APP SPOTLIGHT

GI APPs Publish in Gastro Hep Advances

Submitted by Lisa Catalli, NP

APPs Lisa Catalli, Sara Miller, and Eliana Agudelo publishes "A Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) program for Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)" in Gastro Hep Advances (American Gastroenterological Association), a peer- reviewed, open-access journal focused on clinical innovations and emerging therapies. The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Behavioral Resources and Intervention through Digital Group Education (BRIDGE), a group telehealth psychoeducational program to enhance patients' self-management of MASLD. This structured SMA program improves patient engagement, self-management, and lifestyle behaviors in MASLD, with early signals toward improved clinical outcomes—making it a promising care model for this growing disease.

Breanne Walter, PA, Makes a Difference at the San Ramon Ortho Surgery Practice

Submitted by Hani Gutierrez, APP Manager

Breanne Walter, PA, has played a vital role in expanding the San Ramon Orthopedic Surgery-Sports Medicine practice through her clinical expertise, reliability, and team-first approach. She brings compassion and a kind bedside manner to every patient interaction, fostering a positive and supportive experience for those we serve. Breanne consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and a deep dedication to the continued growth of the practice. Thank you, Breanne, for the meaningful difference you make each day - we are grateful to have you on our team.

A Legacy of Compassion - Retiring After 25 Extraordinary Years

Submitted by Meg Schoettler, APP Manager

Celebrating Laura Cooke, NP in Pediatric Gastroenterology as a GI superstar with gratitude for the countless lives you've touched and the difference you've made.

Kelsey Merl Serves as a Panelist at Schwartz Rounds

Correction from March APP newsletter

We are proud to spotlight one of our exceptional APP providers and leaders, Kelsey Merl, NP, who presented and facilitated a powerful Schwartz Rounds discussion. Schwartz Rounds support the emotional well-being of caregivers by creating space to reflect on the personal challenges of caring for patients — including grief, ethical dilemmas, and communication — rather than clinical care alone. On March 5, 2026, Kelsey and her colleagues served as panelists for “It’s No Accident! How Caring for Abused Children Affects Us.” Thank you, Kelsey, for your leadership, compassion, and commitment to supporting our care teams.

Largest CRNA Led Medical Mission Team to the Philippines

Submitted by MJ Paras, CRNA

Mary Jane (MJ) Paras, a pediatric CRNA at BCH, was the team leader and finance committee co-chair that planned and executed the largest CRNA-led medical mission to Narra, Palawan, Philippines. Over the course of a week, the team's impact included performing 174 surgeries/consults, 471 medical consults, and MJ providing basic life support training to 80 healthcare workers in the community. Having participated in more than ten medical missions throughout her career, this inaugural Philippines deployment was the most meaningful. Read more here.

Home Based Care Learning Collaborative

Submitted by Courtney Gordon, DNP

The Home-Based Care Learning Collaborative, hosted by Project ECHO and the UCSF School of Nursing, is a free educational model and community developed to support primary and palliative care clinicians who care for adults who are unable to get to clinics for their healthcare. The program aims to improve the health of home-limited adults by offering evidence-based, practical support to the clinicians who care for them. Learn more about APPs Courtney Gordon and Daniel Gordon, who are geriatric NPs and ECHO participants.

Nursing Research : A partnership between UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Hematology and the University of Calgary School of Nursing.


Our first open study is entitled Exploring Perceptions, Validity and Meaning of Self-Compassion among Women and Girls with Inherited Bleeding Disorders: A mixed methods study. This project is currently enrolling participants in both Canada and the United States. Dr. Julia Hews-Girard is the principal investigator from the University of Calgary School of Nursing. Co-I at UCSF includes Dr. Shreya Agarwal and Mary Lesh CPNP-PC in the Division of Pediatric Hematology. Partnering as a study collaborator in Oakland is Katrina Unpingco FNP.

Molly Szuminski Leads Heme/Onc/BMT APPs

Submitted by Anne Rishon, NP

In her first months as our manager in Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Oakland and San Francisco, Molly Szuminski has navigated an extraordinary series of challenges, yet she has remained a steady and supportive presence throughout. She shows up consistently for our department and for each of us as individuals, following through to ensure things move forward and solutions are found. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment make her a true champion for our team. Thank you, Molly.

UCSF School of Nursing DNP program Ranked No. 1 in CA, Tied for No. 4 in the Nation

The UCSF School of Nursing continues to lead the country in nursing education with the No. 1 ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the state, according to U.S. News and World Report’s new 2026 Best Graduate Schools list. The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 in California and tied for No. 4 nationally, among 159 ranked DNP programs nationwide. Read more.

