FHCSD Terminates Physician Advocate Dr. Raquel Cornejo Pina During Protected Medical Leave — UAPD Alleges Retaliation; 1,000 Patients Lose PCP
Family Health Centers of San Diego terminated Dr. Raquel Cornejo Pina after 7 years while she was on protected medical leave. UAPD/AFSCME alleges retaliation for raising unsafe staffing/excessive panel concerns and for supporting union organizing.
Adds to existing FHCSD NLRB case (21-CA-377502, filed Dec 18, 2025). Approximately 1,000 patients lose their primary care provider mid-treatment. UAPD held a press conference April 16 with affected patients and physician colleagues.
Signal: physician unionization risk is escalating across CA FQHCs as panel sizes grow under H.R. 1 hiring freezes. CA Healthy Workplaces Healthy Family Act protections apply — FHCSD denies retaliation claim.
Key takeaways
- Dr. Cornejo Pina terminated after 7 years during protected medical leave
- 1,000 patients lose primary care provider mid-treatment
- Adds to FHCSD NLRB case 21-CA-377502 filed December 2025
- Signals escalating physician unionization risk at CA FQHCs
Primary source
UAPD/AFSCMESource packet
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Affected FQHCs
FQHC Talent. (2026, April 10). FHCSD Terminates Physician Advocate Dr. Raquel Cornejo Pina During Protected Medical Leave — UAPD Alleges Retaliation; 1,000 Patients Lose PCP. Primary source: UAPD/AFSCME. Retrieved July 30, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/fhcsd-cornejo-pina-termination-uapd-april-10-2026
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