Preparing the Workforce of the Future:
The Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Fellowship at Transit Village Family Medicine
Grace’s journey into healthcare began with a mix of uncertainty and hope. Fresh out of school, she was eager to start her career but felt the weight of the gap between graduation and her job search. She longed for a supportive environment where she could learn and grow, which she eventually found in La Clínica’s Fellowship program. Located in the East Bay, the program offered not just proximity but also a year-long residency, the promise of a dedicated preceptor, and the opportunity to serve a predominantly Spanish-speaking community — a community Grace felt deeply connected to.
What we really want to do is give them extra support and make them feel they are safe in the medicine they are providing.
—Caitlin Hanavan, La Clínica Family Nurse Practitioner and program director
The program was rigorous, with four days in the clinic and one day dedicated to didactic learning, rotating through departments like Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine. Despite the challenges, Grace found camaraderie among her fellow participants, who shared the same anxieties and aspirations. They became her lifeline, providing support through the stresses and uncertainties of their first year. The loss of a co-fellow was tough, but Grace persisted.
Grace encountered patients dealing not only with physical ailments but also with deep emotional and psychological burdens. The realities of their struggles were overwhelming at times, but Grace found strength in her role, recognizing the privilege of holding space for their pain and providing the care they needed. The program’s knowledgeable preceptors, who practiced evidence-based medicine, offered different perspectives on complex cases, helping her navigate the challenges of working with a high-risk population.
compassion
The fellowship program at La Clínica at Transit Village Family Medicine, addresses the critical question of how to sustain and motivate a resilient workforce in today’s challenging healthcare environment. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are essential to clinical practice, yet often graduate without sufficient real-world experience. The Fellowship program is designed as a cohort-based model, offering a peer support system where fellows share experiences and learn together through various rotations in clinical settings.
Caitlin Hanavan, Family Nurse Practitioner who oversees the program, emphasizes the importance of the diverse exposure fellows receive. They work closely with preceptors—MDs or experienced nurse practitioners—who guide them through clinical assessments, documentation, and case consultations. These mentors provide not only clinical expertise but also practical advice on managing workloads and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. One of the program’s most impactful components is a social worker-led peer support group, which helps fellows process their daily challenges and experiences.
Grace found exactly what she had hoped for in the program — support, guidance, and the opportunity to grow.
By the time the program ended, she couldn’t imagine leaving. She decided to stay at La Clínica, transitioning to La Clínica Monument, closer to her home. The work was challenging, but it was needed, and she appreciated the connection to her coworkers and the bond she had formed with her patients.
The NP/PA Fellowship at Transit Village Family Medicine is a vital program that addresses crucial gaps in practical training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Through comprehensive training, peer support, and the dedication of exceptional preceptors, the program prepares fellows to navigate the complexities of clinical practice. As Grace reflects on her journey, she knows the program made her the provider she is today. The constant support, the friendships, and the community she found at La Clínica have shaped her, giving her the confidence to face each day with compassion and competence. She belongs here, and she knows she’s making a difference.
