Jessica Pfannenstiel’s New Role Sparks Passion for Innovation
The recent redesign of UCSF Health imaging operations created a new Chief Imaging Officer role and eight new director positions to support regional and programmatic expansion of imaging services. As our new team members are hired, we’ll introduce them and share how they each contribute to UCSF’s ongoing work to ensure the highest quality patient care. The first article in the series featured Tosca Bridges, MS, RT(R)(CT)(QM), Interim Director, Imaging Operations – Adult Hospital. This is the second article in the series.
For more than 20 years, Jessica Pfannenstiel, MS, RT(R)(CT), has seen first-hand how technology advancements continually transform radiology and biomedical imaging. From her start as a computed tomography (CT) technologist, to her most recent role as manager of the CT Team, she has significant experience implementing tools that streamline processes, improve imaging quality, and benefit patient care.
Now, as Pfannenstiel steps into a new role – she was named Interim Director of Imaging Quality & Technology in April – she finds herself in a familiar situation, a place where her leadership talent naturally shines.
Jessica Pfannenstiel, UCSF Health Radiology, Interim Director of Imaging Quality & Technology from UCSF Radiology on Vimeo.
“I’m responsive to change and adapt quickly,” admits Pfannenstiel, as she reflected on her 21-year career in radiology at UCSF. “The rapid development of new tools and software has continually pushed me to adapt and learn, enabling me to streamline processes and improve the quality of my work significantly,” said Pfannenstiel.
As the Interim Director of Imaging Quality & Technology, Pfannenstiel will partner with radiology faculty to advance UCSF’s leadership in implementing innovative technology. Her role also includes protocol management and oversight of standardized processes for patient care, equipment management, and staff development functions such as training plans and articulating technologist career pathways. Top priorities include building out the new director level positions as well as the roles for supporting managers and supervisors.
“My goal is to learn as much as possible from my colleagues and staff to better our department and provide quality care for our patients,” said Pfannenstiel, who is excited to continue collaborating with faculty leaders, Javier Villanueva-Meyer, MD, Vice Chair, Quality and Technology; Michael Ohliger, MD, PhD, MRI Modality Director; and Kimberly Kallianos, MD, CT Modality Director, as well as the new senior leadership team for UCSF Health Imaging Operations. “I want to do what’s best for our patients, our healthcare workers, and our department.”
At the start of her career, Pfannenstiel was focused on technical skills working as a CT technologist. Over time, she developed an interest in project management and broadened her expertise to include management and team leadership.
“My previous role as manager of CT operations taught me how to prioritize, create a positive environment, and patience,” said Pfannenstiel. “CT is a busy modality, so I did my best to emphasize patient care while meeting our financial goals.”
Under Pfannenstiel’s leadership, the CT team increased access for patients at UCSF Bakar Cancer Hospital in Mission Bay by implementing automatic scheduling, which improved utilization for CT scanners. In addition, the CT team successfully cross-trained diagnostic X-ray technologists, a collaboration between seasoned CT technologists and Health system leadership to offer and promote internal opportunities for career growth.
“The collaborative nature of my work has evolved beyond my expectations,” said Pfannenstiel. “Building strong relationships with colleagues and industry professionals has provided invaluable insights and has often led to innovative solutions that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.”
Currently, she’s focused on handing off CT leadership to a team led by Will Sylvain, MBA, ARRT, RT (R), (CT), while familiarizing herself with current projects within a few modalities at a high level. Pfannenstiel will continue her lead role in the UCSF-wide MyTime project, a new system that aims to modernize timekeeping and scheduling processes into a single platform which will go live next year.
Pfannenstiel is always on the go and ready for what’s next. When she’s not running around the medical center, Pfannenstiel maintains a fast pace. Her happy place is a tennis court, and she also enjoys exploring new Bay Area hikes and trail runs.
“Change can be exciting,” advises Pfannenstiel. “UCSF is an exciting organization to work for, and the innovation here keeps my job interesting. I learn something new every day.”
To learn more about Pfannenstiel’s background, read our past Spotlight article.