UTMB celebrated Advanced Practice Provider Week from Sept. 23 to 27. One of the week's highlights was the annual APP Awards of Excellence dinner.
Please join us in congratulating the outstanding APPs who were selected this year, in recognition of their commitment to their patients, their professions, and the advancement of health care. We are proud to share an excerpt from each of their nominations.
Rookie of the Year
Jourdan Pea, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC
Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery
"Jourdan Pea embodies the qualities of an outstanding rookie through her trustworthiness, accountability, and professionalism as a team player. Her empathy and compassion toward patients and their families, combined with her commitment to excellence in clinical care, make her a truly deserving nominee."
Excellence in Advanced Practice Provider Education
Vera Gibb, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AQH, CCTP
School of Nursing, Department of Graduate Studies
"Dr. Gibb has the unique ability to bring researchers, caregivers, healthcare providers and patients together in an online format to educate and enrich interprofessional student learners. Dr. Gibb offers the opportunity for attendees to learn about, from and with each other, which is the World Health Organization’s definition of Interprofessional Education."
Excellence in Education and Mentorship of Advanced Practice Providers (Clinician)
Beverly Pennington, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics
"Students and clinical faculty speak very highly of her excellent teaching skills, diverse clinical experience, positive attitude, kindness, compassion, sense of humor, and eagerness to train the next generation of nurse practitioners. The lessons I take away from Beverly have contributed to a strong foundation that will continue to serve me as I progress in school and into the nurse practitioner profession."
Excellence in Service to the Profession Nomination
Adel Nasser, MPAS, PA-C
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology
"His peers have identified him as an advocate in the clinical setting and appreciate his leadership and drive to support APPs at UTMB. Adel is an active member of the American Academy of PAs with the House of Delegates and Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) Legislative Affairs Committee, where he advocates on behalf of his PA colleagues to lobbyists, governors and senators to improve PA practice laws so that PAs may practice to the full extent of their scope of practice and licensure. He is passionate about education and promotion of the PA profession and the GI department is lucky to have him."
Excellence in Service to Patients and the Community
Taylor Mitchell, MPAS, PA-C
Department of Otolaryngology
"PA Mitchell is an advocate for her patients in the community of Galveston. She educates her patients on the importance of tending to their healthcare needs. She goes the extra mile by ensuring patients have other essential needs like transportation to and from visits, housing/health/food/medications and offers community resource referrals to those in need. She is a diversity champion and well respected by her peers and patients alike as a popular health care figure in the Galveston community. Her dedication to her patients and her home community of Galveston is inspiring."
Excellence in Clinical Practice
Karen Cochran, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC
TDCJ Hospital Administration
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
"Karen provides care that is not only safe and effective but also deeply respectful of her patients’ individuality and grounded in the best available evidence. Her holistic approach to patient care sets a standard of excellence that positively impacts both her patients, learners, and colleagues."
Tamika Scott, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery
"Tamika provides effective care by creating realistic weight loss and health goals for patients by integrating dietary, physical activity, and behavioral strategies to prepare and sustain weight loss after surgery. Tamika prioritizes the patient's preferences, needs, and values in every aspect of their care. She actively involves patients in setting goals and developing a care plan that aligns with their lifestyle and personal motivations. She listens to their concerns and ensures their voices are heard throughout the process. Tamika's interactions with her patients and colleagues embody what it means to truly have the patient's best interest at heart."
Excellence in Leadership
Reagan Davis, MPAS, PA-C
Department of Otolaryngology
"PA Reagan Davis exemplifies the UTMB mission, vision, and values through his unwavering dedication to patient care, education, and community service. As a leader, Reagan consistently sets the standard by embodying integrity, excellence, and compassion, serving as a role model for colleagues and the community. His commitment to UTMB's core principles is evident in his daily interactions and long-term initiatives that foster a culture of excellence and respect."
APP Corner is a monthly feature showcasing UTMB's Advanced Practice Providers.