Adriana Schoenberg, RN, NP, Nurse Practitioner III, Clinical Services

What do you do at UHS?
I provide Primary Care and Urgent Care to students and eligible faculty/staff through Clinic 3 and Urgent Care Clinic. I have been the chair of our Eating Disorder Treatment Group for over 15 years. I also provide a lot of gynecological services such as inserting IUD's and Implanon/Nextplanon. When I have some extra time I assist my boss, Jo Billington, with some of the Administrative tasks such as writing Patient Care Guidelines, overseeing the IUD and Implanon program, and peer reviews. I absolutely LOVE patient care!

When did you start working at Tang?
I started at Cowell Hospital in 1985 after leaving La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland; we moved to Tang from Cowell at the end of 1991. I have "grown up" here!  

What's your favorite spot on campus? 
I love the variety of entertainment available at Zellerbach Hall, I really enjoy walking at the Botanical Gardens, but a few times per week you can find me sitting next to the sunny windows on the south side of the 2nd floor lobby in the Tang Center with my lunch, my knitting, and some of my wonderful colleagues.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
I have been very fortunate to have a worked with many wonderful colleagues and my goal of making a positive difference in the lives of my patients!

What's your "Tang Tip" for students?
Did you know that you can actually request a specific clinician to see you? This allows you and your "Primary Care Provider" to get to know each other and work together during your years at Cal. At 8pm, some next day appointments become available for scheduling on line and most clinicians have a few slots reserved just for this purpose!

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I spin yarn and knit; I have had some of the knitting patterns that I designed published. I also love to travel to culturally stimulating places.

What is your favorite quote? You are not what you eat but what is eating you.~Adriana Schoenberg 

Harriet Fukushima, RN
Advice Nurse, Primary Care

What do you do at UHS? 
I give phone advice for students calling Tang's Advice Nurse, as well as screening students who need TB clearance for school applications, jobs, EAP, and volunteer work.

When did you start working at Tang? 
This is my third time back at Tang. My first time was in 1970, after returning from Vietnam as an International Voluntary Service volunteer working at a leprosy hospital. 

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Anywhere I can walk - especially Zellerbach Hall when the cherry trees are in bloom.  

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Working with students. I did my undergraduate and graduate studies here at Cal so I'm interested in what student life is like today.

What's your "Tang Tip" for students?
Monday and Friday are very busy. If  you want to seen on these days (or are thinking about being seen), call early: 8am-9am for same day appointment. 

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Floral design (I have done this professionally and studied in Kyoto, Japan).  

Favorite Quote:
YOU must be the change you wish to see in the world.~ Mahatma Gandhi.  

Aaron S. Cohen, Ph.D.
Senior Staff Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services

What do you do at UHS?
I am the CPS liaison to the Residence Life and work out of the Residential and Student Services Building. I work closely with the Residence Life student and professional staff to support the mental health needs of students living on-campus. I also help coordinate CPS response when there is a campus tragedy.

When did you start working at Tang?  
I worked as a post-doctoral fellow at CPS from 1999-2000, at Social Services in Spring 2001 and came back to CPS in November 2007. From 2001-2007 I worked on-campus at the Disabled Students Program.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Anywhere I can walk.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
My favorite part of Tang is my colleagues, some of whom I have known for 13 years. I like working at Residence Life because I enjoy working with first year students and the issues that they are needing support with such as transition, homesickness and relationship concerns.

What's your "Tang Tip" for students? 
I have been working with college students for a long time and I remember being a college student, undergrad and grad...so I know that this may sound simplistic but you must get some balance of sleep, healthy eating and exercise in order to support both your physical and mental health.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I love going to the movies...superhero and action movies! 

Allan Creighton
Social Justice Violence Prevention Health Educator, Health Promotion

What do you do at UHS?
Workshops, trainings, classes, consultations and policy on preventing violence and promoting equity at Cal, especially in reference to gender, race, sexual orientation, gender expression, ability, and citizenship status.
When did you start working at Tang?
January 19, 2003  
 
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
University Press Books(!)...and 210 Wheeler, where I’ve taught my social justice public health class every fall.

What’s your favorite part of working at Tang?
Unquestionably all of us: the people, students and staff, who work here.

