Dr. Joan Chow is a physician supervisor who consistently encourages and mentors her staff. As described by one her staff, “she always encourages me to continue learning on the job and builds my confidence, insisting I can handle any project before me.” She is appreciated for her desire that all her staff feel utilized and challenged, so they can take pride in their work. The combination of her genuine concern for her staff and her passion for research makes her work environment one that welcomes new ideas for collaboration and analysis.
As Chief of the Epidemiology unit of the CA Department of Health Services and STD Control branch, she oversees public health surveillance and research projects whose results are used to improve service delivery and STD prevention activities. As one nominator says, “she brings great knowledge and passion to the projects she participates in and yet always seems to have her colleagues receive all the credit and kudos for the excellent results.” Her colleagues agree that Joan exemplifies the spirit behind the Great People award, supporting their professional development and showing extraordinary personal concern as well as passionate dedication to the science.
Ross Jardine is a supervisor in the Chatterjee Center for Cardiac Research, running their out patient clinic and serving as their office manager. A number of his co-workers came together in support of his nomination as a Great Person. They consistently describe him as their go to person, dealing with not only need patients and scheduling challenges, but stepping in to serve as handyman, ordering supplies and, as one nominator says, “the things that no one really has in their job description.”
But it is the manner in which he handles these duties that allow Ross to really shine. He’s described as a role model for service, with a positive, helpful attitude and a commitment to getting the job done. As another nominee says, “what really stands out about Ross is his professionalism, mixed with a terrific sense of humor. He makes everyone feel that they are his highest priority.”
Josh Marx plays a critical role in the SOM Dean’s Office. With his primary focus manning the front desk, Josh is the face and voice of the Dean’s Office. One of his nominators describes him as “our utility player, as he has the finesse to pitch in with everything from last minute event crises to scheduling.” Another says, he is highly competent, resourceful and always cheerfully engaged. Examples of his wide ranging duties include processing financial reimbursements for Chair search expenses to serving as the contact point for CTSI grant information gathering. Josh is described as one of those people who can not only handle this, but do it with apparent ease and calm.
Josh received wide ranging support from colleagues who clearly respect and appreciate his skills and his style. One such supporter aptly sums up Josh’s contributions by saying, “without fail, Josh conveys an attitude of assurance, geniality and unassuming professionalism, coupled with a quiet intelligence that always makes him a joy to work with.”
Valerie Robb is a Clinical Nurse in the Positive Health Program. She’s described as performing in an exemplary way, with great skill and even greater compassion for patients. In 2003 Val set about developing an HIV-Hepatitis Co-infection Program by working with local experts and creating protocols from scratch. She also started and facilitates a patient support group which has had such a strong response that a Spanish speaking support group has been added. As one nominator simply says, “this program has been responsible for saving the lives of many patients!!!!!”
Additionally, Val takes patients from the support group on an annual 2-day white water rafting trip. Though some peers were skeptical she found community partners that specialize in providing outdoor experiences to individuals living with a medical illness or disability. A peer describes the participants as “returning to San Francisco rejuvenated and empowered to realize their full potential.” Another says, “she’s an inspiration to us all, a joy to work with, and absolutely one of UCSF’s Great People.”
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