Aida Venado

I came to UCSF because its culture of clinical excellence, compassionate care, scientific inquiry, and valuing diversity aligned with my internal compass. As an immigrant from Mexico, I cherished the opportunity to provide advanced lung disease and transplant care to Latino patients at UCSF.

While we are still improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is evident that it is a priority for the DOM. The openness to new ideas, and the recognition that people's different life experiences and career aspirations make UCSF richer make me feel that I belong here.

Many of our lung transplant recipients have told me they feel treated with respect and care by every member of the staff at UCSF in any role, which makes me so proud to be part of this institution. It truly feels that everyone works together as a team to achieve excellent results. I particularly value that it is easy to reach out to colleagues; the DOM is a place where collaboration thrives.