UCSF Advanced Practice Providers May 2026

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IMPORTANT UPDATES

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. UCSF events and initiatives.

UCSF Wellness Committee invites you to a complimentary happy hour in the Marina District. May 29, 2026, 7-9pm. For more info and to sign up.

2026 Clinician Experience Survey using the new PWAC survey, click here.

APP SPOTLIGHT

APP Advisory Board Retreat

Submitted by Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, Chief of APP UCSF

A warm thank you to all APP Advisory Board members who joined us for the May 1, 2026 retreat. It was energizing to hear the thoughtful discussions on innovation and opportunities to advance APP practice at UCSF. From updates to the charter and FY27 Board goals to the meaningful session on APP well-being and healing, the engagement and contributions were truly impactful. I am grateful to the entire Board for their voluntary commitment to advancing and supporting APPs across UCSF.

Erin Murphy, Pediatric GI Inpatient NP BCH Oakland

Submitted by Dr. Sabina Ali, Medical Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

We want to take a moment to recognize the incredible Erin Murphy for her outstanding dedication and tireless commitment to our inpatient GI program. Erin is the backbone of our team — showing up every day with clinical excellence, compassion, and a level of expertise that makes a real difference for our patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Her ability to seamlessly navigate the complexities of pediatric GI care while keeping patients and families at the center of everything she does is truly remarkable. Erin's collaborative spirit elevates the entire inpatient team. We are so lucky to have her as a cornerstone of this program. Thank you, Erin, for everything you do — it does not go unnoticed!

Randy Bain, PA, MPH Pediatric Neurosurgery

Submitted by Megan Schoettler, APP Manager

Wishing Randy Bain, PA, well in his next adventures as he is leaving UCSF at the end of May 2026.

Ana Licterman and Our Culture of Safety

Submitted by Gabriel Schwartz, APP Manager

A special shoutout to genitourinary medical oncology Ana Lichterman, NP for escalating a patient safety concern related to critical lab reporting. She identified inconsistencies in how results are communicated from network sites and spoke up promptly. Her actions surfaced an important issue and strengthened reporting practices at UCSF. Thank you, Ana, for putting patients first and reinforcing our culture of safety.

Advocacy in Action: Elizabeth DaCosta, PA Advancing Access for Patients with Epilepsy

Submitted by Tara Valcarcel, Director of Operations, Cross Bay

On April 20, 2026, Elizabeth DaCosta, PA-C, MPH (pictured second from the right) traveled to Sacramento to attend a California State Senate hearing for Senate Concurrent Resolution 124 (SCR-124), sponsored by State Senator Scott Wiener. This resolution aims to improve transportation access for people living with epilepsy—an issue that impacts safety, independence, and quality of life. As Legislative Liaison for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California, helped draft the resolution language, coordinated stakeholder outreach, and worked with advocacy partners and a lobbyist to move it through the legislative process. While SCR-124 is a formal measure that expresses legislative intent (rather than creating enforceable law), it represents a critical first step toward meaningful policy change. Building on this momentum, Elizabeth is now working with epilepsy organizations across California to develop a bill that could establish more concrete protections and access improvements. Please join us in recognizing Elizabeth for her leadership and dedication to advancing equitable access for patients and families affected by epilepsy.

Pediatric Surgery and Trauma: Erin Cava, PA

Submitted by Hani Gutierrez, APP Manager

We want to recognize Erin Cava, PA for her immense dedication and extraordinary leadership within Pediatric Surgery and Trauma in a role that requires constant problem-solving, foresight, and deep commitment to supporting our providers and patients. Erin brings remarkable heart and purpose to her work through her leadership in the Trauma Survivors Network. She walks alongside patients and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives with compassion, strength, and unwavering advocacy. Her impact extends far beyond operations or clinical care; she helps shape the culture of our team and the experience of those we serve. We salute Erin for her steadfast and humble leadership, dedication to Oakland, and the countless ways she elevates this team every day. She is a true leader, a trusted colleague, and an incredible force for good. We are so grateful for all she brings to this work.

