Lewis named American Academy of Nursing fellow

BUFFALO, N.Y. – On Oct. 19, Marsha L. Lewis, PhD, RN and dean of the University at Buffalo School of Nursing was inducted as a fellow into the prestigious American Academy of Nursing (AAN) at its 40th annual meeting and conference.

The academy is composed of more than 2,000 nurse leaders in education, management practice, policy and research. The academy fellows, of which there are 172 inductees this year, include nurse leaders in research, practice, education and management. The fellows represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 19 countries.

“This is a wonderful honor,” said Lewis. “By becoming a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, I join the ranks of scientists, educators, policy makers, and practitioners who are exemplars of nursing excellence The School gains well-deserved recognition from these distinguished honors for our faculty.”

AAN fellows have been recognized for their extraordinary nursing careers and their leadership in improving health. Invitation to the fellowship represents more than recognition of one's accomplishments within the nursing profession: Fellows also have a responsibility to contribute their time and energies to the academy and to engage with other health care leaders outside the academy in improving America's health care system.

Selection criteria for fellows include evidence of significant national contributions to nursing and health care and sponsorship by two current academy fellows. Applicants are reviewed by a panel of elected and appointed fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent of the nominee’s nursing career influence on health policies and the health and wellbeing of patients. New Fellows are eligible to use the designation, FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing), after their induction.

“Being chosen for fellowship in the Academy is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of nursing,” said academy president Joanne Disch, PhD, RN, FAAN. “I congratulate all of the new fellows and look forward to honoring their accomplishments and welcoming them into the academy.”