2025 DOM Star Achievement Awardees

Minhaj has made outstanding contributions as a staff-level data scientist, far exceeding expectations with his technical expertise and leadership skills across multiple high-impact projects. Notably, Minhaj independently developed a machine learning algorithm to identify risk factors in mitral valve prolapse patients, resulting in a first-author publication currently under review—a level of work typically expected of doctoral-level scientists. Minhaj also created and maintains a custom large-scale multi-modal database that has increased the lab’s data processing speed by fivefold, significantly boosting research efficiency. His skillful management of key collaborations with industry and academic partners ensures the highest standards of data integrity, while his mentorship has fostered a supportive and collaborative lab environment.

Ivet exemplifies exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to equitable, patient-centered care at the Family Health Center (FHC). She has driven measurable improvements in pediatric health equity by narrowing disparity gaps in childhood immunization rates by 17%, thanks to creative initiatives like establishing a dedicated Medical Evaluations Assistant (MEA) exam room and optimizing immunization workflows. In chronic disease management, her bilingual facilitation of diabetes and hypertension group visits has fostered inclusive, culturally competent care while enhancing patient engagement and retention. As a Quality Improvement (QI) liaison, she has strengthened data-driven care through improved Epic reporting and collaborative systems-thinking. Ivet’s meticulous attention to detail, humility in leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement have made her an invaluable asset to both her team and the UCSF community.

Julia has consistently taken exceptional initiative in her role and has made an invaluable impact across all aspects of our team’s work. Her outstanding project management skills have helped streamline priorities and increase efficiency, particularly through her leadership in implementing platforms and facilitating team workflows. Julia played a pivotal role in the successful submission of our R01 grant, contributing to nearly every section, from conceptual development to bio sketches, budgets, and human participant documentation, with rigor and attention to detail. Her integrity, respect for colleagues, and commitment to equity have been equally impressive, as seen in her thoughtful contributions to the Research in Implementation Science for Equity (RISE) project and her meaningful engagement with our Community Advisory Board.

Rachael has been a transformative leader within the UCSF HEAL Initiative, going far beyond her Finance and Operations role to help scale the largest global health fellowship in the U.S. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership were instrumental in securing new funding to launch HEAL California and expand HEAL’s mission to underserved communities across the state. Rachael’s financial expertise, project management skills, and commitment to UCSF’s values have strengthened the program’s operational resilience during a time of financial uncertainty. She consistently models professionalism, integrity, and respect, while uplifting diverse trainees and supporting global partnerships across 19 sites in nine countries.

Andrea has made an exceptional impact through her leadership on the Palliative Care Education Repository Project, advancing UCSF’s goals of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. She expertly coordinated diverse stakeholder input to create a centralized, user-friendly resource that supports educators across multiple disciplines, enhancing both the quality and accessibility of palliative care education. Andrea’s creativity is evident in her development of clear, accessible tutorial videos and mobile-friendly access, which have significantly increased engagement with over 1,200 views to date. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to continuous improvement have ensured the repository remains a sustainable and evolving asset for the department.

Nicole has demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing staff and trainee wellness within the Department of Medicine. As a UCSF Wellness Champion, she independently secured grant funding and implemented a year-long series of wellness events that significantly boosted staff morale, contributing to a notable increase in Gallup Scores during a challenging period. Nicole also played a pivotal role in rebuilding community and trust between residents and staff in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, co-developing initiatives that strengthened connections and culminated in a historic joint presentation with a chief resident at a UC leadership conference. Her creativity and dedication were further showcased through coordinating “Thank a Resident Day,” bringing joy to over 400 trainees across three sites.

Michael has been a driving force behind the operational success and growth of UCSF’s Hospital Medicine Services at St. Mary’s Hospital, playing a pivotal role in the transition and integration into the UCSF Health system. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing staffing, improving financial stewardship, and maximizing professional revenue capture, efforts that have directly contributed to the sustainability and expansion of the St. Mary’s service. Michael’s innovative mindset has led to the development of automated workflows and streamlined processes that reduce administrative burden and enhance provider efficiency. He has also been instrumental in cultivating a supportive team culture, improving faculty retention, and onboarding new providers with care and precision.

