JoAnne Burris, CNM, department of obstetrics and gynecology, was recently named UK HealthCare’s 2024 Certified Nurse Midwife of the year! The special recognition was part of UK HealthCare’s Celebration of National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) week, celebrated September 23-27, 2024.
JoAnne is a midwife at the UK Midwife Clinic where she also serves as the midwife division chief. JoAnne received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Bellarmine University. She also has an associate degree in nursing from Midway University, a Master of Science in health promotion from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Frontier Nursing University.
JoAnne joined UK HealthCare as a midwife in 2016 and says she enjoys all aspects of midwifery care. “Practicing midwifery allows me to empower women at critical points in their lives—whether that’s educating a teenager on contraception and STIs, supporting a woman during birth, or relieving hot flashes for the perimenopausal woman.” JoAnne has cared for patients at the UK Midwife Clinic since its opening in 2017 and says she feels lucky to be a part of the clinic’s growth over the last seven years. “It is a privilege that women trust me with their care. I am so grateful I get to practice midwifery at UK Healthcare because I can practice within my scope and have the best OB-GYN physicians to refer to if my patients need a higher level of expertise.”
“The UK Midwife Division enhances our department’s clinical mission. We are dedicated to supporting this group's efforts to ensure access to high quality, comprehensive women’s care.” said Emily DeFranco, DO, John W. Greene Endowed Professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology. “Our department is incredibly fortunate to have JoAnne Burris leading our midwife division. She is an invaluable resource and has demonstrated steadfast dedication and care for our patients over the years. Congratulations to JoAnne on being named UK HealthCare’s Certified Nurse Midwife of the Year!”
National APP Week is celebrated annually on the 4th Week of September to honor the contributions of Physician Assistants/Associates, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are nationally certified and state-licensed to provide diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up. “National APP week provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate all of our advanced practice providers at UK HealthCare,” said Paula Works, DNP, chief advanced practice officer. “Our organization is fortunate to have a diverse team of more than 700 advanced practice providers working with physicians across all specialties of acute care and clinical settings. Their contributions play a key role in elevating the fields of medicine and nursing – ensuring our patients receive high-quality, safe, effective, evidence-based care across the Commonwealth.”
An APP of the year was selected in each of the APP provider areas. Award winners were nominated, and those nominations were scored by a panel of judges.
Congratulations, JoAnne Burris, UK HealthCare 2024 CNM of the year!