Hands on Procedural Skills labs led by CRNA, Critical Care and ED APP Leadership Teams

Submitted by Cana Jenkins, Interim ED APP manager

On April 20, 2026, APPs from across UCSF came together for a collaborative, hands-on procedural skills lab led by the CRNA, Critical Care APP, and Emergency Department APP leadership teams. The session focused on building procedural confidence while creating opportunities for cross-departmental learning and connection. Participants received practical training in central and arterial line placement, ultrasound-guided IV insertion, airway management, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, and paracentesis. Experienced APPs and physicians generously volunteered their time to teach and share bedside expertise throughout the day. Special recognition goes to Karin Clifton, ACNP, whose leadership and coordination of supplies helped bring the event together. The skills lab reflected UCSF’s continued commitment to APP education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical excellence, while also giving providers from different specialties a chance to learn from one another and strengthen community across departments.

2025-2026 Clinical Excellence Award Winners

Selected by the Senate's Clinical Affairs Committee, these School of Nursing awardees reflect UCSF's enduring commitment to excellence in patient care and to advancing health worldwide. Click here to read their stories. Congratulations to all.

· Associate Professor: Rosalind de Lisser, PhD, FNP, PMHNP

· Associate Professor: Bridget Gramkowski, DNP, CPNP-PC

· Associate Professor: Andrea (Andy) Kuster, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC

OHNS Pediatric Cross-Bay OHNS Team Named this Month's Strategic Plan Implementation Heroes

The team of Monica Fogg Sullivan, Roshilla Lal Majaraj and Madee Milanes launched a structured daily email stat with a clear goal: to ensure that children needing specialty care are not waiting unnecessarily. The team saw six-week reductions in surgical unscheduled cases, cases waiting more than 30 days, and new patient referrals more than two weeks old. In photo: bottom right (middle) Will Wood, PA.

EDUCATION

APP Grand Rounds

Tuesday May 12, 2026, 12 noon

Topic: Overview of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgical Oncology Surgeries and New Therapies

Presented by: Nuala McNulty, HPB-GISS AGACNP

Zoom link Meeting ID: 953 6987 2990 Password: 124450

APP Town Hall

May 20, 2026, 1210-1PM Topic: APP Spotlight An-Nhien Le

True North Scorecards presented by Dr. Amy Lu

Zoom Click here. Meeting ID: 925 6472 3774 Password: 434121

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

Pediatric Grand Rounds (West Bay)

Full schedule and archivedvideos, and Zoom link . Every Thursday, 12-1PM

Email Marcella.azucar@ucsf.edu or call 415-525-1360 for more information

Thursday May 14, 2026

"Novel Mechanisms of Brain Dysmaturation in Infants with Critical Congenital Heart Disease"

Presented by Lauren Harasymiw (Research Day Presentation)

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, May 12, 2026

"Flavors of Health: Spiritually and Culturally Inclusive Nutritional Counseling" Presented by Drs. Zarin Noor and Lydia Tinajero-Deck

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

"Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pediatrics: Screening and Treatment" Presented by Dr. Jessica Deas

UCSF APP Conference: Golden Gate to Global Impact

Submitted by Emily Kelly, NP Critical Care

Calling All APP Practice Experts, Scholars, and Innovators! Submit your abstract proposals for the October 16, 2026 UCSF APP Conference --Golden Gate to Global Impact. The deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to May 15th. Complete Qualtrics link.

Call For Proposals: UCSF Reproductive Mental Health Conference

Submitted by Ali Starling, CNM

The UCSF Reproductive Mental Health Conference Planning Committee invites you to submit your proposal for an in-person presentation on November 13, 2026. Please submit your application no later than June 1, 2026. For more info.

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

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 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.

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.

Attend APeX Reporting Office Hours

Meeting link for office hours

May 21, June 3, and June 17, 1210-1PM

Inpatient Provider APEX Updates May 2026

Abortion-Related Medications and Patient Privacy
Calculate Doses for Newborns Based on Birthweight

Ambulatory APEX Updates May 2026

Document Cancer Disease Status Details
New Storyboard Banner for Patient Contacts Requiring Interpreter Support

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.

UCSF HEALTH

Caring Wisely FY27 Project Winners

On behalf of Catherine Lau, MD

The UCSF Center for Healthcare Value (CHV) and UCSF Health are pleased to announce the winners of the FY27 Caring Wisely^TM Project Contest. From a competitive field of 29 interdisciplinary projects submitted across UCSF Health, the following projects were chosen to be Caring Wisely^TM projects for FY27:

Aniqa Azim, MD, Kelsey Perry, MD, Rashmi Manjunath, MD, Michelle Oberst, PT, DPT, Julie Maxson, LCSW - Mobilizing a Culture of Movement: Reducing Rehab Service Overutilization at Stanyan Hospital
Jeanne Noble, MD, MA - Closing the Diabetes Care Gap: ED to UCSF Bayfront Urgent Care Diabetes Bridge Pathway
Gillian Foley, MD, Ashish Gandhi, MD, MPH - Optimizing TCU Throughput: A Structured Downgrade Workflow to Strengthen Hospital Capacity

Please join us in congratulating your colleagues and thank you to everyone who submitted and provided comments to the Project Contest. This contest is held on an annual basis and provides support to promising projects that improve healthcare value at UCSF Health.

UCSF Health Recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the 2026 Top Places to Work in Healthcare

On Behalf of Laura Dannels, Chief Human Resources Officer

Becker’s highlights organizations where mission and values are reflected not only in patient care, but in how people are supported at work. In recognizing UCSF Health, they pointed to the ways we bring that connection to life — from how we recognize and celebrate teams through programs like the PRIDE Experience Awards, to how we listen and respond to employee feedback through our engagement surveys, and how we invest in wellbeing, growth, and professional development across our workforce. This recognition reflects our commitment to strengthening both how we support you in your work and how you continue to deliver on our mission every day. By listening to you and continuing to build an inclusive culture, we’re strengthening an environment where that sense of purpose is felt in the work we do every day.

2026 Clinician Experience Survey -- Live Now

On behalf of Roseanne Krauter, Director of Informatics and Clinical Systems

UCSF APPs, Physicians (across UCSF Health, SFVA, and ZSFG), select SOM Faculty Clinicians, and GME Residents and Fellows are invited to take the survey and share their work experience.

The survey takes <10 minutes to complete and will close on May 12, or until an acceptable response rate is achieved.

Your individual survey link was sent by email Tuesday, April 14th morning. Weekly reminders are sent with your individualized link.
If you cannot find the email please use the QR code above or link:
Upon submitting your email via this code/link, you will receive an individualized survey link to your email address.
The survey is conducted through a third-party vendor with data security considerations officially approved by UCSF’s processes.
UCSF will not receive any identifiers with data.
Data reporting will be aggregated to show only groupings >/=5
The survey data informs our improvement initiatives for the next year at the system and local levels.
This is the first time we will have robust national benchmarking with other academic health systems.
Questions are thematically aligned with our historical survey.

International Nurses Day May 12, 2026

Submitted by Anisha Rao, Program Coordinator

Join 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.

New Job Postings for May 2026

Searching for an APP job? Go to HR website and use the search function and enter key words. Click here for a comprehensive list of APP positions.

QUALITY & SAFETY

UCSF Infectious Diseases Provides Guidelines for Empiric Therapy

On behalf of Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee

These guidelines were in collaboration with multiple clinical groups. They represent consensus-- based on evidenced-based guidelines and local microbiology and susceptibility patterns. Adults click here. or Pediatrics click here.

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

Emergency Department: "Excellent PA's" .

OB GYN MZ: "Robin Litt is an amazing NP, with a friendly, approachable manner, who really listens to me and cars about my integrated health."

Center for Reproductive Health: "NP [Lily] Whitaker is outstanding, she ahs been my provider twice and each time she has blown me away with her skill, the time she takes to answer the questions. Even my husband was extremely impressed with her skills, Please let her know"

Heme BMT: "Kristin [Garrick], NP was kind, knowledgable, caring, and professional"

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

WELLNESS

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.

Social Happy Hour May 29, 2026 for all APPs

Join the APP Wellness Committee at The Blue Light Bar (1979 Union St. SF) on Friday May 29, 7-9pm, for a fun evening of connection, relaxation and great company. Bring your coworkers, meet new people and enjoy a lively night out. Don't miss it. Click here to sign up for the social happy hour (and free appetizers).