Honoring UTMB Advanced Practice Providers – September 22–26
In September, we celebrated Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, which is a time dedicated to honoring the skill, dedication, and essential role APPs play within our healthcare teams. From Sept. 22 through 26, our institution, along with many others across the country, took time to recognize the critical contributions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Physician Assistants (PAs).
We want to express our gratitude to each of you for your service to our patients and communities. APPs are vital to the delivery of high-quality care across every setting, and APP Week was a welcome moment to reflect on the scope, diversity, and impact of our work.
Who Are Advanced Practice Providers?
Advanced Practice Providers are licensed healthcare professionals who have received advanced clinical education and training, typically at the master's or doctoral level. APPs assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions, often functioning with a high level of autonomy.
In most institutions, the APP designation includes both:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including NPs, CNMs, CRNAs, and CNSs
Physician Assistants
Together, we form a collaborative network of providers who deliver patient-centered care across disciplines and specialties
APP Roles at a Glance
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs provide primary, acute, and specialty care across the lifespan. They are trained to diagnose and manage a variety of health conditions and often serve as patients' principal care providers.
Settings: Family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, pediatrics, emergency departments, and more.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
CNMs specialize in women's health, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and reproductive health.
Settings: Birthing centers, OB/GYN clinics, hospital L&D units.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs administer anesthesia and manage pain before, during, and after procedures. They are critical to safe surgical and procedural care.
Settings: Operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, pain management clinics.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
CNSs are experts in specific clinical areas. They focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, nursing education, and systems-level leadership.
Settings: Hospitals, academic health centers, specialty care units, and quality and safety departments.
Physician Assistant (PA)
PAs are nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine in collaboration with physicians. They take medical histories, perform exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
Settings: Nearly every medical and surgical specialty, including primary care, orthopedics, emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, and more.
The Value of APPs in Healthcare
APPs improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes, and expand the capacity of healthcare systems to meet growing demands. Whether in primary care, surgery, critical care, mental health, or specialty fields, APPs are:
Clinicians and diagnosticians
Patient advocates and educators
Innovators in care delivery
Leaders in safety, quality, and efficiency
Our work supports, complements, and often leads care delivery alongside our physician, nursing, and allied health colleagues.
A Sincere Thank You
Though APP Week has come to a close, our appreciation for the contributions of APPs should extend far beyond a single week. Each of you brings skill, integrity, and compassion to your role, and your impact is felt in every patient encounter, care plan, and clinical decision.
To our Advanced Practice Providers, thank you for everything you do. Your dedication to advancing healthcare is not only inspiring but also essential.
Here's to continuing the work, together!