University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies Associate Dean Receives a Federal Appointment

Coral Gables, FL.- Elias P. Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, associate professor and associate dean for community affairs at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services for a four-year term to the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice. In this role, he will provide recommendations for the future of nursing education and clinical practice including expert testimony to legislators on the allocation of funds for nursing education to meet society’s changing health care needs.

Dr. Vasquez is a pioneer in innovative approaches to nursing practice, education and research for one of contemporary society’s most challenging problems: mothers with substance use disorders and their children. An experienced neonatal and pediatric nurse practitioner, his expertise is in providing primary health care and developmental assessments to HIV and drug exposed infants, children, and adolescents. He is a former president of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has advocated for improved care and compassion for poor, minority parents with substance use disorders.

“This appointment offers a wonderful opportunity to share information on evidence-based nursing practice and emerging trends in education and health care with industry and policy leaders,” said Dr. Vasquez. “I look forward to participating in the Council’s efforts to advance quality nursing education and clinical practice.”

A Fellow of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Vasquez has also been a Fellow with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Developing Leadership and Reducing Substance Abuse, and with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Leadership for Academic Nursing Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University and a Masters of Science and a PhD in nursing from the University of Arizona.

The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice advises the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Congress on policy issues related to the Title VIII programs administered by the HRSA Bureau of Health Professions Division of Nursing, including nurse workforce supply, education, and practice improvement.

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Media Contact:
Barbara Gutierrez
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