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APPFellowship2024

Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
Fellowship Program


Stanford's Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program offers fully-benefited, 12-month positions designed to provide post-graduate training to new Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who wish to transition into specialty care and to experienced APPs who wish to transition to administration.  Our goal is to provide support and training during transition to practice, allowing APP Fellows to build confidence and knowledge in the clinical specialties of Cancer Care, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Inpatient Neurosciences and Cardiothoracic Surgery, and the leadership specialty of Administration. The Fellowship teaches the core competencies for specialty certification and offers the opportunity for APPs to gain in-depth exposure to complex specialty care and systems. Clinical APP Fellows work with diverse teams of providers focused on specific patient populations through Stanford Health Care's inpatient and outpatient settings.  Administrative APP Fellows work with diverse leadership teams focused on operations and quality improvement throughout the organization. 

For the latest updates on the APP Fellowship Program, be sure to follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest news. 

Valuable for Team-Based Care

"Healthcare delivery increasingly has become team-based.  The APP Fellowship has been very valuable to my ability to build a team of well-equipped staff. Last year, I had a fellow work on my team.  She brought enthusiasm for learning and dedication to our patients.  She has become an indispensable member of our team."

 Iris C. Gibbs, MD, FACR, FASTRO Associate Dean of MD Admissions, Professor of Radiation Oncology
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Cardiothoracic Surgery
"The Cardiothoracic Surgery APP Fellowship was an absolutely amazing experience.  I loved this fellowship for the structured learning, innovative simulations, cross-trainings with other specialties, mentorship, and hours upon hours of clinical experience with the most talented healthcare providers this world has to offer."
Tony Mendez
 Cardiothoracic Fellow 2018-2019, Now Lead APP for Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Transformative Training
The Stanford HealthCare Cardiac Electrophysiology APP Fellowship is truly transformative. It fills a crucial gap in training APPs with specialized skills in arrhythmia and device management. The program will help enable the Stanford Arrhythmia Service to achieve its goal of being one of the top programs in the country
Paul Wang, MD
 Director of the Stanford Cardic Arrhythmia Service
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Building Connections and
Skills to be a Leader
"As the inaugural fellow in the administrative specialty, I can attest to the value it provides.  It has given me career exposure and professional development that most people receive over years in a career."
Salma Mansour
 2019-2020 Administrative Specialty APP Fellow
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Specialty Areas Offered

Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialty
The APP Fellowship in Electrophysiology is the first in the country to provide an opportunity for a new APP to gain in-depth exposure to the comprehensive care provided to patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The program focuses on core competency training aimed at professional certification which will include the management of arrhythmias with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) from implanation to the outpatient, ablations (transvenous and epicardial), cardioversions, and medical management.

Core rotations:
  • Outpatient non-invasive cardiology
  • Inpatient Heart Failure
  • Inpatient EP
  • Cardioversion 
  • Outpatient EP
  • Device Management

Mini-rotations:
  • Advance Heart Failure (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Cardiothoracic surgery (inpatient and outpatient)
  • General Cardiology (inpatient consult service and outpatient)
  • Inherited Arrhythmias

Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialty
The Cardiothoracic Surgery specialty focuses on the core competencies for professional certification and offers the opportunity for new APPs to gain in-depth exposure to care of people requiring services of Cardiothoracic Surgery.  Patient population includes Coronary Artery Bypass (CAB)/Valve, Aortic Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS), and Arrhythmia Surgery.


Core rotations:
  • Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support/Heart and Lung Transplant
  • Intermediate ICU
  • Operating Room (Open, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery)

Mini-rotations:
  • Adult Congential Heart
  • Electrophysiology
  • Nephrology
  • Neuro Critical Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Thoracic Surgery

Administration Specialty
A first of its kind, the APP Fellowship in Administration is an opportunity for experienced APPs to learn the skills to successfully transition from a clinical expert to a leader of APPs. In this specialty, the APP Fellow works with Center for Advanced Practice leaders and others to focus on APP operations, quality improvement and programs.

