  focuses on culture in medicine, human sexuality and LGBTI issues, and  professionalism in the predoctoral curriculum.

 

Dr. Jean Junior was a Resident of Pediatrics from 2016-2019 at UCSF  where she was in a program called PLUS: Pediatric Leaders Advancing Health Equity. Her life’s work is clinically serving the most disadvantaged people in the United States and globally, while pursuing political and policy change to address the injustices at the root of their disadvantage. As a resident, Jean was co-lead author on a free online resource called Pathways to Policy to catalyze youth engagement in advocacy for policy change. She is currently working as a pediatrician on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

 

Dr. Roberta Keller is a Neonatologist and is deemed an expert in caring  for critically ill newborns. She specializes in those with congenital lung or heart disease. She is director of the program providing extracorporeal  membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an artificial lung system, for newborns. Keller’s research addresses lung and heart disorders affecting newborns,  such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and patent ductus arteriosus.  Keller completed a medical degree, residency in pediatrics and fellowship  in neonatal-perinatal medicine at UCSF, and she was awarded the Glaser  Pediatric Research Network fellowship. She is coordinator of the UCSF Neonatology Clinical Consensus Program.
 

Dr. Andrew Lai is an Associate Clinical Professor in the UCSF Division  of Hospital Medicine. After graduating from Brown University in 2001,  he received his MD from Brown Medical School and a MPH with a focus  on quantitative methods from the Harvard School of Public Health in 2006.  He completed his internal medicine residency in the primary care track at  UCSF before joining the Division of Hospital Medicine in 2009. Andrew directs the Hospitalist Procedure Service, the Division’s Case Review  Committee, and procedures/quality improvement rotation for internal medicine interns, as well as co-directs the Quality Improvement/Patient  Safety elective for 4th year medical students.
 

Dr. Christopher Newton is currently a Pediatric Surgeon at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. After completing training in surgery, critical care and pediatric surgery, he then completed several years  of distinguished military service. In 2012, he assumed the role of Trauma Medical Director in Oakland and has worked to develop one of the most respected Pediatric Level 1 trauma centers in the country. He has held  many medical directorships within the institution, has been a key supporter and organizer of numerous community events aimed at violence prevention, and has held multiple trauma leadership roles within the region and state.
 

Dr. Linda M. Reilly is a Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon. Dr. Reilly  received a medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a residency in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was the first woman to complete the training program. She went  on to pursue specialty training in vascular surgery at UCSF, where she remained as a vascular surgeon and member of the faculty. Dr. Reilly is the program director for the UCSF General Surgery Residency Training Program. In 2011, she was inducted into the prestigious “Society of Scholars”, established in 1967 by Johns Hopkins University to recognize individuals whose careers began at Hopkins, and later rose to prominence in their fields through distinguished achievement.

Dr. Alan Uba is a General Pediatrician who supervises medical students  and residents, and has his faculty practice at the Pediatric Primary Care  practice at Mt. Zion. Uba was class president of the AOA honor society and recipient of the Gold-Headed Cane upon graduation from the UCSF School of Medicine. After completing residency and chief residency at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, he returned to UCSF in 1992. Uba has been  recognized for both his teaching (Chief Resident’s Commendation, Faculty Teaching Award, Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators Excellence  in Teaching Award) and clinical care (Compassionate Physician Award).

Dr. Babik excels in hospital medicine and infectious diseases. She is known for her professionalism and collaborative approach with students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Babik is highly regarded as both a physician and mentor, emphasizing teamwork in medicine. She is exceptional at communicating complex clinical scenarios and possesses extensive knowledge in evidence-based practice. And her teaching prowess has earned her numerous prestigious awards and recognitions.

Dr. Brown's four-year residency showcased her impressive growth as a clinician and educator, earning her high regard within the program and department. She excelled in patient care, clinical knowledge, technical skills, communication, and leadership. Known for her tireless dedication, Dr. Brown provides exceptional care to women from all walks of life with great humility. She received the Residency Program Award for Excellence in Obstetrics in May 2017, reflecting her knowledge and humble approach.

Dr. Lake's exceptional dedication and excellence shine through in his role, always arriving early and well-prepared for the day's cases. Dr. Lake's commitment to excellence is evident in his authored papers and impactful lectures. He played a key role in developing an educational module for future radiologists. As Chief Resident and Chief Fellow, Dr. Lake demonstrated strong leadership and unwavering support for his peers, making him one of the program's standout physicians in training.

Dr. Nguyen is highly respected in the Pediatric Heart Center for his exceptional professionalism and anesthesia expertise. Known for his unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care, he takes the time to know his patients in great detail. Dr. Hung's contributions significantly enhance patient care in both the Operating Room and Intensive Care Nursery. He is considered a trustworthy and reliable colleague, exemplifying excellence in all he does throughout his UCSF career.

