UTSW’s advanced practice providers: Driving innovation, compassion, and clinical excellence
Advanced practice providers (APPs) make up a vital component of UT Southwestern’s workforce. Serving in a wide variety of roles, these 1,148 individuals assist patients and support their teammates. They not only work at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Zale Lipshy Pavilion, and in clinics, but also at partner health organizations Children’s Health, Parkland Health, and Texas Health Resources (THR).
Providing care for patients of all ages, APPs assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses as well as administer preventive care across the lifespan. About 720 UTSW APPs work with adult patients while more than 410 serve in pediatric specialties. UT Southwestern’s growing team of skilled professionals includes 1,031 master’s degree holders and 118 more who have earned a Ph.D., D.N.P, or D.N.A.P.
In recognition of National Advanced Practice Provider Week Sept. 22-26, UTSW hosted a series of thank-you events culminating in a ceremony that honored standouts from the five APP professional groups: clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
“APPs are vital members of the health care team, contributing to the organization’s mission of education, discovery, and healing,” said Christopher Roe, M.B.A., D.N.P., CENP, APRN, ACNP-B, APP Director, Adult Specialties. “They care for our community in almost every clinical service – from neonates to our geriatric population. During APP Week, we celebrated their commitment to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion, and recognized their contributions to providing care in over 700,000 patient encounters during fiscal year 2025.”
Winners of the APP Celebration Week Excellence Awards were selected through a rigorous review process led by UTSW’s APP Recognition Committee. Honorees were chosen for their exceptional contributions in ambulatory clinical practice, inpatient clinical practice, community service, leadership, scholarly work, and teaching. Additionally, one faculty member was named the 2025 APP CHAMPion.
Learn more about these prized team members below:
Outstanding APP in Ambulatory Clinical Practice
The award for Outstanding APP in Clinical Practice celebrates an Advanced Practice Provider who is enthusiastic, prepared, and effective while engaging in direct patient care, collaborates respectfully with colleagues, and practices evidence-based medicine. The recipient must consistently receive positive patient feedback.
Melissa Martin, APRN, CPNP-PC
Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence
As lead clinician at the Dallas Foster Care Clinic, Melissa Martin is the cornerstone of a practice serving children affected by trauma, instability, and complex medical and behavioral health issues. She exemplifies extraordinary ambulatory care.
With empathy, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication, Ms. Martin continually adapts to meet her patients’ evolving needs. When psychiatric access became limited, she proactively trained in ADHD, anxiety, and depression management – choosing to treat patients herself. This initiative reflects her deep sense of responsibility and commitment.
“She makes me feel like I am the only patient for the day,” one caregiver said, while another colleague added, “If my own family needed pediatric care, I’d place them in Melissa’s hands without hesitation.”
Ms. Martin’s influence extends beyond the exam room. She’s a collaborative team player and a source of positivity. Her work with Child Protective Services liaisons, psychologists, therapists, and other providers ensures coordinated, trauma-informed care. She also volunteers and lectures for organizations like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), educating others on cultural humility and the unique needs of children in foster care.
Whether staying late to support a family in crisis or guiding peers through complex decisions, Ms. Martin embodies compassion, excellence, and humanity. As one colleague put it: “She is the kind of provider we should all aspire to be.”
Outstanding APP in Inpatient Clinical Practice
The award for Outstanding APP in Clinical Practice celebrates an Advanced Practice Provider who is enthusiastic, prepared, and effective while engaging in direct patient care, collaborates respectfully with colleagues, and practices evidence-based medicine. The recipient must consistently receive positive patient feedback.
Veronica Torres, PA
Inpatient Clinical Practice
In just 18 months, Veronica Torres had made a profound impact in Pediatric Rheumatology. Known for her empathy, clinical acumen, and attention to detail, she has elevated the Division’s standard of care. Ms. Torres is actively involved in quality improvement and scholarly work, with presentations at the UTSW Celebration of Excellence and the American College of Rheumatology Convergence. She was also the first APP to present at the Rare Disease Symposium.
She is helping to develop new multidisciplinary care guidelines for Henoch-Schönlein purpura and leads efforts to streamline inpatient workflows and immunomodulatory infusions. Her advocacy and documentation also have opened new billing opportunities and generated significant financial gains. Colleagues agree: Ms. Torres has strengthened both the team and the care they provide.
Outstanding APP in Leadership
The award for Outstanding APP in Leadership celebrates a clinician with effective leadership attitudes: someone who is motivating, creative, and positive. The recipient must utilize skilled communication and serve on a board or committee within or outside of UT Southwestern.
