UCSF Advanced Practice Providers August 2026 | | |
The Human Thread
Reflections On What Connects Us
Lately, I have been thinking about what it means to truly be seen.
Not recognized for what we accomplish. Not thanked for what we do. Simply seen. It is remarkable how often we remember the people who made us feel that we mattered. Sometimes it is not because they solved a problem or had the perfect words. Sometimes it is because they looked up from what they were doing, listened without rushing, remembered something important to us, or simply made us feel that, for a moment, we were the only person in the room. I wonder if that is one of the quiet gifts we can offer one another. Not because we are clinicians. Not because we are colleagues. But because we are human. Thank you for allowing me to share these reflections with you.
A question to carry with you:
Who has made you feel truly seen, and what did they do that you have never forgotten?
Ivette
Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-PC
Chief of Advanced Practice Providers, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health
Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, UCSF School of Nursing (SON)
Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF SON Department of Family Health Care Nursing
| | |
A Giant Moment: From Fan to National Anthem Singer
As a San Francisco native and lifelong Giants fan, Jabarri Robertson, NP, MSN grew up going to games with his family. For years, his godmother, who works in the Giants front office, encouraged him to audition to sing the National Anthem. As a colorectal surgery APP at Mission Bay, he finally took the leap. Jabarri had the incredible honor of performing the National Anthem at Oracle Park for African American Heritage Night in August 2025 and again for Nurses Appreciation Night in June 2026.
Going from cheering in the stands to singing on the field was truly a full-circle moment for him. Best of all, Jabarri was proud to represent UCSF while doing something he loves. He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and memories that he will carry with him for years to come.
| | |
Growing Our CRNA Leadership Team
Submitted by Amanda Fulton, CRNA Manager
We are excited to announce that Christina Jafar, DNP, CRNA, has officially accepted the permanent CRNA Supervisor position, effective July 5. We are thrilled to welcome her to our growing team of CRNA leaders.
Since joining our team in September 2022, Christina has consistently demonstrated excellence as a clinician while earning the respect and trust of both frontline CRNAs and our physician colleagues. She is well known for her positive attitude, collaborative approach, and enthusiasm for process improvement and continuing education. Christina completed the UCSF LeAP program, and over the past six months, Christina has excelled in the interim CRNA Supervisor role, demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and growth. She has embraced new challenges, supported her colleagues, and helped strengthen our team's culture and operations. We are incredibly grateful that Christina chose to transition from the interim role into this permanent leadership position. We look forward to her continued contributions and are confident she will have a lasting positive impact on our CRNA team and the patients we serve. Congratulations, Christina, on this well-deserved achievement! Read more about CRNAs at UCSF.
| | |
Celebrating Our Pediatric Neurology APPs
Submitted by Megan Schoettler, APP Manager Children's Ambulatory
A recent article in The Bridge (must sign in with SSO) highlighted the opening of the new Pediatric Neurology Specialty Unit at Mission Bay—an exciting milestone for our patients and families. We'd also like to recognize two APPs whose dedication has been instrumental to the unit's success. Haley Steinle, NP, played a key role in developing the unit and helping bring this vision to life. Her leadership and countless hours of planning laid the foundation for this exciting new program. We also want to recognize Natalia Zorrilla, NP, who is currently serving as the unit's primary provider. Natalia has stepped into this critical role with exceptional dedication, providing expert care while helping ensure the unit's successful launch and ongoing operations. Congratulations and thank you to Haley and Natalia for your outstanding contributions to advancing pediatric neurology care at UCSF!
| | |
Recognizing Excellence: Annika Ehrlich Achieves AHS Fellowship
Annika Ehrlich, DNP, FNP-C, CNRN, AQH, was named a Fellow of the American Headache Society (FAHS) at their Annual Scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida, in June 2026. Dr. Ehrlich is an NPIII and Ambulatory Neurology APP lead. The FAHS designation recognizes members who have made significant contributions to headache medicine through clinical excellence, research, education, and service to the society. Dr. Ehrlich is one of three advanced practice providers to have achieved Fellowship in the society's history. Click here to learn more about the American Headache Society.
