Health institutions around the country celebrated advanced practice providers (APPs) during National APP Week, September 21–25. At UW Health, more than 1,200 APPs work as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified anesthesiologist assistants, and certified nurse midwives. APPs deliver expert care that sustains patients, teams, and health systems every day.
During a reception on September 22, UW Health leadership recognized 63 APPs who were nominated for an award by their colleagues. Leaders presented nine of the nominees with 2026 APP Excellence Awards. Among the winners was Amanda Palm, PA, physician assistant, Division of Child Protection, and the recipient of an Excellence in Clinical Practice Award.
UW Health published the following about Palm:
“For more than 12 years, Amanda has been a cornerstone of the UW Health Child Protection Program, combining her expertise as a licensed clinical social worker and physician assistant to provide exceptional care for vulnerable children and families. For example, when families face complex and heartbreaking medical findings, Amanda explains the evidence with clarity and compassion, helping them understand next steps while preserving their dignity and trust.
“Amanda is also a trusted clinical resource, educator, mentor, and advocate whose leadership has strengthened protocols, workflows, and multidisciplinary practice across UW Health and Wisconsin. Her expertise, humility, and unwavering commitment reflect the highest ideals of the APP profession.”
The following is a list of Department of Pediatrics APPs who were nominated for a UW Health APP Excellence Award:
- Alicia Barnes, NP, nurse practitioner, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery, nominated for an Excellence in Leadership – Exemplary Supervisor Award
- Amanda Dassler, NP, nurse practitioner, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery, nominated for an Excellence in Clinical Practice – Rising Star Award
- Melissa Rinehart, NP, nurse practitioner, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery, nominated for an Excellence in Clinical Practice – Rising Star Award
- Alida Yee, NP, nurse practitioner, Division of Cardiology, nominated for an Excellence in Clinical Practice Award