UCSD heard the need to update its credentialing applications
Once the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) Health system learned that their credentialing questions were outdated, they took a measured, deliberative approach to not only “get them right,” but to ensure they complemented UCSD’s ongoing efforts to support physicians’ health and well-being. Earlier this year, UCSD was the first of the UC health systems and among the first institutions in California to receive recognition from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) that their credentialing application and peer review forms did not ask applicants about diagnosis or treatment of physical conditions, mental illness, substance use disorder or other conditions when there is no current impairment.
“The fear of the impact of disclosing treatment is real,” said Judy E. Davidson, DNP, RN, associate director, Healer Education Assessment and Referral Program (HEAR). “Through the HEAR program our therapists have heard direct testimony from physicians and other licensed professionals that they fear engaging in mental health treatment because of what might happen during credentialling or re-licensure. These are real fears preventing people from getting the help they need.”
Davidson explained that the revisions recommended by the AMA and the DLBHF were reviewed and approved by UCSD’s Credentials Committee, Medical Staff Executive Committee, and Executive Governing Board to ensure everyone was in agreement.
“We knew at UCSD that we needed to update our credentialing questions to address that fear head on,” said Davidson, who explained that the UCSD Chief Medical Officer Catheryn Yashar, MD, was “immediately onboard with creating change and facilitated the effort through the medical staff office.”
The changes UCSD made to the health questions on its credentialing applications will reach nearly 2,500 physicians and advance practice providers. Review a poster (PDF) of the actions taken by UCSD.
“We call that institutionally significant,” said Habib Sabbagh, MHA, program manager, physician wellness at UC San Diego Health. “We are doing all we can to cultivate psychological safety in seeking mental health care–and even if no one hears of this change, they will still experience the benefit.”
The UC San Diego Health HEAR program offers free and confidential services, including anonymous stress and depression screenings in partnership with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP), individual and group emotional support, and facilitated connection to mental health resources. Since 2009, over 5,700 health staff, learners, and trainees have completed the screening. The anonymous encrypted screening used in the HEAR program is owned and operated by the AFSP. Davidson said that UCSD collaborates with AFSP, and that the confidential, encrypted screening is “the cornerstone of the HEAR program.” To date, HEAR has facilitated over 1,700 mental health referrals for UC San Diego Health staff. To promote early access to support among Graduate Medical Education trainees, the HEAR Program offers 1:1 Opt-Out sessions for new residents or fellows in participating programs.
“We care deeply about our healers and are committed to strengthening a culture free from stigma and grounded in compassion and care,” said Desiree Shapiro, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry and director of the HEAR Program. “We are proud that UC San Diego Health been recognized as a 2025 Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Each day, our work is focused on reducing suffering and isolation, promoting well-being, and strengthening a community where seeking support is safe, encouraged, and respected.”
“UC San Diego Health is at the forefront of championing access to mental health care and preventing suicide for health workers in California,” said Corey Feist, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “We look forward to building on UC San Diego Health’s leadership, as well as the Medical Board of California and Osteopathic Medical Board of California who are Wellbeing First Champions for Licensing, to make it safer for all Californian health workers to seek mental health care.”
Contact Habib Sabbagh for more information about UCSD’s work.
Find more information about the HEAR Program.
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