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.