DNP alumnus awarded AANP Sharp Cutting Edge Award

In June 2023, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) awarded UCLA School of Nursing Alumnus, Dr. James Q. Simmons with the Sharp Cutting Edge Award.

The recipient of the Sharp Cutting Edge Award demonstrates extraordinary service on behalf of nurse practitioners and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusivity within health care through social justice initiatives that have increased access to quality health care for all. Dr. Theresa Brown, Assistant Program Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and the Region 9 AANP Director, and Dr. Nancy Jo Bush, Program Director of the DNP program, nominated Dr. Simmons for the award.

“Dr. James Simmons has combined his expertise and talents in healthcare and communications to educate, touch, and reach out to underserved and at-risk populations. He continues to emerge as a model and voice for the LGBTQIA+ and Black communities," said Dr. Theresa Brown, assistant program director of the UCLA DNP program. "He is the founder of the vibrant online community “Ask the NP.” His combination of multimedia experience and working concurrently as a hospital-based clinician makes Dr. Simmons a trusted resource for real, relatable, and reliable health information. Dr. Simmons is a founding member and continuing Ambassador for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) “Let’s Stop HIV Together” campaign.”

"I am truly honored to be the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Sharp Cutting Edge Award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners," said Simmons. "More importantly, I'm beyond humbled to have been nominated by my colleagues and mentors Drs. Theresa Brown and Nancy Jo Bush. They embody the intellect, passion, and leadership unique to our profession and continually inspire me to innovate in how we care for the patients and communities we serve."

Dr. Simmons graduated from the UCLA School of Nursing DNP program in June 2020.