Expanding Radiology Access on the Peninsula
UCSF Health Peninsula Outpatient Center (POPC) Team: Camille Pereda, Loretta Johnson, Mark Johnson, Eli Sausau, Amy Acuna, Monica Goranov, Matthew Olson, Aireen Sarte, and Anna Ramsey.
Amy Acuna and the radiology team she leads welcomed patients to the new UCSF Health Peninsula Outpatient Center (POPC) on Monday, February 24. Centrally located in downtown Burlingame, at 225 California Drive, the center is one of five convenient clinics on the Peninsula where patients can access world-class UCSF Health care. Currently, imaging services include MR, CT, and X-ray, with comprehensive breast imaging and PET/CT to be added later this year.
As ebullient today as she was on opening day, Acuna is excited to expand access to high-quality specialty and cancer care for patients on the Peninsula, an enclave south of San Francisco, that she herself calls home.
“It’s about UCSF’s commitment to be part of the community, to make sure we have broad access throughout the Bay Area, not just in San Francisco,” says Acuna. Prior to joining the POPC team, Acuna was breast imaging supervisor in Mission Bay for four years.
The new Peninsula Outpatient Center in Burlingame. Image by Jessica Bernstein-Wax.
Acuna credits POPC’s smooth launch to meticulous preparation. Weeks before patients arrived, CT, X-ray, and MRI modality leaders and technologists collaborated with Acuna to set-up radiology equipment and stations. They established protocols and executed day-in-the-life training scenarios to prepare.
“Opening a new location is a huge endeavor. The fact that it’s gone so smoothly is a testament to everyone’s planning and preparation,” she emphasizes.
With 20 years of experience, Acuna leads with a unique blend of technologist expertise and business acumen. After more than a decade as a technologist, Acuna obtained her MBA degree. Today, Acuna oversees all imaging modalities and ensures the facility meets all compliance and regulatory requirements. Acuna will also provide back-up as a technologist to perform mammograms and x-rays as needed.
Amy Acuna MBA, RT (R)(M)(ARRT), Peninsula Outpatient Center Supervisor.
“I was a technologist first, and that’s the perspective I bring,” she says. “My passion as a leader is to serve our staff the way our staff serve our patients.”
Looking ahead, Acuna focuses on fostering strong team relationships. In March, they held their first staff engagement meeting, setting the stage for strong bonds among the CT and MRI technologists, nursing staff and front desk personnel that will help ensure compassionate care.
“I find immense satisfaction in bringing positivity and joy, not just to the community, but also to employees,” she says. “Our service standards should extend to everyone. That’s not just a professional goal; that’s how I want to live.”