APP SPOTLIGHT

NPs Launch a Thoracic Oncology Survivorship Program

Submitted by Gabriel Schwartz, APP Manager

Congratulations to Malti Sharma, NP and Cindy Ludovico, NP on the successful launch of the Thoracic Oncology Survivorship Program. The program welcomed its first patient on March 5, 2026, marking an important milestone for our thoracic oncology community. Many thoracic oncology patients face complex, long-term challenges that extend well beyond active treatment. Management of persistent respiratory symptoms, treatment-related toxicities, psychosocial distress, and ongoing surveillance for recurrence all require coordinated, longitudinal support. Bringing this initiative to life required strong leadership and true interdisciplinary partnership. NPs Sharma and Ludovico were central to developing clinical and administrative workflows and to leading program outreach and marketing.

Sydney Gressel Receives Ida M. Cannon Award for Social Justice

Submitted by Tara Valcarcel and Molly Szuminski, APP Manager

Congratulations to Sydney Gressel, NP on receiving the Ida M. Cannon Award for Social Justice on behalf of the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Pediatric Social Work Department. Presented during Social Work Month, the award honors colleagues who exemplify the National Association of Social Workers’ core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Sydney was recognized for her outstanding, life-changing work in the Wellness Center. The presentation of the award will be on Thursday, March 26 from 3:00-4:00pm, in the Oberndorf Auditorium (A1602) at BCH Mission Bay. Please join in support of Sydney.

NP Earns Associate of the American College of Cardiology

Submitted by Alvin Abad, NP

Congrats to Jesuit Nugas, NP who recently passed the Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Exam (CCKE) through the American College of Cardiology and has also been distinguished as an Associate of the American College of Cardiology. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to cardiovascular excellence, continued professional growth, and the highest standards of patient care. Outside of cardiology, Jesuit brings the same dedication and creativity to his wedding cake business, proving his talents extend well beyond healthcare! Please join us in congratulating him on this outstanding achievement!

Kelsey Merl Serves as a Panelist at Schwartz Rounds

Submitted by Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, Chief of OAPP

We are proud to spotlight one of our exceptional APP providers and leaders, Kelsey Merl, NP, who recently 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.

APP Grand Rounds

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12noon

Topic: My Accidental Path to Nursing Leadership

Presented by: Nimi Tarango, DNP

Zoom link meeting ID: 964 0684 2906 Password: 802721

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

Submitted by Kayla Vaughan, NP

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: Risk Management.

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

• Pharmacy Update, Standardized Procedure, EBP Fellowship
• Inpatient Documentation
• Optimizing wRVU (outpatient focused)
• Patient care optimization

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, March 10, 2026

"A Team Around the Child: Integrating Medical and Educational Support for Hearing Loss" Presented by Joy Murdock Kearns, MS, CCCSLP, LSLS Cert. AVed

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

"Food Protein-Induced Entercolitis Syndrome: A Non-IgE Mediated Food Allergy Requiring New Perspectives" Presented by Sayantani Sindher, MD

Integrative Ayurvedic Medicine Training

Applications open for UCSF Osher Center Integrative Ayurvedic Medicine Training for Clinicians 2026–2027 cohort. This year long, virtual program offers a structured, clinically oriented foundation in Ayurveda, combining live instruction with self-paced coursework to support practical integration into patient care. Click here for more information. Application deadline: March 30, 2026. Program dates: September 2026 – August 2027. Time commitment: ~12 hours/week. Live class schedule: Thursdays, 3-5p.m. PST (Zoom). Tuition: $9,500. Eligible healthcare professionals include MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, RNs, and others. Contact Nico Henderson, nicole.henderson@ucsf.edu with any questions.

Multidisciplinary Journal--all APPs are welcome to attend

Submitted by Emily Kelly, NP emily.kelly3@ucsf.edu

Tuesday April 7, 2026 will be a special collaborative Critical Care Journal Club featuring perspectives from across our ICU team. Our ICU Nutritionist and Critical Care APP will be co-presenting on the FEEDS Trial — an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial that is enrolling patients in our Parnassus ICUs. Click here for the FEEDS trial.

This session will spotlight the evidence behind peri-procedural nutrition practices and bring broader awareness to a study that will directly impact our critically ill patient population.

All APPs are warmly invited to attend, learn, and join the discussion. We’d love to see you there! Set a note in your calendar. Zoom info and time to be provided in April APP newsletter. Contact emily.kelly3@ucsf.edu or emily.brumstead@ucsf.edu for more information.

Documenting is the Foundation of Quality Care--Best Practices 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 Provider about inpatient documentation, click here.

New Features in APeX: AI-generated Summaries of a Hospitalization and Recent Events and also 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 is 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. There is no cost. Email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu if you are asked for cost center to charge. There is no fee, and available to all APPs.

This Month's Epic Changes

Inpatient Provider APEX Updates March 2026

• Consult Order Priority Maps to Voalte Alert Priority
• New Order Panel - Heparin (Adult) Prophylactic Dosing

Ambulatory APEX Updates March 2026

• Access Appointment Requests Directly from In Basket
• Email apexTraining@ucsf.edu with questions

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.

