I've never been so happy--or so frustrated - Clinical Research Coordinator UCSF Health Employee Review

4.0
Dec 12, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I find my job and the work I do very satisfying. I have learned so much working at an amazing hospital/campus that houses ground-breaking research and exceptional patient care. I am inspired each day. UCSF is rated the second-best academic work setting in the country, according to a 2009 survey conducted by The Scientist magazine. It's two greatest strengths are employees’ overall job satisfaction and their relationships with their colleagues. I really enjoy working with my fellow colleagues, not only because they are geniuses, but because they have great personalities. They are both professional and very relaxed. Everyone has a great sense of humor. These are some the qualities that contribute to the intellectually stimulating and laid back atmosphere that I love so much. There is a reason why some people call UCSF "U Can Stay Forever"

Cons

I've received stellar performance reviews, but not a single raise. It seems like it doesn't matter that I'm doing exceptional work. My boss says I should get a raise, but apparently, her word doesn't carry much clout. Neither of us understand how the system works, and HR is more than happy to keep us in the dark. In fact, HR has been more of an obstacle than a resource. It's a bit disheartening. I have heard the same complaints from my friends--all of whom are incredibly bright, well-educated, and hardworking. On the flip side, some of my co-workers are either lazy or brainless, but they make more than me based off how many years they've had the job. I have no intention of leaving, I really do love my job. I'm just not sure I love my employer. Also, there is too much job security. Once someone has maintained a position at UCSF for 6 months, they've earned "career employee" status. This means it is near impossible to get fired here, unless you punch someone in the face. This makes it safe for employees to perform poorly without any consequences. Perhaps this is the reason why UCSF was nicknamed "U Can Stay Forever."

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5.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Opportunities to learn new skills. My team is excellent.

Cons

New leadership models prioritize profit over employee well-being. They are starting to thin out our staffing more and more. Morale is very low right now on our unit ...

1.0
Apr 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people that work at UCSF are some of the most intelligent analysts I've ever worked with in 15 years of Health IT. Most are ex-Epic employees with strong backgrounds in project managament and IT,

Cons

UCSF recently decided to reclassify all remote employees as "Felxible" without their input or permission. As a result, employees must now travel to the office WITHOUT expenses paid. This means that flights, hotels, etc. are NOT reimbursed and are paid by the employee. UCSF has not answered to what problem they are trying to solve with this, and refuses to answer how this action aligns with goals such as sustainability (carbon emissions), equity (women and disabled are more impacted by eliminating remote work), working accommodating (UCSF does not have the physical space for all of the Clinical Systems department to be on site. There is no locked storage or accessible workspaces.), safety (there is no shuttle for UCSF to all locations that have been mentioned for work). UCSF limits employee growth, by eliminating actual promotions with "role based work". In other words, you have to do more work without compensation for it. They have also completely reneged on remote management, meaning that most employees are now at a dead end.

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