HumAnes of UCLA: Alan Zamora, MSN, CRNA
Introducing Alan Zamora, MSN, CRNA, Assistant CRNA Manager
May 24, 2023
Where did you grow up? Where did you complete your education and training?
I grew up living in various places across Central and Southern California, but I consider San Diego as my “home” because it’s the one city I lived in the longest. I attended San Diego State University for undergrad and then moved to Philadelphia to complete my nurse anesthesia education/training at the University of Pennsylvania.
What was your childhood dream?
My childhood dream was to go to college. No one in my entire family tree had ever gone to college, so as a young person, the idea of achieving something like that seemed so out of reach. But I made it my goal to one day be the first to do it! I’m so happy that I get to say I’ve reached my childhood dream, because I was able to break that cycle for my entire family. It opened the door for my brother and several of my cousins to do the same. Now, achieving a higher education doesn’t have to be an “out of reach” dream for my daughter, but rather one of the many milestones along the way as she pursues her own dreams.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
I like spending time with my family, playing golf, going for hikes, doing household projects, gardening, and going to the beach. I also enjoy going to concerts, but I didn’t attend my first concert until I was 28 years old — can you believe that? I saw Future Islands, and now they are one of my favorite bands. I just got to see them at the “Just like Heaven Fest” in Pasadena.
What is your favorite book, movie, song, or TV show, and why?
This one is tough, so many choices! My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. Put simply, I could watch it over and over again, and it never gets old. I appreciate how his optimistic character overcomes so many challenges and adversity during many phases of his life. I feel like this movie can inspire you to do anything.
Tell us a little about your family (and any pets).
I’m happily married to my beautiful wife, Lauren, and we’re celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary this June. We met while at San Diego State University, during my senior year. Together we have our 6-year-old daughter, Stella, two French bulldogs Lily (11yo) and Lyla (6mo), and one guinea pig Gio (2yo). My family is my biggest inspiration.
What do you enjoy about being a CRNA?
There are many things I enjoy about being a CRNA. I’m grateful that I get to be a part of this awesome community of highly skilled anesthesia providers, serving patients and their families in their time of need. I enjoy that no two days are the same, each day is unique, and presents a different challenge. On a daily basis, I get to work, collaborate, and interface with different anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, SRNAs, residents, PSSTs and surgical techs from many different backgrounds and circumstances. I always wanted to be a part of a profession that is built on a culture of life-long learning, and I feel very fortunate to have found it as a CRNA. Never in my childhood could I have dreamt of being where I am today – I feel very fortunate!
In your opinion, which qualities contribute to a positive MD-CRNA collaboration?
I think having mutual respect for and recognition of each other’s knowledge and judgement is key. I think it sets the foundation to have a relationship where trust and open communication can flourish; this creates an environment where the best patient care and outcomes can be achieved.
What has been your favorite vacation destination so far?
I honestly haven’t had the opportunity to travel as much as I wish I had in the last few years (Thanks, COVID-19!). However, I am making it a priority to travel more in the coming years, starting with a trip to Cabo this June. With that said, thus far, my favorite vacation destination has been Madrid, Spain. Tapas? I’m in!
Any place in the world that you'd really like to visit someday?
There are so many places that I would like to visit one day; I don’t think I can narrow it down to one. However, my short list would be made up of the seven natural wonders of the world, of which I have one down, six to go!