Meet Our CEO

Q & A with Dr. Adrienne Green

Why did you choose to be a doctor?  

As a student, I always knew I wanted to do something in the sciences. After college, I spent a few years doing bench research in an immunology lab. While it was important, fascinating work, it confirmed for me that I was better suited for a career in medicine. Being a doctor includes not only the cognitive work of making diagnoses and treatment decisions but also the privilege of supporting patients at incredibly vulnerable and impactful times in their lives.    

What draws you now to work with older adults?  

As a hospitalist, much of one’s work is with older adults, and I developed a strong interest in geriatrics and palliative care early in my career. I am fortunate to have had an early opportunity to practice in a skilled nursing facility and to learn a lot about discharge planning and care transitions from my administrative and leadership roles in the hospital. This helped me to better understand the challenging journey across the healthcare continuum that our older patients experience. I am committed to improving both the quality of care and systems in this space, despite many improvements over the years there is still much opportunity.    

Why are you excited to join a faith-based, Jewish institution?  

Jewish values include honoring and caring for one’s elders and learning from their wisdom.  I see our specific organizational values of compassion, community, excellence and innovation in action every day on our campus.  Upholding these core values allows SFCJL to provide exceptional care and a joyful living experience, not only for the Jewish community but also for the whole diverse community that we embrace in San Francisco.     

What do you think is the most significant change or challenge in senior healthcare?  

The simple answer right now would be that finances, staffing and the rapidly growing population of older adults are the primary challenges.  While true, I think it is more critical for us to ask: What do seniors of the 21st century need and want as they age? Our current care models were developed for my grandparents’ generation; we will need to shift our thinking as the baby boomers are quickly aging into senior care.  I look forward to developing a strategic plan with the SFCJL board and leadership team that honors the past legacy at SFCJL and creates a roadmap for the future that addresses these challenges.  

Can you share about an older adult who has inspired you during your life?  

It would be hard to pinpoint just one. I’ve had the privilege of caring for many inspiring older patients, some older than 100. I love learning from their life stories and watching how they care for those around them, even at the most difficult times. I’m fortunate to have had a grandmother and an aunt who inspired me with their independence, compassion, and, of course, the ability to effortlessly host a Jewish holiday dinner well into their 80s and 90s.     

What do you do when you’re not working?  

When I’m not working, you will find me hiking with family and friends, playing pickleball, trying a new recipe, or reading a good book.   

---