Dr. Lisa Kiser receives AANP State Award for Excellence
Lisa Kiser, DNP, CNM, WHNP, FACNM, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has received the American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ 2023 State Award for Excellence in Arizona in recognition of her excellence in clinical practice.
Dr. Kiser, who is a certified nurse-midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner, joined the college in 2012. She also works as a women’s health nurse practitioner at United Community Health Center two days a week as part of the college’s faculty practice.
Lisa Kiser, DNP, CNM, WHNP, FACNM
“I am truly honored to receive this award, as it represents the work that all nurse practitioners are doing to increase health equity in the United States,” Dr. Kiser said. “The COVID-19 pandemic again made clear that systemic inequities must be addressed to improve health outcomes in the United States. I am grateful for the opportunity to help educate the next generation of health care providers to be change leaders in our country.”
Dr. Kiser’s work in health equity includes increasing access to cervical cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured women. She also volunteers at Clinica Amistad and Casa Alitas, a free clinic and migrant welcome center supporting immigrant health needs.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UArizona in 2003, a Master of Science in Nursing with specialties in midwifery and women’s health from Frontier University in 2008, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Frontier University in 2018.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Kiser was selected for this award,” said nominator Lorraine M. Martin Plank, PhD, FNP-BC, NP-C, GNP-BC, PMHNP, FAANP, FNAP, a clinical professor in the College of Nursing. “I nominated Dr. Kiser because she is a clinical practice and social justice role model who is a nurse practitioner educator, preceptor and mentor. She is very deserving of this honor.”
“It is important to honor that this award is a reflection of the larger work being done at the College of Nursing and in our community,” Dr. Kiser said. “I want to highlight that we have started a nurse-midwifery program at the University of Arizona that is focused on diversifying the profession and increasing access to comprehensive maternal and reproductive healthcare in the state. Every day, I work with people in the community and on campus who are committed to advancing health equity — this gives me great hope, and this is what we should also celebrate.”
Dr. Kiser said her experience living in Central America solidified her passion for working with women and female-bodied people to partner in culturally relevant care. She appreciates the opportunity to work with women from menarche through menopause and beyond.
“Dr. Lisa Kiser is a true treasure for the midwifery program, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, and the communities,” said Erin McMahon, EdD, CNM, FACNM, founding director of the University of Arizona Health Sciences nurse-midwifery program. “She is an excellent clinical provider who brings holistic midwifery care and a focus on justice to everything she does.”
Each year, nurse practitioners across the nation are nominated by their colleagues for this prestigious award. The AANP State Award for Excellence was established in 1993 and is given to a nurse practitioner in each state who demonstrates excellence in clinical care. The award highlights the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing the awareness and recognition of nurse practitioners. Recipients will be honored during the annual AANP national conference. AANP is the largest professional association for nurse practitioners of all specialties, with more than 121,000 members.
A version of this story originally appeared on the UArizona College of Nursing website.