August 27, 2026
As policymakers debate the future of healthcare, one thing remains clear: they need firsthand perspectives from the providers caring for patients every day.
That reality was on display recently in Medford, Oregon, where Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., hosted a public healthcare hearing focused on clinician shortages, Medicaid funding concerns and growing challenges to patient access. Valley Immediate Care CEO and UCA member Brent Kell joined Sen. Wyden and state leaders during the event, helping bring the Urgent Care perspective into the conversation.
Mona J. McArdle, M.D., who attended the hearing, shared that Valley Immediate Care was recognized as a major community asset, serving large numbers of patients and helping meet healthcare needs at a time when access to care remains a challenge.
The hearing included testimony from clinicians and patients who described long wait times, workforce shortages and concerns about how future funding changes could affect access to care in their communities. Those conversations reinforced the importance of ensuring lawmakers understand the real-world impact healthcare policy decisions have on patients and clinicians alike.
For Urgent Care leaders, it was a powerful reminder of why UCA launched the Bring Congress to Urgent Care campaign. When policymakers see Urgent Care in action and hear directly from frontline teams, they gain a better understanding of the role Urgent Care plays in maintaining access to care when healthcare systems are under strain.
If you would like to schedule a visit to your center, check out our resources in the Site Visit Toolkit.
Finding the right opportunity just got easier. UC Compass has launched an updated landing page designed to provide a more informative, user-friendly experience for job seekers exploring careers in Urgent Care.
With clearer navigation, expanded resources and enhanced content, the refreshed page helps candidates better understand the benefits of working in Urgent Care and connect with opportunities that match their career goals.
Explore the new experience and discover your next opportunity through UC Compass.
A recent study found that infants who received Nirsevimab, a preventive immunization that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), were prescribed antibiotics less often during their first RSV season. Researchers reported reductions in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections, bronchiolitis and RSV-related hospitalizations among infants who received the treatment.
The findings suggest Nirsevimab may offer benefits beyond preventing severe RSV illness by supporting antibiotic stewardship efforts. Researchers also observed lower antibiotic prescribing rates for ear infections and viral respiratory illnesses, highlighting the potential for RSV prevention strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in young patients.
Join Urgent Care professionals from September 23 – 25 at the California Urgent Care Association’s (CalUCA) Western Regional Urgent Care Conference. This event brings together owners, operators, clinicians, marketers and industry partners for three days of education, networking and collaboration focused on the future of Urgent Care.
Attendees will gain actionable insights on clinical best practices, operational excellence, technology innovations, regulatory developments and emerging leadership strategies. Whether you’re looking to enhance patient care, strengthen your organization or build valuable industry connections, the Western Regional Conference offers an unmatched opportunity to learn from experts, share ideas and grow alongside peers who are shaping the industry.
Registration is open for the 2026 NERUCA Conference from October 4 – 6, where Urgent Care owners, operators, clinicians and vendors will convene for an enriching experience focused on Urgent Care leadership and hands-on skills development.
This dynamic event aims to address pressing industry challenges while offering essential continuing medical education (CME) courses for providers.
Attendees will have ample networking opportunities to connect, share insights and explore collaborative solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of Urgent Care.
This grant provides emerging Urgent Care leaders with an opportunity to expand their knowledge of quality improvement and Accreditation requirements through participation in the CAUCQ Q Workshop. By supporting professional development and hands-on learning, the program helps cultivate the next generation of leaders in Urgent Care quality and excellence.
Exploring Innovation #2: OtoSight Middle Ear Scope Pilot is now accepting applications through CAUCQ’s Exploring Innovation: Futuring Quality program.
Available exclusively to organizations that have achieved CAUCQ Accreditation, Qualification, Certification or Commendation recognition, this 60-day pilot offers the opportunity to evaluate innovative technology that supports middle ear assessments, strengthens clinical decision-making and enhances the patient experience in Urgent Care.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore emerging technology and help shape the future of quality care. Apply today.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭, and thanks to funding from the Urgent Care College of Physicians (UCCOP) and the College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM), enrollment is available at no cost for eligible physician, NP and PA members.
Designed to help you navigate burnout, impostor syndrome, self-doubt and the pressures of a demanding profession, this evidence-based program has been shown to improve wellbeing, self-compassion and resilience.
There are no participation requirements. Engage at the level that works for your schedule.
𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳.
The College of Urgent Care Medicine is proud to welcome Michelle Kerr, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, FCUCM, in our latest class of Fellows.
A highly respected clinician, educator and healthcare leader, Michelle has devoted her career to improving patient care, advancing provider education and strengthening quality across Urgent Care. She serves as Assistant Specialty Medical Director for Atrium Health’s Urgent Care Division, Chief Advanced Practice Provider for more than 115 APPs and Chair of the College of Urgent Care Medicine’s Clinical Advisory Group Subcommittee on Quality Metrics, where she is helping define national standards for clinical excellence in Urgent Care.
Through decades of leadership, mentorship, education and advocacy, Michelle has helped shape the future of Urgent Care while elevating the role of Advanced Practice Providers across the profession. We congratulate Michelle Kerr, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, FCUCM, on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to her continued contributions to the specialty.
The College of Urgent Care Medicine is proud to welcome Elizabeth A. Benissan-Messan, PA-C, FCUCM, in our latest class of Fellows.
Elizabeth has built an impressive career centered on clinical excellence, provider development and advancing the future of Urgent Care. As the Medical Director of Occupational Medicine and the Urgent Care Fellowship Program at WellNow Urgent Care, she plays a critical role in developing the next generation of Urgent Care clinicians while helping drive high-quality patient care and operational excellence across the organization.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for cultivating clinical talent, supporting team growth and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. Her commitment to education, mentorship and clinical excellence reflects the values of the College and the Fellowship distinction.
We congratulate Elizabeth A. Benissan-Messan, PA-C, FCUCM, on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to her continued contributions to the advancement of Urgent Care medicine.
Interested in becoming a Fellow? Learn more below.
Urgent Updates are curated highlights of guidelines, reviewed by (and some directly coming from) Urgent Care clinicians. These highlights represent the actual intent of these articles and how they relate to the practice of Urgent Care medicine.
Thursday, September 3 | 12 – 1 pm CT
Respiratory illnesses are among the most frequent and most complex cases seen in urgent care today. With multiple testing options available, selecting the right diagnostic approach can have a direct impact on clinical confidence, patient satisfaction, and operational workflow.
In this educational session, Joe Hwang, PA‑C draws on his dual experience as a laboratory director and urgent care lab consultant to break down the key differences between antigen and molecular testing for respiratory pathogens.
Participants will gain practical, real‑world guidance on:
With urgent care providers facing increasing patient volumes and expectations for fast, reliable results, understanding when and why to use each testing modality is essential for informed clinical decision‑making.
This session delivers actionable insights to help urgent care teams choose the right test at the right time, improving both clinical outcomes and day‑to‑day operations.