Rotations within the Center For Advanced practice include:
  • Professional role and accountability
  • Leadership development
  • Effective communication
  • Human resources
  • Finance and risk management
  • Strategy and business development
  • Project management
  • Process and quality improvement 

Cancer Care Specialty
The Cancer Care specialty focuses on the core competencies for professional certification and offers the opportunity for new APPs to gain broad exposure to the care of people touched by cancer.  APP fellows work with diverse teams of providers focused on specific cancer types.  Fellows rotate through the areas below in the inpatient and outpatient settings.


Core rotations:
  • Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy
  • Women's Cancer Center 
  • Genitourinary Oncology
  • Gastrointestinal Oncology
  • Hematology Oncology
  • Inpatient Hematology/Oncology
  • Thoracic Oncology

Mini-rotations:
  • Cutaneous oncology/supportive dermato-oncology
  • Lymphoma 
  • Radiation oncology
  • Survivorship and Palliative Care

Inpatient Neurosciences Specialty
The Inpatient Neurosciences specialty focuses on the core competencies needed to gain proficiency within this specialty and to succeed as a new provider. This specialty provides an opportunity for new APPs to gain clinical and educational experience with a focus on inpatient management of patients with neurological and neurosurgical disorders. The APP Fellows are also given the opportunity to practice in an outpatient setting during mini rotations. Patient population includes acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral aneurysms, seizures/status epilepticus, neuro-oncologic management, neuromuscular disease management, traumatic brain injury, and acute spinal cord injury. 

Core rotations:
  • Neurocritical Care
  • Neurosurgery
  • Stroke neurology
  • Neuro hospitalist 
  • General Neurology 

Mini-rotations:
  • Palliative care 
  • Outpatient Epilepsy
  • Outpatient Neurosurgery
  • Outpatient Neuro-Oncology

Orthopedic Subspecialty
The APP Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery focuses on the core competencies for professional certification and offers the opportunity for new APPs to gain in-depth exposure to care for people with a myriad of musculoskeletal conditions. APP Fellows will work closely alongside experienced orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and specialized APPs to deepend their understanding of diagnosis and treatment options in orthopedic care. APP Fellows rotate through the subspecialties in outpatient, surgical and inpatient settings.

Core rotations:
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic
  • Arthritis & Joint Replacement Service
  • Spine Clinic
  • Foot and Ankle Services
  • Hand & Upper Limb Center
  • Sports Medicine Clinic 

Mini-rotations:
  • Trauma/Orthopedic Acute Injury Clinic
  • Fracture Liaison Services
  • Ultrasound and ultrasound guided injections 

Our Learning Model


We combine four different learning methods to make you a well-rounded Advanced Practice Provider:
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Practice-based learning:  Fellows work a minimum of 1250 hours in each specialty, with rotation for further specialization.  Fellows practice role transition through active and observed learning experiences, including simulation. 


Didactics: Fellows participate in 500 hours of didactic training through weekly specialty-specific presentations, self-learning modules, journal club, simulated learning, case studies, process improvement projects, presentation guidance, and conferences.


Professional Development: Fellows practice communication skills during a tailor-made communication series, take part in APP Grand Rounds, participate in APP Shared Leadership Council, and attend or present at regional and national conferences.


Mentorship:  Fellows engage in a structured mentorship program with other APPs who are new to practice.
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Program Basics


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Duration October to October
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Location Rotations occur within the inpatient and outpatient settings of the Stanford Health Care System.
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Schedule Each fellow is scheduled for a minimum of 40 hours per week.  The schedule will vary based on the specialty areas, and may consist of days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Cohort Size One to three fellows are selected for each specialty area each year. 
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Reporting APP Fellows report to the APP Fellowship Director and are precepted and mentored by APPs, attending physicians, administrative leaders, and other licensed clinical staff.  
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Total Rewards APP Fellows are salaried, full-time employees.  Fellows are eligible for benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement (after six months), and paid time off. 
Learn More
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Stanford Health Care Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship is accredited with distinction as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Practice Programs.
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Recruiting Information

Qualifications
  • Cancer Care, Inpatient Neurosciences,  Orthopedics, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery specialties only: Less than one year of clinical advanced practice experience
  • All specialties: Degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) program by July
  • Administration specialty only: At least five years of clinical advanced practice experience (NP, PA, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

Application Components
  • Formal application completion
  • Two Professional letters of recommendation
    • Clinical specialties (Cancer Care, Orthopedics, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Inpatient Neurosciences and Electrophysiology):One academic letter of recommendation from a faculty member of your graduate program and one professional letter of recommendation from a clinical supervisor, preceptor, or faculty member.
    • Administration specialty only: Two professional letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be written by a direct supervisor. One letter of recommendation should pertain to leadership skills and the other regarding clinical expertise.