What’s your “Tang Tip” for students?
Everyone is affected by incidents of disrespect or mistreatment at Cal. You can do something about it: if you think you may be witnessing someone being hurt, see what you can safely do to prevent it: 1) trust your intuition and take a second look; 2) decide to act-if you’re there, you’re already involved; 3) do the right thing: if someone’s being hurt, figure out how safely to help them, if someone is hurting themselves or someone else, figure out how safely to stop them; 4) follow through to make sure the risk is over and everyone is safe; and 5) get back-up for yourself, from Tang or UCPD or any other of the many campus resources (you can find out about them by visiting the UC EmpowerU  website).

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Is it possible to combine French roast, crunchy peanut butter, several books, and hiking into one hobby? Well of course!

What is your favorite quote?
“No one left out, no one left behind” 

Lisa LaNae Somerville
Medical Assistant (MA), Chronic Care Assistant (CCA)
Primary Care, Occupational Health Clinic, Appointment Office, Urgent Care and Specialty Clinic

What do you do at UHS?
I am a medical assistant and my duties consist of administrative and clinical duties. Admin duties may include scheduling appointments, greeting and logging in patients arriving at the clinic, and other general office duties. Clinical duties include showing patients to examination rooms and preparing them for their visit, recording patient's medical histories, vitals, etc. I also train interning students from various schools.

When did you start working at Tang?
October 19, 2005

What's your favorite spot on campus?
The Botanical Gardens

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Striving to provide the best care and excellent service to our student patients. Seeing them leave with a smile truly makes my day.

What's your "Tang Tip" for students?
To make the most of your college years will be more rewarding if you learn to work in healthy habits as part of your daily routine.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Family first - spending quality time with my family.

What's your favorite quote?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 KJV (King James Version) 

Diane Drew
Information Center Manager & Volunteer Coordinator, Administration/TIC

What do you do at UHS?
Explain where the elevator button is, point to the bathrooms, make Gold Cards, give directions to the SHIP Office AND manage 15 Community Volunteers, student volunteers and work study students who staff the TIC, our focal point for reception at the Tang Center. I also oversee the Community Volunteer Program which encompasses interns, fellows, unpaid professionals, non-UC students and members of the community who are volunteering or would like to volunteer at Tang. And other duties as assigned!

When did you start working at Tang?
January 2004

What's your favorite spot on campus?
The Durant-side patio at Tang on a sunny day sitting in a chair with a good book and a good lunch!

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
My work buddies and teaching the student staff at the TIC. Most of the students stick around for 2-3 years and I love watching them learn more about Tang, become more confident with helping our clients and seeing them grow personally. They are my extended family! I don't like saying goodbye when they graduate.

What's your "Tang Tip" for students?
Don't wait to take care of your health needs! If you feel sick, make an appointment now. If you are travelling and need immunizations, get them far enough in advance to protect yourself. If you feel stressed out or pressured to make some choices that you normally wouldn't, come in and talk with someone. Take the time to take care of yourself!!

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
GARDENING!!! I could garden 24/7. Who wants to do housework when you can be outside! I've never met a plant I didn't like or a nursery that didn't at least have one thing for me to buy.

Peggy Brennan, R.N.
Allergy/International Travel Clinic

What do you do at UHS?
I am one of the nurses doing allergy injections, tuberculosis skin testing, and routine immunizations. Our International Travel Care Clinic helps students, faculty, and staff prepare for travel to developing countries.

When did you start working at Tang? 1987

What's your favorite spot on campus? Faculty glade in spring.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
I'm grateful for the good people I work with, learning new things all the time and the surprising and fun students!

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
I'd like every student to know that they can be seen and cared for at Tang, that we have many services for them. The staff here know that being a student at Cal can be hard work and we would like to keep students healthy and strong.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I like walking, reading, spending time with my grandchildren in Seal Beach, CA and Medford, OR.

What is your favorite quote?   "One day at a time!"

Lillian Chiang, Ph.D.  
Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services

What do you do at UHS?
I provide individual, couples, and group counseling at UHS. I am also active in doing outreach. I enjoy going to student organizations/clubs and classrooms to dialogue with students about mental health issues.
I have been working with our Asian American Pacific Islander student communities to promote health and wellness.

When did you start working at Tang?   Fall 2008

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Upper Sproul, especially on a nice sunny day. It's great to see all the student clubs and campus organizations tabling there. There is great energy with lots of people out and about. You get a feel of the wonderful diversity at Cal.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Being able to work with students and having supportive colleagues. 

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS? 

We enjoy working with you! For counseling services, we are at Tang and we also have satellite counseling offices across campus.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:  
Reading mysteries and Hollywood gossip magazines.

What is your favorite quote?   "It is what it is."  