APP Grand Rounds

Tuesday April 14, 2026, 12 noon

Topic: Advancing Wellness, Reducing Medical Trauma and Improving Healthcare Transitions: Lessons from the Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions

Presented by: Sydney Gressel, NP

Zoom link Meeting ID: 958 0581 4978 Password: 219971

NAPNAP SF Bay Area Chapter Hosts CE Conference at the Academy of Sciences

Submitted by Tara Valcarcel, Director of Operations Cross Bay



On April 18, 2026, earn 4.0 CE credits alongside the community of pediatric advocates, NAPNAP SF Bay Area Chapter at the Academy of Sciences. Breakfast, lunch, and museum admission included in the ticket price. It will be capped at 50 people, so be sure to reserve your spot sooner rather than later. Register here.

Speakers // Topic

Dr. Ursula Griffiths-Randolph, MD, MPH // Black Infant Health

Christine Moyer, MSN, RN, CPNP // Asthma SMART/AIR Therapy

Julie Elis, MSN, CPNP-PC // Hematologic conditions

Kelsey Merl, MSN, MPH, PNP // Child Abuse

Following the presentations, you will have time to explore the museum until closing time at 5pm. For more information: http://www.sfnapnap.org or contact Crystal Makasarashvili at napnapsf@gmail.com

APP Town Hall

March 18, 2026 1210-1pm Topic: SB1334 / Meal and Rest Breaks

Zoom Click here. Meeting ID: 977 4766 9909 Password: 720432

View the recordings and review the slide decks from prior Town Halls. Click here

Pediatric Grand Rounds (East Bay)



For Zoom login information, contact: Cristina Fernandez crfernandez@ucsf.edu, 510-428-3885 ext 4343. Full schedule and archived videos (Password: CHRCO).

Every Tuesday, 8-9AM

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

"Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship: Inducing Change via User-Centered Design" Presented by Simon Parzen-Johnson, MD, MSCI Pediatric Infectious Diseases University of Chicago Medicine

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

"Bench to Bedside” Attending Research Symposium “Healing Outside of a Western Context: An Integrative Medicine Needs Assessment" presented by April Zaat, MD Pediatric hospitalist, Associate Director, Hospital Medicine – UCSF BCH Oakland

and "Family Input for Quality and Safety (FIQS)" presented by Naomi Bardach, MD, MS – Pediatrician UCSF BCH San Francisco; Sara Kuo, MD – Pediatrics UCSF BCH; and Christopher Vlasses, MD – UCSF BCH Oakland 

Save the Date - August 8, 2026 ENT Insights For the APP

Join us for a one day comprehensive course on the topics of ENT. Open to all healthcare professionals seeking insights into ENT. Speakers from Stanford Medicine and UCSF Health. August 8, 2026 8am- 5pm. Click here for more information.

Are you an Inpatient APP?

If you practice in the adult or pediatric inpatient setting, there is a new module that provides an overview of inpatient billing and coding. Must be completed within 30 days. Click here to go directly to the module. Email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu with any questions.

Guidelines for APP Student Precepting

APPs may not precept students—other than those from UCSF School of Nursing programs—without coordination through the Office of Advanced Practice Providers (OAPP), regardless of whether the student is a UCSF employee. APP students from non-UCSF programs must complete the SmartSheet so the OAPP can verify an active affiliation agreement between the school and UCSF Health before the rotation begins. Learn more about the process for precepting external APP students here. Email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu with any questions.

Documenting Is the Foundation of Quality Care--Best Practices in the Inpatient Setting

• Always adjust your APeX login department to an inpatient service (SVC)
• Always use .APPNOTE
• Document each patient encounter completely, accurately, and on time
• Document using these note types: consult, H&P, progress, procedure, significant event or discharge
• Document regardless of the shift you work
• Document regardless of whether you may bill for the encounter/procedure

To learn more about inpatient documentation, click here for slide deck. To view APP Town Hall presentation by Office of Compliance and Privacy and Office of Advanced Practice Providers about inpatient documentation, click here.

New Features in APeX: AI-generated Summaries of Hospitalization and Recent Events, and an AI Text Assistant

For inpatient APPs, use this feature for currently admitted patients using a tool called "Inpatient Insights" in APeX. This new tool is part of a pilot program at UCSF.

Watch this training video (my access login) and view this tip sheet. There are also AI text assistant features that refine formatting, adjust tone, and summarize text. Click for tip sheet.

Most importantly, sign up for AI scribe for inpatient setting here (login MyAccess)

We appreciate your feedback on this "Inpatient Insights" tool – it's essential to help us monitor the accuracy and reliability of the summaries generated. Please keep an eye out for a quick survey in the upcoming months so we can hear how well this tool works for you!