Sherry has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation by transforming the inpatient palliative care scheduling and jeopardy system through the strategic implementation of QGenda, significantly improving scheduling accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. Her creative use of existing technology to develop a streamlined jeopardy tracking system has reduced administrative burdens and generated cost savings. Sherry’s adaptability and proactive problem-solving were further showcased when she stepped up to cover critical financial duties during a challenging transition, ensuring operational continuity. Her sustained efforts have established a durable, efficient scheduling framework that greatly benefits faculty, staff, and the division as a whole.

Colby exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, leadership, and compassion in his role for the UCPC Residency. He expertly manages the complex task of creating individualized schedules for 30 residents across more than 100 clinical sites, always centering residents' educational goals and personal well-being. His collaborative spirit and strategic mindset have led to innovative process improvements, such as streamlining residency interview scheduling and supporting major ambulatory scheduling transitions, all while maintaining a joyful, solutions-oriented approach. Colby’s relationship-centered communication style and ability to foster trust with both residents and staff have elevated the cohesion and effectiveness of the program. His rare combination of operational excellence, emotional intelligence, and unwavering dedication make him an extraordinary asset to UCSF.

Ali has demonstrated remarkable creativity and leadership by seamlessly taking on the responsibilities of a lost full-time staff member, streamlining workflows, and maintaining high productivity without disruption. Her deep empathy, collaborative spirit, and problem-solving skills have fostered a welcoming, inclusive environment that boosts morale through thoughtful events and daily acts of kindness. Ali’s expertise in navigating complex university regulations while finding practical, cost-saving solutions, such as eliminating gift card surcharges, exemplifies her professionalism and resourcefulness. Embodying UCSF’s values, Ali is an indispensable team member whose dedication, integrity, and joyful approach make a lasting positive impact on her division.

Sina is an outstanding Research Financial Analyst whose deep expertise, responsiveness, and warmth have made him an indispensable partner to faculty across UCSF. He has provided exceptional support to early-stage investigators, going far beyond his job scope to offer proactive financial guidance, troubleshoot complex administrative issues, and ensure seamless post-award management—even under high-stress scenarios such as sudden grant terminations. Sina’s attention to detail, quick turnaround, and ability to communicate with clarity and compassion have helped faculty navigate UCSF’s financial systems with confidence. His respectful, relationship-centered approach with both UCSF colleagues and global community partners reflects the highest standards of UCSF’s values. Sina is not just a finance expert—he is a true thought partner and ally in advancing health equity research and institutional excellence.

Solomon has made a transformative impact on the St. Mary’s hospitalist program through his exceptional administrative support, professionalism, and initiative. Since joining in 2022, he has taken over critical tasks once shouldered by physicians—streamlining communication with primary care providers, expediting credentialing, and improving coordination during the UCSF acquisition of St. Mary’s. His meticulous attention to workflow, documentation, and patient-family communication has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and care quality. Beyond his core responsibilities, Solomon contributes meaningfully to broader initiatives like DHM Incubator sessions and Medicaid-related time studies, directly supporting UCSF’s financial health and inclusive culture. His dedication, problem-solving, and genuine investment in the team’s success make him a standout contributor to the division.

Ellie has revitalized the Action Research Center for Health Equity (ARC) through transformative strategic planning, creative community-building, and effective management of complex partnerships, including securing a major contract that supports faculty and staff financially. Her deep commitment to health equity, combined with her professionalism, integrity, and expertise in public health and law, has made her an invaluable resource and trusted leader. Ellie’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity has strengthened ARC’s culture and expanded opportunities for its members. Through her collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ellie has significantly advanced ARC’s mission and made a lasting positive impact on the organization.

Ysa has made a remarkable impact on the Nephrology Division since joining in December 2022, consistently exemplifying UCSF’s core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. She has shown outstanding leadership in coordinating monthly staff development sessions that foster growth and community among team members. Ysa’s thoughtful efforts to strengthen external relationships through tokens of appreciation highlight her professionalism and respect for collaboration. Her exceptional organizational skills were key to the success of the Division’s holiday party and the efficient management of the laboratory inventory, ensuring smooth operations. Additionally, Ysa has played a vital role in improving division-wide communication and supporting the implementation of QGenda across multiple sites, demonstrating adaptability and dedication to enhancing efficiency and teamwork.

