01/19/2026
On January 15, Chinese Hospital held a retirement reception honoring Dr. Jian Zhang, former Chief Executive Officer, in recognition of her 32 years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and lasting impact on the hospital and the communities it serves.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of Board members, physicians, staff, community leaders, supporters, and local and state elected officials—reflecting the profound respect Dr. Zhang has earned across healthcare, public service, and the broader community. During the reception, elected officials presented commendations acknowledging her leadership, public service, and significant contributions to advancing healthcare access and equity. Attendees also shared personal reflections highlighting Dr. Zhang’s mentorship, integrity, and ability to inspire others to lead with purpose.
Dr. Zhang joined Chinese Hospital in 1991 as a UCSF international student and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2017 during one of the most challenging periods in the hospital’s history. At a time of operational disruption and financial uncertainty, she provided steady, decisive leadership that guided the organization through recovery and renewal. Her tenure was defined by strategic vision, bold decision-making, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to equitable, community-based care.
“Dr. Jian Zhang’s leadership guided Chinese Hospital through some of the most pivotal moments in our history,” said Dr. Roger Eng, Chair of the Chinese Hospital Board of Trustees. “Her leadership not only safeguarded the institution during times of uncertainty, but also fundamentally strengthened and elevated it. Her impact will be felt for generations, and we are deeply grateful for the enduring foundation she has built for our hospital and community.”
Transformative accomplishments under Dr. Zhang’s leadership:
• Restored Chinese Hospital’s reputation and financial and operational stability after a major system breakup in 2016.
• Led a nationally recognized pandemic response that protected Chinatown and kept infection and death rates among the lowest in the region.
• Built strong partnerships with UCSF Health, the San Francisco Department of Public Health and other health systems.
• Obtained historic government and philanthropic support.
• Elevated Chinese Hospital’s reputation to national prominence, earning recognition on Newsweek’s America’s Best-in-State Hospitals list for three consecutive years: 2024, 2025, and 2026.
• Strategically established outpatient centers and clinics, bringing culturally and linguistically appropriate care to more families in San Francisco and northern San Mateo County.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Zhang shared, “Chinese Hospital has always been more than a workplace—it has been a community, a responsibility, and a lifelong mission. I am profoundly grateful to the Board, leadership team, physicians, nurses, staff, partners, elected officials, and the communities we serve. Their trust and collaboration made every milestone possible.”
She added, “While I have stepped away from the role of CEO, I have not stepped away from the mission. I am moving from leading within to guiding beyond—continuing to elevate our voice, strengthen our impact, and advocate for the needs of Chinese Hospital and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”
Although retired from the role of Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Zhang continues to support Chinese Hospital as a Board Advisor and Executive Coach, helping guide leadership transition efforts and mentoring the next generation of leaders to ensure the organization’s long-term strength and stability.
“Dr. Zhang’s impact is immeasurable,” said Michael Chung, Chief Executive Officer of Chinese Hospital. “She built a strong foundation grounded in compassion, excellence, and cultural integrity. As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to carrying her vision forward and honoring the legacy she created.”
The retirement reception served as both a celebration of Dr. Zhang’s remarkable career and a powerful reflection of the respect she has earned across sectors. The strong presence of elected officials and community leaders highlighted not only her lasting influence, but also the vital role Chinese Hospital continues to play in advancing health equity through culturally competent, bilingual, and accessible care throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Full album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CHGrmXhBrXuXuSXj8
Photo credit: Frank Jang