A conversation with UC San Francisco Lactation Program Coordinator, Ann Turingan.
Q: What do you do as a Lactation Program Coordinator with CLS Family Services?
A: For our program, we support lactating individuals at UCSF with private lactation rooms. We also have information on workplace rights. We offer workshops and free pump kits—ensuring we offer services that support individuals returning to work who need to pump, with the goal of making their transition a little easier. Some of what I do is manage our emails, such as sending out confirmation emails for folks who register for our program. I prepare the cooler back packages and manage our inventory. We have over 90 rooms, so that's like a lot to oversee. My supervisor Caroline Carter and I track all our items—just to make sure that all the rooms are equipped with what they'll need. I also submit work orders for the rooms, if anything needs to be fixed with them. I help with a lot of our improvement projects alongside my supervisor, and we just try to enhance those lactation rooms and our services to better the needs of those we support.
Q: Is this type of work fulfilling for you?
A: Definitely! Sometimes, you forget what kind of impact you make on others until you get positive feedback -- which is what I love. It fuels my drive to work and do what I do. Just hearing that people appreciate what we do and feel supported when they return to work and they're pumping at work -- it's really rewarding!
Q: How long have you been at UCSF? What’s been your favorite part working with CLS?
A: I've only been here for two years, so I like to say I’m kind of new.
I do get to work with a really great and supportive team, which is Family Services. It's only the four of us, so we're a small team but I really love my team. I just feel like I could go to them if I need help with something. Also, again, that positive feedback from the people that use our rooms, or our service is also my favorite part.
Q: What were you doing before you came to UCSF?
A: I went to community college before I transferred to San Francisco State University. I studied Public Health, and then I minored in Women's Health Issues. It’s kind of how I landed here. All throughout college, I worked in retail. Then in my last semester, I got to intern at the National Kidney Foundation. They do have an office here in San Francisco, but it was during COVID, so everything was remote. I learned a lot there, and I got to do some outreach, program coordination, and advocacy work, which is really cool. Right before I landed this job, I was an activity coordinator at a rehabilitation facility, where I did a little bit of program implementation as well.
Q: What got you interested in women’s health, and interning at the National Kidney Foundation?
A: I originally wanted to be a nurse, or I thought I wanted to be a nurse. I always thought I'd probably be in women's health or pediatrics. I always gravitated towards women’s health. When I learned that there was a minor, I was like, “Oh, let me try it!” I wanted to be able to make a difference. Then with the National Kidney Foundation, I just thought it'd be a great opportunity to intern, because it was required to do an internship for the Public Health program. For some reason, I wanted to do that because it was something I didn’t have experience in, and I just love to learn.
Q: What were some of the takeaways from that internship?
A: I got to connect with some of the patients with kidney disease, and I was able to hear their stories and do the advocacy work. There was a week-long event where we got to talk to people involved with creating legislation to improve the care for patients. Everyone was just so amazing! I remember one person -- they knew I was just an intern, and I wasn't a patient -- but they were just so appreciative that someone was advocating for them.
Q: It seems you have a deep passion for helping people. Is this something you learned from your family, or while growing up?
A: Most of my family members are in the medical field. My mom worked for rehabilitation facilities as well. That's how I got my last job! Seeing what she does, I also like helping others.
Q: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I'm an introvert and a homebody, so I do enjoy staying home. Besides that, I love spending time with my loved ones. I like to read! My sister, my best friend, and I have a little book club, and we meet every week.
Q: How fun! What book are you currently reading?
A: It’s called The Afterlife of Holly Chase.
Q: Anything else you want your colleagues to know about you? Maybe a fun fact they wouldn’t know about you!
A: I love going to Disneyland! I'm a Disney adult! I don't care how old I am. I don't care how old I get. I love going! I just went last January 2023 for the first time in 15 years. I've been four times now in the last two years.
