UCSF Advanced Practice Providers July 2026 | | |
The Human Thread
Reflections on what connects us
Lately, I have found myself thinking about what connects us. Not as clinicians or leaders, but as people.
Despite our different roles, specialties, experiences, and backgrounds, I believe there is a human thread that runs through all of our lives. It is woven through moments of joy and disappointment, hope and uncertainty, celebration and loss. It reminds us that, beneath our different experiences, we all hope to be seen, understood, and to know that who we are matters. That is the thread I hope we continue exploring together. Click here to read more
Ivette
Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-PC
Chief of Advanced Practice Providers
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2026 Excellence Fellowship Recipient--Mary Lesh
Submitted by Molly Szuminski, Heme-Onc/BMT APP Manager
The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation awarded its 2026 Excellence Fellowship to Mary Lesh RN, MS, CPNP-PC, a nurse practitioner who specializes in medical oncology. With this prestigious award, she will receive $15,000 for 18 months to support her North American Nursing Research in Bleeding Disorders- Self Compassion In Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders Project. Lesh's proposal was noted to be novel and with a strong potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field. The focus on self-compassion represents an innovative and underexplored area with broad applicability, and the project was viewed as having significant potential to build the evidence base in hemostasis and thrombosis while informing patient-centered care across bleeding disorders and other chronic conditions. The entire Benioff Children's Hospital Hematology team thanks for continuing to be a leader and an inspiration to all.
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Ambulatory Oncology NP Earns Mental Health Specialist Certification
Submitted by Molly Szuminski, Heme-Onc/BMT APP Manager
Congratulations to Allison Nai, CPNP, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Ambulatory Oncology at BCH Oakland, who recently earned her Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Committed to providing holistic care, she pursued this certification to deepen her expertise in pediatric mental health and better support the emotional well-being of children and families throughout their cancer journey. Congratulations, Allison, on this well-deserved achievement! Your dedication to lifelong learning and whole-person care is an inspiration to the entire oncology team and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients and families you serve.
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Caroline DuPree Joins the Critical Care APP Team
Submitted by Erika Wilson, Critical Care APP Manager
We are excited to announce and extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Critical Care Advanced Practice Provider Team, Caroline DuPree, APRN, AGACNP-BC. Caroline is joining as a Critical Care APP Supervisor, focusing on the General Critical Care APP Team. Caroline shared the following introduction:
"I’m Caroline DuPree and am joining the group from very sunny, very hot Florida. Excited to be on the West Coast. I’ve worked in healthcare for more than 20 years, 11 as a nurse practitioner, all of which has been along the east coast. My background is in trauma/acute care surgery and critical care. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about education, mentorship, and professional development. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and supporting students, nurses, APPs, and physician trainees. Among my proudest accomplishments are developing a multi-site, multispecialty APP fellowship program and developing and implementing a clinical ladder that expanded leadership and career advancement opportunities for APPs within my organization. Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, am an animal lover, and have 2 dogs: Pumpkin and Ghost. An interesting fact about me: I collect vintage and modern fountain pens. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to meeting everyone in the coming weeks!" Please extend a warm welcome to Caroline as she joins the team.
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From Clinical Practice to the National Stage
Submitted by Maria Lens, DNP, MSN, FNP
Congratulations to Maria Lens, DNP, MSN, FNP, and Nicole "Nic" Narian, DNP, MSN-PH, FNP-C, ENP-C, for proudly representing UCSF at the Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers (APAPP) 3rd Annual Pulmonary Conference in Las Vegas June 18-20, 2026. As leaders in their practice area, Maria and Nic each presented a poster showcasing their clinical expertise and commitment to advancing pulmonary care. Maria presented A Case Study: Management of an 80-Year-Old female with Metastatic Lung Cancer and COPD, while Nic presented Cavitary Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in Bronchiectasis: A Course Complicated by Comorbid Infections, Ototoxicity, and Subtherapeutic Drug Levels. By sharing their expertise, they are advancing evidence-based practice and highlighting the valuable contributions of APPs. APAPP is the first association solely focused on APPs working in the realms of pulmonary medicine. Learn more about APAPP.
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Advancing Care Through Lifelong Learning
Submitted by Hani Gutierrez, APP Manager Benioff Children's Hospital
Nina Rosche, PNP, RNFA, is an exceptional member of our team who consistently goes above and beyond for our patients, colleagues, and multidisciplinary partners. She is solutions-oriented, brings thoughtful ideas to every challenge, and is committed to practicing at the top of her scope. While working full-time for our department, she earned her RNFA certification and is now pursuing dual Acute Care board certification. Nina is an outstanding clinician whose dedication, professionalism, and positive attitude make our entire team stronger.
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Twenty Years of Making a Difference
Submitted by Hani Gutierrez, APP Manager Benioff Children's Hospital
Rob Wallace is an extraordinary clinician whose two decades of service at BCH Oakland have left a lasting impact on countless patients, families, and colleagues. As a dually board-certified Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant, he has become an indispensable partner to our exceptionally busy Plastic Surgery service. Rob consistently goes above and beyond for his patients, and his expertise in the operating room, procedural care, and complex wound management is second to none. His clinical excellence, dedication, and willingness to support those around him make our entire team stronger, and we are incredibly fortunate to work alongside him.