| | |
Advancing Expertise in IBD Care
Submitted by Megan Schoettler, APP Manager Children's Ambulatory
David Drevno, NP, Pediatric GI at BCH-Oakland, was accepted into the prestigious IBD Frontiers Intestinal Ultrasound Training Program. Congratulations, David!
| | |
Wishing Becca Ratcliff All the Best in Retirement
Submitted by Megan Schoettler, APP Manager Children's Ambulatory
Becca Ratcliff, MSN, PNP, in Pediatric GI at BCH-Oakland, will retire this August. Her expertise and dedication transformed the lives of countless patients while inspiring generations of clinicians. She leaves behind a legacy of clinical excellence, compassionate mentorship, and unwavering kindness that will continue to inspire our teams for years to come.
| |
NP Innovation: From Clinical Expertise to AI Solutions
Brooklyn Bach, NP, an acute care nurse practitioner in Gastroenterology was named a ChatGPT Enterprise Hackathon winner. She demonstrates how APPs can lead innovation at the intersection of clinical care and technology. On July 22, 2026, Brooklyn showcased UCSF PreCheck, her award-winning custom GPT designed to streamline pre-anesthesia assessments, reduce delays, improve efficiency, and support better patient care. She also shared practical insights on developing AI-powered clinical tools and how similar approaches could be applied across healthcare settings. Brooklyn’s work highlights the important role APPs can play in translating frontline clinical expertise into innovative solutions that improve care delivery.
| |
Celebrating Heme/Onc Patient Experience Improvements
Submitted by Meg Schoettler, APP Manager Children's Ambulatory Services
Congratulations to the BCH Oakland Hematology and Hem/Onc teams for being recognized among UCSF Health’s largest FY26 patient experience improvements. BCH Oakland Hematology improved Ease of Working Together (EWT) by 4.5 points and Likelihood to Recommend (LTR) by 4.3 points, while BCH Oakland 5 Hem/Onc improved EWT by 5.4 points and LTR by 4.5 points. These gains reflect the teams’ commitment to collaboration and an exceptional patient and family experience. A special kudos to Molly Szuminski, who stepped in as the new APP manager and brought so much engagement and recognition to the APPs on these units!
| | |
APP Grand Rounds
No APP Grand Rounds in August. View past Grand Rounds recordings here.
| |
|
APP Town Hall
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 12:10-1PM
Topic: Social Determinants of Health.
Presented by: Magen Montes, MPH, PMP, MCHES, LSSBB
Health Equity Program & Strategy Manager
Topic: Patient Refusal.
Presented by: Gabriel Schwartz, NP, MSN Cancer Center APP Manager
APP Spotlight: Shelley Stratford, NP Head and Neck Medical Oncology
Zoom link Meeting ID: 978 6346 7107 Password: 901896
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. More information here.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
"Congenital Syphilis - New Updates" Presented by Charlotte Hseih, MD, Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician Co-Director, Infectious Diseases
| |
4th Annual UCSF Heart Failure Symposium: Hearts in Sonoma
Submitted by Nimaljeet Tarango, Director of Advanced Heart Failure
Join the UCSF Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center for Hearts in Sonoma: UCSF Update on Heart Failure Therapies 2026, a hybrid symposium featuring the latest advances in heart failure management, transplant, mechanical circulatory support, cardiogenic shock, emerging therapies, and multidisciplinary care.
September 25–26, 2026 Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa and Live Stream
APPs and RNs attending in person can use discount code UCHF150A.
Register here This symposium is officially endorsed by the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Up to 10.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
| | |
Build Your Palliative Care Skills
Submitted by DorAnne Donesky, PhD, ANP-BC, ACHPN
UCSF’s Practice-PC course provides interprofessional continuing education to strengthen palliative care skills and help address workforce shortages. View upcoming in-person and virtual sessions. In-person sessions are held at Partnership HealthPlan offices in Fairfield, CA. Click here for all session dates and more information. A maximum 30 CE credits included with tuition.
| | |
Join the ACT Conference on Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Oakland)
Submitted by Kayla Vaughn, MSN, CPNP-AC
This one-day, CME-eligible conference brings pediatric providers together to strengthen their advocacy skills through inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Registration is $100 for AAP-CA1 members, $150 for non-members, and $35 for trainees. Learn more and watch highlights from the 2019 conference. Conference location: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611. Click here to register.