Dean King To Step Down

On behalf of Sam Hawgood, MBBS Chancellor

Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD, has announced he will step down as Dean of the UCSF School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor on June 30, 2026. Over the past 11 years, he has led the School of Medicine with integrity and a deep commitment to UCSF’s public mission, strengthening its excellence in education, research, and clinical care. Since becoming Dean in 2015, he has elevated the school’s national and global stature, expanded research funding and interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced medical education to better prepare learners for modern practice, and guided the school through significant challenges — including the COVID-19 pandemic — with steady leadership and strong financial stewardship. Dean King will remain fully engaged through June 30 while a national search is conducted for his successor. After his term, he will return to the faculty, continuing nearly 30 years of dedicated service to UCSF. Please join us in thanking him for his extraordinary leadership and lasting impact.

International Women's Day March 4-11, 2026

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for accelerated gender parity. First observed in 1911 and recognized by the United Nations in 1975, it is now a global event.

At UCSF, Women of UCSF Health was founded in 2018 to build community, celebrate, inspire, and empower women of all gender identities. In partnership with the Committee on the Status of Women and WIT@UCSF, they host the annual IWD celebration and offer programming focused on networking and professional development. Check out the 2-week celebration of events here.

Due within 90 days: Regulated Waste Disposal Training

At UCSF Health, we are committed to protecting our patients and employees across all functions of our mission. This includes the proper handling and disposal of regulated waste. Regulated Waste Disposal training is mandatory and serves as a crucial part of our preparation for regulatory waste audits in 2026. Past audits in the UC system have found instances of hazardous waste, medical waste, and patient health information being placed in incorrect disposal streams. By taking this training, you will help UCSF Health remain in compliance and support best practice for waste management. Be on the lookout for an email from the UCSF Learning Center (training@ucsf.edu), which will have instructions on how to access and complete this new requirement. You can also login to the UCSF Learning platform to find the training. Please prioritize completing the training within 90 days of it being assigned.

Employee Dress Standards

UCSF Health is a scent-and fragrance-free. Many of our patients and employees are sensitive to strong scents. We ask that employees refrain from wearing perfumes/colognes, using scented hand lotions, or smelling of secondhand smoke. Click here for employee dress standards.

Leadership Institute Offers Multiple Programs

Looking for leadership development? The Leadership Institute provides intentional and outcome-driven leadership development programming for APPs. Wherever you are on your leadership journey, there is a program to take you to the next level. Click here to learn more (multiple start dates).

Commute Solutions

Click here for shuttles, vans, ferry services (with early morning options) to and from UCSF locations.

New Job Postings for March 2026

Click here for the most up-to-date list of APP job postings.

Inpatient Adult APPs--Do You Order Wound Vacs?

If you are an inpatient adult APP and need to order a wound vac (for home use or for hospital use). Please follow the following workflow: requests must be submitted through the MCSS ticket system. Utilizing this process greatly supports accurate tracking and visibility when equipment is issued. Material Services truly appreciates APP support with this effort. Please contact Manuel.olla@ucsf.edu, supply chain supervisor, with any questions.

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. Upcoming dates March 13,17. For more dates and info. Pediatric Providers course available on June 2.

Press Ganey Comments about NPs, PAs, CRNAs, Midwives

Screening and Acute Care Clinic: The NP had a student with her, Simone, and both women were very involved with my care. The intake of my concerns was incredibly thorough and detailed, my concerns were all heard and respected, and I was given clear information on timeline for results and possible prescriptions needed.

Primary Care Laurel Village: Ms. [Shayne] Erwin NP and her student were outstanding. They listened as well as had excellent suggestions.

Ortho Artho: NP Sonja Goldberg has an excellent bedside manner. She's an exceptional listener. She asked questions that empowered me. She provided one of the best injections.

Sports Clinic: PA Evar Saelee was great. He clearly explained the pathophysiology of my shoulder impingement syndrome, went through all the options, explained the risks and benefits, etc

Occ Health MZ: The NP Ms. [Liliana Sierra] Teves took very good care of me, listened to all my concerns and educated me as well.

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

Mental Health Support for UCSF Employees and Families

UCSF COPE provides confidential mental health and well-being support for all UCSF faculty, staff, trainees, and your family members. Services are free of charge and available regardless of geographical location. Text "@Cope" to 1-833-319-1084 or launch the tool from your computer or mobile phone.

APP Wellness Committee Webpage Goes Live

The APP Wellness Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. — and we’d love for you to join us! Our mission is to foster a supportive, inclusive community that champions the professional, emotional, and social well-being of APPs. Be sure to check out our website and upcoming events — including our Wellness Hike on March 28, 2026!

Have questions? Reach out to Won.Kim2@ucsf.edu. We hope to see you there.

Seeking APPs to Translate APP Titles For a Video

Submitted by WaiYee Kwong, NP

APPs comprise approximately 30–40% of the healthcare providers delivering care to our diverse patient community. In celebration and recognition of this, the APP Advisory Board will be producing a video for APP Week that highlights our titles (NP, PA, CNM, CRNA) translated into the top five languages spoken in San Francisco (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Vietnamese). We are looking for four APP volunteers who will be interested in translating the APP titles on video. We are looking for volunteers of all ethnicities, and you do not need to speak the languages as we will train you phonetically. If you are interested, please contact Waiyee.Kwong@ucsf.edu.

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 March dates and show titles for free comedy tickets for Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line SF

NPIII Promotional Opportunity Upcoming Due Date

NPIII Initial applications due March 27, 2026 (Last business day in March)

If seeking a mentor for the NPIII process, email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu.

To learn more about the NPIII Clinical ladder committee or NPIII promotional opportunity, click here.

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