UTSW nursing leaders Wyatt, Goettl named to AAN Class of Fellows
UT Southwestern’s David Wyatt, Ph.D., RN, and Bradley Goettl, D.N.P., APRN, have been named by the American Academy of Nursing to the group’s 2023 Class of Fellows. The nursing executives were recognized for their positive impact through representation in a variety of roles and settings.
Dr. Wyatt, Associate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, became a nurse 29 years ago. Dr. Goettl, Assistant Director of the Office of Advanced Practice Providers (AAP), has been in nursing for 17 years.
Dr. Wyatt, a former President of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, led the inaugural task force for men in nursing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In this role, his efforts resulted in gender-neutral marketing and access to benefits, plus community relations that positively depicted men in nursing.
Dr. Goettl’s background includes emergency medicine and disaster response. He established APP fellowship and professional development programs to help address critical workforce shortages. He also has developed advanced practice nursing curricula and serves as a Commissioner for the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Drs. Wyatt and Goettl join 253 new Fellows who represent 40 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 13 countries. The new inductees hold positions in governmental, clinical, nonprofit, and academic organizations.
The Academy’s more than 2,900 Fellows have expertise in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. The AAN began in 1973 with 36 charter Fellows. The inductees will be recognized in October at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the two winners in the Q&As below.
David Wyatt, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, CNOR
Associate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, University Hospital
Why I chose nursing: I had been working in health care as a tech and saw nursing as a great way to impact the lives of patients. Over my career, I have seen amazing advances in care delivery and enhancement of how health care teams work together.
My job entails: I am responsible for nursing practice at the University Hospital. I work together with the Nursing Executive Cabinet to ensure nursing practice is coordinated across the Health System.
My most significant career accomplishment at UTSW: I arrived at UTSW on March 2, 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. My initial entry to UTSW nursing and administration was focused on COVID-19 management and rapidly developing a response and management that lasted for several years. The teams here at UTSW are extraordinary, and their ability to care for such complex patients through this pandemic is amazing.
What I love about UTSW: Our teams are laser-focused on providing outstanding care to complex patients while ensuring high levels of satisfaction. I have never worked with teams that are so concentrated on patient satisfaction – this demonstrates such an amazing level of intention to keep the patient at the center of all we do.
How I feel about being named a Fellow: It is incredibly humbling and honoring to be inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. I am pleased that I have the honor to represent UT Southwestern as a Fellow.
Plans under the fellowship: Being an AAN Fellow includes an obligation to contribute as a leader for the profession of nursing. I see many opportunities for advancing knowledge regarding workforce needs and attracting new nurses to the profession. The next year will show me more about opportunities to engage with the Academy as well as how my involvement can benefit nursing at UT Southwestern.
Bradley Goettl, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, ENP-C, FAANP
Assistant Director, Office of Advanced Practice Providers (APP)
Why I chose nursing: I became a nurse to provide exceptional care to patients, especially the most vulnerable in emergency situations. Now my focus is on supporting the next generation of nurses and improving care.
What my job entails: I have the privilege of leading the APP Fellowship Program, which spans multiple specialties. I oversee various professional development initiatives and act as an administrative liaison between the Office of Advanced Practice Providers and the Department of Emergency Medicine.
My most significant accomplishment at UTSW: I am most proud of a recent $2.5 million grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration for the period of 2023-2028, which is intended to enhance postgraduate training for advanced practice providers in the fields of mental health and substance use disorders.
What I love about UTSW: I value UTSW’s dedication to professional development and fostering career growth. I am excited about the new opportunities that come with our growth and expansion of services and programs.
How I feel about being named a Fellow: This is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my career. It represents the recognition of my expertise and leadership within the nursing profession, and it motivates me to continue making a positive impact in the field.
Plans under the fellowship: I am committed to continuing my efforts in driving crucial changes in nursing practice and policy that will have a significant impact on health care delivery.
Additional thoughts: In a nursing career, the possibilities are limitless. Discover what suits you best, make a meaningful difference, and support your colleagues.