Apheresis Physicians College (APC)



Launched in August of 2015, our Apheresis Physicians College (APC) course arose from an increased demand for apheresis in hospitals across the country. In just a few years our course has gained popularity and notoriety for its quality and comprehensive training. Due to demand, the course is offered six times a year and is available to medical professionals around the world.

A 4-day immersion course in the practice of therapeutic apheresis medicine, the training is led by Dr. David M. Ward, founder of both the APC course and our Apheresis Program here at UC San Diego. The course targets physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who are seeking thorough expertise in performing therapeutic apheresis procedures and running an apheresis service. Our small group format (typically 3-5 attendees per course session) allows our trainees to work closely with Dr. Ward and the rest of the Apheresis staff throughout the 4 days of training. The course includes small-group lectures, computer-based learning modules, and rounding of 50 to 70 apheresis procedures on site. 

Modalities seen in a typical week of training include plasma exchange (TPE), photopheresis (ECP), LDL-apheresis, red-cell exchange apheresis and white cell harvest leukapheresis. White-cell depletion and platelet depletion procedures may or may not be available for observation.

Other topics covered include indications for apheresis, responding to requests for consultation, prescribing for apheresis procedures, planning courses of treatment, managing procedures and complications, the physician role in obtaining insurance authorizations, overseeing quality assurance, and running an apheresis service.
By completing the Apheresis Physicians College course physicians will gain the clinical experience needed to qualify as a Medical Director of a Therapeutic Apheresis Service as defined in the guidelines of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). In addition, a UC San Diego certificate is awarded upon completion of the course. We also anticipate awarding Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in for this course in the near future.

How to Register for the Apheresis Physicians College Course:

You will first need to check on the available APC course dates listed on the right side of this webpage. We recommend that you reach out to us at least 2 months in advance of your target course date as spots for our APC course are quickly filled. Once you have your preferred course dates, please send our APC Program Coordinator, Ruben Figueroa, an email at r2figueroa@health.ucsd.edu with a copy of your most current C.V. and course date preference(s).

Please note that as you will be seeing patients within our UC San Diego medical facilities, you will need to complete and submit security, health screening, and medical staff administration clearance forms. In addition, you will need to meet our medical staff immunization requirements. Our program coordinator will provide you with the clearance forms and will guide you through the whole process.

Course tuition is currently set at $1600 for the 4 day course. Tuition includes course materials (physical and digital copies), clearance fees, temporary university badges, as well as lunch on all four days. Tuition does not include any hotel or parking fees. Please do not hesitate to contact our program coordinator for a listing of nearby hotels, transportation, etc.

Lastly, all four days of the course take place within the UC San Diego Apheresis Unit at the Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion: 9400 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037.

We look forward to seeing you at UC San Diego! Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions.

2021 APC Course Dates

September 28-October 1 Cancelled Due to Current Delta Variant Surge in San Diego

* November 9-12 Cancelled Due to Current Delta Variant Surge in San Diego

Please stay tuned for 2022 APC course updates. Due to the status of the pandemic here in San Diego, we do not anticipate releasing course dates before February of 2022.

Please contact our APC Course Coordinator, Rita Germann-Kurtz, to sign-up for the course.
rgermannkurtz@health.ucsd.edu