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National Advanced Practice Provider Week — observed annually across the country and at UVA Health during the final week of September — recognizes physician assistants/associates, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, audiologists, genetic counselors, and licensed clinical social workers. The week celebrates providers certified and licensed to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses; prescribe medications; perform clinical procedures; and conduct clinical research in management of the whole individual.

“APP Week is my favorite event during the year! We recognize and celebrate our incredible team members who provide excellent clinical care every day," describes Bill Lombardi, DNP, AG-ACNP, Administrator, UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice (CAP) (pictured far right). "It’s great to have time to meet with them and share stories of their work. It's also so heartwarming to see support and recognition from our medical, operational, and executive leaders from UVA Health.  Each year, this celebration becomes more robust and meaningful to our team members!”

Lauren H. Maino, Program Management Associate, CAP, finds that UVA Health APP Week is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the vital role APPs play in delivering high quality, patient-centered care. She's grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the APP Council Recognition Committee, which she credits with leading the way "in creating a week of thoughtful events that honored the expertise, innovation, and collaboration APPs contribute every day."

Maino adds that "the events offered well-deserved recognition and fostered connection and appreciation for the real impact APPs have — on patients, colleagues, and the future of care delivery. It's an honor to support and celebrate such a dedicated and talented group. I look forward to continuing to partner with APPs across the health system and supporting their ideas, programs, and successes in the year ahead!”

2025 APP Week Events

On Sept. 22, CAP held an Open House during which attendees could explore the new facility, meet the team, and enjoy refreshments.

On Sept. 23, 2025 APP Award nominess attended a Recognition Gala at Fralin Museum of Art:

On Sept. 24, APPs enjoyed breakfast in OR classrooms:

On Sept. 25 at McLeod Hall, Kathleen Haden, MSN, ANP, YTT, led a free restorative yoga class for a calming reset before a work shift or the drive home.

The week culminated Sept. 26 with the 2025 APP Awards Ceremony and lunch at Pinn Hall Auditorium. The honorees are:

• Rising Star — Brie Waddington, PA | Early-career APP who demonstrates exceptional promise and early impact, already making a difference through clinical excellence, innovation, and leadership potential.
• Excellence in Leadership — Sarah Lepore, NNP-BC, MSN, RNC-NIC, NR-Paramedic | Demonstrates exceptional leadership through influence, initiative, and ability to guide teams, projects, or systems to improve care and outcomes.
• Outstanding Educator — Kimberly Bednar, FNP, MSN, RN | Contributes to healthcare and team development through excellence in education, mentoring, precepting, or onboarding of peers and learners.
• Excellence in Scholarship — Tanya Thomas, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN | Advances clinical practice through the generation, application, and dissemination of knowledge via research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or educational contributions.
• Interprofessional Collaboration — Jeanne Parrish, RN, BSN, FNP | Outstanding patient care is grounded in the ability to collaborate effectively with interprofessional colleagues, patients, and families.
• Exceptional APP — Gabriele Ford, MSN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC | Exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, professionalism, and compassionate service, consistently going above and beyond in their role.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners and nominees, and thank you and Happy APP Week to all team members supporting our UVA Health mission of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond!