APGAP Member Feature: Frannie Lorenzi MMS, PA-C

1. Tell us about your current position and what it entails.

I am an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine. I joined the University of Colorado's Division of Hospital Medicine in March of 2015, as an APF and have been a faculty member since completing my fellowship in hospital medicine. Currently my clinical role is an inpatient medical oncology APP! My non-clinical time is spent as the Co-Director of the Advanced Practice Fellowship in Hospital Medicine at University of Colorado. I am passionate about leading the program and overseeing all aspects of its operation.

2. Why do you believe fellowships are important for NPs?

Fellowships are key to obtaining and maintaining confidence and competence in our areas of practice. I feel that completing fellowship helps to ensure that APPs work at the top of scope as an effective member of the patient care team! Fellowship sets APPs up for success and ensures the best care possible for our patients.

3. How do you see NPs grow and develop throughout their fellowship experience? 

Our APP fellows grow so much throughout their fellowship experience -- we always say that our fellows come from a wide array of backgrounds, but all have the same end goal: to function as a faculty APP taking the best care possible of the hospitalized patient. Our fellows grow in medical knowledge through structured didactics, evidence-based medicine sessions, and days at the simulation center. They gradually take on more patient care throughout the year, growing their patient panel step wise. My favorite day of fellowship is when we have a new cohort start and they immediately notice how smart the fellows above them are and can clearly see the progress they're about to make. 

4. Tell us about the fellowship program at the University of Colorado.

Started in 2009, the APF is one of the oldest APP inpatient training fellowships based on the successes of the Division's Hospitalist Training Program for Internal Medicine Residents. The APF has graduated over 100 fellows (113 once our current cohort graduates in September!), who now hold positions in Hospital Medicine, Emergency Medicine, the Intensive Care Unit, the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and in many other Divisions across the University Hospital, the Mountain West, and nationally. 

I foresee the fellowship growing in the future, especially with the growth in our region and our hospital system. I hope to expand and grow into other areas of the hospital!

5. What would be your recommendation to other NPs who want to start fellowship programs?

It's not an easy road, but it is worthwhile! Take the time to talk to colleagues across the country who are doing these programs well. Take the time to ensure that your department is ready and interested in having APP learners. You will hit roadblocks but be persistent - it's a worthwhile cause. You will find success and get to watch learners grow into excellent providers!

6. Why are you an APGAP member? What do you like most about APGAP?

I joined APGAP to create connections within the field and it's been such an incredible resource to do just that! Through APGAP, I have been able to connect with program leaders throughout the country and discuss goals and create opportunities for each other.

7. What would you say to someone who was considering joining APGAP?

Join! It's a great resource, and I can’t recommend it enough.