How Collaboration and Creativity Has Guided Brian Abascal’s Work in Health Equity

Shakespeare famously wrote, “All the world’s a stage.” Over the course of his 20-year career in healthcare administration, Brian Abascal, MFA, has taken on many roles – from supporting youth programs in Boston to leading adult health initiatives in San Francisco – all with a singular purpose: improving lives and advancing health equity.

After earning his MFA, Brian discovered that his ability to see the bigger picture could translate beyond the theater. What began as directing stage productions evolved into directing healthcare educational programming. His first healthcare role, as an administrative associate at Boston Children’s Hospital, sparked a calling that combined storytelling, collaboration, and compassion.

At Boston Children’s, Brian helped develop youth HIV/AIDS care programs at a time when many questions about HIV remained unanswered. His background in the arts proved invaluable – shaping narratives, coordinating complex projects, and engaging diverse communities. “The skills I learned in theater – listening deeply, seeing the whole picture, and bringing people together around a shared vision – became the foundation for everything I do,” he says.

Drawn to UCSF’s pioneering work in HIV/AIDS care – home to the world’s first dedicated clinic at San Francisco General Hospital’s Ward 86 – Brian followed his heart west. “UCSF was where the big questions were being asked,” he recalls. “And more importantly, where people were finding the answers.”

Since joining UCSF, Brian has contributed to programs that expand access to services and strengthen healthcare systems. Along the way, he’s honed expertise in research administration, regulatory documentation, and educational resource development—skills that now serve him in his role as Project Manager with the UCSF Training & Health Equity Collaborative (THE Collaborative).

In this role, Brian supports the development of training programs and educational materials that help healthcare sites build capacity to deliver HIV prevention and treatment services. He finds particular joy in mentoring others and helping teammates bring their ideas to life. “Equitable access to healthcare uplifts everyone – it’s the key to a healthy future for all,” Brian says. “I’m proud to play even a small part in that.”

From Boston’s snowy streets to UCSF’s innovative programs, Brian’s journey reflects the heart of UCSF’s mission: to serve, to collaborate, and to uplift. His story reminds us that every role—whether on stage or in service—can create lasting impact when guided by empathy and purpose.