Sarah has transformed care delivery at the UCSF Women’s HIV Program through her innovative leadership as the Family Wellness Navigator. She designed and launched the Family Wellness Program to address the unmet needs of patients' children, helping families navigate complex systems and interrupt cycles of intergenerational trauma. Sarah has helped over 16 families and 24 children by building trusting, long-term relationships and coordinating support across schools, health systems, and social services with compassion and tenacity. Her impact is both immediate, boosting parents' confidence and children’s access to care, and systemic, with her work now serving as a model through an implementation guide and statewide presentations. Universally praised for her dedication, empathy, and effectiveness, Sarah is a vital force for equity and healing in trauma-informed primary care.

Nancy is an outstanding finance manager whose leadership has transformed financial operations in her division. Overseeing a $44M budget and supporting over 170 faculty, she has built a resilient and efficient finance team, implemented smart tracking systems, and created collaborative workflows that ensure accuracy and continuity—even during her maternity leave. Her innovative work reduced a $1M default account balance to under $100K and established sustainable processes to prevent future issues. Nancy also provides expert post-award management to faculty, offering strategic budget support during high-stakes situations, including federal grants focused on health equity. Exemplifying UCSF’s PRIDE values, Nancy is a trusted, empowering leader whose integrity, professionalism, and excellence have had a profound and lasting impact on the division’s financial health.

Renee has been a transformative leader for hematology and oncology, expertly managing the division’s complex finances across nearly 100 faculty and $135M in annual expenditures. She successfully led the transition to the OnCore Financials system, piloted milestone revenue recognition for clinical trials, and developed transparent financial reporting that empowers faculty and leadership with clearer insights. Renee’s exceptional team leadership fosters a supportive and high-performing work environment, while her faculty education initiatives have enhanced understanding of clinical research operations. Her collaborative approach strengthened partnerships across departments, improving operational efficiency and financial resilience. Through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to UCSF’s values, Renee has significantly advanced both the division’s financial health and culture.

Binu has been an outstanding contributor to the UCSF HEAL Fellowship since joining in late 2023, demonstrating exceptional efficiency, professionalism, and dedication across multiple complex projects. She played a crucial role in launching the Indigenous Healthcare Leaders fellowship by developing foundational systems, managing recruitment, and ensuring a smooth transition to a full-time coordinator. Binu expertly coordinated international travel logistics for fellows, managed the vital site exchange program facilitating global health knowledge-sharing, and handled complex visa processes with unwavering commitment. She independently led the successful logistics for HEAL’s first Training of Trainers event, freeing up the team to focus on content creation and ensuring a high-quality experience. Additionally, Binu has contributed significantly to monitoring and evaluation efforts, innovating data management systems that enhance program impact and sustainability, making her an invaluable asset to UCSF HEAL.

Christine has played a pivotal role in managing the division’s dramatic growth from fewer than 50 faculty and 3-4 services to over 170 faculty and 16 services. Her most significant achievement this past year was partnering with leadership and software experts to restructure the division’s complex clinical schedules, creating a streamlined model that supports more consistent, equitable weekend and holiday coverage while enhancing scheduling efficiency. Christine’s tireless responsiveness and problem-solving skills ensure seamless day-to-day scheduling, including urgent staffing needs during nights and weekends, directly supporting faculty well-being and reducing burnout. She also provides critical operational support to innovative programs like the Edu-Coach, empowering junior physicians with mentorship and feedback.

Jennifer has been instrumental in expanding and diversifying the program, while expertly managing its complex and evolving needs. She successfully led the administrative transition of the CIF program into the new Division of Clinical Informatics and Digital Transformation, ensuring uninterrupted support for fellows and smooth operational changes. Jennifer’s exceptional organizational skills, financial acumen, and compassionate approach have strengthened the fellowship’s financial sustainability and enhanced the well-being of fellows. She also supports broader departmental needs by assisting with fellowship programs outside her primary role, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and dedication.

Tiffany is an invaluable analyst, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, integrity, and clear communication in managing complex research funds. She consistently supports the team with effective responses to urgent financial issues, including providing detailed budgets on tight deadlines critical for grant proposals. Tiffany’s proactive management ensures the program has the necessary resources to achieve its goals, strengthening the team’s resiliency. Her respectful and collaborative approach fosters smooth communication with funders and collaborators alike.

Connie has been indispensable to the Division of Hospital Medicine since 2020, transforming administrative support for the Goldman Medicine Service and significantly improving patient care coordination. She expertly developed and expanded workflows that ensure timely communication between inpatient teams and outpatient providers, earning high praise from faculty and providers across specialties. Connie consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating reliability, professionalism, and exceptional problem-solving skills—often handling urgent requests that directly impact patient outcomes. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable patients through seamless care transitions highlights her commitment to equity and UCSF values. Connie’s unwavering excellence and teamwork have profoundly enhanced both faculty satisfaction and patient care quality, making her a vital member of the division.

