The Bridgeport Hospital APP Council
History of the APP Council
An Advanced Practice Provider (APP), includes physician associates/assistants (PA-C), nurse
practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified nurse midwives (CNM), and
certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). As of 2019, a systematic
approach to developing the Council was planned. Nursing and Physician Leadership collaborated
to pursue a model to best meet the needs of the APPs and how their skills and experiences could
be best utilized to support their professional development. The Council was organized to support
the APP group and led to the establishment of a professional governance that will help
coordinate and unify advanced practice providers within their health system delivery network.
The Council was developed to create an avenue for a more active APP community, sharing best
practices and common experiences, and a group open to more networking opportunities.
Active Work
The APP Council's current goals focus on increasing opportunities for APP engagement, identifying opportunities for recognition of APPs, and promoting educational opportunities for Bridgeport Hospital healthcare personnel.
Currently in our third year, the "There and Back Again" CME conference series was born out of the post-COVID era, signifying a return to the journey back to in-person conferences and our dedication again to practicing clinical medicine. This conference series seeks to bring relevant, up-to-date educational material through a unique and fresh lens. We select engaging speakers and focus on topics that are practical to everyday clinical medicine. Bridgeport Hospital is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians and APPs. Yale New Haven Hospital is an Approved Provider of Nursing Continuing Professional Development by the Connecticut Nurses' Association, an Accredited Approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Members
Current 2025 Leadership Team:
Anvar Hoja, PA-C, Chair. Co-Chair of Social Committee. Department of Neurosurgery
Angie Brown, PA-C, Chair Elect. Co-Chair of Social Committee. Department of Surgery
Alan Olson, PA-C, Immediate Past Chair of APP Council. Current Co-Chair of Education Committee. Department of Medicine/Hospitalist
Jay Hirsch, PA-C, Treasurer. Department of Thoracic Surgery
Karen Discepolo, APRN, Secretary. Department of Cardiology
Gloriann Albini, APRN, Past Chair. Current Co-Chair of Education Committee. Department of Medicine/Hospitalist
Active Members:
Lauren Boggs, PA-C. Department of Cardiology
Anna Clabby, APRN. Department of Geriatrics
Christina Fatse, CRNA. Department of Anesthesia
Ken Forte, APRN. Director of Nursing. Department of Nursing
Ewelina Gibek, CRNA. Manager. Department of Anesthesia
Sherin John, PA-C. Department of Cardiology
Jill Keller, APRN. Department of Oncology
Dermot McDermott, PA-C. Department of Geriatrics
Christine Needham, APRN. Manager. Department of Medicine/Hospitalist
Donna Nunno, CRNA. Department of Anesthesia
John Roney, PA-C. Department of Orthopedics