Facilities Director Kelly Noorani was recently recognized at the UCSF Fresno All-Staff Meeting for her 15 years of dedicated service. This is especially meaningful as UCFS Fresno celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
We took a moment to reflect with Noorani on this career milestone, her exciting new projects, and what makes UCSF Fresno so special.
How did you start your career working at UCSF Fresno?
Although I was born and raised in Fresno, I moved to Washington State from 1999-2008. I wanted to move back "home" and applied for several jobs in education, interviewed for the executive assistant to the UCSF Fresno chief of medicine, and on August 4, 2008, I started with UCSF Fresno. From there I've held several positions with UCSF Fresno and loved every one of them. I became the facilities manager in March 2010.
Looking back, what are some moments that stand out to you over the last 15 years?
I would say the growth of the programs over the years, from residency and fellowship expansion to our own medical student program. I supported the associate dean at the time the SJV (San Joaquin Valley) Prime program was created as a partnership first with UC Davis, then with UC Merced, and then to see the first cohort of medical students for the Fresno program begin. Years in the making to see it come to fruition was enjoyable.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at UCSF?
We have had a couple of capital projects that have enhanced both the research capabilities and educational opportunities for the students and trainees in Fresno. The projects included a Clinical Research Center which brought together our ability to have our research staff all in one place. We are currently in the final stages of a complete remodel/reconfiguration of our Clinical Skills and Simulation Center which is set to be completed in March.
What are you working on now that you feel excited about?
In addition to the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center project, which is almost complete, we are in the middle of two renewal projects for the building. We have two stand-alone systems in Fresno that we are integrating with campus systems. We will be integrating our access control system for better security and our building maintenance system for better efficiency in HVAC controls.
As UCSF Fresno celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, can you share a bit about what you think makes UCSF Fresno special?
The Fresno program is a unique program in that we train physicians within a very underserved area of California. We have a diverse population that is served directly by our trainees, which is greatly needed. The initial purpose of the program, which still holds true today, is that a great percentage of the physicians who train with UCSF Fresno stay in the Valley to continue serving our population after they have gone through our program and are board certified.