Sign up For Power User APeX Courses

Want to work more efficiently in APex? Go to this website and learn more about all the online courses you can take for free. Once on the website, go to Training Home -> Course Catalog -> Role -> SmartUser -> Start with the Introduction Course then you can add the SlicerDicer course (MD212) -> Select course date/time -> go to Cart -> Registering self-> leave Cost Center blank -> Submit request. Email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu if you are asked for cost center to charge. There is no fee, and it is available to all APPs.

This Month's Epic Changes

Inpatient Provider APEX Updates April 2026

• Restraint Order update provider order does not need to specify the device type
• The First Fill Date field will now be available for all medications, as it was previously only shown for controlled medications

Ambulatory APEX Updates April 2026

• Use generative AI to summarize notes and generate a summary for outpatient visits
• Referrals to specialties

Renew your BLS/ACLS and DEA

All BLS, ACLS, PALS renewals will now be administered through UCSF Nursing Connect. Safety Training Seminars (STS), our prior vendor, will no longer be available for the above certifications. Only Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) will continue to be offered by STS. Click here for more details about Nursing Connect didactic requirements and hands-on demonstration locations. You must submit a photo or PDF of updated certificate to the appropriate Office of Medical Affairs and Governance expirables@ucsf.edu or medical.staff-oakland@ucsf.edu

DEA: UCSF employees are exempt from paying the $888 DEA registration fee for new or renewal applications. Instructions are found here. Also, learn about the one-time DEA education requirement (effective in 2023) to complete 8 hours of continuing education on the topics of treatment and medication management of patients with opioid and other substance use disorders.

VP, Chief Nursing Officer, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Retires

Judie Boehmer, MN, RN, NEA-BC, FABC announced her retirement after 38 years of service to the University of California. A veteran of the University of California system, Boehmer came to UCSF in 2021 from UC Davis Health. While at UCSF for the past 5 years, she developed and implemented major strategic goals, while providing executive-level leadership, planning and general management for all aspects of patient care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. Her retirement is effective July 1, 2026.

Introducing Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud will replace several separate tools we use today, making it easier to do our work, reduce errors and receive more reliable information. All UCSF Health employees will use Oracle to view their personal data, employment information, compensation details, submit HR help Desk tickets, recognize colleagues and more. Log in to MyAccess and use this link to see the training video for individual contributors such as APPs. Email ProjectOneTraining@ucsf.edu

 to contact the Project One Training team at any time.

Expansion of Behavioral Health Services

On behalf of Suresh Gunasekaran, President and CEO 

UCSF Health, in partnership with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), has been awarded $70.2 million in state funding to support the expansion of behavioral health services at Hyde Hospital. This grant funding will support the rehabilitation of existing space to create 50 locked subacute treatment beds for individuals under mental health conservatorship, along with six additional acute psychiatric inpatient beds within Hyde’s existing 24-bed Behavioral Health Unit. Read more

Diane Sliwka, MD Chief Physician Experience Officer Retires

On behalf of Josh Adler, Chief Clinical Officer, Vice Dean UCSF Health

Since 2014, Dr. Sliwka has led UCSF’s organizational approach to clinician experience. She initiated UCSF’s first physician experience survey and established the structural framework that now underpins our approach to clinician well-being: defined organizational goals; alignment of leader incentives; transparent annual measurement and reporting; and systematic action planning across departments and the health system. Her work contributed to UCSF earning AMA Joy in Medicine Gold recognition. Dr. Sliwka’s final day will be June 18, 2026. Read more about Dr. Sliwka here.

4-week course Explores Women's Health Transitions

Submitted by Julia Burns

This four-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of women’s health transitions, from the onset of adolescence through the complexities of healthy aging. Led by esteemed academic and clinical experts from UCSF, this program bridges the gap between biomedicine and integrative practices like East Asian medicine and mind-body therapy. Participants will investigate critical topics, including reproductive resilience against environmental changes, evidence-based menopause management, and the neurological foundations of longevity. By examining the biological and environmental factors that shape each life stage, this course empowers individuals with actionable strategies to optimize overall health and vitality. Learn more here.

Employee Recognition Program is Moving to Oracle

In an exciting step toward streamlining and enhancing its workplace tools, the employee recognition program has been transitioned from UCSF Recognize to the Oracle Celebrate platform, set to launch in April 2026. Read more.

International Nurses Day May 12, 2026

Submitted by Anisha Rao, Program Coordinator

Joint the Center for Global Nursing Community on May 12th as they celebrate the incredible contributions of nurses and APPs across the globe, honoring their leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing quality care, health equity and stronger communities worldwide. Enjoy inspiring speakers, meaningful networking, and a fun raffle as we come together to recognize the invaluable impact nurses and APPs make across the global health systems. Participate in person (UCSF Mission Hall 1400) or Zoom. Register here. Refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Contact Anisha.Rao@ucsf.edu with any questions.