Ben Loo has made outstanding contributions to his division through his expert financial management, innovative problem-solving, and collaborative leadership, leaving a lasting impact on operations. He exemplifies UCSF’s values by educating faculty on grants and budgeting, ensuring compliance, and streamlining complex administrative processes with exceptional professionalism and integrity. Ben’s creativity is highlighted by his development of the RVU productivity report, which improved revenue tracking and helped optimize clinic workflows. His strong organizational skills and dedication to teamwork have not only enhanced financial accuracy but also supported colleagues across divisions, including a seamless transition during his promotion.

Lena consistently exemplifies UCSF’s values through her exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to her team. As the Division’s Gallup Ambassador, Lena has been instrumental in maintaining staff engagement scores well above the UCSF average, using creative strategies to build morale and help foster connection. She brings the same thoughtfulness to her work in faculty recruitment and the 360 Feedback initiative, ensuring both processes are inclusive, organized, and impactful. Lena’s mentorship of new staff and her proactive leadership on career development efforts reflect her selfless commitment to uplifting others.

Rachel is an outstanding program manager and quality improvement specialist whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing her division’s key initiatives, especially around patient experience and financial resiliency. She has played a pivotal role in improving inpatient length of stay and discharge processes, contributing directly to cost savings and enhanced patient care. Rachel’s dedication to nurturing UCSF’s collaborative culture is evident through her skillful management of the Unit-Based Leadership Team, where she fosters strong partnerships across diverse clinical and administrative teams. Her proactive, organized approach keeps complex projects on track despite competing clinical demands, while her passion for equity and innovation drives meaningful improvements for patients.

Natalya has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation as the inaugural division manager of Clinical Informatics & Digital Transformation (DoC-IT) and, more recently, as interim division manager for Gastroenterology. She successfully launched DoC-IT by creating a new administrative framework for a uniquely interdisciplinary division and played a central role in advancing DOMINIQ, UCSF’s AI chatbot assistant, streamlining data management and testing while earning recognition at major academic symposia. Natalya’s strategic vision and operational expertise have been critical in managing the complexities of two very different divisions, including financial oversight, staff development, and complex faculty appointments. Her dedication to fostering community, improving workflows, and driving innovation exemplifies UCSF’s values.

Danielle exemplifies outstanding leadership and problem-solving across multiple complex projects within UCSF’s Department of Medicine. She expertly managed the two-year renovation of the M989 conference room, overcoming shifting requirements to deliver an innovative interactive touchscreen system that greatly enhanced education and engagement. Danielle also played a critical role in launching the PE Portal, providing extensive testing and customer support to ensure a seamless rollout impacting thousands of users. Beyond project management, she co-lead efforts to strengthen team culture and professional development during a leadership gap, fostering a supportive and engaging work environment. Additionally, Danielle spearheaded the creation of CRC Connect, an innovative tool that improves clinical research coordination across divisions, exemplifying her commitment to UCSF’s values of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Adriana is an exceptional health coach who consistently embodies UCSF’s values through her compassionate, professional, and patient-centered approach. Over 15 years, she has successfully coached 140+ patients in a rigorous NIH-funded study, creating safe, flexible, and supportive environments that empower patients to manage complex conditions like asthma and COPD. Adriana’s deep empathy and gentle tenacity enable her to connect with vulnerable populations often considered hard to reach, earning heartfelt appreciation from those she supports. Her professionalism and integrity shine in her collaborations with clinical teams, where she fosters trust and effective communication. Beyond her extensive experience, Adriana embraces continuous learning and growth, recently balancing two major studies while independently leading research dissemination efforts, making her an invaluable asset to the UCSF community.

Jessica has been a transformative leader for the Amend program at UCSF, overseeing its growth from a small team to a dynamic force advancing health-focused prison reform across multiple states. As a newly appointed director, she manages a complex portfolio including five program managers, over 20 practitioner-trainers, and multiple state government contracts totaling approximately $2 million in funding. Jessica’s visionary leadership was critical in expanding the innovative Resource Team initiative from two prisons to 16 across three states, significantly improving safety and rehabilitation outcomes. Beyond program growth, she fosters a positive, inclusive team culture and has developed key administrative systems that enhance operational efficiency.