  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
  • Prompted essay questions - please answer the following:
    • Please provide a statement of interest regarding the APP fellowship at Stanford Health Care and why you are choosing the specialty.
    • Describe a time when you felt you made a significant difference with a patient and/or family.
    • Provide an example of how you used evidence such as journal articles or local/agency data to change the way you practiced.
    • Describe a time when you had to manage several tasks. What were they? How did you manage them?
    • Where did you LAST learn about this position?
Application Timeline
  • Mid-December: Online application opens on this website
  • February 15: Applications due
  • March 1: Phone interviews begin
  • Week of April 8: Final on-site interviews begin. Candidates are responsible for travel costs.
  • Early May: Offers extended
  • Early June: Credentialing process begins for selected applicants
  • July 10: Last day to take national board exam
  • Early October: Fellowship begins
Onboarding Process
Before the Fellowship start, selected candidates must pass the credentialing and privileging process.  This includes verification of:
  • Current unencumbered California APP licensure
  • California furnishing number (if applicable)
  • National Board Certification
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification (Cardiothoracic Surgery, Electrophysiology & Inpatient Neurosciences)
  • National Provider Identifier number
  • DEA Certificate (within three months of hire)
All selected candidates also complete the following, non-APP-specific onboarding steps before start:
  • Background check
  • Occupational health clearance (includes drug test, tuberculosis testing, blood test, and physical evaluation)

Current Fellows

SARAHNORDMAN_CROP_Z63_6929
Electrophysiology Fellow Sarah Nordman
Sarah recently graduated as a Nurse Practitioner from University of California San Francisco, where she participated in the highly competitive accelerated bridge Masters Entry in Nursing Program specializing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care. 

Sarah’s passion for cardiology began with her time in Cardiac Rehabilitation as an Exercise Physiologist and later as a telemetry tech at Sutter Health. She is excited to start her fellowship at Stanford in Cardiac Electrophysiology to expand her knowledge.  Sarah is a strong advocate for targeted patient centered care, especially when delivered with empathy and compassion. She has seen firsthand how personalized healthcare can be transformative. An enthusiastic advocate for health equity, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring that all patients receive the quality care and support they need for optimal health outcomes. 

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys playing and watching sports, solving jigsaw puzzles, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends. 
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Electrophysiology Fellow Claudia Avelar-Rios
Claudia brings a diverse background in ultrasound and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and began her career in the emergency department at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, California. Claudia later advanced to a lead sonographer role at a hospital in the Caribbean, where she gained extensive experience in emergency care, the operating room, and outpatient services.

Her dedication to professional growth led her to frequently travel to the U.S. for additional training and conferences. Her passion for cardiology was fueled by her family’s experiences with cardiovascular conditions and further developed through multiple cardiology rotations during her physician assistant training. Influenced by esteemed mentors, Claudia is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and compassionate care. She treats each patient with the same respect and dedication she would wish for her own family, while empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed health decisions. Guided by her belief in ongoing education and staying current with medical advancements, Claudia views these elements as essential for delivering exceptional, individualized care.

Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and volunteering as a Spanish interpreter at Rotacare, a nonprofit providing free medical care to uninsured and undeserved individuals.
VETZRELA_CROP_Z63_7005
Electrophysiology Fellow Vetzrel Adidala
Vetzrel Adidala received her Master of Health Sciences from Commonwealth University - Lock Haven in Pennsylvania. She previously worked as a Biopharmaceutical Scientist in the peak of COVID-19. During this time, Vetzrel’s father underwent urgent open-heart surgery, furthering her pursuit to become an APP.  Vetzrel grew up in two vastly different communities: Hyderabad, India, the City of Pearls, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, home to the largest Amish community in the US. This experience formed her passion for diverse patient populations and cultural competency.