Michelle Alvarez
Cashier, Cashiers Office

What do you do at UHS?
I collect all co-payments from students who are seen in Primary Care, Urgent Care, Specialty Clinic, Allergy/Travel, Physical Therapy, Radiology, CPS, Social Services, & Lab. I also input all charges from these departments as well if patients don't come pay the same day of service. As a cashier I provide fast, friendly and excellent customer service to all students. No matter how long the lines are, I try to get the patients out and on their way.

When did you start working at Tang?
In November 2002 I started working at the Pharmacy and then I moved next door to the Cashier's Office in October 2005.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Having an opportunity to meet so many friendly students. Especially the regular students when they come in, they have short conversations with me, it makes me feel like they are comfortable with the service I am providing to them. Especially when they stop by once in a while just to say hello even if they have no payments to make.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
Everyone here at UHS is hard working & dedicated to the jobs we perform & we provide excellent customer service to all students.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time: 
In my spare time, I enjoy being with my husband and two children watching soccer almost every night.

What is your favorite quote?
"Treat others how you want to be treated."

Wanda Thrower, CDC
Alcohol and Drug Specialist, Social Services
 
What do you do at UHS?
With a harm reduction focus, I provide individual Alcohol and Drug counseling, facilitate groups, and do outreach and consultation to the campus community.
 
When did you start working at Tang? 1972

 What's your favorite spot on campus?
My most favorite spot is Faculty Glade; it so pretty and peaceful.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Seeing the students that I work with reach their goal of graduating from UC Berkeley.
 
What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
You are not a medical number when you walk through the doors for care. We are a unit with a huge heart. We see your face, and we want to help.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time: 
I love working out, I just need a gym buddy.

What is your favorite quote? "Let your kid out to play."

Pamela Cameron NP, MSN
Associate Director - Public Health, Quality Improvement, and Specialty Services

What do you do at UHS?
I have multiple roles. I coordinate the UHS accreditation process with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare to assure we continue to meet the highest standards of care possible. In a related role, I work with a multidisciplinary team to look at quality of care and how we can continue to improve.  I work closely with Public Health and the local hospitals to assure prompt identification and management of infectious disease. I also oversee Specialty Services including Allergy/Travel and the flu shot clinics.

When did you start working at Tang?
August 1987

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Botanical Gardens

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
I love being on a college campus surrounded by bright, motivated staff and students all trying to make their corner of the world a better place. 

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
Selecting a Primary Care Provider and scheduling appointments with him or her can improve the quality of care and reduce time and expense for clients.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I love gardening.

What do you do at UHS?
On the clinical team of providers offering women’s health care services at Tang. Member, EHR committee, Template Tuners and Chair of Women’s Health Committee.

When did you start working at Tang?
November 2009

What's your favorite spot on campus?
I enjoy people-watching on Telegraph Avenue, having fond memories of hanging out there for a few weeks in high school while on an internship at LBL.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Working at Tang is a pleasure because I am surrounded with incredible, accomplished, intelligent and dedicated colleagues and patients.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
The counseling/ social services (especially peer) and health education providers complement the clinical effort here at Tang so well. I appreciate their efforts and they add so much to each patient’s experience and understanding of their health issue or concern.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Laughing at/with my kids.

What do you do at UHS?
I provide counseling for patients receiving prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and answer any other questions regarding their treatment. I also discuss pharmaceutical questions with clinicians in hopes of providing total care for the patients.

When did you start working at Tang?
I started working as a relief pharmacist in 2004. When a permanent position opened, I was given a full-time position in January 2005.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
My car at lunch time, since I take a nap to get energized for the remainder of the day.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
I really enjoy interacting with the patients, as they are very intelligent and understand the purpose of counseling.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
The service we provide is specifically for them. We are here to help them to the best of our ability.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Tennis is a sport that I hope to enjoy for the rest of my life, but have not be able to practice due to my busy daily schedule. Some day, I hope to be the best tennis player for my age group.

What do you do at UHS?
I oversee CARE Services which is the campus employee assistance program and includes our eldercare program. I also provide direct service to clients through individual counseling and consultation for managers.

When did you start working at Tang?
January 2008

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Eucalyptus Grove

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
The human energy in the building -- the commitment that everyone demonstrates in serving clients and the community makes it fun to come to work.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
How involved UHS is in shaping programs and delivering services all over campus in addition to what we do inside Tang.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
With three kids under 4 years old, spare time isn't so common these days, but I love to fish whenever I get a chance.

