Emely Alfaro

Emely Alfaro is a nurse who cares for patients receiving infusion treatments for cancer, particularly for solid tumors of the breast, digestive system or urinary system. She also cares for patients receiving infusions for noncancerous conditions, including multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and other autoimmune diseases.

As a clinical nurse specialist and certified oncology nurse, Alfaro is committed to best practices – care standards shown to bring the best outcomes – in infusion therapy. She helps educate the nursing team on new therapies, practice updates and various topics in cancer care. She facilitates training in some of the more specialized procedures and methods of chemotherapy administration offered at UCSF, and provides support for satellite and specialty clinics. She serves on various UCSF Health committees and collaborates with other oncology nurses to help ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Alfaro has led efforts to implement patient-centered programs, including programs to provide treatment in patients' homes. She educates patients and their loved ones on managing care at home, when appropriate, and collaborates with health care teams in other specialties, such as allergy and immunology, to create individualized protocols so that patients can continue to receive infusions safely in an outpatient setting.

Alfaro earned a bachelor's degree in nursing at Seattle University. She earned a master's degree in nursing at UCSF.

Outside of work, Alfaro enjoys cooking, reading and traveling.