She volunteered with an Underserved Populations Global Health Perspective course in Costa Rica, addressing menstrual health with sustainable feminine products. Vetzrel was the recipient of Commonwealth’s “PA Student Excellence in Research Award” for her exploration of healthcare disparities from atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease and metabolic syndrome in the South Asian population. Vetzrel is enthusiastic about the role of APPs in the growing field of electrophysiology, which she discovered during her cardiology rotation. With mentorship from the knowledgeable professionals of Stanford, she hopes to develop her approach to evidence-based, compassionate patient care.

Vetzrel is an avid foodie and enjoys world-wide travel, her most memorable trips being the Amalfi Coast, Berlin and Bali. She recently married her high school sweetheart and moved to the Bay Area with their adventure-loving husky, Zev. She looks forward to exploring the west coast and local food scene.
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Administrative Fellow Jayna Patel
Jayna Patel is a physician assistant with experience in interventional radiology (IR) and oncology. After completing her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies through the accelerated track at Drexel University in 2017, she went on to practice IR in a community hospital close to her hometown in Central New Jersey and then MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), where she flourished as a skilled proceduralist.

At MDACC, Jayna was integral in establishing IR departments across multiple campuses to improve access to care. That experience propelled her towards the path of leadership in medicine.    Jayna continued to pursue her desire to care for cancer patients as an inpatient oncology provider at Stanford Health Care beginning in 2021.

In her new role as APP administrative fellow, Jayna is eager to continue her journey towards leadership and advancing the APP professions by maximizing their ability to practice at the fullest extent of their license.   Outside of work, Jayna finds joy in being a new mom. She loves spending quality time with her family and traveling to experience different cultures.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow Anthony Imperial
Anthony Imperial grew up in Diamond Bar, California, and graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a degree in biology. He earned his Master’s in Physician Assistant Practice from the University of Southern California in 2024. Anthony’s passion for cardiothoracic surgery began in the Philippines after observing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.

This experience led him to pursue surgical opportunities at USC, rotating in acute care surgery, orthopedic trauma, and spine surgery. However, he was particularly drawn to cardiac cases due to their meticulous procedures. Anthony is thrilled to join Stanford’s APP fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery, where he plans to adopt a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes patient outcomes, addressing their emotional and physical well-being while building a robust clinical foundation.

Motivated by his upbringing in the Philippines, Anthony frequently returns to Manila to provide free healthcare through community efforts, having completed three missions so far. He intends to continue to pursue this passion throughout his career. Outside of his professional life, Anthony enjoys staying active through rock climbing, volleyball, hiking, and camping. At home, he relaxes by cooking new dishes from various cuisines and spending time with his 2-year-old cat.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow Jamie Hsin
Jamie was raised in Central Valley, California, in a town called Turlock. She recently completed her Master of Physician Assistant Practice at the University of Southern California, where she was awarded a membership of the Pi Alpha Honor Society. Her passion for cardiothoracic surgery started while she was a clinical volunteer on the cardiac surgical floor at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and solidified when she completed her senior clinical rotation in Cardiac Surgery at Keck Hospital of USC. She deeply values education, both as a learner and as a teacher.

As a Health Educator with the UCLA Community Training Center, her goal was to enable healthcare students to excel and contribute positively to patient care. In addition, she has been actively involved in mentorship initiatives through USC and UCLA that empower individuals from underserved communities to pursue higher education and healthcare careers.

Her other values include compassion, collaboration, and hard work, which she is eager to utilize while practicing evidence-based medicine as a Cardiothoracic Surgery APP fellow. Outside of her professional commitments, Jamie enjoys hot yoga, hiking, traveling, and snowboarding. This winter, she is looking forward to being closer to Tahoe's world-class slopes.
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Cancer Care Fellow Emily Caroll
Emily is a former grassroots organizer and policy advocate whose passion for lifelong learning led her to change careers and become a PA. Emily is a recent graduate of the MSPA Program at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she became deeply interested in cancer care.

She is currently finishing up her doctorate degree and is excited to spend the next year of her medical training as an APP Cancer Care Fellow at Stanford Health Care.  Emily previously worked on environmental issues and health policy as the Midwest Region Director of Food & Water Watch before becoming Board Chair of Chicago Women's Health Center.