Brooke Hays, M.S.N., APRN, AGNP-C
Spine Center – Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute
Brooke Hays is a respected leader in Interventional Spine and Pain Management, known for her advocacy, education, and commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. At the Spine Center at UT Southwestern Frisco, she provides evidence-based, patient-centered treatment for individuals with chronic and acute pain. Her empathetic approach fosters trust and continuity, enhancing patient satisfaction.
Ms. Hays is equally valued by her colleagues for her professionalism, collaboration, and communication. She has led quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient education and streamline clinic workflows. A role model for APPs, she demonstrates leadership through service, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Outstanding APP in Scholarly Endeavors
The award for Outstanding APP in Scholarly Endeavors celebrates an APP who demonstrates efficacy in research, scholarly work, and/or quality and safety improvement projects. This APP has contributed to literature via a high-quality publication, received grant funding for their scholarly work, and/or served as a co-investigator on a new Institutional Review Board-approved study. The recipient must have completed a scholarly project with demonstrated impact.
Daphna Zack, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Dr. Daphna Zack is recognized for her impactful contributions to research, education, and clinical practice. In 2025, she published Take a Closer Look: Considerations for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment in Female Children and Adolescents in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care, promoting more inclusive diagnostic practices. She also participated in the SAFEST Choice FASD ECHO program and co-presented a national lecture on autism spectrum disorder terminology at the NAPNAP conference.
As a primary preceptor, she has provided over 500 hours of onboarding for new APPs. Her evidence-based approach and empathetic communication are reshaping how care is delivered and how providers are trained. Dr. Zack represents the powerful intersection of clinical care, scholarship, and mentorship.
Outstanding APP in Professional and Community Service
The award for Outstanding APP in Professional and Community Service celebrates a clinician with active service in the community outside of their UT Southwestern employment whose service helps a specific, local population, reduces health disparities, and makes a lasting, meaningful impact. The recipient must organize and/or lead community engagement activities.
Sandra Onyinanya, CPNP-PC
REACH Clinic
Recognized for her leadership and advocacy in trauma-informed care at the Referral and Evaluation of At Risk Children (REACH) Clinic at Children’s Health, Sandra Onyinanya provides compassionate care to survivors of sexual abuse. As the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Coordinator at Children’s Health, she developed and leads a training program that equips nurses to perform trauma-informed exams – greatly expanding access to sensitive, expert care.
Mrs. Onyinanya also contributes to institutional committees, coordinates Grand Rounds, and develops interdisciplinary education. As a reviewer for the Journal of Pediatric Health Care, she helps shape national APP practice. A dedicated mentor, she also precepts students and leads community outreach to raise awareness of childhood trauma in schools, health care settings, and public forums.
Her work has improved provider readiness, expanded access to care, and elevated the visibility of the APP profession. Her tireless service makes her a truly deserving honoree.
Outstanding APP in Teaching
The award for Outstanding APP in Teaching celebrates an APP who is a respectful, professional, challenging, and supportive communicator with learners, particularly in precepting APP students, providing clinical lectures, and onboarding new APP colleagues. The recipient must practice and teach evidence-based medicine.
Michael Sharma, M.P.A.S., PA-C
Emergency Medicine
Michael Sharma is an internationally recognized physician assistant and medical educator. At UTSW, he serves on the APP Continuing Professional Development Committee and delivers educational sessions to both local and national audiences – including over 900 clinicians at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
With over a decade of emergency medicine experience, he mentors APPs at Parkland Memorial Hospital and Clements University Hospital (CUH) and was selected to join CUH’s Throughput Optimization Committee. He also teaches through platforms like the Center for Medical Education, Blueprint Test Prep, RoshReview, and ThriveAP, and is a recurring faculty member at the Center for Continuing Medical Education’s Emergency Medicine Boot Camps.
Whether mentoring at the bedside or presenting to hundreds, Mr. Sharma is known for his clarity, professionalism, and passion for lifelong learning.
2025 APP CHAMPion of the Year
All UT Southwestern APPs were encouraged to nominate employees or faculty members who effectively collaborate, influence, support, mentor, and encourage APPs for this award.
Alexis Barina, M.D.
Palliative Care
Dr. Alexis Barina, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, is honored as the 2025 APP CHAMPion for her unwavering support of APPs and the palliative care team. As Interim Inpatient Medical Director for Palliative Care from July 2024 until August of this year, she redesigned the APP onboarding process, ensuring new team members feel prepared and valued. She has since been named to be the permanent Inpatient Medical Director for Palliative Care.
Dr. Barina consistently includes APPs in care planning and decision-making, and her approachable, compassionate leadership has earned admiration from across the institution.
One colleague shared: “She brings so much joy to work and teaching and is an incredible role model. She continues to advocate for APPs across the institution, creating an environment where we can thrive.”
Dr. Barina is a true champion for APPs and a model of collaborative leadership.