Clinician Work Experience Survey

All APPs and physicians are invited to help leadership understand what is working and where we need improvements by completing the Clinican Work Experience Survey. Survey questions are specific to APP and physician roles and benchmarked against 30 Academic Medical Center. The survey is available starting today, April 14 through May 12. Link sent via email from Dr. Talmadge King.

New Job Postings for April 2026

APP open position list not available at this time due to transition to new Oracle system. Searching for an APP job? Go to HR website and use the search function and enter key words.

Tobacco Screening with Every Patient Visit and How to Receive wRVU Credit

on behalf of Ann-Marie Cabonce, Patricia Perdomo, Emmy Garcia

ACRT Clinical Operations Specialists

At every patient visit, please confirm the patient’s tobacco smoking/smokeless status and mark the tobacco screening section as “reviewed”. Even when there is no update, this simple action helps ensure accurate, up-to-date documentation and contributes meaningfully to UCSF Health's overall compliance performance. If the patient is a current smoker, one of the following interventions are required to receive wRVU credit - referral to Fontana Tobacco Treatment Center or Prescription for cessation aid. Click here for full description of screening process.

Relationship-Centered Communication Training for all APPs

Pediatric Focused Course, too

Complimentary training for all ambulatory and inpatient APPs. Required training for all new APP hires; must complete within two years of hire. Understand the importance and value of effective communication, build rapport and relationships with others. Recognize others' perspectives and concerns. Listen reflectively and respond with empathy. For more dates and info. Pediatric Providers course available on June 2.

Press Ganey Comments about NPs, PAs, CRNAs, Midwives

Care at Home: "Great job Daniel Gordon is an excellent NP. The office staff was very helpful."

Allergy Bayfront: "Jessica Zheng is an excellent [nurse] practitioner. She's knowledgeable and listens well, too. One of the best, as I've come to expect from UCSF."

Ortho Spine Parnassus: "I had an excellent experience with Outpatient PA, Ariana [Nassiri]. She did an outstanding job examining me and answering all my questions."

Urology Bayfront: "[NP David] Dungca was very nice and helpful. He seemed truly concerned about my health."

Look up your group or individual patient experience score and national benchmarks on this dashboard

Announcing APP Wellness Gift - Apply for up to $200 reimbursement

The Office of Advanced Practice Providers and the APP Wellness Committee are excited to support and strengthen APP well-being through the APP Wellness Gift. This opportunity is part of the Jonathan Pascual Well-being Gift, created in honor of Jonathan—a UCSF NP whose dedication to patient care, athletics, and living well, have left a lasting impact on the APP community. Eligible APPs (NP, PA, CNM, CRNA) are encouraged to apply. Selected applicants will receive reimbursement of up to $200. Click here for more details and the application. Learn more about the APP Wellness Committee.

Earn CEUs for Mental Health Awareness Month from AANP

Submitted by Erna Josiah-Davis, APP Manager

Free course of the month "Mental Health Matters: Integrating Awareness Into Daily NP Practice". Credit 1.07 contact hours of CE. Available for free until April 30, 2026 and to AANP members only. After the initial month has passed, the activity will become available to both AANP members and to non-members for a fee. Learn about AANP membership.

Campus Life Services Offers Many Discounts

Golden State Valkyries Season UCSF discounted tickets

Bay to Breakers registration 10% discount with Team UCSF

Golden State Warriors discounted tickets click here.

Safeway stores are offering a 5% discount on each transaction to UCSF employees and students. Click here for more Safeway details.

Shopping Discounts: Click here Activities, Sports, Event Ticket Discounts: click here

Free Tickets to Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line (login MyAccess)

Click here to see the April dates and show titles for free comedy tickets for Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line SF

Procedure, Documentation & Billing: Key Reminders

When observing a procedure, it must be performed, documented, and billed by the performing provider. The patient should be scheduled with that provider.

When an APP performs a procedure under direct supervision, the APP must write the procedure note and include: “performed under direct supervision of [insert name].” The scheduling provider can be either the APP or the person who is directly supervising.

The Office of Advanced Practice Providers is here to support you

Email us at advancedpractice@ucsf.edu

Archived APP newsletters

Visit the UCSF APP website

Submit content to this newsletter anytime with this link

Christian Sendaydiego Administrative Assistant

Kurstan Del Rosario Senior Operations Analyst

Tara Valcarcel, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, NEA Director, Pediatric Operations Advanced Practice Providers 

Roseanne "Rosie" Krauter, DNP, NP, NEA-BC, NI-BC, FNP-BC Director of Informatics & Clinical Systems

Brandon Sessler MMS,PA-C

Director of Professional Practice & Fellowship Program Director

Alisa Yee, MSN, ACNP-BC

Director, Adult Operations Advanced Practice Providers

Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, C-PNP

Chief of Advanced Practice Providers

Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, UCSF School of Nursing (SON)

Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF SON Department of Family Health Care Nursing