Dr. Null provides outstanding, compassionate care to his patients, always attentive and empathetic, even in demanding situations. He prioritizes thorough, thoughtful treatment and goes above and beyond to assist them. As a visionary and inclusive leader, Dr. Null demonstrates clinical expertise and values input from colleagues. He also shows genuine concern for clinic staff, considering their well-being in policy discussions. Dr. Null's exceptional qualities as both a physician and leader make him a standout in his field.

Dr. Padilla is a highly valued member of the pediatric surgery team at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Known for his skill and composure, Dr. Padilla has performed life-saving surgeries on infants and children, often leading multidisciplinary teams. He is dedicated to patient care, spending extensive time explaining procedures and addressing concerns. Dr. Padilla's commitment to excellence and his infectious passion for his work make him an outstanding physician.

Dr. Rogers stands as a calm and steady presence, earning the nickname "Voice of the ICN" from her peers. She prioritizes providing optimal care for patients and their families, emphasizing collaboration and resource coordination. Her leadership in the Nursery Follow-up Program has significantly improved long-term developmental care for the most vulnerable infants, and her research has led to enhancements in nursery practices, ultimately boosting safety and outcomes. Dr. Rogers is a sought-after collaborator known for her medical insights, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Samelson-Jones is an outstanding physician, educator, and leader, serving as a role model for her trainees. In the Outpatient Adult Psychiatric clinic, she oversees patients with severe psychiatric conditions, often facing complex challenges. She is known for her compassionate patient care, consistently earning praise for her attentive approach. As an engaged educator, she takes time to address concerns with residents, emphasizing a collegial relationship.

Dr. González is recognized for exceeding UCSF standards for professionalism and his commitment to the training and education of his fellows and residents. He received numerous letters of gratitude from patient families, which is a true measure of the valuable care service he provides. He is known for his leadership and demonstrates what physicians aspire to be.

Dr. Hetts is recognized for his honesty and forthrightness, guiding clinical fellows to prioritize open communication for the best patient care and personal growth. He specializes in cutting-edge, minimally invasive endovascular therapy for stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and tumors, including retinoblastoma. His empathetic and calm approach to problem-solving fosters effective communication with patients, families, and team members, even in the most stressful situations.

Dr. Hwang holds the Pearl T. and Samuel J. Kimura Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology. Highly regarded by colleagues and patients, he is the epitome of clinical excellence, with unparalleled surgical outcomes and a genuine commitment to his patients' well-being. As a patient aptly described, Dr. Hwang is an invaluable "American Treasure" and a guiding light for those in need of his exceptional care.

Dr. Kratz is a distinguished thoracic surgeon in the Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery. Respected for his daily demonstration of PRIDE, he is known for his professional yet engaging approach with the nursing staff, coupled with patient-centered interactions that instill confidence and appreciation. With a wealth of knowledge and collaborative spirit, Dr. Kratz is a valued addition to the UCSF team, bringing forth a promising future as an attending surgeon.

Dr. Ledesma is recognized for being a dedicated general surgery resident at UCSF, demonstrates exceptional skill and compassion, fostering a warm and educational environment for colleagues and patients alike. Recognized for her human approach to patient care, she stands out among her peers, contributing to the inspiring work atmosphere at UCSF.

Dr. Ly exhibits exceptional leadership skills, effectively expanding the division's services to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital – Oakland. Her inclusive approach, shaped by her personal background as a minority woman and immigrant, fosters a cohesive and respectful work environment across the Bay. Recognized for her excellence as a clinician, researcher, leader, teacher, and mentor, Dr. Ly's unique perspective contributes to her team's success.

Dr. Mueller demonstrates unwavering dedication as the pediatric brain tumor center director. Known for her compassionate guidance to families facing challenging diagnoses, she exemplifies remarkable fortitude and strength, shouldering the emotional burdens alongside her patients. Her commitment to advocating for what is best for her patients, even in the face of challenges, reflects her steadfast dedication to the well-being of those under her care.

Dr. Shih serves as a compassionate mentor and role model for trainees, imparting invaluable insights into holistic, evidence-based patient care. Recognized for her exceptional support beyond traditional medical guidance, she demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of patient welfare, navigating them through various non-medical challenges with unparalleled expertise and care, solidifying her reputation as an exemplary physician and individual.

Dr. Aldrich is recognized for his leadership in advancing the field of critical care medicine and serves as a mentor and role model to residents and fellows. Dr. Aldrich is known for his professionalism and deep dedication to his patients. He fosters a culture of innovation and mutual respect within the community. He was honored for his significant contributions to palliative care in the critical care setting.

Dr. Beylin completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at UCSF-SFGH and also served as a chief resident. She is known for her unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement, setting a high standard for her peers and colleagues at UCSF. She is known for her dedication to self-improvement and her exceptional attention to detail in patient care.

Dr. Chi completed both general surgery and urology residency training at UCSF, culminating in his Chief Resident year in Urology. He is praised for his unwavering integrity, coupled with kindness and humility in his practice. Dr. Chi is recognized as a straightforward communicator, motivating those around him to excel. He is admired for balancing compassionate patient care with dedicated research and teaching, and for championing diversity within his team.

