General Info

Desiree Leithem, MS, FNP-C, is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages. Her focus is preventive care for individuals in health and wellness. She has over two decades of experience in emergency medicine and serves as the nurse practitioner manager for the Emergency Departments at UC San Diego Health.As part of https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/primary-care/Pages/express.aspx at UC San Diego Health, Desiree provides routine checkups and care for conditions that include minor illnesses and injuries, respiratory illnesses, colds and flu, fever, headache and pain. She also administers immunizations, screening tests and performs sports physicals. Previously, Desiree was a nurse practitioner in the emergency department and as part of the bone marrow transplant team at UC San Diego Health. She has also cared for patients at Scripps Coastal Medical Center, Camp Pendleton, Mission Hospital, and Radys Childrens Hospital. She completed the family nurse practitioner post-masters study program at USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. She earned a masters degree in critical care and trauma from UCSF and a bachelors degree in nursing from The College of New Rochelle in New York. Desiree was as an emergency room registered nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital during 9/11. She was among the trauma and critical care health care professionals who helped save lives of those impacted by the attacks. Outside of work, Desiree is a dedicated military wife who enjoys spending time with her two children and husband. She also enjoys surfing, rock climbing, baking and seeking worldwide adventures. UC San Diego Health LinksFor more information, see https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/primary-care/Pages/default.aspx.