Since moving to California, Emily has maintained her interest in policy as a Student Assembly Representative at AAPA’s Assembly of Representatives and as a Student Health Policy Fellow with PAEA. She is currently serving on CAPA’s Professional Practice Committee.   Emily’s previous career in advocacy has shifted to largely focus on advocating for her patients. She is committed to providing high-quality care, with a special interest in LGBTQ+-affirming care.  In her spare time, she enjoys pickleball, cooking, playing with her two miniature dachshunds, exploring the Bay Area, and any kind of travel.
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Cancer Care Fellow Sonakshi Maheshwari
Sonakshi, a Bay Area native, recently graduated from UCSF as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her healthcare journey began as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Stanford, during which she delved into cancer genetics, sparking her passion for oncology. It was here that she witnessed firsthand the profound impact healthcare providers can have on patients’ lives.  

Eager to expand her expertise, Sonakshi moved to New York, where she started her RN career specializing in adult and pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT), hematology, and oncology. The cutting-edge advancements in CAR-T particularly resonated with her, inspiring her to return to Stanford to provide inpatient care for adults undergoing BMT and CAR-T therapies. Her experience as a BMT RN highlighted the critical need for healthcare providers skilled in addressing the complex medical and psychosocial needs of oncology patients, driving her to pursue a role as an APP.   Her aim as a cancer care APP fellow is to combine cultural sensitivity with medical innovations, while advocating for patients and families undergoing life-changing treatments.   

Outside of her professional life, Sonakshi likes to lead an active lifestyle. She finds balance and joy in hiking national parks, making homemade hot sauce, and staying fit through boxing and yoga.
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Inpatient Neurosciences Fellow Lizette Grajales

Lizette Grajales is a board-certified Physician Assistant and recent graduate from the Stanford School of Medicine. She is originally from Philadelphia (Go Birds!) and earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to moving to California for her medical training, Lizette worked as a clinical research coordinator at UPenn and assisted with multiple trials dedicated to developing treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. She continued to explore her research interests as a student at Stanford by working on projects seeking to improve the experiences of Spanish-speaking families in the hospital setting. During her medical training, Lizette partnered with several teams in the Departments of Neurology and Neuro-Oncology to  provide care for patients with a variety of neurological illnesses.

As a PA, her focus is to deliver high quality, patient-centered care, and serve as an advocate for patients from underserved communities. She is thrilled to continue her medical education by joining Stanford Healthcare this fall as an APP fellow in the Inpatient Neuroscience specialty. Her goal as a fellow is to become a well-rounded expert in providing care for patients with complex neurological diseases. 

Meet the Team

We have a full team of dedicated staff here to make your experience best in class.
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Kelly Bugos, MS, RN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Director of Advanced Practice- APP Fellowship Program & Professional Development
ClairKuriakoseMBAPA-CFACHE
Clair Kuriakose, MBA, PA-C, FACHE Chief Advanced Practice Officer
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Vicki Tippett, MPH, PA-C Director of Advanced Practice Ambulatory Services & Strategy
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Ani Bagdasarian, MSN, MPH, RN, AGACNP-BC 
Director of Advanced Practice Cardiovascular Health
AaronLamaleMSNRNFNPAGACNP-BC
Aaron Lamale, MSN, RN, FNP, AGACNP-BC Lead Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program Manager
AnneOwenNP
Anne Owen, NP Nurse Practitioner 
Orthopedics Specialty Leader 
AngelaTsiperfalMSRNACNP-BCCNS
Angela Tsiperfal, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, CNS Manager Advanced Practice Provider Electrophysiology Specialty Leader 
HeatherClarkMSAGACNP-BC
Heather Clark, MS, AGACNP-BC Nurse Practitioner
Inpatient Neurosciences Specialty Leader
KateGoblirschMSPASPA-C1
Kate Goblirsch, MSPAS, PA-C  Physician Assistant
Cancer Care Specialty Leader
JesusJayNavoaMBAPA-C
Jesus (Jay) Navoa, MBA, PA-C2 Director of Advanced Practice Inpatient Services & Strategy 
DeepaShahPA-CFNP
Deepa Shah, PC-FNP Director of Advanced Practice Cancer Care

Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Us

For more information about our Center for Advanced Practice, visit our website.
For more information about our fellowship, please e-mail: AdvancedPractice@stanfordhealthcare.org