Dr. Horn is a highly regarded physician in the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Department. She is praised for her trustworthiness and extensive experience in stem cell transplantation since 2009. Dr. Horn is recognized as an international expert in pediatric BMT, known for her exceptional clinical acumen and ability to anticipate and address potential complications through early intervention. Colleagues commend her for her innovative and patient-centered approach to care.

Dr. Dick Jacobs has been a pivotal figure in the Infectious Diseases Division since joining in 1986. He is known for treating everyone, from patients to healthcare professionals, with unwavering respect and integrity. Dr. Jacobs is recognized for his ethical decision-making and is highly regarded for his remarkable integrity. His expertise places him among the top three infectious diseases physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he is frequently requested for consultations by medical and surgical teams. 

Dr. Nardo completed his radiology residency in Italy in 2011, and during his final year, he conducted research at UCSF, later earning his PhD five years later. Colleagues describe him as exceedingly helpful, always willing to assist at a moment's notice, and as a sincere and conscientious professional. Dr. Nardo's cultural sensitivity, stemming from his Italian heritage, aids in his understanding of the challenges faced by colleagues and patients. His friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor has made a significant impact at UCSF.

Dr. Soifer is a seasoned pediatric cardiologist and critical care specialist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. His extensive tenure includes leadership roles and committee chairmanships in the Department of Pediatrics. His nomination and patient letters laud his unwavering dedication, mentorship, and compassion. Parents and nurses alike commend his excellence in medicine, respect for colleagues and families, and his integrity and humanitarianism that is so curcial when administering to venerable children.

Dr. Vu is a dedicated and tireless surgeon who sets high standards for herself and serves as an inspiration to students and trainees. She treats her patients and their families as if they were her own, often going above and beyond in her personal time for their benefit. Dr. Vu is recognized for her surgical skill and advocacy for patients, particularly through the LIFE Program. She fosters mutual respect among colleagues from various disciplines and promotes a culture of transparency and integrity within her team.

Dr. Cage is the epitome of caring and compassion and a team favorite. Throughout an extremely demanding residency she has held herself to the highest standards. Under the most challenging circumstances, she manages to maintain a calm even-tempered demeanor and her interactions belie the demands she may be juggling. She has great clinical skills and an ability to prioritize in complex and chaotic situations while always clearly communicating to staff. A quote from one of the 29 nominations for Dr. Cage states, “She will work tirelessly to ensure any task – no matter how small – is not just completed, but held to her high standard of perfection.”

Dr. Guy is an exceptional role model, integrating educational rigor with concerns for social justice and addressing issues to improve the care delivered to underserved populations. Through her role on the Graduate Medical Education Diversity Committee, she helps with recruitment and retention of under-represented minority (URM) residents. People listen when she speaks because she is thoughtful, humble and her heart is in the right place. She is trusted and respected by those around her, and is known to act in the best interests of the division, clinic and her patients.

Dr. Lansdown is a role model to other residents in the Department of Orthopaedics training program. He is caring, kind, compassionate, organized, thoughtful, motivated, inquisitive, and sincere in his interactions with patients, colleagues and staff. Leading by example, he has created a team of residents who are respectable, honest, sensitive and accountable. He is trustworthy, dependable and always committed to doing the “right thing.” He spends a substantial amount of his time on evenings and weekends working with underserved students as the team doctor for the Philip & Sala Burton Academic High School. He is also a mentor to many medical students pursuing a career in Orthopaedics.

Dr. Lomen-Hoerth is committed to the highest standards of professionalism while still maintaining a warm and open demeanor. As the director of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, she manages a large, multidisciplinary team in a seemingly effortless manner. ALS demands that the provider be honest and direct to best prepare someone for the changes to come. Dr. Lomen-Hoerth is clear and compassionate when diagnosing someone with ALS, and spends the time to ensure that a patient has a clear understanding of their diagnosis. As a senior female faculty, she mentors many junior members to guide them through the challenges of an academic career. She is deeply committed to her work.

Dr. Oishi is a consummate professional. He objectively balances the needs of others, carefully listens to those around him and makes well-intentioned decisions that are always patient centric. He makes a concerted effort to understand what is important to patients and their families. The most poignant example is his commitment to establishing a world-class ECLS program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. The mother of a patient wrote “I am confident that Peter embodies all the characteristics of a truly remarkable physician. He is extremely intelligent and capable, compassionate, empathetic, and most of all, real... I can’t imagine a physician, or a person, of higher caliber.”

Dr. Rhee embodies the exceptional physician in all of her roles at UCSF - as a clinician, leader, family advocate, teacher and mentor. Her dedication to patients, families, medical colleagues, and her team is exemplary. She promotes young faculty including women and minorities’ career development, and attracts diverse groups of highly qualified trainees to her liver transplant fellowship program. She is at the forefront of developing innovative programs for pediatric pancreatic and liver transplant programs. “As a woman in medicine, Dr. Rhee is an outstanding role model for colleagues and trainees in her program.”