California Pacific Medical Center’s Dr. Heba Ismail has been honored by the American Lung Association with an Outstanding Mother-Physician of the Year award.
By Jennifer Modenessi, Vitals contributor
Dr. Heba Ismail, an interventional pulmonologist and medical director of the Thoracic Oncology Program and Lung Nodule Center at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, is the 2025 American Lung Association Outstanding Mother Award-Physician of the Year honoree. The award honors women who balance raising families with excelling in their careers and giving back to their communities.
Jennifer Morrice, left, nominated Dr. Heba Ismail for the Outstanding Mother Award. Morrice is a former patient of Dr. Ismail.
Dr. Ismail was nominated by Jennifer Morrice, a 2024 ALA Outstanding Mother Award recipient. Dr. Ismail was especially touched by the nomination as Morrice is a former patient who was previously treated at CPMC for lung cancer. Morrice underwent a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy performed by Dr. Ismail last year to diagnose a suspicious nodule in her left lung near her heart.
“That’s an incredible honor! Being nominated by a former patient makes it even more meaningful — it’s a testament to the impact you’ve had on their life and health,” Dr. Ismail said. “To be recognized not just as a mother, but as someone who has made a difference in a patient’s life, is truly special. It reinforces my commitment to both my family and my work, reminding me that compassion and care extend beyond the home.”
As a leader in interventional pulmonology, Dr. Ismail uses innovative technology to diagnose and manage lung cancer and other thoracic diseases. Her use of robotic bronchoscopy and other minimally invasive procedures offers patients faster diagnosis, less pain and quicker recovery times, which are critical when up against an aggressive disease like lung cancer.
She is especially passionate about improving women’s health outcomes by increasing opportunities for early lung cancer detection.
Dr. Ismail uses the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system at Sutter’s CPMC Van Ness Campus to investigate a suspicious lung nodule in a patient.
While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women, lung cancer screenings tend to target men and older smokers. In response, Dr. Ismail founded the Grouped Lung Cancer and Mammography Screening, or GLAMS, initiative at CPMC, which aims to close the gender gap by offering joint lung and breast cancer screening to women in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Data from the program will help raise awareness about gender biases in current screening, help create more inclusive screening guidelines and hopefully address the increased incidence of lung cancer in nonsmoking women.
“Detecting lung cancer in its early stages, especially among non-smoking women who might not be aware of their risk, gives patients the opportunity for better outcomes and hope,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to not only address a critical health issue but also empower patients and their families with knowledge and solutions during such vulnerable times. Additionally, contributing to women’s health in a meaningful way feels like a privilege and a responsibility I’m honored to carry.’
Deborah Bishop, Thoracic Cancer Nurse Navigator, at CPMC, said that Dr. Ismail works tirelessly to ensure that patients are receiving care at the level they deserve.
“Dr. Ismail has been a force of nature in developing our Lung Cancer Center at CPMC. She has brought advanced technology and procedures to the San Francisco area before other healthcare systems had this technology,” Bishop said. “She’s a true dynamo.”
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Ismail is busy raising two daughters while maintaining a balance between her demanding career and motherhood. It is not always easy, but the experience has been deeply rewarding.
“I’ve learned that prioritization and flexibility are key – there’s no such thing as a perfect schedule and adapting to life’s unpredictability is part of the journey,” Dr. Ismail said. “Support systems, whether family, friends or colleagues, are invaluable. I’ve also found that small but meaningful moments – like sharing a bedtime story or attending a school event – matter far more than perfection in my dual roles. Finally, embracing self-compassion and recognizing that I’m doing the best I can, both in my career and at home, is a lesson I keep close to heart.”
To see the full list of ALA Outstanding Mother Award honorees and to learn more about the award, click here.
