Who We Are
The Office of Advanced Practice Providers was established to support and elevate the role of APPs within the institution. Recognizing the critical contributions of APPs, UTSW created the office to provide leadership, advocacy, and professional development tailored to this growing workforce. Since its inception, the office has played a key role in integrating APPs into multidisciplinary care teams, ensuring compliance with evolving health care regulations, and advancing education, mentorship, and research initiatives.
Our History
Office of APP Development Timeline
2014: Centralized office created
Fall 2014
In 2014, a pivotal moment emerged in medicine marked by heightened sophistication and a burgeoning public demand for expanded healthcare services. Recognizing the imperative to fortify the healthcare workforce, a centralized office for Advanced Practice professionals was established to adeptly support a diverse array of evolving roles and responsibilities.
Under the authorization of the Executive Vice President, Health System Affairs, the Office of Advanced Practice Providers was established in the fall of 2014 with a team of two. The office collaborated closely with clinical departments, the credentialing office, and talent acquisition to bolster support and recruit future APPs.
At this time, the office supported a team of 277 advanced practice providers comprising 138 NPs, 52 CRNAs, 3 CNSs, and 83 PAs.
2016: Leadership expanded
Spring 2016
After mapping out future strategies, the then director embarked on expanding leadership focus across Ambulatory Services, Neuroscience, the Cancer Center, and University Hospitals. In 2016, four individuals were hired to share leadership responsibilities within the APP team: Assistant Director of Advanced Practice Providers for University Hospitals, Assistant Director for Ambulatory Services, Assistant Director for Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Assistant Director for Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.
The office now encompassed 329 APPs.
2014-2019: Continued education programs created
Fall 2019
Over the years, the Office of Advanced Practice Providers has deeply integrated into the Medical Center, fostering collaboration in support services, educational initiatives, clinical operations, and departmental leadership. Between 2014 and 2019, the office pioneered professional programs that significantly advanced the professional development of its APPs on campus:
- APP Journal Club
- APP Lecture Series
- APP Clinical Ladder
- APP Mentorship Program
- APP Student Placement
The office now served 486 APPs.
2021: Partner with Children's Health to add Pediatric APPs
Winter 2021
On January 1, 2021, the Office of Advanced Practice Providers experienced rapid expansion. In collaboration with Children’s Health, our team welcomed 298 new pediatric advanced practice providers dedicated to serving families across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding regions. This growth has brought about significant transformations, driven by the visionary leadership of key individuals.
2024: Expanded leadership and programs
2024
Reflecting on the past decade, the UT Southwestern Office of Advanced Practice Providers has steadfastly upheld its mission. It consistently prepares top-tier health professionals to address the evolving needs of North Texas' healthcare system through interdisciplinary education and the advancement of comprehensive healthcare practices.
The APP program now reached more than 1,100 APPs.