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Pediatric GI PNP--Allison Armstrong
Submitted by Meg Schoettler, APP Manager Children's Ambulatory Services
A heartfelt thank you to Ally Armstrong for stepping in to cover clinics during an unexpected provider outage. Your flexibility, positive attitude, and unwavering focus on our patients made a tremendous difference.
You not only ensured patients received timely care, but also provided invaluable support to our scheduling team during a tough time. One family's reaction shows the impact of your help: “OMG!” “Your department is so special—this is the second time this appointment has been rescheduled!” “I have been waiting for months for this appointment, and now you're calling to move it even further out.” However, when they learned there were appointment openings available that same week, their response immediately changed to: “Oh, great! Thank you!” Your flexibility and teamwork turned a potentially disappointing experience into a positive one for both the family and our staff. Thank you for being such an outstanding team player and for always putting our patients first!
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APP Grand Rounds
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 12 noon TODAY
Topic: Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes & Lifelong Cardiovascular Risk: Bridging Obstetrics & Preventive Care
Presented by: Danielle Briggs, WHNP-BC, ANP-BC
Zoom link Meeting ID: 936 1517 4656 Password: 708072
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APP Town Hall
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 12:10-1PM
Topic: Professional Well-Being Academic Consortium Survey Results (PWAC) Presented by: Roseanne Krauter, DNP, NP, NEA-BC, NI-BC, FNP-BC
Director of Informatics & Clinical Systems
APP Spotlight: Kelsey Merl, MPH, NP UCSF Center for Child Protection
Zoom link Meeting ID: 978 6346 7107 Password: 901896
View the recordings and review the slide decks from prior Town Halls. Click here
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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, July 14, 2026 TODAY
"Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis: Recognizing the Clues, Making the Diagnosis, and Starting Treatment" Presented by Akash Virupakshaiah, MD UCSF Pediatric Neurology
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
"Reimagining Chronic Illness Care for Children: Bringing Wellness into Illness" Presented by Emily von Scheven, MD Chief, Rheumatology Director, Child and Adolescent Chronic Illness Center
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Enhance Your Practice with Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) Insights for APPs
📅 Course Details
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Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM – 4:40 PM
- Location: Center for Academic Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA
- Breakfast and lunch provided, free parking, and CE credits
🎤 What to Expect
- Expert Speakers from Stanford Medicine and UCSF Health
- Hands-On Sessions — practice skills in a guided, interactive setting
- Panel Discussions — engage directly with ENT specialists
📝 Registration
For more information and to register, click here and secure your spot! Student discount available!
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Advancing Care: The APP Oncology Summit (Burlingame)
The APP Oncology Summit, August 14-15, 2026, is an annual two-day conference designed to provide APPs with the latest evidence-based strategies to optimize care and outcomes for patients with cancer. The location is Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront Hotel in Burlingame. UCSF APPs Laura Zitella, Lisa McNey, Patricia Zendejas are featured speakers. Click here for more information. Students/Fellows (Free Admission), General ($150).
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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.
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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.
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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 the 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.
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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 -> Register 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.
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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.
New location added to do the return demonstration for CPR skills validation UCSF Health-Burlingame. 225 California Dr., Burlingame, Room 313 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm)
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.
| | 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 routeed 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.
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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.
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Press Ganey Comments about NPs, PAs, CRNAs, Midwives
Emergency Department: It was NP Emily [Choi] who took care of me. She was very kind and professional. She explained my situation very thoroughly.
Plastic Surgery: "Dr. Kim and NP Hayley [Vandenberg, PA-C] were excellent! They displayed deep listening, kindness, compassion, and expertise. Very professional and helpful."
Sports Clinic: "Wendy Cook, [PA-C] is wonderful. She's both professional and her medical responsibilities, but also empathetic on a one-to-one level."
Look up your group or individual patient experience score and national benchmarks on this dashboard
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Save The Date--September 21-25, 2026 APP Week
University of Virginia Medical Center is part of the UVA Health System and is this year's host of National APP Week (September 21-25, 2026). During this week, there will be celebrations and recognition of APPs as innovators, educators, collaborators, and leaders inside complex, interdisciplinary care teams. Read more about UVA and National APP Week.
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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.
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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.
July 16th - Movie The Odyssey + dinner at 7PM (SOLD OUT!)
August - Pickleball (Outdoor) - (date coming soon)
September 26th - Hike led by APPs Marissa and Nadine - Lands End and brunch
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.
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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 July dates and show titles for free comedy tickets for Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line SF
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Office Hours: Office of Advanced Practice Providers
Every 2nd Wednesday from 12noon-1pm and every 4th Thursday 4pm-5pm
Thursday, July 23, 2026 4-5 PM Zoom link
Host: Brandon Sessler, Director of Professional Practice
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 4-5PM Zoom link
Host: Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, Chief of Advanced Practice Providers
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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.
| | 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
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Alisa Yee, MSN, ACNP-BC
Director, Adult Operations Advanced Practice Providers
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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 | | | | |
