Chinese Hospital proudly announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jian Zhang, was invited to deliver the Commencement Address for the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Nursing and Health Professions Class of 2025. The ceremony was held at St. Ignatius Church on the USF campus on December 12.
A respected healthcare leader and longtime advocate for community-based care, Dr. Zhang returned to her alma mater as a commencement speaker, marking a meaningful full-circle moment in her professional journey. She earned her Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from USF in 2012 and credits the university’s Jesuit values with shaping her approach to leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
In her address, Dr. Zhang shared personal reflections and leadership lessons shaped by her decades-long career as a nurse, healthcare executive, and community leader. She encouraged graduates to look for opportunity during moments of uncertainty, drawing from her own early career experiences to show how challenges can become turning points. Reflecting on her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, she spoke about the importance of embracing change with courage and innovation rather than resisting it. Dr. Zhang also emphasized that true leadership is measured not by individual achievement, but by the ability to lift others and help entire communities rise together. Her message highlighted resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service.
Dr. Zhang also highlighted her experience leading Chinese Hospital through some of the most challenging moments in its 126-year history, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Serving one of San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations, Chinese Hospital demonstrated the power of culturally responsive care, early preparedness, and strong community partnerships. These efforts helped protect Chinatown residents and reinforced Chinese Hospital’s longstanding mission to provide compassionate, accessible care to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Addressing graduates entering an era of rapid technological advancement in healthcare, Dr. Zhang reminded them that innovation must never come at the expense of humanity. She encouraged the Class of 2025 to lead with both clinical excellence and empathy, carrying forward the Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person and serving the greater good.
“Your diploma is not the end of your education; it is the beginning of your influence,” Dr. Zhang told graduates, urging them to use their skills to heal, to lead with integrity, and to lift others as they advance in their careers.
As CEO of Chinese Hospital, Dr. Zhang champions quality, equity, and culturally responsive healthcare while developing future leaders to serve diverse and underserved communities. Her commencement address reflected Chinese Hospital’s mission of compassion, resilience, and service to the community.
Chinese Hospital congratulates the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions Class of 2025 and wishes the graduates continued success as they begin their careers in service to patients, families, and communities.
Media contact:
Jenni Lau
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