Support the heart of our health system
Every day, UHealth nurses extend their impact far beyond the bedside, leading in research, education, and clinical excellence to advance our mission. Their work transforms the patient experience, improves outcomes, and defines the future of nursing.
Donate TodayAs UHealth continues to expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play an increasingly vital role in enhancing the patient experience and addressing evolving health care needs. Through clinical expertise, research contributions, and a commitment to excellence, APPs strengthen care delivery, improve access, and drive innovation across the health system.
Since the establishment of the Office of Advanced Providers, the APP workforce has grown to more than 780 professionals, more than doubling in size and reflecting the critical role APPs play in supporting a growing and increasingly complex patient population. Over the past year, APP clinic visits increased by 18%, underscoring their impact on improving access, timeliness, and quality of care.
As the profession continues to evolve, APPs are meeting increasing demands for specialized knowledge, clinical precision, and adaptability. This is especially evident in highly complex areas such as oncology, where providers navigate emerging therapies, evolving treatment protocols, and sophisticated clinical trials that require advanced expertise and seamless interdisciplinary collaboration.
Beyond direct patient care, APPs are advancing research, education, and mentorship in support of South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. Their commitment to excellence was showcased during the Annual Oncology APP Symposium, a two-day event that brought together hundreds of APPs from UHealth and institutions across the region.
The symposium served as a dynamic forum for education, collaboration, and professional growth. Experts from multiple specialties shared insights into emerging therapies, evolving standards of care, and innovative approaches to patient management, reinforcing the critical role APPs play in delivering evidence-based care.
Equally important, the event fostered meaningful connections between clinical and research APPs, creating opportunities to exchange perspectives, address shared challenges, and strengthen care coordination. As clinical trials become increasingly complex, APPs are navigating new demands related to patient management, protocol adherence, and continuity of care. The symposium highlighted the importance of aligning research and clinical practice to ensure safe, seamless, and patient-centered care.
Through their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit, APPs continue to shape the future of health care at UHealth, driving clinical excellence, operational effectiveness, and innovation across the enterprise.
Nursing Leadership on the Move
UHealth’s nursing leadership team remains focused on advancing a bold, mission-driven strategy that strengthens workforce development, fosters clinical innovation, enhances patient safety, and expands nursing scholarship. Through active engagement in professional organizations, academic partnerships, and national forums, our leaders continue to elevate the visibility and influence of nursing while advancing excellence throughout the health system.
Elizabeth L. Vieito-Smith, DNP, RN
Chief Nursing Officer, UHealth – University of Miami Health System
- Appointed Affiliated Professor of Clinical for the School of Nursing and Health Studies
- 2025 Hospital and Health System CNOs to Know for third consecutive year
Douglas Houghton, DNP, APRN, ACNPC, NEA-BC, FAANP
Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Advanced Practice Providers, UHealth – University of Miami Health System
- Named Affiliated Faculty for the School of Nursing and Health Studies
Ashley Amorello Kellish, DNP, RN, CCNS, NEA-BC
Executive Director, Center of Clinical Excellence, UHealth – University of Miami Health System
- Named Affiliated Faculty for the School of Nursing and Health Studies
Julio Garcia, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Executive Director, Acute Care & Oncology Services, UHealth – University of Miami Health System
- Appointed to the Nurse Executive Standard Setting Panel for the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Recognizing our Transformational Leaders
2025 Nurse of the Year – Transformational Leader
Danielle Morales, MSL, BSN, RN, OCN
Director, Nursing, Navigation Program
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
2025 UHealth Tower Employee Awards
Commitment to Transformational Leadership Award (Summer 2025)
Wayne Martell, MSN, RN, MBA-HM, NEA-BC, RCIS
Executive Director, Clinical Operations for the Department of Cardiovascular Services
UHealth Tower
Roberto Lopez, BSN, RN, CPAN
Clinical Nurse Educator, Peri-Anesthesia Care Unit
UHealth Tower