| | |
Leadership Changes for the Program for Interprofessional Practice and Education (PIPE)
Submitted by Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-PC
Chief of Advanced Practice Providers
Dr. Angel Kuo is the interim director and Dr. Rose Monahan will serve as the interim assistant director of the Program for Interprofessional Practice and Education. These two faculty leaders will oversee the interprofessional education for students while fostering faculty and staff to leading, teaching, and developing interprofessional practice and education in the coming academic year. Read the full announcement.
| | |
APP Graduate Education: Federal Loan Protections Restored—for Now
Submitted by APP Advisory Board Policy & Advocacy subcommittee
A recent federal court ruling marks an important step forward for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) pursuing graduate education. As a result of the court order, MSN, DNP, nurse anesthetist, and physician assistant programs have been added to the Department of Education’s interim list of programs treated as professional degrees for federal student loan purposes. While this is a significant victory, the designation is temporary as litigation continues. Continued advocacy remains essential to securing permanent recognition and equitable access to graduate education for the future APP workforce. Read more.
| | |
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.
| | |
Renew your BLS/ACLS and DEA
All BLS, ACLS, PALS renewals will only be administered through UCSF Nursing Connect. Safety Training Seminars (STS) 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 (complete online learning) and then hands-on demonstration locations (no appointment needed). 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.
CPR skills validation at any of the 8 UCSF locations - no appointment needed
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.
| | |
Leading the Way: Congratulations to Our New NP IIIs
Congratulations to the following seventeen Nurse Practitioners who have advanced to NP III! This achievement recognizes their clinical expertise and commitment to excellence through advanced clinical practice, education, and leadership. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved professional milestone!
Austin Angelidakis * Archana Chandra * Natalie Dematteo * Magdelena Ford * Alice Johnson * Kelly Kim * Won Kim * Kelley Lee * Elizabeth Lynn * Jamie Martin * Kelsey Merl * Susan Naylor * Ann Rishon * Emily Tatel * Matthew Tierney * Elizabeth Wayne * Jeannie Zanneti
If you are curious and want to learn more about the NPIII promotional process, go to this website for more information.
| | Expedited Radiology Outpatient Scheduling Workflow for Patients Discharging from Parnassus--NEW | | Radiology Central Scheduling will begin supporting a new workflow for expedited outpatient MRI, CT, and PET scheduling for eligible Adult Inpatient and Emergency Department patients discharging from Parnassus (Moffitt-Long). Providers will now have the option to indicate that an outpatient imaging appointment should be scheduled and confirmed before the patient is discharged. Orders marked accordingly will be routed to a dedicated work queue for Radiology Central Scheduling [Workqueue # 18432 – UCSF RADIOLOGY EXPEDITE DISCHARGE ORDERS] . Contact curtis.abercrombie@ucsf.edu with any questions. Click here for tip sheet on how to order the scan. | | |
The Bridge--UCSF Health's New Digital Home
Personalize your Bridge to see what is trending, access resources, and read feature content. More than just an intranet, it brings together information from across UCSF hospitals, clinics, and teams in one place. Follow topics and information relevant to you and your work. Click here to join The Bridge. Email intranetsupport@ucsf.edu with any questions to activate your account. You'll be prompted to use Duo when signing in. Join the Bridge Community with this link.
| | |
For All Job Postings
Searching for an APP job? Go to the HR website and use the search function and enter keywords.
| |
APP Advisory Board Committee Updates-July 2026
Submitted by Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-PC
Education Committee
The APP Education Committee continues to expand opportunities for professional development, scholarship, and learning across our APP community. Highlights include monthly APP Grand Rounds, an increase in educational stipends from $500 to $1,000 with up to 15 awards available this fiscal year, and planning for the annual virtual APP Conference on October 16, which will offer six continuing education credits and feature speakers representing APP roles across UCSF.