What do you do at UHS?
I work in Clinic 1, providing medical care.

When did you start working at Tang?
November 1989

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Sproul Plaza and the grassy area of Oxford.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
The students. I love the variety of students and hearing about the interesting things they are doing. I also love engaging with people who are interested in improving their health.

My colleagues. I've worked in many places, most often other facilities operating with limited staffing and funds. Often it was difficult for these places to dedicate time and resources to quality assurance. Administration and the staff at UHS are great professionally; and personally there is a committment to quality care. I love their warmth and sense of humor.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
Many of us have worked here for a very long time; we love our work and have become specialists in college health. We are not perfect, but we are very conscientious about providing quality care.

The world is big, their experiences will be varied, but I'm willing to bet at some point the quality of care provided at UHS will become apparent.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I love to dance! I need more spare time to devote to dancing...maybe I should work 2 days per week and dance the other 5. :-)

What do you do at UHS?
As a practicing clinician and manager, I have two roles. Wearing my Physical Therapist hat, I work with patients who have injuries. This includes treating the injury and more importantly, educating them on causes, prevention, home exercises and lifestyle changes. As a manager I am responsible for the smooth functioning of the physical therapy department. I also sit on a number of UHS and one campus based committee.

When did you start working at Tang?
January 2000

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Two spots: sitting at a Women's Basketball game at Haas Pavilion and going to the top of the Campanile with my daughter after a game.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
I really enjoy coming to work every day because the physical therapy team is great. We are constantly learning from each other, we do good work, we get along well and we have lots of fun. I also enjoy taking a patient from a place where they are injured and not functioning well, to a level where they can fully participate in sports, recreation, class or whatever they want to do.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
I wish that more students knew about the Student Health Sports Medicine Clinic (SHSMC) through our specialty clinic. This is a self-referral clinic for students who have an acute sports-related injury. They see a physician who is board certified in Sports Medicine and, if appropriate, they see a Physical Therapist and get started with treatment right away. Doctors Chang and Nelson are excellent and the students like the idea of the "one stop shop."

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Since I had twin girls 5 years ago, they are my hobby.

What do you do at UHS?
My primary role is coordinating our psychology and social work training programs. Each year we have predoctoral and post-MSW interns as well as postdoctoral fellows come from all over the country to spend a year training with us and providing service to the UC Berkeley community. I also see a few students in individual and group therapy.

When did you start working at Tang?
Fall 1999

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Memorial Stadium

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Working with the students and my colleagues.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
I wish customers new how incredibly hard UHS staff members work to ensure that our clients receive the best service(s).

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
I love playing golf and watching anything related to The University of Texas.

What do you do at UHS?
I enjoy working on student wellness issues. We’ll be launching a new online advice column on relationships because so many students struggle with the relationships in their lives (roommates, professors, family, partners). Some students are just plain lonely. And they’re not necessarily lonely in the “romantic” sense. Plenty of students don’t have a single close friend to confide in or to go with to the movies. My job is to always look for new ways to reach students with tips and resources.

I’m also really passionate about the Health & Wellness Education and Coaching appointments. Every week I talk with students about how to make positive health changes. Most of the appointments are related to stress management and sexuality problems. I have the best job in the world: I get paid to help students learn how to have great sex!

When did you start working at Tang?
1985. I was originally hired to coordinate sexuality programming for the campus.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Sproul Plaza—a great place to feel the heartbeat of the campus.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Being in a position to mentor students and help them learn how to live happy, healthy lives. I’m Facebook friends with many of my former peer educators who are now health educators, physicians, activists, attorneys, professors, moms, dads!

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
That the UHS staff really care about students’ health and wellbeing. And like many staff, I’ve stayed at UHS for over two decades because I love the students and the work.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Fooling around with paper: making collages, scrapbooks, cards. Because I love stationery, I have a small collection of artsy “greeting cards.”

What do you do at UHS?
I see patients in the Urgent Care and in the Sports Medicine Clinic. I am one of the sideline physicians covering the NCAA sports at Cal and I am the lead doctor and director of care in the Urgent Care Clinic.

When did you start working at Tang?
I started in 2003 as a part-time doctor and in 2005 I began working full time.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
The creek between University House and Haviland Hall.

What's your favorite part of working at Tang?
Talking with students, when I sew up their cuts.

What one thing do you wish customers knew about UHS?
We have tons of chocolate, just ask.

Tell us one hobby you enjoy in your spare time:
Ultimate Frisbee.