Amita Avadhani, chair of the Department of Nursing, has been accepted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP), a nonprofit organization founded to advise government bodies about the healthcare system. NAP members are leaders from a broad range of healthcare disciplines, including nursing, social work, psychology and pharmacy. The organization supports research and policy that promotes interprofessional healthcare and advances patient-centered care. 

“This is an important interprofessional society, with representation from many healthcare professions,” Avadhani said. “It fits very well with the College of Public Health’s emphasis on collaboration and the work we do with other departments in nursing education.” 

Avadhani hopes to bring issues vital to nurses and nurse practitioners to the attention of policymakers. Throughout her academic career, she has continued to work as a nurse practitioner in clinical settings, witnessing firsthand the needs of front-line professionals and patients. She was based in a hospital in March 2020 when COVID struck, putting massive strains on the healthcare system and providers. She has fellowships with the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

“We are excited to celebrate with Dr. Avadhani after being recognized by her peers for her commitment to advancing clinical practice,” said Jennifer Ibrahim, dean of the College of Public Health. “All of our outstanding faculty make a difference in the lives of our students every day and work to shape the future of health professions education and healthcare practice more broadly.”  

The NAP will induct Avadhani and other new fellows at its annual meeting in March in Jacksonville, Florida.