Fellow Spotlight: Nicole Herrick, MD

Nicky Herrick, MD, was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Southern California. While earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration at San Diego State University, she took a human physiology class that enthralled her. “I still have a notebook with all the hand-drawn pictures of the heart,” she said.

Her fascination with cardiac physiology led to an interest in congenital heart disease (CHD). She spent three summers as a counselor at Camp del Corazon, working with teenaged girls with CHD. “Hearing how much variation there was in understanding their condition made me want to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care,” said Dr. Herrick.

After working as a research coordinator for the cardiology department at Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego, she earned her medical degree from UC San Diego, where she also completed residencies in internal medicine and pediatrics. She chose UCSF for cardiology fellowship for its clinical opportunities, robust program in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), and the gender and racial diversity among faculty and fellows. Dr. Herrick has conducted research in ways to improve care for pregnant women with ACHD, and looks forward to learning more about cardio-obstetrics.

She is married to Alex Gorman, a finance professional. Together they enjoy exploring local playgrounds with their young son, Lincoln.