Shannon Zhou, MD

Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota

Why ObGyn: Before medical school, I worked as a medical assistant in a reproductive and gender-affirming care clinic, where I really enjoyed building relationships that helped patients feel safe discussing vulnerable topics, and saw how compassionate repro care and advocacy could rebuild trust for people who had often felt dismissed. That experience led me to OB/GYN, a field that brings together so much of what I love about medicine—longitudinal relationships, advocacy, surgery, unique physiology, and the privilege of caring for patients through uncertainty, loss, celebration, and healing. I feel so lucky to be here!

Why UCSF: During my away rotation, I saw UCSF’s commitment to health equity reflected in the shared sense of purpose that residents and faculty brought to every patient interaction, and I knew that this was the environment and the people I wanted to surround myself with during these formative training years! I was equally drawn to the kindness and dedication to teaching I encountered, and to the breadth of training across academic and safety-net hospitals. These qualities made me confident that I would be supported in becoming a skilled clinician while also continuing to grow as an advocate, scholar, and educator.