Connect

UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice (CAP) proudly served as the host organization for 2026 National APP Week — leading a wide range of virtual, national events — and onsite, local events — recognizing the crucial expertise of audiologists, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, genetic counselors, licensed clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants/associates across the country and at UVA Health. 

This year's theme: "The Pulse of Progress: APPs Powering Tomorrow."

The week kicked off with APPs and their families gathering at King Family Vineyards in Crozet to watch polo matches at noon and 2 p.m. 

For the week, UVA Health APP teams joined the Step Challenge on the Hoos Well app as a fun way to promote healthy activity and competition.

On Monday, Sept. 21, UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Bill Lombardi, DNP, RN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice, led the Opening Ceremony. The keynote featured Harvard- and Stanford-trained physician-scientist Daniel Kraft, MD, on “The Future of Health and Medicine: Where Can Technology Take Us. Watch the recording.

That evening, UVA Health APPs kicked up their heels at Orange Theory Fitness.

A Presidents Panel Discussion featured the leaders of several national APP organizations. Watch the recording. UVA Health APPs talked to the presidents about their work and how the national organizations could support professional growth. Then, during the panel, leaders answered questions submitted by APPs onsite at the event — and online from across the country — about practice autonomy, legislative advocacy, and the future of their respective APP professions.

The panel included David Bunnell, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, American Academy of Physician Associates; Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FAAN, FNAP, FAANP, American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Peter Johnson, CNM, PhD, FACNM, FAAN, American College of Nurse Midwives; Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists; Emily Mycyk, CAA, American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants; and Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

”Having the presidents here to share their perspective on the state of our professions through a national lens solidifies that our APPs are well-poised to meet future needs of our patients and the healthcare system,” says Lombardi. “And having the opportunity to be the National APP Week host organization, and sponsor an event like the Presidents Panel, is so rewarding! We’re sharing the incredible work of UVA Health APPs, as well as the value that CAP brings to APPs and the organization.” 

That evening, APPs and their families let the good times roll for duckpin bowling fun at Sun Pins at Dairy Market.

On Sept. 23, the APP Council Recognition Committee treated UVA Health APPs to breakfast at University Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms, and coffee and donut deliveries to Fontaine, Ivy, Riverside, and Zion Crossroads.

Later that day, APPs took in the Midweek Keynote by Jones Loflin on “Powering Tomorrow: Leading Well in a World of Too Much to Do.” Watch the recording.

That evening, APPs gathered at WildMan Dan Brewery in Afton for darts, karaoke, foosball, food, and camaraderie!   

The following evening, at the Contemplative Sciences Center, APP Council hosted the UVA Health APP Week Awards Gala honoring 86 nominees.

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients:

• APP Emerging Leader Award — Bethany Giesel, NP, Palliative Care
• Interprofessional Collaboration Award — Sarah Roberts NP, Pediatric Surgery
• APP Rising Star Award — Brooke Smith, NP, TCV-ICU
• APP Team of the Year — Clinical Nurse Specialist Team
• APP Legacy Award — Heather Passerini, NP, Bariatric Surgery
• APP of the Year — Margaret Sennett NP, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

In addition, online, Lombardi, along with Honore Kotler, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, Cedars-Sinai, hosted the National APP Week Awards, honoring 263 nominees and awarding six recipients across the country. Watch the recording.

Throughout the day on Sept. 25, UVA Health APP leadership delivered treats and swag to UVA Health team members at hospital units and clinics.

The week wrapped up with a Closing Ceremony and Host Handoff as Lombardi presented “Passing the Torch to 2027 National AAP Week." Watch the recording.

Thank you to APPs for supporting our UVA Health mission of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond!