UCSF's Ingrid Mcgraw Champions for Women in Medicine

When a patient walks through the doors at UCSF, often carrying fear and uncertainty, they are likely to be met by Ingrid Mcgraw. As a Radiology Patient Navigator, Ingrid doesn't just guide people through appointments and procedures; she provides calm reassurance and an unwavering sense of care.

To her, the role is deeply personal. "Every patient is somebody's somebody," Ingrid reflects. "They are someone's mother, grandmother, aunt, or daughter. You want to treat them like that's your somebody."

This philosophy shapes every interaction, reminding colleagues and patients alike that medicine is not only about technology and treatment, but also about humanity.

Women in Medicine Month is an opportunity to celebrate women who redefine what care looks like. For Ingrid, visibility and voice are just as critical as clinical expertise. "Women need to feel seen and heard in the workplace. Their opinions, expertise, and knowledge make a huge impact," she says.

In radiology, a field where women have often been underrepresented, she sees women's perspectives as essential. Whether offering a softer touch or setting firm boundaries, women bring nuance and depth to patient care that elevates the entire practice.

Ingrid draws strength from women leaders around her at UCSF. "I work with incredible women who inspire me to do more," she shares. "Working with powerful women influences you to push yourself, elevate yourself, and be better."

But just as she has been inspired, Ingrid sees it as her responsibility to uplift others. She serves as a mentor and advocate for students and early-career colleagues entering the field of radiology. "I'm always their biggest cheerleader. I tell them, 'If you need anything, ask me. I'll advocate for you.'" Her encouragement goes beyond words. It's about creating an environment where women feel confident, supported, and ready to lead.

Advocating for others is part of who Ingrid is. She champions for patients who feel voiceless, supports colleagues finding their place, and inspires the next generation, including her own daughter, who is exploring a career in health care.

Her conviction is simple and strong: "We are powerful." Women in medicine inspire her "to be a better person and to be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves."

When asked what she would say to women considering a career in medical imaging, Ingrid's response was immediate, "Do it, you won't regret it. Now's the time." Her words capture not just encouragement, but urgency. The field needs more voices, more perspectives, more women to carry radiology forward.

At UCSF, Ingrid Mcgraw embodies the compassion, leadership, and strength that women bring to health care. Her voice and work remind us that women are not only vital to health care but are also transforming it, one patient at a time.