I have had the privilege of working with Jane Gama for almost 15 years in the ZSFG Operating rooms. “OR Jane” is key to the day-to-day functioning of the entire perioperative operation. She cares deeply about patients and their families and our ability to provide timely and high-quality care. Her ability to coordinate and organize the multiple needs of surgeons, anesthesia providers, clinic staff, nurses, equipment vendors, housekeeping, etc., while maintaining professionalism and respect is unmatched.

Jane shows great leadership as a regular charge nurse but can also shift to direct bedside care seamlessly, which she often does to ensure our patients get the care they need and her colleagues get the support they need. She shows great flexibility and patience and maintains a calm environment even during extremely stressful situations. Jane is extremely supportive, taking on multiple unrecognized roles as a dedicated educator, resource for new students and staff, and, of course, patient care advocate. She is the first face many people see as they enter the OR, and she very patiently and warmly directs them to the right place. She shows great empathy and realizes the struggles many of our patients face in even finding transportation to the hospital. She will go above and beyond to find a way to provide the resources so these patients will receive the surgical care they need, recognizing how much they went through to arrive even when they are quite late. Jane is always quietly, behind-the-scenes getting work done. I have great respect for Jane and I believe she captures the spirit of our mission at ZSFG.