Policy & Advocacy Committee
The APP Policy & Advocacy Committee continues to monitor and advance issues affecting APP practice, education, and access to care. Current work includes advocacy related to graduate nursing education and federal loan limits, professional title legislation, NP authority to sign death certificates, California Children’s Services paneling for APPs, and development of a multilingual educational resource to help patients better understand the roles of APPs.
| | |
Inpatient Urine Culture Ordering Reminder
Submitted by CAUTI workgroup committee
The Urine Culture Panel is the only way to order urine cultures for inpatients. The panel includes pre-selected options based on patient population, such as urinalysis (UA) with reflex or automatic urine culture, as well as catheter management options for patients with indwelling Foley catheters. These changes, implemented in December 2025, support diagnostic stewardship and streamlined clinical decision-making. Click here for the APEX tip sheet and general guidelines for urine testing. Originally appeared in APP Newsletter December 2025.
| |
New APeX Lockout Process for Overdue Clinical Work
Beginning September 22, 2026, UCSF Health will implement an automated APeX account lockout process for clinicians with overdue clinical work, including open encounters and unreviewed results. This process will replace the manual suspension process previously used for physicians and APPs in most ambulatory areas.
Clinicians at risk of meeting lockout criteria began receiving automated reminder emails on July 27 with information about outstanding work and steps to resolve it. APPs are encouraged to monitor these reminders and complete outstanding clinical work promptly to avoid account lockout.
APeX lockout criteria
Clinicians will be subject to lockout if they have:
- One or more open ambulatory encounters older than 14 days, or
- Fifty (50) or more unreviewed results older than 14 days
For results to be considered complete, they must be marked as Done or postponed.
Best practice to indicate in your inbasket that you are out of office, click here
Send any additional ideas for improving results management to Katie.Grouse@ucsf.edu.
| |
|
Applications for Precepting with PRIDE are OPEN
Precepting is not only a great way to be engaged in the important work we do to help train and integrate new staff, but also an opportunity to grow as a clinical leader in your work area. Precepting with PRIDE is offering two in-person 8-hour classes in consecutive weeks: Monday September 28 and Monday October 5, 2026 (required for completion of the program). There will be post-course check-in sessions for ongoing preceptor support in Nov/Dec 2026. Click here for more information.
| | |
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, has 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.
| | |
Join Us for Upcoming APP Wellness Social Events
These gatherings are a great way to connect with colleagues, have fun, and build community outside of work.
August 23, 2026 - Pickleball (Outdoor) - 1230-230pm, in SF, exact court location TBD
September 26th - Hike led by APPs Marissa and Nadine - Location: Lands End, 8am, more details forthcoming
October - Happy Hour/Trivia Night - (date coming soon)
November - Board Game Night
Be sure to check the APP Wellness webpage for event details, updates and registration information. We hope to see you there.
| | |
Campus Life Services Offers Many Discounts
Golden State Valkyries Season UCSF discounted tickets
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
(log in to MyAccess)
Click here to see the August dates and show titles for free comedy tickets for Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line SF
| |
Celebrating National APP Week Across the University of California
UCSF Health is joining our fellow UC academic medical centers to celebrate National APP Week, September 21–25, 2026. Together, we’ll recognize the important contributions of APPs across the UC system and celebrate the impact you make every day in patient care, education, research, and leadership.
Stay tuned for more details about APP Week events and activities!
UC Davis will be celebrating on Tuesday September 22, 2026, 5PM - 7:30PM
Advanced Practice Excellence in Action: UC Davis Medical Center, Main Hospital North Addition Office Building, Room 1001, in person. Click here for tickets.
| | |
Office Hours: Office of Advanced Practice Providers
Every 2nd Wednesday from 12noon-1pm and every 4th Thursday 4pm-5pm
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 12noon-1PM Zoom link
Host: Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, Chief of Advanced Practice Providers
Thursday, August 27, 2026 4-5 PM Zoom link
Host: Alisa Yee, Director of Operations, Adult Services
| | |
Is it Time for Your NP III Reappointment?
If you're due for your NP III reappointment this year, don't forget that applications are required every three years. The next application deadline is Friday, August 28, 2026.
Review the reappointment criteria and application to ensure you have everything you need to submit on time. Click here for more information.
| | |
Correction July APP Newsletter
Mary Lesh, RN, MS, CPNP-PC was incorrectly identified as practicing in a different specialty. Her correct specialty is hematology.
| | 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
| | |
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
| | UCSF Health PRIDE Values Professionalism • Respect • Integrity • Diversity • Excellence | | | | |
