Gregory P Victorino, MD FACS

Education & Training

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

General Surgery Residency: UCSF-East Bay

Fellowship: Surgical Critical Care, University of California, Davis

Employment

Professor of Surgery, UCSF-East Bay

Chief, UCSF-East Bay Program

Chair, Department of Surgery, Alameda Health System

What was your favorite thing about UCSF East Bay?

The camaraderie. Surgical training is such a bonding experience, and I am very proud to be a part of the team atmosphere here at East Bay. And that bond seems to last forever. We held our 1st Annual Alumni Event at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in San Francisco last year and it was a huge success. It was really great to see several generations of surgeons all sharing stories about their East Bay training.

What would you like to share with applicants about your experiences at East Bay?

If taking care of patients in the safety net is your passion, if being a part of a team is important for your professional satisfaction, and if you are at your best in times of crisis, then you will love your training here at East Bay.

What made you decide to come back to East Bay as an attending surgeon?

Surgery is quite fascinating, and I love hearing about the different paths everyone takes as they negotiate and progress through their training and careers. One does not choose Surgery, Surgery chooses you. Many doors will open throughout your career and it will be up to you whether you step through that door. I knew I wanted to work at Highland Hospital when I first walked these hallowed halls as an intern. There are of course several reasons for that, but a major reason would have to be the patients. Serving in the safety net is an honor and a privilege. We have 19 different languages available through our translation service team. Despite the language barriers, despite the cultural differences, our patients put their trust in us to take care of them and provide them surgical care. This is both incredibly inspiring and humbling at the same time.